More Than A Game

Chapter 23

With soft instrumental music playing in the background, I revised my notes I had so far gathered on media rules and boundaries. It was said that to be a good journalist, one must know their way around the moral issues on reporting and the possible solutions in case trouble was found.

Personally, I thought this was all knowledge that was based around common sense but I really didn't feel the need to go against the lectures' wishes. I was half way through looking at the notes I had taken, when my phone began to start buzzing.

Miss Richwald, please excuse my lateness and arrogance. A couple of months ago, I noted my concern with your work ethic in this university and although I had much reason to, these past few months have made me regret my unfairness towards you. I've heard about your enchanting interview with Travis Boak and was really impressed. Might I add that Bridgestone has a possible sports reporter within our mists. - Mr G.W

It felt bizarre to receive a message from the university, especially by text but surprisingly, I was honoured. Not only was the high praises still coming in, I was finally gaining redemption from earlier on in the year and an apology (which I doubt would ever be come across later on in life).

Smiling to myself, I pushed my phone to the side and noticed Brayden awkwardly making his way down the stairs. Turning the music off, I couldn't help but wonder if Brayden was feeling some sort of pain from football practice.

"Well, looks like somebody got off the wrong side of the bed this morning, huh?" I exclaimed as I watched him march angrily towards me.

"Listen, I don't know what kind of game your playing but you're not fooling anyone. I'm not going to stand around and let you mess around with innocent people."

Noticing aggression in his tone, I was confused to what Brayden was on about. I was lost on wether it had anything to do with mum or some stupid thing during practice.

"Don't know what I'm referring to? Then let me help you Carmen; Ollie, Angus Monfries, rumours circulating. Am I being clear now sis?"

"Shh, keep your voice down Brayden. Look, I don't know what you think you know, but I doubt you know anything about my personal life to be judging me right now."

"Well I'm sorry, but I'm sure I know enough to see that what you're doing right now is cold and heartless. I know that you were at his house last night Carmen. I know that you are going behind your boyfriends back for his best mate where Angus caught you two on top of each other. So, let me guess, is Angus someone else you've come home late for?"

I slammed my book shut and slowly rose to my feet. My throat was dry whilst I tried my best to control my emotions. How dare Brayden think that he had any right sneaking around and listening in to my private conversations?

"So what? Even if I was at Ollie's house, what difference is that going to make Brayden? You had absolutely no right to eavesdrop on my PRIVATE conversations with people I know. You wouldn't just understand everything that has happened."

"Yeah you're right. You're right that I don't understand what you're getting yourself in, but neither do you. You're going behind Chad's back, basically cheating on him which is never a good thing. It's bad enough that you're cheating on him, but it's worse when you lie about it and keep secrets hidden from the guy we all assumed you loved. Do you enjoy destroying Chad's happiness or something?"

"Do you think it's easy for me to see the man I love become hurt by me or see the heartbreak upon the man that I'm slowly falling in love with? No, I'm not throwing myself at Angus like you assumed. I know I'm hurting Chad and I'm in a world of pain too but personally, I don't need you to boost up my guilt anymore Brayden."

"Whatever Carmen. You can keep acting like its high school and not grow up if you want. But sooner or later you have to realise it's not all about you. If you want to be in a pathetic love triangle, by all means go ahead. But I'm not having you drag the Richwald family into any scandals. Whatever your business is, keep it away from me at all times, I don't need anything damaging my changes of becoming drafted."

My vision started to blur as wet liquid started forming upon my eyes. Blinking a couple of times, no matter how hard I tried to keep my emotions under control, I could feel the tears streaming down my cheeks. With much disappointment in Brayden's words, I could feel my heart racing with embarrassment.

"Is that right Brayden? That you believe that the ONLY thing I want by my side is a flock of footballers? How dare you? My own brother thinks that for EVERYTHING I have worked for in life, EVERYTHING that I have scarified, my only goal in life is to pleasure footballers in what ever way I can.

Well you know what? Scr*w you Brayden, scr*w you. If you think that me being in your life is going to cause a media frenzy, then just take me out of the damn equation because I'm so sick your constant attitude towards my personal business. If I'm going to be the reason why you aren't going to get drafted, then just leave me the hell alone. I hope you can enjoy draft day because without me, I'm sure that you'll have a hell of time." I let out, trying to express as much as I could. At this point, Brayden looked guilty, although I shouldn't care after what he just said.

"Carmen, you know I.." I got of the chair and stood in front of Brayden. Within this moment, I could feel my hands shake but I ignored all my sense as I stared at him coldly.

"I know what? That you think you're sister just sneaks around for the sake of it? That she's only interested in a bit of fun here and there? I don't wanna hear it anymore Brayden. You've said your piece and I understand. I understand that the only thing you care about is being drafted and since that's the case, then just go because I'm sure you're going to fit in a squad filled with arrogant athletes. JUST LEAVE ALREADY BRAYDEN, LEAVE." I screamed as angrily as could, letting the last remaining energy I had, leave my lips. In silence, I watched Brayden exiting the front door and making his way away from our house. A bead of tears dripped and slide down my cheeks.

I let an angered groan escape my lips as I dropped onto my knees in defeat. I felt guilty. Guilty because I'm the reason my relationship with Chad is on the line, guilty for playing with the feelings of the two guys I loved and guilty for damaging my relationship with Brayden; my brother and one of the only people that have ever been close to me.

And for all of that, my false sense of paradise was to be blamed.