Affected

Chapter One : Withdrawn

Withdrawn : Not wanting to communicate with other people.
Sunday, January 23rd 6:42 A.M.
I woke up and yawned. Stretched lightly under the covers, then turned on my bedroom light and sat up eyes still completely closed. After cracking my neck, knuckles and both ankles, I sat cross-legged in the middle of the bed. Inhaling deeply and exhaling calmly, I slowly opened my eyes and focused on what lied before me.

Today I see work that needs to be done. More focus, time and effort if I want to stay on track for national team. It was only my first year back in the sport of taekwondo and already ranked third in the country after losing in the semi-finals of my first nationals. Scooting to the edge of my bed, I stared straight ahead, not blinking. I noticed something else ... this evaluation was completely solitary. I shook my head in disappointment.

Great I thought, perfect time to be Mr. Quiet ! Everyone's going to be talking about my performance yesterday and I'm just supposed to be all silent and to myself ? Whatever , not like I got a choice. Operation isolation starts now.

I stood up and finally looked away from the uniform that hung above my mirror. Threw on my sweatpants, two shirts, a hoody and a sauna sweater. After cutting off the light I tiptoed downstairs unaware that my mother was already waiting in the kitchen.

" Did I hear a girl in your room last night? ", she asked glaring at me over her cup of coffee. Most moms may have warmed up to it with a good morning son but not Mrs.Ladgewick. If something was bothering her it didn't take long for everyone in the room to notice.

" No, it was probably my TV or maybe the music was too loud ma " , I said while grabbing juice from the fridge not looking her direction once. "Sorry about that I'll turn the volume down more " I continued as I tried to dismiss myself with an entire gallon of juice . Mrs.Ladgewick stretched a leg out placing her foot on the opposite wall blocking my only exit and snatched the juice.

Round One Sentel . Prepare yourself.

" If I catch her in this facility after hours all over MY son she better hope she's ranked #1 in the world because I'm kicking her ass. I told you about these fast women Sentel ! You JUST had your first tournament of the year yesterday of course they want a piece of you now don't be dumb. I already talked to your father about this he wants to see you before you do any coaching, training or anything else today rockstar ".

" I don't think I'm coaching or going to team practice today ma just gonna do my own thing today ya know? ," I said trying to convince her I was ok. But mama always knows wassup.

" Sentel if you feel down or something know you don't have to hold it in baby. I will always be here but you gotta meet me halfway let me know what's going on inside will ya ? Is it regret from last night? Are you depressed? You don't cut yourself do you ? Oh, hell no I would've noticed that ," , she rambled.

THAT escalated quickly I said to myself. Haha good try but a tad bit extreme ma , don't you think ? Better luck tomorrow !

"Mom, I'm fine. Just wanna clear my head so I stay focused and don't overwhelm myself. I'll tell dad the same thing before I workout. Love you mama ," I murmured as we embraced and kissed her cheek.
" Love you more " , a worried Mrs. Ladgewick choked as she watched her son jog downstairs to her husband's office.

Coach Ladgewick was at his desk studying a match from yesterday's event. Sentel knocked on the door twice as he stood in the walkway. His father spoke without turning around to greet him.