Axel's Daisy

45 • Axel

  "You are fucking kidding me, dude."

  "Brady, we have practice," I snapped.

  Coach Landon whistled for us to group up—our practice had gone overboard these two days. It was Friday, and the game was on Tuesday. We had to give it everything; this was what I worked for. My mind was locked on winning. I had to win for my dad.

  Brady tried to sidetrack me every time but ended up being ignored. I wasn't in the mood to think about him. The coach went hard on us with the drills, push-ups, and endurance tests.

  I stumbled off the field, gasping for air, my jersey clinging damply to my tired frame. My steps were heavy, and my shoulders slumped with the weight of practice. Sweat dripped from my brow, marking the end of another grueling session on the gridiron.

  "Man, I can't feel my chest," Brady coughed out, taking deep breaths to calm himself. "There's no escaping; we need to talk. But first, I need to shower."

  "Brady, there's nothing to talk about. Drop it."

  He huffed at me and gave me a pointed glare before walking to the showers with Alex and Reign.

  Our leader just sprawled himself next to me as we stared at the clear sky above. I was out of energy to move or shower; I just wanted a clear headspace, and the sky was purplish blue before darkening into nighttime.

  "You have raw talent, Hughes," he started.

  "Thanks, coach." I didn't know why I didn't feel better after the ruthless practice—so much had happened in the last few days. Jade had tried to convince me that her angel of a best friend didn't mean anything, but I ended up disregarding her efforts.

  The stubborn side of me told me she was willing to leave without listening to me. Either way, I was done trying to uphold myself each time she accused me.

  I was going to own my truth. Each time I tried to fight it, the dark truth would break out to haunt me.

  "What's wrong?" He asked, then explained, "I mean, you are being too perfect on the field."

  I chuckled dryly. "Isn't that the goal of the whole thing?" I retorted, my hands on my abdomen and my knees bent.

  "No, it's team spirit. Not beating yourself up and going crazy." Coach Landon sat up and looked at me. "Which is why I have a golden opportunity for you."

  I sat up too, my questioning gaze fixed on the coach. "What is it?"

  "Scout Lance told me to break the news for you. The Champions League wants you. The university tuition fees are covered, but here's the problem... it's in Oregon," he clarified.

  "Sign me up then," I accepted hastily.

  "You sure about that?" Coach worriedly glanced at me and was met by my resilience.

  "Yes, I want to leave Wisconsin."

   "Why?" he questioned. "You can still stay here. There are many scholarships available."

  "We're talking about the Champions League, coach. This is the dream my father wanted."

  "Well, what do you want?"

  The question made me silent.

  And it was enough for Coach Landon.

  "I won't give them an answer until you figure yourself out."

  He stood up, gave me a pat on the shoulder, and went off to the showers.

  I hugged my knees and placed my sweaty forehead between them.

•••

  "Brady, it's over," I repeated for what felt like the millionth time.

  "It's not over. She made you happy; you can't just close your eyes and pretend," he burst out, standing in front of me and blocking the television.

  "I can and I will," I stubbornly stated.

  His dark eyes narrowed at me, and he placed both of his hands around my neck, my head against his. He was inches away from me.

  "Listen, that's Des—" I instinctively flinched when I heard her name. "She didn't know the whole story because your stupid ass didn't tell her. You would react the same way she did, if not worse..."

  "I almost fucked her virginity away. She wanted to get back at me! Don't you get it?" I pushed him away, muttering curse words at Brady's widened eyes. "She didn't even want to fight for me. She wanted to leave, and I gave her what she chose." I shouted, kicking the door closed harshly.

  The devil in me stirred up the tension in my body, and I wanted to destroy everything. I wanted to get it out as I pushed my hair back and closed my eyes against the door before opening them and turning to face my best friend.

  "You need to sort it out. I won't push you into it. Let's just hang out at Alex's house. He's got some pizza and booze." Brady's conflicted state gave me a whiplash, but I was glad he didn't press further.

  "Yes, it's been a while since we hung out with the guys."

  "That's what happens when you're too busy with your girl—oh, sorry." He sheepishly scratched the back of his head when he realized his slip.

  I slapped his neck on the way to my room to change for the hangout.

  I wore a casual outfit consisting of jeans, a comfortable white T-shirt, and sneakers. I stared at myself in the mirror. I looked better than before.

  "I'm ready—" I sneezed violently as soon as I got into Brady's room. "Jesus, how many times do you spray perfume on yourself?" I covered my nose.

  "Gotta make an impression," he winked.

  "Don't tell me Jade is going to be there."

  "Of course not. The guys have nasty tongues. I might ditch later, though," he insinuated and ushered me to get going.

  I sat in the passenger seat of Brady's Jeep, and he blasted screamo music that had my ears bleeding. He recited the lyrics with an arm in the air.

  We arrived at Alex's house, and the guys' shadows were visible dancing.

  Brady got into the house before I did with a wink towards my way, but when I was about to ask, a hand dragged me to the side of the pent.