[Evie]
I sat up all night thinking about what I could possibly do to diffuse the situation. I'm not his guide anymore, but that doesn't change the fact that he's still around.
I wish I didn't care so much. Sometimes I wish I was indifferent like Lauren or Mia. Even being decisive like Camille would be helpful here.
Over and over I replay Ash's words from yesterday while I stumble through my morning. I thought we were closer than that. How could I have possibly known Emmett was Sam's brother? They don't even go by the same last name.
He was so cold and terrifying. Every bit the born businessman he was. Gone was the gentle laughter that always gleamed in his eyes. Along with the easy going, pleasant voice he normally used.
Mom's gone when I go downstairs. She must've left for work early. A small bowl of fruit has a note next to it.
"Brandon went into school early to talk to Coach Maddox. And I had to run quickly this morning! See if Mia or Boston can come get you."
I sigh, getting my license is on my bucket list for sure. Tryouts for the lacrosse team start today after school. It seems like lifetimes ago that Brandon invited Liam to try his luck.
I call Mia and she agrees to swing by and grab me.
"You alright, E?" She asks as I buckle in. I forget, I didn't tell anyone else.
"Yeah I'm good." I offer a smile and we pull away.
"Mid-Winter break is coming up!" She bounces excitedly. "Lauren says we can go up to her cabin for a girls weekend."
"That sounds great." I say enthusiastically.
"Just the girls again before we buckle down and get ready for the SSS award."
"For sure." I laugh.
"Ceci and Mags miss you." She says. "I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."
"I guess we've been caught up in our own worlds." I say pointedly. She blushes.
"I'm sorry, E, but I'm also not. I've waited years to have Brandon and the truth is, I love him." Mia sighs.
I soften my features. "I'm happy for you."
***
Liam's bandaged knuckles tap rhythmically on the table. He seems to have more energy than usual today, rocking in his chair and bouncing his leg more.
I place my good hand over on his and his eyes snap to mine.
"Are you okay?" I ask honestly. I'm sure he's not, but sometimes you can't let it out and say that you're not okay until someone asks.
He leans forward and puts all four legs of his chair down. Liam doesn't say anything really, he only sighs and gathers me into his arms. I happily reciprocate his hug.
"We'll be fine." He refers to Sam and himself.
It frustrates me that I don't know the whole story, but I suppose it would be hypocritical of me to judge that. I only hope Sam is okay.
The day is slow and gray. Asher is noticeably absent from chem and Camille isn't at lunch either. Emmett saunters over to us and tries to sit, but upon receiving glares from everyone his face falls.
"What?" He asks.
Liam squeezes my hand and suppresses a growl.
"Fuck off." Ollie stands.
"Yeah, fuck off Emmett." Sam joins him.
I raise my brows looking at the exchange. Sam looks ready to pounce. He doesn't get chance though, Emmett raises his hands in surrender and winks at me, turning away.
My stomachs turns and I feel nauseous for some reason. I just sip some water and stay silent.
"You ready for tryouts?" Brandon asks after a bit.
"Yeah." Liam smiles wolfishly.
Mia gives him a skeptical look. "Have you ever even held a lacrosse stick?"
"Who cares, I'll figure it out." He says.
Mia rolls her eyes at me and I smile softly. We'll find out after school I suppose.
***
[Liam]
"Whoa whoa, back it up, I'm not wearing that." I put my hands up in surrender.
"Put the goddamn pads on or you'll regret it." Brandon tosses a bag full of his old gear at me along with a backup helmet. For all my luck, he probably has lice.
"I think I'd prefer the bruises Walker."
"Ha ha. You're not playing without them."
I'm left astonished in the musty locker room with admittedly nice equipment at my feet. I sigh and snatch up the chest protector. At least he didn't give me an old mouth guard to use, or worse, a cup.
I feel ridiculous stepping out onto the field where all the other boys are already passing and catching. You don't wear helmets when you fight, I doubt this sport can be much harder.
"Ahh, he emerges." Boston taunts me.
"Davis, that you?" His passing partner grins at me. I've never seen this man in my life. "Never thought I'd see you step on the field as a team player."
I sneer, but don't rise to the bait. I'm friends with these guys, it'll be fine. Besides, the image of Evie wearing my number is certainly enticing.
"Here, Liam." Ollie waves me over. I relax and make my way through the minefield of bags and newbies sitting around.
"What am I supposed to do?"
"Well for starters, you could put your helmet on." I smile at him and reluctantly slide it over my hair.
Ollie nods and throws a stick at me. I catch it midair.
"Now we pass."
"Right."
I glance nervously up at the stadium above where Evie and Mia can be seen chatting with Sam. It's been so long since I tried something new.
"Like this," Ollie stands a few yards in front of me, and throws the ball up. I watch him catch it and try to mimic the turning motion with my own stick.
"Okay." I say after a few tries. "Throw it at me."
He does. I flinch when the ball smacks into my helmet with a thwack and bounces down to the turf. Fucking hell.
I bend down and pick it up, putting it in my own stick. I cradle it stupidly and my cheeks heat behind the bars. Liam Davis, me, not top dog when surrounded by all these other guys. People I recognize and have gone to school with forever, better than me on this field.
"Again." I say, throwing the ball back.
Over and over we pass the ball, I start to get the hang of it right as Brandon takes the field with the coach.
"Come on Liam, that wasn't completely horrific." Ollie smacks my helmet and walks with me over to the huddle that's formed.
I can't help but feel like shit. It's comical really. Mom would laugh for sure.
The literal freshman, who barely come to my shoulders, know more than me. Lacrosse is huge in Somerset and the surrounding cities. Every guy here has probably been playing since they could hold a stick in their hands.
"Welcome to the field for those of you who've never been, I'm Coach Maddox. As for the rest of you, welcome back. This is the first day of tryouts, most of you look familiar, but some of you are new faces."
I try not to notice when he looks only at me.
"Alright men, helmets off. I don't have time to increase your endurance and speed, that's what off-season is for. We run plays and improve stick skills on this field. So, top 35 mile times make the cut for varsity."
The fuck? Everyone begins to shout and whoop, throwing helmets and dashing off for the four laps we've been assigned. Panic grips me and I nearly decapitate myself yanking Brandon's helmet off.
Boston and Brandon lead the pack when I start out. I might be shit at passing and catching, but I'm strong and I'm fast. All that seems to matter right now. I pass person after person until I'm next to Ollie, 20 yards behind the front.
"The hell?" His face screws into surprise as I pass him and head for Brandon.
"Go Liam! Yes!" Evie distracts me as I run by, yelling out to me, laughing excitedly.
She makes me smile, and so I put my head down and run a little faster.