Whispered Promises

Chapter 10 - Fractured Trust

Alex's POV

​​"Let's see what you've got, Levi Wood." The irritation in my voice was impossible to hide. I tossed him the ball and sprinted down the field.

"I haven't even warmed up yet. Relax!" he shouted after me.

This guy can't be serious. "Just throw the damn football!" I snapped.

Instead of listening, Levi started stretching like he had all the time in the world. I watched in disbelief as he took his sweet time. When he finally finished, he flashed me a cocky grin. "Ready when you are."

He took a few big strides and launched the ball with perfect form—except he put way too much height on it. He might be taller than Marques, but that doesn't mean he needs to throw the ball into the stratosphere. The ball soared over my head, landing several feet behind me.

I jogged over to retrieve it, running back to where Coach Brian and Levi were standing. "Nice throw," Coach said, patting Levi on the shoulder. "Good technique."

I wasn't so impressed. "Too high for me to catch," I muttered, shoving the ball into Levi's chest. "Try again."

I turned and started running again, determined to make this work. Once again, Levi threw the ball with perfect form—and once again, it sailed way too high. "Again," I barked at him.

This cycle repeated a few more times until Coach finally called for a break. I was fuming. We were never going to make this work if Levi didn't learn how to throw a catchable ball.

"So far, I like what I'm seeing," Coach said, nodding approvingly at Levi. "I'm looking forward to having you on the team."

I couldn't believe it. Levi Wood was our new quarterback. Could my life get any worse?

"But you two clearly need more practice together," Coach continued. "I know it'll take time to get used to each other's playing styles, but we're already in the season. You need to figure it out—and fast."

I wanted to protest, but Coach cut me off. "I know you've got a busy schedule with those extra credits, but you need to make time for this. Or do I need to replace you too?"

What? Since when was Coach Brian so snippy?

"No need for that," I said quickly. "We'll figure it out. The sooner Levi learns how to throw a ball I can catch, the sooner we can stop having extra practices."

I shot a glare at Levi.

He leaned in, lowering his voice so only I could hear. "It's not my fault your little hands can't catch a perfect pass. You'd better get used to my throws—or you'll be the one getting replaced, loser."

Did he just call me a loser?

Before I could respond, Levi jogged back to the locker room, leaving me fuming on the field. That boy made me so mad.

I pulled out my phone, venting my frustration to Marques.

Alex: Guess who's our new quarterback? 😡

Marques: No clue.

Alex: Levi Wood.

Marques: Coach replaced me with that little kid who never even played in a real game? He couldn't find anyone else?

Alex: Apparently, he's our only hope. And I hate him. And the way he plays.

Marques: Doesn't surprise me. You don't like anyone. But if Coach picked him, he can't be that bad.

Alex: No, he sucks. When are you coming back?

Marques: Sadly, not anytime soon. Doc says I need six months of recovery. But my parents found me this dope rehab center in NYC, so I'm hoping to be back soon.

Alex: Six months?! 😢 Get better soon! I gotta run, talk later.

I looked up from my phone to see Levi heading out. "Hey, idiot!" I called after him.

He stopped and turned, already so accustomed to my insults that he didn't even flinch.

"We need to plan for our extra training. When are you free?"

"For you? Never," he quipped, turning to leave again.

"We have the same goal here," I shot back. "To win—and to beat your old team. So how about a little cooperation?"

He sighed but paused. "Tonight?" he asked, still not facing me. "Maybe around eight. I've got homework to do first."

"Fine. Meet me at the community park at eight, smartypants," I said, already bracing myself for the frustration to come. He waved me off and disappeared through the door.

I couldn't believe I had to work with him. This was going to be a long night.

Time skip

I tried to focus on my classes, but my mind kept drifting to Levi and our training later. When the clock finally hit 7:50, I made my way to the park. It was only a five-minute walk from my house, but when I arrived, there was no sign of him.

I started warming up while I waited, already irritated by his lateness. I sent him a quick text.

Alex: You showing up for practice?

Levi: Obviously. I need to teach you. We need to win.

Alex: We won't win if you don't show up to practice. And don't be so cocky.

Levi: Don't be so bitchy.

Alex: Gosh. Do you have a girlfriend distracting you or something?

Levi: You wish it was you. But don't worry, your turn will come someday. Look up, loser.

I looked up to see Levi strolling toward me, that same smug grin on his face. "You're late."

"Stop complaining. I'm here now."

I rolled my eyes. "We need to figure out how to play together. I think the best strategy is to understand each other's styles and adjust."

"All you have to do is catch the ball. How hard can that be?"

"You need to throw it in a way I can actually catch, idiot."

It was a brutal practice session. I pushed him hard, testing his limits, and he struggled to find his rhythm. His frustration grew with each mistake, and I didn't hold back my criticism. The tension between us was palpable.

"This is never going to work," Levi finally snapped. "You don't trust me."

"And you don't trust me, either."

"We won't get anywhere without trust," he muttered, sounding more resigned than angry now. "But I get it. Let's call it a night. I'm tired."

"Sure," I said with a roll of my eyes. "Didn't expect anything else from you, lazy."

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