The Lies We Told On Thursday Nights

15. Thursday: Effed Up (Levi)

Hi everyone! Here is another chapter! I have my next one planned out and may post it either this weekend or next weekend. So, you may catch something Emery says about eating disorders. A lot of people with eating disorders don't see it as an illness, nor see it as a psychiatric illness either. But it is.

Also, I know I have been focusing more on building up Levi's character, but they are going to even out soon. I am trying to identify Emery's voice, but I have Levi's down (if that makes sense.)

Also there is cursing in this chapter--uncencoered. But very little.

Levi

Thursday- 1:27

I kept imagining jumping from the top of the bleachers where Coach Rick and I were standing.

He had a disgusting disappointed look, "Levi, your grades are too low."

I knew what this meant, it meant I was off the team. Which was fine with me, but wouldn't be fine with my dad. I already could feel his spit on my face and his abusive words tearing my dignity.

"I know, Coach," I tried to seem apologetic. "I really am trying to raise them."

He chuckled slightly, hearing me say this line countless times before.

"This time though, it really is your last straw so," he spoke slowly but hesitated before his next words. "I'm telling your father."

He frowned remorsefully, holding his clipboard to his chest.

He doesn't know everything, he doesn't know the nights I've spent crying, and the occasional hitting, and every day hating my father almost as much as I hate myself.

I was not going to let him tell my dad.

"Coach," I sounded utterly desperate. "Please don't tell my father, not yet."

I hated sounding this desperate, but in all honesty, I was.

He shifted weight, obviously contemplating whether to spare my life.

He grunted, glancing out at the field. "Fine, but I'm giving you until Tuesday. Okay? I expect you to be passing every class."

I nodded, realizing I would have to raise at least three of my classes by 4% and two courses by 2% in order to have C- in those 5 classes.

"You hear me, Levi?" he used that brooding coach tone.

We both knew this was nearly impossible. It was inevitable that I fail.

"Yes, coach" I tried to stay indifferent. Part of me wanted to tell him I'd never make it and his request was ludicrous, but it wasn't his request. It was an official law written by my dad.

He gave me a pitiful look, a 'goodbye, you are screwed' look. He knew he just signed my death warrant.

I was a lost cause, a lost cause who had 4 days to raise 5 grades 2 or more percents. A single test only brings your grade up 1 to 3 percent.

I was sulking in my own self-sorrow as I exited the stadium, walking against the teenage traffic.

Upon entering the main building, a quiet voice came up on my left.

I hesitantly looked up, in no mood to talk to anyone.

"Levi," the girl stammered.

I glared sideways to find Emery walking beside me. She wore a look of concern and uneasiness.

She was a few inches shorter than me and seemed out of breath as I began walking faster.

But Emery kept my stride. I tried to ignore her, clenching my fists.