All American Senior Year: Volume Two

Chapter Nine: Broken, Beaten, and Bruised

It had felt as if Spencer had been run over by a semi-truck repeatedly. Every fiber in his muscle was on fire, aching with every step or sudden move he made. He knew going up against the best players in the country would be tough, he just didn't think of being tackled by them would hurt just as much.

Especially the one that Cam had pissed off, catching Spencer off guard in the last play of the day, he bulldozed right through him. Tackling him in his still-healing ribs, it took the air out of him. He was grateful the pain only lasted a few short seconds. Taking deep breaths, he was able to recover and get back to playing the game.

But with practice now over, the adrenaline he'd felt throughout the day that pumped through his veins, slowly fizzled out leaving him with a body that had felt broken, beaten, and bruised. After sitting in a tub filled with ice for the last half hour, all Spencer wanted to do was to cuddle up next to his girl and sleep for the next twelve hours. Hoping with some well-needed rest, he would be able to get back to a hundred for tomorrow's game.

With his decision still weighing heavy on his mind on whether or not he would be attending Toledo, Spencer knew that a lot was riding on this game. No matter the outcome of what tomorrow would bring, he was making a big decision that would change his life regardless. He was anticipating that the coaches and recruiters at the game would give him a second chance and an offer to attend their school.

Unlocking the door to the Baker house, Spencer let out an exhausted sigh. It'd been a long day. With his body aching and the fight that broke out, Spencer was mentally and physically tired. "Liv!". He called out locking the door behind him. He was sure she was home, as she had called him an hour before to invite him over and stay the night with her since her parents and brother weren't coming home. But with all the lights off on the first floor, it seemed as if nobody was home.

"Up here!". Spencer heard Olivia call out from her closed bedroom door. A long groan escaped him, looking up at how many stairs he had to climb to get to Olivia. "I think I'm going to crash on the couch!". Spencer called up. He didn't think he had the energy to climb the stairs as his body was giving in to rest with every second passing.

The door to Olivia's bedroom opened when she popped her head beaming at him with that magnetic smile that made Spencer's heart pound a little quicker. "You need a hand?". She giggled seeing Spencer stand at the bottom of the staircase. "I promise you'll sleep better up here than on the couch,". Catching her bottom lip in between her teeth she shrugged.

"Besides, there may or may not be a surprise waiting for you in my bedroom,". She teased causing Spencer to perk at her words. "You really about to make me climb these stairs aren't you,". He asked looking up the stairs at his girlfriend who gave him a nod. "Yup,". She giggled.

"That is if you want your surprise,". She looked back towards her room, and then back down at him. "And let me tell you, you're going to want it,". With the last of her words, she walked back into her bedroom leaving Spencer to decide. He contemplated his next move, whined once more, and eventually caved in.

Olivia was right, although the couch looked inviting, he would regret it in the morning. So he really had no other choice but to climb the stairs. He grunted and groaned, feeling his muscles burn with rage and his aching ribs only made him wince from the pain he'd felt. Holding onto the railing, Spencer slowly ascended his way up the stairs, huffing and puffing at the top feeling every bone in his body grow heavy.

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, hearing the sound of a saxophone playing just behind Olivia's closed bedroom door. Opening it slightly, Spencer peaked his head inside to see that the lights had been dimmed with only the soft glow of the candlelights inviting him in.