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El's revelation bothered Theo more than he let on.
Not because of her choice — that was entirely hers to make — but because of how college inevitably meant plans for the long haul. Because of how it introduced problems of his own.
When he decided to go with Zach out of the blue, it was to figure out where he stood in life. To find out who he really was. To try to forgive himself. Now that most of that was accomplished, what was left to do now? Logically, there was nothing left in this little town that he needed.
Nothing except for one.
"Hey," Zach smacked the side of his head, no remorse. "I thought brooding season for Theodore Samuels was over. What's up?"
He sighed. "What are your plans for the future, Zach?"
The blond blinked, not expecting this question at all. "Short-term? To win this damn championships," he shrugged. "It's the only thing that gives me so much drive. Long-term? There's endless possibilities. Move back to San Diego. Apply for advanced competitions and see where that leads me. Or maybe I'll get a scholarship. Who knows?"
"That's all easy for you to say," he muttered, "because there's nothing tying you down, man, not really."
"Not true." Zach pointed a finger at his face. "Everyone has things tying them down, Theo. Some harder than others. But no one has an easy choice." He slouched back on the couch, staring at the ceiling.
"No one ever does."
***
This was the first time he felt nervous as he visited El's house despite having been there so many times before.
"So good to see you, Theo, my boy!" El's grandmother pulled him down into a tight hug, and he almost lost his balance.
"Grandma!" El let out. "He can't breathe!"
"Oh." The old woman immediately let him go, and he released theawkward breath that he was holding, rubbing his neck awkwardly. "Sorry, dear."
