The One Who Lived

Chapter Twenty-Two

I can honestly say that I never thought I would ever say this, but I now finally understand what Anders mornings were like after he picked me up.

I woke up at my usual time to Ander snoring like a freight train. I assumed he would eventually wake up, so I showered, changed, and made breakfast – he still hadn't moved. I waited a little longer, and eventually made lunch and played tens of levels on Candy Crush to try and pass the time.

I feel like Ander is me in his bed, and I am Ander on his leather couch as I sit in my hanging chair.

"Ander." I whisper loudly knowing that he sleeps light and probably heard me. "Vanderbilt." I say in a louder tone because Ander is starting to stir so I know that he heard me. "I am about to pour water on you." I warn, but we both know I would never.

I just can't wait any longer. These past several hours have given me too much time to get deep into my head and think of every outcome and conversation that we could potentially have about our past and ultimately our future.

Ander rolls over to look at me and lets out a deep laugh. "Well, this is different," Ander groans as he stretches. "Your bed is tiny."

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, well, imagine how I felt sharing it with a 6'4 giant." I say making him grin at me.

"What size even is this?" Ander asks stretching out but stretching in my bed is more like his body limbs hanging off and his torso the only part on.

I roll my eyes again. "It is a full, Ander. Not everyone can own a king." I joke making him shrug.

"So," Ander pauses, sitting up. "How mad are you?" He asks clasping his hands together.

I tilt my head as my eyebrows grow together. "Why would I be mad? We technically aren't together, and you eventually came with me. I mean, it was definitely strange." I pause. "I would say that I am more confused and worried, because this is not you." I laugh. "Your past month has been more me than you."

Ander nods, rubbing his face. "Yeah, it's been rough." He whispers.

I sit for a few minutes to give him time to think and wake up a little bit more. "So, do you want to tell me what is going on?" I question.

He takes a deep breath. "I," he starts but stops as soon as he begins.

I get up from my swing and go to sit next to him on my bed. "Please tell me, A. I want to help, but I need to know what the problem is first." I pause. "Is it me? Did I do this to you?" I whisper.

Ander shakes his head. "No, you didn't. I mean, our ending definitely didn't help, but it wasn't you." He groans and lays back. "It is actually all on me."

"What happened?" I ask.

"I, uh, got an offer to play for Alabama as a starter my freshman year." Ander says making my eyes widen.

"Ander! That is so amazing! I am so happy for you!" I basically yell.

Ander shakes his head, and that is when I see a tear slide down the side of his face. "It isn't amazing, Adan. I can't play." He whispers. "I don't think I will ever be able to play football again."

"What are you talking about, Ander? Football is your life – Alabama is your dream." I pause, confused. "What did I miss?" I inquire, looking down at him.

Suddenly, the guy I have only know as strong and unbreakable is sobbing. 

Ander's whole body starts to shake as the biggest tears I have ever seen are streaming down his face. "I haven't been able to anything related to football since my accident in the gym." He pulls me down so my head is on his chest. "I thought I was going to die." His voice cracks. "If Dallas had been a few extra seconds then I would be dead."