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Josh nodded in fear.
Axel’s smile reappeared as he slapped him hard on the back. “Good. Now, run along, Josh.”
When we were standing alone, I narrowed my eyes. “How could you do that?”
“He needed to be set straight.”
“I told you nothing happened. You promised.”
“Did I?” he asked innocently. “I promised that you wouldn’t lose this internship. And you won’t.”
I swiped a hand over my head. “Please stay out of my business, and let me do my job in peace.”
He raised his hands as if he were an angel who’d never punch someone in the face and make threats. “Only looking out for you, Hardcore. That’s all.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“All right, then. If you say so.” His tone indicated he didn’t believe me, and I shook my head and stomped off before any more unnecessary drama could unfold.
Natalie
We were a month into the fall semester, and Hillside was playing an away game in Houston on a Saturday night. The Falcons were ahead by two touchdowns, with less than a minute on the clock.
There had been no more issues with Josh. I kept my head down and did my work, giving him no reason to complain.
I tried to steer clear of Axel, and luckily, there hadn’t been any more injuries or issues with him, either. Like me, he was focused on his own business, which was rushing for over one hundred yards a game and punishing defensive lines that loaded up the box, thinking they could stop him. He was a machine, and now I knew why he was a god at Hillside. Axel Thomas was not only leading the conference in rushing yards. He was leading the nation.
I checked my Apple watch; it was almost eleven o’clock. I yawned, dreading the three-hour bus ride home. After all was said and done, we probably wouldn’t get back on campus until after three in the morning. Luckily, tomorrow was Sunday, but I had a lot of homework for my classes, and that’s how I’d be spending my day off.
Thirty seconds left on the clock, and our defense was on the field, still wreaking havoc on the opposition. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stick up as a shadow fell over me. Axel was standing beside me with his helmet off, his hands gripping the collar of his jersey. “How’s it going, Hardcore?”
“Good. And you?”
He chuckled. “Can’t complain. Two touchdowns and over 200 yards rushing.” He smirked. “Not bad for a day’s work, huh?”
He was so cocky, but he backed it up on the field. What he did tonight was insane. And I had to unwittingly admit to myself, I didn’t find it all that unappealing. As long as he wasn’t trying to suck me into any sideline drama with Josh. “Fishing for compliments? I never would’ve thought Axel Thomas would stoop so low.”
“I wasn’t fishing for compliments. Just confirming that you knew my stats.”
“I’m very aware of your stats, yes.” I kept my eyes on the field.
“All right, then.” The time on the clock ran out, and teammates started congratulating each other on the field, slapping hands, bumping fists, and bro hugging. Taking it as his cue to join them, Axel began walking backward toward the field as he kept his eyes on me. “You ever gonna give me your new number?”
“I thought you didn’t believe me about losing my phone.”
He flashed his teeth. “I realized you wouldn’t have ghosted me. You’re not like that.” He spread his arms wide. “I realized the texts I sent you were marked undelivered.”
Whenever I thought about the night I lost my phone, it brought back haunting memories of flashing lights, my mother wailing in pain, and the peaceful expression of my father as he lay lifelessly on our living room floor. It still hurt to think about it.
“Hey, you okay there? You spaced out on me.” Axel eyed me with concern.
“Yeah.” I forced a half-hearted smile. “Just tired.”
Tilting his head, he ran his knuckles under his chin. “It is past your bedtime, isn’t it?”
“Yo, Axel!” Players started gathering around him, giving him props. He winked at me before turning his attention to his boys, while I tried to still my galloping heart.
Another month passed, and Hillside was playing a home game against one of our divisional rivals, the Panthers. They, too, were undefeated, and this afternoon’s game was to claim first place in the conference, as well as to keep hopes alive of going to another national championship, since college teams had to have a perfect or near-perfect season to be considered one of the final four teams for a chance. It was about an hour and a half before game time, and I, along with another trainer, was in one of the many treatment rooms available, helping tape ankles and giving massages, even acupuncture if needed, basically doing whatever was needed to prep players to get ready.
