Down by Contact

#panic

Bright flashes and excited shouts filled the room.

"Mitch, rumor is you're not declaring for the draft this year. Why wait, knowing the potential risks?"

"I've always loved the game. And if I'm lucky enough to be eligible next year, I promise y'all will see me there. But my plan has always been to get my degree first. It's important to me and my family. Making it to the NFL one day would be a dream for sure, but when you make my mom a promise, you better keep it." Mitch winked.

***

Mitch turned on his phone, worried the amount of incoming notifications might break it. There were dozens of texts, several missed calls, and a voicemail from Makenzie, congratulating him on tonight's big win. Without thinking, he played the voicemail.

"Mitch," Makenzie's voice cracked on a sob, freezing his blood. "M-m-mitch, you gotta come. It's mom and dad." Another pause and strangled sob. "Please come."

Mitch didn't think. He just drove.

***

Gary Pens, the hospital's social worker, sat across the desk, giving him a sympathetic look.

"I know it's a lot to take in, and I'm so sorry for your loss."

What was happening? He couldn't raise three kids. What about school? He had to finish. That was the plan. What about football? He couldn't throw away everything he'd worked for. Planned for.

"You were your parents' choice for guardianship, but your age is concerning. You'll have to prove to that you're the best option."

Was he the best option? He didn't even live here. If he got drafted, who knows where he'd have to go. He'd have to quit school. How could he take care of them if he quit school?

"Luckily, money shouldn't be an issue. Your parents left you a substantial trust, just in case..."

Just in case...they were gone. He was alone, and his life was over. Maybe it would be better for everyone if he just stuck to the plan.

"If you choose not to accept legal guardianship, they'll all be placed in temporary foster care. Odds are they'll be separated..."

"Wait, what?" Separated?

"Well, yes," Gary said sadly.

That couldn't happen.

***

School. The NFL. His friends. His life. All gone. And he hated them for it. Mak tried to calm the twins as bitterness and resentment clouded his mind.

"Whether you're finishing your degree, or just getting started, we can help." The tv said in the background.

The twins knocked over a picture frame, causing a loud crash. Shooting them a scathing look, Mitch walked over to clean up the glass. In the picture he was hugging Mak, the twins hanging from their shoulders. They were laughing and smiling, happy, and full of love. So different from who they've become.

He turned to see them staring warily, and realized he was failing them. He'd forgotten how much they loved each other. As long as they were together, they'd be okay.

He smiled, and started make a new plan.