The Fumble Of A Quarterback

Chapter 27: He's Trying

Tuesday comes quicker than we all expect.

Everett sends me the article draft to review. It takes me all of five minutes to read it. It is nicely written and eye catching with targeted words. It is everything that University will hate. It spills all of the secrets it doesn't want to share. That is why this story needs to be shared. I am just happy to be a part of it. I'm honored actually. I am honored that Everett invited me on his journey to get him justice.

"Are you going to make up with your father?" Tad asks as I stand by him in the corner of the weight room.

I shrug as I watch Dad work with the team. I've spoken to him very little these past few days. Everything he does is irritating. I find myself exhausted by his presents so I stay as far as way as I can. It's just hard when we are at home. I clamp my mouth shut while I'm home, fearing I will mention the article. He will find out, but not from me. Soon enough everyone will now what Charles did.

"Come on Nora, you should know he's trying."

"Did he put you up to this?"

Tad sighs as he picks up towel.

I make eye contact with Dad and mouth real mature. I then turn to Tad. "If you are on his side, I don't want to hear it."

He raises his hands over his head. "I just don't want you to make any move you'll regret." He walks off the field.

I am not going to regret this. I am sure of it. The university will regret how they handled last year. Payback is going to be a bitch.

As the team files out, I stare at the ground. I want to go. I don't understand why I'm even hear when I've been dreading coming in. Resignation is on my mind, but the only thing that convinces me to stay is Everett.

I leave the weight room but as I turn the corner, I see Everett on the ground with Charles standing over him. A sickening feeling comes over me as Everett gets up.

Charles laughs as he looks over at his BFF Rick. Fuck Rick. "And coach says he's the star player. Look at him. He's nothing special."

A few people laugh as a crowd gathers around.

Charles pushes Everett. He stumbles back, hitting his back against the brick wall.

Damnit Everett. Stand up for yourself.

"So, what is the star going to do?"

My hands clench into fists. I have had enough watching them. This is not the first time they fought and it won't be the last. Why does Charles always start things? Isn't Charles tired? Everett looks exhausted.

"Knock it off Charles," I say as I stand beside Everett.

Charles stops, his smile slides off his face. "So, I see that you are hiding behind a girl. Having the coach's daughter fight your battles are you now?" Charles chuckles.

Without wasting a moment, I slap him across the face. It is loud enough to echo the hall. There is silence. The crowd around us don't dare say a word.

I make eye contact with him as his cheek turns red. My hand stings. "Don't you dare," I growl. "You don't know what storm is coming. But just you wait."

"Nora!" Dad shouts at me.

My head snaps up to see him approach. The crowd starts to disperse. Dad is scaring them off.

My hands grow sweaty as I realize what I did. I was not a silent spectator any longer.

"You," Dad says, pointing to Charles. "You go home." He points to Everett. "You wait here." He points to me. "And you, get into my office, now."