Like That

Chapter 6 - Let's Fix You

A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong.--Tecumseh

Chapter 6 - Let's Fix You

Foster's POV:

"Cahill, Come here a minute."

I need to find out what's going on with Emily. After talking with Michael yesterday, I'm concerned how she's doing mentally. I have seen her almost every day since soccer season started. Between seeing her for a bit after practice and lunch on Sundays at her grandmother's house, I've seen her a lot. And yet she has been hiding from me at the same time. Maybe I've had my head stuck up my own ass, which was what it felt like when Michael told me what he has observed. Am I such a dick, so wrapped up in myself that I didn't notice? I guess that would be a yes. Well, not anymore. She is definitely on my radar, now.

"Yeah, Coach what do you need?"

"How are things at home?"

"I don't know what you mean, sir." This kid is almost as tall as I am and he is standing there staring at my nose, then my forehead. He is avoiding looking me in the eyes. Oh, Emily...

"I'm talking to you as your Coach or your mom's friend, whichever makes this conversation easier for you." I get a quizzical look from him. "I talked with your Uncle Michael. He's worried about your mom. Has he talked with you?"

"No sir, he hasn't talked to me about my mom in a while. We mostly talk about school and soccer. What's wrong with my mom?"

"That's what I'm trying to find out. How are things at home? How is your mom doing?"

He hangs his head and looks bit lost in his thoughts. "I don't know what you want me to tell you." He is a bit angry. I adjust my stance so he doesn't see me as a threat. He needs to trust that I'm here to help him and his mom. "She doesn't sleep. She thinks I don't know, but I do. Is that what you want to know?

"Yeah, that and anything else you want to get off your chest. How long has this been going on?"

"A few weeks maybe four...she leaves early in the morning if it's not raining. She sometimes is gone for close to an hour or so." I saw anger in his face, he couldn't mask it.

"What else? I see it on your face. What's bothering you?"

"I think she is seeing someone." I smile. I'm happy for her, but the way Mason looks as he bites out his words, he is pissed.

"This may hurt a little, but she and your dad are no longer together. Were you hoping that they would get back together?"

"That will NEVER happen!" Anger - big anger. I stay calm. Pushing an angry teenage boy will not help anyone. I give him a moment to collect himself before I proceed.

"Have you talked to anyone about what happened with your mom and dad?" He shakes his head at me. "Maybe it's time to get it off your chest."

"What about practice, Coach."

"Coach White is running drills and will start practice without me if I don't show up. You need to clear your head before you take the field. You're no good to yourself or the team right now."

Mason lets out a large breath and began. Within the first few words everything changes. I know Mason and I will not make it to the practice field.

Mason let the words flow through his body in a steady stream of memories. He stares at the wall as his words pour out of his thoughts and heart. I don't touch him...I don't move...worried that any movement will shut him up and shut him down. He talks about that day in October with almost no emotion. He isn't sad, or angry, or happy, or anything...numb would best describe the boy in front of me.  That was not good.