Behind the Game Face

championship weekend

"You're sure you're okay?" I asked, biting my nails. It was a bad habit of mine but one that I was able to keep at bay.

"Yes, Lilah." Princeton laughed at my tone. "It was just a tackle."

"It looked harder than the one I watched in person." I defended. "Are we sure that guy's even in college?"

"He's a fifth year." He responded lightly. "And yeah, it was harder but I'm not made of glass."

It was Friday night and Princeton had just won his conference match. On Sunday, they'd play for the national title. As for my team and I, our conference championships was on Saturday and the national title will be played on Sunday as well.

"Well with the way the announcers were talking, you'd think you were going to be carried out the field via stretcher." I huffed. "God forbid."

"I'm starting to think you think I'm weaker than I really am." He mused. I mean, the tackle on my laptop screen looked 10 times worse than I'd imagine. I couldn't be sure it wasn't as bad as in person.

"I think you're very strong Evergreen." I rolled my eyes, my back laying against my hotel pillow. "I just wanted to make sure you're okay."

"Well, I am...." He responded. "But thank you for checking up on me."

"If I didn't then who would?" I joked. "Make sure you use the bruise gel I left you by the way."

"Yes mom." He joked.

"Speaking of which. Is Mrs. Evergreen and Ava there to watch you?" I conversed.

"Yeah, they are. Mom checked out the local library before coming to the game but her and Ava got field passes so I'm pretty sure they had a good time."

"How's Ava?"

"Living her best life. She's already asked me if half of my team is single and for me to ask our opponents if they're single too." I could picture him shaking his head right now.

"Who knew she liked older guys?" I laughed teasingly.

"Yeah, yeah. Very funny." Princeton grumbled. "I had to send her back to her hotel room when she tried sitting next to my wide receiver at dinner."

"Sounds like you got your hands full." I laughed. Talking to Princeton was my only source of relaxation these past couple of days. "I gotta say-"

The ringing and buzzing of my phone cut me off as I looked at my screen. It was a phone call from Axel.

"Sorry Evergreen. My brother's calling and he never does so I gotta take this."

"I understand. Good night Lilah."

"Goodnight Princeton."

I ended the phone call before picking up the new one. Putting on my shoes, I grabbed a room key and quietly slipped out of my hotel room as Sophia was in the shower.

Making my way to the stairway, I heard Axel speak.

"Hey sis." He greeted, yet didn't sound one ounce of happy.

"Sup bro." I responded, sitting on the staircase. "What's up?"

"Nothing much. Is this a good time?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Uhm...is there anybody around you?"

"No. Axel, what's up?" I furrowed my brows. "Can you tell me what's wrong?"

"Mom got arrested."

"What?" I sat up straight. "What do you mean?"

"I mean she's in the slammer. In the hole. Locked up."