Whispered Promises

Chapter 7 - Shadow Games

Levi's POV

I sat on the bench, my helmet resting beside me, watching as Xavier, my older brother, effortlessly commanded the field. Xavier was everything I wanted to be: confident, talented, and the team's undisputed star. Meanwhile, I was stuck here, sidelined, always waiting for a chance that never seemed to come. Every touchdown Xavier scored, every cheer from the crowd, felt like a dagger to my heart.

I clenched my fists, trying to suppress the resentment boiling within me. It wasn't just that Xavier was better—he was the golden boy, the one everyone expected great things from after Ry, our older brother, got injured. I was living in Xavier's shadow, suffocated by his success.

What a surprise, Xavier gets to play again today. Coach knows I'm just as good as him. Does he ever let me prove that? No. I'm not the type to wish harm on anyone, but sometimes I wish Xavier would get benched—just once—so I could show what I can do.

- post game -

Back in the locker room, the mood was electric. We'd beaten them. The high from the win was contagious—until we got the news that Marques, the Spartans' quarterback, had been seriously injured and would be out for months.

Despite the victory, my smile felt forced. Xavier's dirty play had contributed to Marques' injury, and though I tried to suppress it, a heavy weight settled in my chest. I didn't agree with how we'd won today, but I congratulated my teammates anyway, masking my unease.

As we headed to the locker room, Coach Reynolds approached us. "Levi, Xavier—need to talk to both of you," he said, his expression serious.

I followed him into his office, my mind racing. Had I done something wrong? Was this finally my shot? But Coach's next words hit me like a sledgehammer.

"We've just been informed that the Spartans want to recruit one of our quarterbacks," Coach began. "They're in a bind with Marques out, and they need a replacement. I said I'd think about it."

My stomach churned. The game had just finished, Marques had probably just gotten to the hospital, and already they were recruiting a replacement.

Coach's next question, though, was unexpected. "So, do either of you have a preference for who wants to go?"

Xavier and I responded in unison, "I'm staying here."

"They have a girl as a wide receiver." Xaviers says this is the worst thing ever. A girl? I had nothing against girls, but playing on a team with one seemed... unusual. I am not sure how I feel about that. And then there was the matter of leaving my current team, leaving Xavier. But before he could voice my doubts, Coach continued.

"I understand if you're hesitant, but you don't really have a choice, Levi" Coach said, his voice turning somber. "Xavier injured their quarterback today. They're desperate for a replacement, and they want you."

"Then why did you even ask who wants to go if you already knew the answer?" my mind whirled. Of course, Xavier had. He always did whatever it took to win, sometimes pushing the limits of fair play. But now, because of Xavier's actions, I was being given an opportunity he'd never have had otherwise. It was a bitter irony.

"The Spartans choose the right brother, I will prove that you guys. So be f*cking prepared to lose." I say when I grab stuff and leave.

---

We usually took separate rides home after games. I'd never been more grateful for that. My anger festered as I drove, deliberately taking the long way back. I couldn't deal with anything right now—I needed to clear my head. I went straight to the gym, letting my fists do the talking as I pummeled the punching bag.

Each hit sent the bag swinging, and with every swing, I felt lighter. Should I feel bad for imagining my own brother's face on the bag? Maybe. But the truth was, we hadn't been close for years. When did we become so distant? Now, I wasn't even on the same team as him anymore. Switching teams meant switching schools. On top of everything else, our family was moving. Could my life get any more chaotic?

At least I'd have my own room now. Small wins. And maybe, just maybe, I'd finally step out of Xavier's shadow. I shouldn't be too hard on him—I knew he had it rough being compared to Ry, but it didn't make it any easier to stomach.

Once I calmed down, I drove home, but my frustration spiked again when I saw Xavier's car parked on the street. I slipped inside, hoping the family dinner was over. For once, my prayers were answered.

I grabbed a plate and retreated to my room. My bed was the only thing unpacked—everything else was still in boxes. I sat there, eating in silence, the darkness outside providing a strange sense of peace. That's when I noticed it: a perfect view of the neighbors' window. Maybe a hot girl lived there. Free show? I smirked at the thought, but my attempts to see anything proved fruitless.

My phone buzzed—a new email. Tomorrow, I start at the new school. Great. As if I needed more time to wrap my head around everything.

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