Intertwined

Part 22: Take Me Home

They won the game and everyone cheered excitedly because to win your first home game feels like a good omen for the rest of the season.

Everyone on the team was beyond happy with their efforts.

All except Logan.

Standing at the bench gathering his duffle Lukas comes over and bumps him in the shoulder.

"Good game, Mate." Lukas says genuinely and Logan glares at him.

"Buggar off." His brother sourly snaps and turns to find Akash standing there less than pleased with him. Akash bypasses Logan and Goes up to Lukas with a beaming smile.

"Well done, Son. You've made me extremely proud." His words poke daggers at Logan as his father praises his older brother and yet Logan sees that his father's words have little to no effect on Lukas.

"I could have worked harder." Lukas says- not taking his father's compliment.

"You kidding- you lapped those boys. Your side and the other- you did amazing! Ya know- I took your brother to meet Miami Heat and while I was there I was bragging about you. Mentioned how you're a senior this year and could easily be put in a spot with them and..."

"I'm good." Lukas turns from him and walks down the bench with his bag towards Max, who is going over a few things with Floyd as Helen, Lauren and Luna stand and visit with them. "Sup."

"Great job!! You did such a great job out there!!" Helen beams happily and give him a hug and peck on the cheek. Luna smiles shyly and hands him a picture she drew of him in his basketball gear hanging off the rim.

"Aw, did you draw this?" He asks and she nods as she hides her face in Helen's hip slightly.

"Good game." She shyly says and Helen beams at Max, who sighs heavily and scoops her up.

"You missy!" He holds her up and twists her slightly near her torso which tickles her and causes her to giggle.

That giggle capture Logan's attention and he frowns heavily as he sees his family happily chatting and having fun.

"Let's go. I have work to do. I've wasted enough time here tonight." Akash snarls as he begins walking and it takes Logan a moment for him to pull his gaze away from his brother and mother laughing and smiling with Max and the others. His Mum catches his eyes and meekly smiles and waves goodbye, but Logan just turns away from her and follows his frustrated father out.

Lukas and everyone watch as he leaves so defeated and it hurts them all.

But they say nothing.

"Let me take your bag and Miss Luna and we'll see you back at the house." Helen says and Max hands her his house keys.

"See ya in a bit." Max kisses her cheek quickly and sets Luna down.

"Bye Baby. Be good." Helen says to Lukas and kisses his cheek.

"Bye..." He says and watches his mother Luna and Lauren leave.

He and Max walk out the other set of doors and they make their way down to the track. They start to walk it and yet Lukas doesn't talk right away. He just walks beside Max and lets his mind fill with all the bullshit that has plagued him for a long while now.

"Did you know that water is heavier than Butane." Max says casually as they walk and Lukas looks at him oddly.

"Um...I don't know what Butane is."

"Oh! It's a lighter fluid." Max says trying so hard not to laugh and it takes Lukas a moment to get the joke- but when he does he smiles and shakes his head.