I've Changed

17. he has no idea

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Jae's pov

Practice was just as bad as the encounter I had with Ellie.

After our conversation in the hallway, she bolted and I didn't see her again. I was tempted to follow, determined in never giving up, but she's very vulnerable. I could tell she was bothered so I didn't want to overwhelm her any further.

If she wants to be alone, I'm going to give her the space she needs.

"Well, that went to shit," Aaron throws his shirt into his cubby.

Today was one of those conditioning practices. Never ending drills and technique training hence why the team's spirit is obliterated. We're all tired, sore, and non-functioning. We're desperate to go home.

Even before practice, we were already dreading Coach's consequences yet I think it was Ellie's outburst that really tipped everyone off.

"Hey," Lucas walks up to me. "Is Ellie alright? I heard what happened earlier."

I quickly put on my sweater and collect my belongings.

"I don't know," I say. "She's obviously stressed so let's stay out of her business okay?"

Did it come out harsher than I intended it to? It might've because Lucas nods his head with a wonky smile. He steps back to create some distance between us, as if I'm going to be the next one to snap in this locker room.

I'm about to leave but Theo stops me. He's out of breath as he mumbles, "Have you seen Ellie?"

I shake my head. My jaw tensing.

"Oh no," he heaves, "Sofie told me to look after her. I did it again."

Elijah is next to approach, "What happened to Ellie? She isn't with Ashley or at practice. What's going on?"

"I have no idea," I whisper-shout. "Let's not make a big deal out of this. If she says she's fine then she's fine. Nothing happened except for a small disagreement. Got it?" I explain frustratedly.

I raise my voice knowing the whole room heard me clearly. "Does everyone understand?"

Silence and turning of heads as I look around. It takes a moment before they gather the courage and a collection of yeses follows.

"I'll wait for you in the car," I tell Theo.

I expect him to run off but he hesitates, "on your way out, can you please just look out for any signs of her? I promised Sofie."

"Of course buddy," I pat his shoulder before he sprints off like I expected.

For some reason, I take my time when leaving the building. I catch myself being thorough in analyzing every corner of the facility in hopes of finding something. Although there's a possibility that she just went home, I get this gut feeling. It urges me to continue and even search outside for a sign.

I tuck half of my face into my sweater. The cool, brisk air piercing ice all over my skin. It's not until I notice someone sitting on a bench. It's too dark to recognize the person from afar but as I get closer, my heart sinks.