A Beat in the Stars

16

This morning I had my alarm set to 5:15, so I got to do my skincare routine and get rid of the bags I was starting to get. I eat an actual breakfast and wore a nice outfit. I got to school early but just sat in my truck cause morning practice was rained out. I did great in all my class and was excited when school let out, till I realized I couldn't make practice because of work.

"Shiro!" I called when I saw him outside of school. "I can't make practice today."

"What? But Lance we need you. You're our captain." Shiro spoke softly, less like a commanding leader, and more like a disappointed father, "You already left early yesterday."

"They had already finished their stuff, and I have to get to work. Shiro, I can't miss another shift. Please." I didn't care whether Shiro said yes or no I was going to work, I just didn't want to get penalized.

"Alright, but I expect extra effort tomorrow!" Shiro called as I ran to my truck and drove off. I worked for 4 hours, so I got off at 6:52

I notice a missed call from Keith, so I called him back.

Keith-H-Hello*sniffles*

ME-Hey, Keith are you alright? You sound like you're crying.(I got worried and sat in my truck, and turned off the ignition)

Keith-I... I yeah I-I am...*sniffle*

ME- Don't try and lie to me, Keith... I'm coming over. (I made up my mind and started driving toward Keith's house)

Keith-You d-don't have t-to.*sniffles*

ME-I've made up my mind. I'm already on my way. 

Keith-B-but y-you have s-school t-tomorrow. *sniffles*

ME- I know, but you're more important than a piece of homework I can turn in late. You're not changing my mind, Keith.

Keith- O-okay. P-please hurry.*about to cry more*

ME- I'm going as fast as I can, don't worry I'll be there soon ok? Just keep talking to me, okay?

Keith- o-okay*chokes on a sob*

ME- Hey, come on. Remember that time Pidge tried to drink a whole icee in one sip and got brain freeze? 

Keith- N-no.

ME- Come on, her face was turned up really funny and she had her thumb on the roof of her mouth. We were all out celebrating Shiro's graduation, remember?

Keith- K-kind o-of, b-but n-not m-much

ME:  Hey Keith, do you miss me?

Keith- Y-yes. (he mumbled, sounded sad)

ME-Then why haven't you opened you're bedroom door.

Keith threw open the door and tackled me in a hug, I almost fell over while he sobbed into my shoulder. I picked him up and carried him back to his bed.

"Hey, you're wearing my jacket," I smiled, trying to take his mind off whatever was making him cry. It hurt seeing him cry.

"It makes me feel safe," Keith said through a sob. I just blushed and started rubbing his back, not trusting my own voice not to squeak. I shushed him gently, and eventually, he fell asleep. I lay down, letting Keith used me as a pillow. Eventually falling asleep to.

~The Next Morning~

I once again woke up to an alarm that wasn't mine. I felt Keith sit up and followed suit, rubbing my eyes. I watched Keith walk to the bathroom and plopped back on the bed. I saw Keith come back in and sat up once more.

"You don't need to go to school," I said, knowing he probably wasn't gonna listen.

"I have to. it's our last practice before our first competition tomorrow. Even though I'd rather stay at home right now," He said.

"You can go to afternoon practice, hell go to school late if you want. But you're not going to school now," I stood my ground, hoping he'd listen. He looked at the ground. 

"Look I'll even drive you there, you're mom can write a sick note. Please, just don't push yourself too much." I pleaded.

"I-," he started but there was a bang on his door. "YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT SKIPPING YOU'LL NEVER HEAR THE END OF IT," A woman shouted, causing me to jump. Keith flinched and tears formed in his eyes. I heard him whimper and got up.

"Grab your bags," I sighed in defeat. Keith grabbed his bags and varsity jacket with shaky hands, putting his books in his bag. I took the bags from him and led him down to my car, making it known throughout the house that we were leaving with the sound of my loud footsteps. I put his bags in the back where mine still are from yesterday and open the passenger door for him. Then get in the driver's side and start backing out. 

When we get to his school instead of dropping him off I get out and start toward the doors. 

"L-lance what are you doing. You need a pass to get in. Our school security is tight," he showed a pass to the scanner and a clicking noise sounded.

"I'm going to talk to you're mom, she works here right?" I replied, fuming about that stupid girl in Keith's house.

"Yes she does, but I'll be fine today. I don't have any classes with her. Just promise me you'll come to our competition tomorrow. It starts at 1:30 pm," Keith said.

I stood for a moment more before giving in, "Fine, but call me if you need me. No matter what. OK?" 

Keith nodded and smiled, I gave him a small smile back. when I got back in the truck and looked at the time I knew I was gonna miss practice. Shiro is gonna be pissed.

Shiro is pissed. I'm told that instead of practice with everyone else, I'll be running laps till I learn what being a 'team player' is. I don't tell him why I'm late, and I think he might know.