I've Been Waiting All Along (Book 2 - Rock Canyon Series)

Chapter 9 - Tyrell (He/Him/His)

Chapter 9 - Tyrell (He/Him/His)

"Yo!!!! We're champions, bruh! Come here for the real thing!" I bounded to Kel as he appeared around the back of the sprawling estate that Big Rude's Uncle called home. Maddie was riding piggyback and her dad was laughing beside them.

"Congratulations, Tyrell! Champs two years in a row. What a great send-off!"

"Thanks, Mr. Martin. Appreciate it. Couldn't have done it without Kel. Actually, hang on a sec... you know what? That's not really true. Charlie coulda played quarterback for us. Have you ever seen them throw a football?"

Charlie's dad shook his head. "Didn't think they'd ever touched one."

My smile broke wider. "Yup. They're a natural. Where are they, anyway? Hiding back in the car?"

Maddie's face fell as she patted Kellan to put her down. "Awww, no they walked home from the game. They aren't having the best day. I'm sorry, Ty. You'll have to make do with us."

I gave her a quick hug and slapped hands with Kel. "That's cool. I understand. Hey, everybody else is back here. C'mon."

I led them around the back, hoping to get the three of them lost in the crowd so I could text Charlie. I steered them to a large group preparing fireworks behind the last barn. I slid away when I saw Jessica's face on the other side of the crowd, slipping back into the shadows of the large outbuildings.

I pulled out my phone and didn't need to go far–I left my text messages with Charlie up as a permanent tab.

Me :: Yo, they got some serious BBQ chicken out here. We could sneak away from your sister and get in it. Why didn't you come?

I didn't have to wait long for a response, the three dots moving almost instantly.

Charlie :: I'm not hungry. Maddie didn't say anything?

Me :: Nah, just said you walked home. What's up? All good?

The moon peaked around a thick cloud, its pale light enveloping me subtly, reminding me of how Char's voice did the same thing when we rode in my car at night. I flinched when I heard the first fireworks booming behind me, but they couldn't keep pace with my thundering heart. I worried for Charlie; lately they seemed dangerously close to the edge and I couldn't understand why.

Charlie :: I walked home in the 4th quarter (I'm so sorry btw) after I confronted Destiny and she told me she wasn't interested in me or girls. Soooo yeah after all that I've just been sitting in my room crying. If I cry anymore, I think I'm going to punch myself.

Charlie :: Don't worry about me, Ty. Congratulations on becoming champions again! I'll see you later this weekend maybe. x

I kicked off the barn as if I hadn't just ran up and down a football field for two and a half hours. I sprinted for the group, spotting Maddie first. She was laughing with one of the guys from the team.

"Maddie you got a sec?" I asked, gently tugging at her arm to pull her away.

"Yeah, what's up?" she asked, half smile, half furrow of confusion.

"I'm leaving. I texted your sibling. You're right–I don't think they're doing too good. And I'm not going to sit here and pretend like it doesn't matter. I'm outta here. Tell Kel in case he looks for me, okay?"

She nodded and looked at me faraway for a moment, and then a sad, slow smile washed over her.

"You're in love, aren't you?"

It wasn't said as a question. It was said as the truth it represented.

I held Maddie's eyes for a few moments and then tore away, unable to face my feelings for Charlie in front of another person. I knew Maddie wouldn't judge but I was almost certain she'd have a lecture. I couldn't do that right now. Because while I knew that they would never like me back I couldn't help my feelings. I had to be authentic to myself.