Wasn't Expecting You

Part 7

“Coach, Coach watch!”
Taylor looked up from her position behind the fence.
“I'm watching.”
Zack was at the bat. The ball came towards him and he managed to hit it. “Yeah, awesome buddy!” He slid into first base.
She leaned over the fence looking at the notice she was handing out today. She was going away and wouldn’t be taking practice until further notice.
This note was for Hannah.
She hung her head. She didn't want to see her. The tears were behind her eyes every time she thought of her. She wasn't going to cry because it would hurt too much to give in to her heartache and shame.
She needed to get away from everything; she needed to clear her head. It was time to move on.

The alarm went on her watch. She picked up her whistle and blew it.
“Alright, times up! Pack it up!”
“Coach!”
The deep voice startled her. She looked up and Oden Wade was heading towards her.
“Oh god.” Her eyes widened and her pulse started racing.
“Mr. Wade!” She unexpectedly yelled.
“I'm glad I caught you.” As he came closer to the fence she wet her lip leaning down picking up the bat on the ground next to her. She stood it up by her leg gripping the end. Panic set in.
“Whys that?” She swallowed.
“I wanna pick up my boy, surprise my wife.”
“Oh.” Her hand loosened on the bat. She tapped the end with her fist. “Ah yeah sure.” She stepped back reaching for Zack's bag.
“How’s my boy doing?”
“Yeah good.” She handed it over the fence. “Sounds weird but he plays better with bare feet. He has an amazing kick on him too. Soccer could be an option for him.”
Oden turned and looked at her.
“You been spending extra time with him?”
Taylor met his gaze.
“Oh. ha, yeah. I'm a Coach!” She found herself. “He’s good on his feet. Could benefit him to play some ball sports, help with his all-around coordination.”
Odens’ face softened.
“Good point Coach. We'll look into it.”
Taylor smiled hoping he wasn’t sticking around long enough for Hannah to say something.
“Zack!” She yelled out.
“Dad!” Zack realized who was with Coach.
Oden picked him up.
“Wow, you've got bigger! Getting some muscles my son.”
Zack laughed.
“Hey, thanks Coach for everything, means a lot to see him happy.”
Taylor noticed he was about to go. “Ah wait.” She reached into her pocket. “Um, I'm going away so there is no practice on Thursday.”
She handed him the note.
“Sure ok. Thanks, Coach.”
“Bye Coach!” Zack waved over his father’s shoulder.
Taylor watched them walk off.
“Fuck.” She sighed, the tears starting to threaten her eyes.
She picked up the bat gripping it in her defeat.  What had she done!
She couldn’t do this!
She had to pack tonight,
She had to get out of here tonight!

~~~

Hannah couldn't concentrate. She'd had them doing routines for the last fifteen minutes. Her eye kept flicking to the window of the studio every time she heard a noise.
She wasn't sure she wanted to see her. She was afraid of what her emotions would confirm for her. This moment would change everything.

She heard the door at the top of the stairs.
Her eyes widened, her husband looking back at her carrying Zack on his arm.
“Oh my god.” She gripped the material at her chest. Her pulse started racing with guilt.
He'd seen Taylor.

She tried to smile as she met him in the doorway.
“Hey, you’re back!” She kissed him feeling its betrayal. “What a surprise!” She looked at Zack. “Did daddy pick you up from practice Zacky? Was that cool?”
“Yeah!”
“Coach said he's doing well. Like his daddy aye boy!” He ruffled his hair. “Prefers to play barefoot though,” He waved his son's foot. “Got a good kick on him too she said.”
“Yeah,” She smiled. “She's been spending time with him. Taught him to kick a ball and stuff.”
“Yeah, she said.” He looked at her nervous smile. “Oh here.” He reached into his pocket passing her the scrunched-up note. “There’s no practice.”
“What?” Hannah opened the paper with no hesitation.
“She’s taking a break.”
Hannah skimped over the formally typed-up notice.
“Did she say where she was going?”
“Didn’t ask,” He wasn't paying any attention. “How long till you finish up here?”
“Um,” Hannah shook her head. “About an hour.”
“We'll see mum at home ok.”
“Yeah ok.” She smiled at her son.
He kissed her on the cheek and headed for the door. Hannah watched them go. Her hands held the paper close. When he left she re-read it. The school would be in touch if the following sessions were going to be happening.
“Ahh, Tammy.” She turned to hide the emotions on her face. “Can, can you take them for the rest of the lesson?” The broken tears were coming to her eyes. She couldn’t even say goodbye to her??
“I need some air.”