When The Time Comes (Completed)

Chapter 2 (All Stars)

My father was sitting on the dining room table, the playbook wide open, looking very disgruntled. "You were supposed to be home an hour ago," he says tapping his fingers on the table. "Practice ran late," I say sitting across from him," Coach taught us new plays and..." "Have you learned the ones your brother used to win the state championship?" He cuts me off, pushing the playbook towards me. "Yes, I did..." "Okay, recite them to me..." I had to spend an hour going over theoretical plays. "Go do your homework," he says getting up after I know I passed his test," and please do not disturb your brother. He has a big game tomorrow and needs his rest." Damian, my all star older brother, was in college now , playing for our father's alma mater as the first string running back. I would never be able to play at college level, no matter how hard I tried, so I had to win the State Championship to please my father. The district trophy had done nothing to make him happy. I barely saw Damian as it was so I snuck into his room, ignoring my father. "Hey Damian..." His room was dark, no light except from the hallway which quickly disappeared as I closed the door. "M...your finally home..." I hugged my brother, taking a moment to feel the little warmth left in the house. "How was practice?" He asks softly. "Intense like always," I say dryly. "Is Michael still giving you a hard time?" He asks, his voice rough. "Yeah but Leo's got my back," I assure," now I better go before dad catches me in here again." "I love you, M..." "I love you too, D"
It was hard, he couldn't let him down. I knew I was a disappointment no matter how hard I tried. Well there was nothing to cry about anymore. I couldn't give up, not anymore.