Play The Part (Player Next Door Book 3)

42 | Like Gods to Me

Hello hello!! Anyone checking in? This might be a heavy one...

Chapter 42: Like Gods To Me

*Luke's POV*

I walked towards the door and I felt my mind disassociate. Like I was watching my every step.

The brass doorknob was cold in my hand as I twisted the door open.

I saw the boys over in the locker room, the music blaring as they got hyped for practice. Those boys were family to me.

I remembered the day I made the team my freshman year. I was the youngest kid on the bench and I looked up to the Seniors; they were like gods to me.

My best and worst days were made on that court.

I learnt defeat, determination and teamwork on that court.

"Coach," I said, closing the door.

I saw him leaning against the desk, his stanley cup spilled over papers that he didn't notice. A puddle of water soaked his papers but they probably weren't important anyway.

Coach let out a large sigh, "What is it, Dawson?"

He knows.

"Coach," I said, feeling mixed emotions rush through me, "I can't let Chad take the fall."

I learnt integrity on that court.

And the mixed feelings swirled around - partly guilt that I was crushing my own dreams.

But also a wave of relief that I was stepping up for my people, my family, myself. If I make it in life, it'll be because I deserve it.

And if I don't, I won't have nothing.

I've been blessed. I'm able-bodied and I have family. I can figure something out.

"Chad isn't taking the fall, Luke," Coach told me, "He tested positive."

"He didn't smoke that night," I said, "I did."

Too many people become so desperate to succeed that they get on a slippery slope to wrongdoing. One bad move turns into another bad move and, suddenly, you've achieved success - but you're a bad person.

The ends don't justify the means.

Something Millie once told me.

Basketball was my escape and, somewhere along the road, it became my identity. You get more desperate the closer you get to making it.

I confirmed it, "He must have switched the samples, because I know my test should've come out positive."

"Chad isn't taking the fall, Luke," Coach repeated, more determined, "He tested positive."

"Do you hear what I'm telling you?" I said, angrily, "We were together last night and I smoked. Not Chad. I f*cked up."

Coach walked towards me and gripped my shoulders, shaking me. I shoved his arms off me but his intense eyes bore into mine.

Coach lashed out, "He tested positive."

"No he didn't."

Coach ripped open the door behind me and gripped my shoulder blade hard to shove me out. Only, he wasn't as strong as he used to be.

I didn't move.

"Luke," Coach told me, "Sometimes in life, the team works together to keep moving towards that trophy. It's not easy and you'll all be punished for what you've done here, but take the hit."