Bloodshed.

11

Alyssa was warm against me, strong arms wrapped tight against my mid section. Breathing deeply into my neck as the fan blew stray hairs against my skin. Starring as the fan continued its track of endless circles. Watching as the curtains moved ever so slightly against the pulling breeze. Stretching my left hand out wards towards my phone, grasping the device in scarred digits. Bringing the illuminated screen forward, A few emails sat patiently as the time stamp increased. No one had shot me a text over the night, no one should've. Only Jaxx would. He was all she had at the end of the day. 

Alyssa shuddered under my arm, her eyes groggily opened. "Good morning." She whispers crooked fingers coming to rub the sleep from her eyes.  Rolling away from the tight embrace, fully stretching her back and shoulders.  "What's the plan for today?" Questioning with one eye opened. 

"I'm gonna head to the hospital and see James. Seems like the right thing to do. Besides for that I have no plan." She nods wordlessly, slipping from underneath the covers. I stay still stretching the sore muscles slowly. I would have to get to school soon but today wasn't going to be the day. James would understand. We had a few days before districts. Noting to pack my training gear into the car so I could make the preparation practice being held today. I would need a bump if I was going to get through it but that would be addressed closer to the time. 

Alyssa leaves the room heading for the coffee pot to kick off her day. I head to my room grabbing a quick shower and a change of clothes to brave the cold weather. Dressing quickly, pulling worn out denim over scarred knees. Shucking on a white long sleeve and her team jacket. She grabbed the gear bag that dawned the schools logo before filling it with what was needed for later. Slipping on my sneakers I grabbed the unopened pack from the coffee table and the green bic lighter next to it. "I'm gonna head out now. Keep the doors locked. I have training as well so it will be a late night on my end." She nods offering my well wishes as she turns her attention to the pan on the stone." 

Clambering into the beat up car i set my coordinates for the hospital. Driving through the slush filled streets making sure to keep it under the speed limit as traffic lights blinked in the distance changing colors in scheduled patterns. lighting another cig, inhaling deeply feeling the warm air slightly burn the back of her throat. Pulling into the parking lot and placing the vehicle in park. Clambering from the car lighting on more on her way in. Stubbing it out on the ground before kicking it into the grass.  Stalking towards the front desk she pulled out the state issued drivers license. "How can I help you?" A shorter man questions from behind quarter inch thick plexi glass. 

"I'm here to see James Hall." Mumbling as I hand over the ID. 

"Here you go." He mumbles handing me back my ID and the printed sticker with my photo and the person I'm supposed to see. I slap the sticker onto my shirt before taking the same route I took yesterday. I get to is room and knock on the door before entering. A nurse opens the door. "You must be his friend from yesterday?"

"Uh... yeah. Is he good today?" I pray he's doing well. If he starts to regress he might walk himself into a felony or four.

"He's awake and alert which is about as good as he can be." I nod thanking her as I slip by her into the room. Pulling the crappy plastic chair towards his bedside. The material flexing under my weight as I take my place. 

"Hey Hollywood?" He questions not removing his gaze from the TV screen playing old browns highlights. 

"How you doing James?" I question, running my thumb over his knuckles. 

"They won't let me smoke, Can't let me leave they say."

"It's probably a good thing you don't smoke. Might help you too quit." I retort running my free hand over the pack in my pocket.

"What are you doing here man?"

"Figured you'd be lonely."

"Me lonely; Nah never. Look at all these nurses man."

"They don't want you man."

"Come on. How could they not want me? Look at me?"

"I know I can see. That's why I'm saying they ain't want you."  I spit back watching as flinches in mock hurt. 

We chat for hours until my alarm buzzes. Visiting hours would end soon and I had practice staring up in a few minutes. "Look dude I gotta go. The nurses have my number. If you need anything give me a shout." He nods offering his hand for a dap. I hit him up before trudging out of his room that reeked of ammonia. Sterile place always made me feel dirty, like i was contaminating it by my mere Prescence.  

Changing quickly in the back seat, driving through the many streets before parking in the spots that line the fence of the practice fields. Slipping into my studs and taping what needs to be taped i pull myself from the drivers seat before ambling towards the worn down pith. Football season always leaves the grass in bad shape. 

"How you feeling?" Coach questions laying a heavy hand on my shoulder.

"Ready to get moving." I retort tying my shoes once more to make sure they stay. 

He takes an unsteady breath, his hand never swaying. "I head what happened to James. You know I don't like him but we all know what he means to you. If you need anything don't be afraid to reach out. I also heard about Chelsea. Go kill it over there."

"Thank you sir. I will. And thank you for your kind words." He nods before setting up the rest of the drills. The girls soon join us on the pitch. We run through the drills a multitude of times trying to fine tune the lacking aspects of our game as we head into districts come this week. After districts we have county, then regionals, before state, and if we pass state we have a good shot at nationals. One more thing I would need to accomplish to finish out my high school career. It would be a long hard path trying to fight away into the national stage, we'd be playing all the girls from California and Texas, Might scrap a fight with a New York or Colorado high school. It would also expand our season by two months. 

By the end of practice we all were worn down to the bone, my body ached over every inch, slight movements set me off. Head pounding with thundering force by every movement. This was the price to pay. Lord was I paying. 

Stopping by the corner store I grab another carton to hold me over before making the rest of the journey home. Walking through the front door showed Alyssa strewn across my couch, plate of pizza in hand as a movie played in the background. "I ordered pizza if you want any?" She announced behind a mouthful of crust. I nod thanking her as I stumble to the bathroom. Wanting nothing more than to scrub the layer of dirt and grime from my skin. 

The pair retires to reruns of old westerns and plates stacked with two or three slices a piece. The ash tray building up and the old window cracked for ventilation.

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Luh update.