Enchanted- jj mccarthy [UNEDITED]

17

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As I was eating lunch I was texting Val. Since Rutger had to go to tutoring this afternoon she wanted to know if I could also drive her to the Field House. Since I had agreed to drive her I had to leave a little earlier than I normally would leave since I had to pick her up from her place before heading to practice and because I wanted to get her an iced coffee.

Once I arrived at her apartment she was already waiting outside for me. I hopped out of my car and helped her carry her bags. We hopped back into my car and I handed her the Starbucks cup with her iced coffee. She thanked me and kissed my check. After I heard the click of her seatbelt I put the car in drive and headed to the Field House. When we arrived to the Field House Val and I walked in together. Some of the guys saw us walking in and were making kissy faces at us. We chuckled at them. We both went our separate ways since she had to set up her gear and I had to change for practice.

Once I was ready I walked out to the field. As I walked out to the field Val began taking photos. Some of the other guys starting walking out as well and Val continued to take photos and videos. As I continued my way onto the field and started warming up I kept looking over at Val and smiled. During our practice Val walked around and continued to take pictures and videos of us. In the middle of our practice we heard the door open and saw coach walk in and Rutger was close behind him. I nodded at him and continued with practice. I heard him say that he needed to talk to Val and coach so they went to coach's office. I was curious, but also worried because it has to be important for them to go somewhere private.

They were in the office for half an hour and as they were in there I increasingly got more worried. Once they came out Val looked pale and she wasn't walking by herself. Rutger was giving her a piggyback ride. They walked over and packed up Val's gear. She was able to get some photos and videos. After everything was cleaned up, coach went to give her a hug. He told her to let him know if she needs anything at any time. Val nodded and as she did Rutger said "sorry Mr. Harbaugh, but some of mine and Val's friends are here to help. Do you mind if I allow them in?" Coach instantly agreed. Rutger placed Val gently back on the chair she was sitting on earlier. She grabbed onto his arm not wanting him to go. He looked at her and promised he'll be back quickly and told her to set an alarm for three minutes. Within time Rutger sprinted to the front door and walked back with some of his teammates. They all walked over to Val and gave her a hug.

They all walked out together. I was worried about Val, but I had no idea what was happening. I looked at coach hoping that he would fill me in on what's going on. He didn't tell me anything. I knew he wanted to allow Val to tell me what's going on, but this wasn't going to allow me to play with a clear head like I normally do. Once practice officially started I wasn't playing my best and was consumed with worry.

A couple hours later practice was over. I didn't have class today so I went to Val's place. When I arrived I heard her inside talking with someone. I assumed it was Rutger. I knocked on her door and one of the hockey guys answered. He looked back at Val and waited to see what she wanted to do. I saw her nod her head and once she did I was allowed inside. They all joined in and were protective of her. I sat down on the couch close enough to her to know that I'm here for her but far enough away where I wasn't overwhelming her.

Once everyone was sitting Rutger finally spoke. "JJ I'm sure you're wondering what happened and why we're all here. Val's ex has come back around. Her ex Rhett has been sending threatening text messages and I guess he never finished college since his business took off. He now has the means and time to travel anywhere, whenever he wants. Rhett has said that Val can't get away from him and that she's his to beat and use however he wants to and that no matter where she goes he'll find her." I was so shocked. I didn't know how to react or how Rutger found out.

Val looked to be a shell of herself now. All the boys were consoling her and supporting her. I still didn't know all of their names but I'm glad they're here for Val. As we're all sitting around with Val her phone vibrates. She flinches at the sound. One of the boys looks to see who it was. Luckily it wasn't Rhett, but was Kayleigh. Rutger continued to explain that the him and the boys would be acting like her bodyguards. He also introduced all of them to me. From left to right on the couch it is Adam, Mark, Ethan, and finally Luca. I already knew Luke so I didn't need him to be introduced. They already had a schedule in place of who would be taking Val to classes and when they could possibly do meals together. Most meals would be at either one of their houses or at Val's apartment. Other than classes and meals the one thing left to plan was practices and games, but they wanted me to help with this planning since Val comes to the Field House for work as well. I was thankful to be included in the planning.

We decided that when Val would be working for the football team I would be driving her to the field and back to her house unless I had to get there way earlier than her. Other than that the boys would be driving her to the Yost. This ensures that she's never alone. As we were writing all of this down Val moved closer to me and cuddled into my side with her legs over mine. As she was laying there she looked at Rutger and quietly asked "what happens if he finds me and I'm alone." I knew this wasn't a question any of us wanted to think about, but especially Rutger. However, we did need to think about the worst case scenario and what we would do.

After discussing all of this Val passed out with her head on my shoulder. I didn't want to wake her up because I know she needs sleep. As she was sleeping I was looking at her. I can't imagine what her ex possibly did to her to make such a strong girl like her become a shell of herself and to make all of these boys and her brother so worried. I didn't want to push too much, but I was worried. All I know is that I have to be here for her now and when she's ready to tell me what happened to her.