Playing the Field

Here We Are

I back up a few steps and launch the ball to Drill. He takes exaggerated steps into the end zone and once there he spikes the ball, "Skinner threw the ball to Banks and together they just made the best touchdown in history! And the crowd goes wild!" Drill then makes breathless screams of excitement.

I roll my eyes, "Boy, why you so dramatic?"

He jogs to me, "Girl, why can't you admit that I'm funny?"

I push his shoulder and we walk to our bags. I check my phone and see a missed call from my dad.

I call him and we have a quick conversation. Drill drives off campus and to the house we share. Neither of us wanted the dorm life and grandpa decided that paying for a small apartment for us would be our birthday gifts until we graduate.

He stops for fast food and I call my best friend, "Austin," I say.

"Yo, big Aus," Drill yells into my phone.

"Hey guys, how goes it?"

"We're good, I just wanted to call you." I say.

We're all in our second year of college and football season begins in a week. I've been crazy busy with interviews and opening fan mail and keeping up with my social media. My life has gotten rather insane; people just love the fact that I was raised in a sexist town and still played ball.

I beat the odds, I won a championship title in my senior year. I'm going to play the third quarter of the first game of the season.

It was hard to stay in touch with everyone but I made sure to clear my schedule and have my agent prolong any interviews. Yes, I can't believe I have an agent either but my life demanded one.

Drill drove us home and I see the lights before I heard the music. Across the street is a Frat house and they are always throwing insane parties. Drill goes every now and then but I would rather get as much sleep as I can.

We live on the third flight and I tease Drill about needing the workout as he has gained ten pounds.

As Drill searches the keys he glances next door, "I saw some young guy move in a few days ago. Thank goodness that old man moved out, he always smelled like moth balls."

I look at the door and say, "Mr. Jenkins was so sweet, Drill. You just want friends."

"Mr. Jenkins was my friend. He just smelled."

We sit on the couch and relax for a few minutes. I was drinking some water when my phone rings, I didn't recognize the number but stupidly answered it anyway.

"Hello?" I said.

"You whore. How dare you disgrace a mans game?"

I sigh, "Don't know how you got my number and saying ugly things doesn't make you a good person."

"What makes you so fucking fit to judge who is a good person? You're a dike bitch." The man said.

"Goodbye." I hang up and quickly block the number.

Drill rubs my leg and I take a deep breath. Sometimes my number gets out and people are quick to leave hate. I get random calls telling me to kill myself. Most of that isn't anything compared to what some of the comments I get on social media.

People are mean but I'm living my dream. There will be hate and that doesn't make it easier and it hurts but in try my best to not let it get me down.

I have a wall in my room covered with pictures of kids I have inspired. Seeing that lifts my soul each time. But other times it is hard to get past the crude things I am told.

My family and friends and coaches have all been contacted with similar messages. They all say that any attention is good attention. I disagree with that.

"Your turn to take out the trash." Drill said, handing me my knife.

We spilt the chores down the middle and I dutifully get the garbage bag and walk outside. I fling it in the dumpster and stare at the party going on next door.

I see a friend of mine, Nia, through a window and curiously watch as a guy presses himself against her backside. She shakes her head and shoves him away but he keeps touching her, pulling on her dress to come off. I see her mouth open in a scream that gets drown out by the blaring music.

I race to the door and push people out of my way. I don't know the house and have a tough time navigating. I found the stairs and went to the second floor and burst through each room. Finally, I found Nia and saw in horror the guy keep her pinned against the wall, pull her panties down and tug his belt off.

"No, please, no." Nia pleads.

I stomp to the bastard and yank his shirt. He's a big dude and luckily his drunken state made him off balance. He glares at me through bleary eyes, "What, you wanna join?"

I knee his groin and he falls to the ground. I grab Nia and adjust her torn clothing. The guy tried to grab one of us but I pull out my knife and point it at him, "Don't even think about it." I back us up and don't let my eyes leave him.

He stayed on the floor and I practically dragged Nia's drunk butt to my apartment.

I throw the door open and Drill is on his feet, helping Nia to the couch. I tell him was happened and we notice the blood coming from Nia's nose. Drill grabs some tissue and I let my eyes roam over Nia's dark skin for anymore marks.

I brush her curly hair out of her face, "You okay?" Most girls at the college didn't like me very much, thinking I thought I was so much better than them and that I only played football to get closer to guys. Nia was different. She's become my closest girlfriend here. Who I am and what I do doesn't matter to her, all she wants from me is me.

She nods, "I'm fine."

I bump our shoulders, "I thought you were studying tonight."

"I was but then I wanted a little break." She grins.

"Want me to beat some ass?" Drill offers.

"Not worth it, he'll hear it from my brother tomorrow." Did I men at that Nia's brother is a professional cage fighter?

"You're staying in my room tonight," in say and lead her there. I give her some water and clothes to rest in. I left her sleeping peacefully.

"Wow," Drill said as I curl up next to him, "Who raised that piece of shit to not respect a woman. Sad, can't believe guys still do that shit."

I shake my head, "Just glad I saw it before it got worse."

"You should have called me, I would've actually cut him."

"Didn't have enough time and we don't need you going to jail. You won't make it." I grin.

"True, I might have to join a gang for protection."

I roll my eyes, "No gang would want you,"

"Killing me, Av's. Anyway, I hope this doesn't set the tone for the rest of the year. First that dick calling and now this, just awful." Drill started eating some chips.

"No, I have a feeling this year will be great." I say, hoping the words would be true.

***

Yikes, already back at it with the drama! Sorry! I had to get your attention!

Yay, finally got this sequel going! So proud of myself.

So, already plenty of cleverly placed hints in this chapter that will give you a glimpse of what to expect in this book!

Shout out to tasneem_812 for the cover!

Any ideas?

Hope you liked it!

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~Peace