The Game We Play *Editing*

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I tap my fingers on the arm of the couch. Brooke is upstairs finishing up some work for school while Brittany and I are waiting for her to come downstairs for the game. I, thankfully, have sneakers on today. My feet still hurt from the engagement party yesterday. It all went super well especially after E! left. I felt like I could finally breathe and I think so did everyone else. Once Heather found me cooped up with half the team in my Dad's den watching the FSU game, she dragged me back downstairs.

Willow and my mom have already headed over to the stadium since they have box seats. I usually get the seats in the end zone. When Brady and Max don't have games, they usually come with but they couldn't make it this time. Especially after their huge win over Memphis. I told my sister to give the tickets to someone.

"What happened with you and Carson when you two disappeared?" Brittany asks me. I stop tapping against the side of the couch and readjust.

"Hm nothing. He was just making sure I was okay," I shrug picking at the ends of my jean shorts. I can't believe he remembered that I have anxiety. Pretty bad. I've had anxiety since I can remember. It happens sometimes suddenly or in stressful situations or actually all the time. It's like get this panicky feeling in my chest for no reason at all, just causally planning for the worse at all times.

When Carson and I were studying for a project I had a bad day. Trevor and I got into a fight because I was anxious and it all fell from there. I had a panic attack and Carson was there.

I just guess I didn't think he'd remember what I told him.

"Were anxious?" Brittany asks.

I shake my head, "Not really just needed a minute."

Brittany nods her head in understanding. "Do you think anything is going to happen with those E! pictures?"

"Shit. I don't know. Did we really look suspicious?" I ask. I chew on the inside of my cheek. We are so screwed.

"Okay, don't panic yet. We don't a hundred percent know that they will release that picture as a stand alone or at any capacity," Brittany says. I nod my head trying to calm down my nerves but they only seem to be getting worse.

Where the hell is Brooke?

I grab my phone from next to me to text her or call her. I need to distract myself plus my mom will kill me if I am late for the first game of the season but before I get the chance to call her she comes pummeling down the stairs.

"Sorry! Sorry. I'm done," she says swinging her bag around frantically. Brittany bites her lip to keep herself from laughing. Brooke stumbles down the last two steps and stands in front of us.

"You can take a breath you know," I laugh at her. I stand up from the couch as she places her hands on her knees. She waves a hand in my direction shaking her head.

"Nah, I'm good."

Brittany laughs as we head towards the door with Brooke panting behind us. I lock up the house and head towards my car.

"Jesus, Beckham. Slow the hell down, still dying back here," Brooke wheezes out as I swing open my car door.

"Sorry, I just don't want to be late. My mom and sister will know if I am late," I say waving my hand behind at her. I slow down though and get into my car. Everyone piles into my car, the hot air thick and only growing thicker with all of us in the car. I turn the car on and speed out of my driveway.