AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’m taken aback once again by how calm his voice is. He rubs his chin while he stares up at me. I open my mouth, but his words stop me.
“I thought you made it very clear last term that you didn’t want to play anymore.”
“That’s not true,” I rush out, leaning towards him and placing my hands on his desk. “I was going through problems, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to play.”
Coach shakes his head. “Going through problems isn’t a good enough excuse.”
“But Coach, my mom died and-”
“I understand,” Coach says while raising a hand, silencing me from speaking anymore. “You had family problems. Everyone has family problems. That doesn’t mean you get to let your team down.”
He’s right. I definitely blew it last semester. I should have gone to practice more. I should have gone to those last few games, but instead I decided to get high. Not only did I let my team down, but I let my family down.
I let my mother down.
I swallow the pain beginning to surface, knowing it won’t help me now. “I’m sorry, Coach. I know I blew it, but let me make it up to you. I can-“
“You can do nothing,” says Coach while rising from his seat. “I’ve already made up my mind, Smith. Foster will be playing your starting position this year.”
“Foster?” I repeat.
Brody Foster is a Junior. He’s shorter than the average football player, but he’s well-muscled. I heard he spent his time last semester focusing on his dodges and catches. Of course, Coach would choose him over me.
He proved himself just by playing the game, whereas I had been selfish.
I nod and straighten. My gaze shifts to the floor. “Of course, Coach. I understand.”
“Come to practice,” says Coach while shoving his finger into my chest. “Come to the games. Prove yourself, and maybe I’ll play you in a game or two.”
I bite my tongue to keep myself from saying anything stupid. He’s right to bench me. I’m lucky I can still be on the team. There are no handouts when it comes to football. I will just have to prove to Coach and my teammates that I am here to win it.
But what will this mean for my football career?
If I’m not playing any games, the scouts won’t see any improvements from the previous years. They’ll choose someone like Foster and leave me behind to become some gym teacher or high school football coach.
I guess worse things could happen to me. However, becoming an NFL football star has been my dream since I was a kid.
I follow Coach out of his office and onto the field. The guys stop talking as soon as we approach. I can’t tell if it’s because of me or due to Coach. I decide not to read into it and take a seat next to Foster. He slides away from me and Timmons, sitting next to him, chuckles.
So, I guess it is me.
That’s fine. They can rag on me all they want, treat me like an outsider. But this year I am going to rise to the top, even if that means doing a little convincing on my part.
*****
“So, your coach is upset with you and your teammates are distancing themselves,” says Dr. Forrester.
I’m sitting on one of her comfy sofas, playing with a fidget spinner while relaying this morning’s practice to her. Originally, I wasn’t scheduled to meet with her, but after everything said between me and coach, I couldn’t help but feel the need to get a drink. I’ve been sober for almost six months now. If I give in now, everything could unravel, and I really need to focus on my career.
“Yep, that’s pretty much it,” I say while placing the spinner on my knee. “I understand why Coach is benching me. I wish my teammates would actually speak with me instead of acting so,” I wave my hand while I search for the word.
“Petty?” Dr. Forrester offers.
I nod while snapping my fingers. “Exactly. Petty.”
“Why do you think they’re acting that way?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. Feelings aren’t usually something footballers talk about. In the past, I was always at the top. Maybe they think it’s their time to shine.”
