Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I had texted Aunt Karen several times during the game to check on Mr. Styles, or Desmond, as he'd told me to call him. She had assured me he was sleeping and everything was fine. I wanted to be able to reassure Harry that everything was okay ever time he looked up in the stands at me.
He did it several times, and each time I nodded.
Through it all, he managed to run in a touchdown and make several plays I didn't understand but that, according to Uncle G, who explained things as they happened, were very impressive. Harry was always there for Liam to make the best plays.
I know tonight he wouldn't be going to the field party. He was worried about being away from his dad. I had asked Aunt Karen if I could go home after the game instead of going to the field party with Liam. Even though I was glad I'd met his parents, emotionally, I was fucked.
Although Desmond had talked to me, it had been hard for him, and he was using all the energy he had to talk to us. He gasped for air and coughed every time he tried to speak. Then watching the way he stared at his wife like he adored her had broken my heart.
I couldn't remember a time in my life when my parents had looked at each other that way. I could remember them fighting a yelling, and they'd always made up. Yet not once did they look at each other the way Harry's parents did.
To think that they would lose that was so incredibly heartbreaking.
As the crowd made their way out to their cars, I followed Uncle G as he went to wait on Liam to come out of the locker room. I wanted to see Harry before I left. Leaving his dad today had been hard on him. He'd held on to my hand the entire ride back to my house. If I could've held his hand on to the football field, I would have.
"There's Harry," Uncle G said, nodding toward the field house. "I reckon you'll want to go see him. I think he's probably looking for you."
I glanced up at Uncle G, and he gave me an understanding smile. I hope he didn't think what Harry and I were doing was anything more than friendship. I had explained it to Aunt Karen because she'd asked me. But I hadn't really explained it to Uncle G.
I nodded and headed over to Harry. But Kacie got to him before I could. She squealed and wrapped her arms around him. I stopped and waited. I had come to realize that sometimes Harry needed me, but other times he needed her; or someone like her. Someone he actually liked and had feelings for. I wasn't sure if this was one of those times.
Harry listened to her talk, and he gave her a nod. I decided it was Kacie time not Evelynn time, and I turned and headed back to Uncle G. He was standing where I'd left him, watching me. He didn't look happy, but he didn't look mad, either. Just concerned.
I stopped when I got back to his side, and we waited on Liam.
After a few moments Uncle G cleared his throat. "Boys don't always make the right decisions. It takes years before they become men and wise up."
He didn't have to explain. I was already starting to understand.
"You deserve more, Evelynn. He's hurting, but you've had your share of hurt too."
I knew Uncle G meant well. And I also knew he was right. I did deserve more, and I knew it wouldn't be from Harry. He never promise me more than friendship, and friendship was what he needed from me. And until he didn't need me anymore, I'd be there for him. Even if it was hard, and even if I had butterflies from time to time. It was my job to remember he had no other feelings for me. I would guard myself. I had made it through hell and survived. I could do this.
"We killed it!" I heard Liam's voice, and I looked out to see him walking toward us, beaming at his dad. Uncle G stood there with pride etched on his face. I imagined this was why it was so hard for Harry. This was one of the things he'd already lost.
"Good game, son." Uncle G patted Liam on the back. "You headed to the field?"
"Yeah, you coming, Evelynn?" he asked, looking at me.
I shook my head.
He looked relieved and concerned at the same time.
"She's gonna go home with me tonight," Uncle G told him, not mentioning my visit to Harry's this afternoon.
"Alright, I won't be home too late," he assured his dad, then turned and headed toward Cassandra, who was waiting for him.
I glanced back in Harry's direction, and our eyes collided. He was already headed my way. Kacie was following behind him. This was not something I wanted to do in front of Uncle G.
"You want to wait on him to get here, or you want to go?" Uncle G asked.
I glanced up at Uncle G and gave him an apologetic smile. I knew he didn't agree with this situation, and I loved that he cared enough about me to we worried. But I wasn't running off and leaving Harry. Not after seeing Liam with his dad and recognizing Harry wouldn't ever have that again.
"Hey," Harry said, brining my attention back to him.
Kacie stopped behind him. The look on her face was pure annoyance.
Holy shit, I want to smack the fuck out of her. There is nothing to be annoyed about, she's so bitchy.
I moved my gaze away from her and back to Harry. I smiled at him. I wanted him to know everything was good. I'd text him later and tell him "good game."
"You going to the field?"
I shook my head.
"She's not going. So can we leave now?" Kacie asked, reaching out and taking Harry's arm.
He didn't pull away from her, and I refused to let that hurt me.
"You going home?" he asked me.
I nodded.
"You played a good game," Uncle G said, placing his hand on my shoulder. "That touchdown was impressive. Your dad will be happy to hear about it." Then he started steering me toward the parking lot. "Y'all have a good night now. Evelynn and I are headed home."
He hadn't let any room for argument.
Harry looked torn. Like he wanted to stop me, but he didn't know what to do. I couldn't make that decision for him. I lifted my hand and gave him a small wave before turning and walking away with Uncle G.
