His Only Savior | #Wattys2019

~11~

            Another week rolled by and I avoided Isaac like he was the plague. He didn't attempt to make contact, but I still couldn't stand being in the same room as him. Every day during Econ all I thought about was the sight of him making love to Brittany. Luckily this week was a bye week for the guys, which meant there would be no line up for the game. However, Coach McClary was forcing us to show up and watch the scrimmage they were hosting from the sidelines.

            When the final bell rang, I met Becca and we made our way down. The boys weren't on the field yet, so I slipped out of my jeans and into my cheer shorts. Becca followed my lead and tossed me one of my practice tanks, "We don't want funky tan lines." She laughed as she removed her blouse and slid on her own tank top.

           I was just pulling mine down as the boys began to reach the field. Charles gave Bec a kiss before heading over to the coaches with the rest of his team. "You two are too cute!" I pointed as her playful, which only earned me a smirk and nibble on the tip of my finger. "Did you just—"

            "Yes, I did," she laughed, "and I'll do it again!"

            We made yourselves comfy as we waited, she sat crisscross apple sauce while I used her lap as a pillow. To my delight, Isaac and Brittany walked to the field hand in hand. I almost threw up at the sight, I didn't understand what she had that I didn't. He said he didn't want to hurt me, but I was beginning to think that was just his polite way of turning me down.

            "Hello? Earth to Emily," Becca waved her hand in front of my face. "Don't stare its weird."

            "Sorry, I was off in space I didn't even realize."

             "If you say so," she said questionably. "Okay, so changing the subject how are you and Sean?"

            "Okay, we are just staying friends for now. He came over the other night and we talked for a long time about everything, which he seemed oddly relaxed about."

             "I know Charles said Sean is trying to understand how you feel," she half smile but it fell flat. "I think he's just worried he's always going to be second best." When I didn't respond she pressed on, "Is he just your back up plan?"

            "No, I honestly just don't want to be with anyone right now. I need to focus on college apps and getting as far away from this town as possible." I rolled to face the field as the whistle blew signaling the start of the scrimmage.

            "I support that decision whole heartedly," she rubbed my back as we watched the guys. A comfortable silence fell over us as we admired our team, if they kept it up they would be heading for the playoffs.

            Into the second half Isaac got tackled hard, the wind knocked from his lungs. He stood up, clearly in pain. When he thought no one was looking he pulled his shirt up to inspect the damage and sure enough his ribs were painted with the same black and blue bruising they had been the night he stayed with me. My heart ached for him, I couldn't understand the pain he was going through at home. Mainly because he didn't allow me the chance to. It did make me wonder however, if Brittany was aware of the abuse.

            Isaac took it easy after the hit, most likely in an attempt to keep someone from bruising them further. When the scrimmage ended, he hurried off the field and towards the locker rooms. I shrugged it off, I didn't understand him anymore and I wasn't going to keep trying. I decided to hang back and run a few laps around the track after everyone cleared out. Becca had a date with Charles otherwise she would have joined me.

           Once my legs grew tired and my lungs burned, I decided to walk, placing my hands on my head. As I made my way back around the track a tall dark figure emerged from the darkness, suddenly illuminated by the field lights. My heart sunk at the sight of Isaac, tears staining his cheeks. I pushed my feelings to the side and kept walking, ignoring him entirely.