Friends Without Benefits

Chapter 8

Chapter Eight            

                Somehow I was able to survive cooking class with my unbearable partner, mainly because Mrs. White gave us a quiz on measurements. I was very thankful for that; I didn’t think I could handle anymore comments from Trey. Since his hurtful, aggravating remark at the mall yesterday, I had managed to ignore him by avoidance, mainly. Although he tried to say a few things to me here and there, usually in a joking manner, I avoided him when I could and ignored him when I couldn’t leave his presence. But ignoring Trey only got tougher as the day progressed, which was why I was thankful this one time in my life to take a quiz.

                The remainder of the day flew by rather quickly, until it was time to stay after school for the guys’ soccer practice. As usual, I brought over all the equipment to the practice field and set the cones up how Coach Wilson wanted them. I was still setting the cones up by the time most of the soccer players started arriving, yet I knew the coach would want to give them instructions while I finished.

                By the time I finished, the guys were starting to jog onto the field. When they started their warm up exercises, I busied myself by condensing some of the supplies on the sideline. In the middle of doing my busywork, I heard shouting coming from the field. And for once during practice, the shouting wasn’t coming from Coach Wilson.

                “You’re not denying it, then?” one guy shouted.

                “Why would I? It’s true!” another yelled back. Then the sound of a bone crushing followed, obviously indicating the verbal fighting had become physical.

                “Break it up, boys!” the coach ordered.

                The two guys fighting didn’t listen though. I decided to get closer to see who was fighting, only to gape in shock at the sight before me. There Matt was, trying to beat Trey into a bloody pulp. Unfortunately, Trey seemed to be fighting Matt equally, making the physical altercation even worse to watch. Not even three full minutes passed by, and they both already had bloody faces and bruised hands.

                “Pull them apart!” Coach Wilson told the other players. A few guys did so, holding Trey and Matt back from pulling anymore punches.

                “What’s this about?” the coach growled, clearly displeased with his players’ behavior.

                Neither Matt or Trey answered Coach Wilson. They simply continued to glare at each other, both breathing heavily. I immediately noticed that Matt had a swollen, split lip that was bleeding. Trey’s nose also seemed to be bleeding, indicating it could be broken.

                “Roberts!” the coach called, grabbing my full attention.

                “Yes, sir?”

                “Accompany Trey to the nurse and explained what happened—or at least what we saw happen. She should still be there at this time. Then bring back some extra ice for Matt,” he said.

                “Coach, don’t make her go with him,” Matt interjected, sending another look of hatred toward Trey.

                “Shut it, Matt. I’m in charge here,” Coach Wilson snapped. He nodded to me, which I took as my signal to leave with Trey then. I held back a sigh and complied, following Trey in the direction of the nurse’s office.

                Trey and I walked in silence for most of the way off the field. I was just one step behind Trey, wishing I could’ve checked on Matt before leaving.