The Love We Found

Chapter 19

Axels POV:

I woke up with a groan, I forgot to shut the curtains so the sun was going right into my eyes. After yesterday my body was stiff. Today was Friday meaning the last game of the season. If the team doesn't win, we won't make playoffs. If they win, my first game back would be against the sharks who currently sit in first place without competition because my team hasn't done so well since I was injured. Today also means I need to be on my best behavior so Grant and everyone else can focus. I slowly rolled out of bed and headed to take a shower. After my shower I quickly brushed my teeth before taking my pill. I placed my contacts in my eyes before heading to my closet. I put on a tight white button up shirt, tight dark wash jeans, socks, my knee brace (outside my jeans), my black Supras, my dog tags, my bracelet sitting on my right wrist was pulled into view. I finished off my look by sliding my black aviator sunglasses on top of my head.

I walked out of my closet grabbing my backpack along the way. Before I left my room I grabbed my crutches, I placed the strap on top of my backpack into my mouth before sliding the crutches onto my arms. The punishment yesterday left my body stiff and while the shower helped my muscles, it didn't help my knee joint. I slowly made my way down the stairs and into the kitchen where my father noticed me first. He jumped up and made his way over to me, taking my bag from my mouth.

"Why are you using your crutches?"

"Uhm... well I had a freak out yesterday so between kicking walls and doors and my punishment my knee was hurting and I don't want to irritate it anymore."

"Oh okay, good thinking. Well have a seat and eat some breakfast."

"Oh, I'm actually running late. Where's Grant?"

"He texted me this morning to let me know coach called a last minute practice. He asked me to drive you. Now sit and eat. You aren't going to school on an empty stomach."

I groaned, sitting down at the table. "Why did no one tell me? I'm a captain and I should have gone too." I said before take a bite of some toast.

"Exactly why Grant didn't tell you. He said you had a hard day yesterday and your body would need rest. You also were up until 3am again. Oh, before I forget, I'm picking you up at lunch. We had to move your P.T. to today and that was the only time open besides during the game."

"Oh, okay." I looked down to the table.

"What's wrong, Ax?"

"Just tired of everyone telling me what MY body can handle. I'm used to having little sleep more than I'm used to sleeping all night. Without Grant I can't sleep more than five hours. I'm not sleep deprived and I would have just sat on the bench like I've been doing."

"Axel, Grants just doing his job and taking care of you. Why have you never told us you can't sleep without Grant next to you?"

I shrugged, finishing my last piece of toast. "Doesn't matter. I'm fine either way. Let's go." I stood up after placing my bag on my shoulder.

They looked like they were going to argue but decided against it. Probably not wanting to irritate me anymore than I was. My Dad stood up and kissed my father goodbye before we went out the door and he helped me into his truck. We just listened to music on the short drive to school. As I started to climb out of the truck my dad finally spoke.

"I'll be here to pick you up at 11:45, try to have a good day. Love you."

"Okay, love you too."
I placed the strap of my bag into my mouth again and headed inside to my locker.

I was trying to open my locker with my left hand, while balancing on one crutch and one leg. All while still holding my bag in my mouth. No matter how many times I put the combination in, my locker wouldn't open.