Out of the Rabbit Hole

Chapter 22

"Andy, can you come downstairs?! Now please!" My head shoots up from resting on my arms, creating a red area where my heavy chin dug in.

I climb off my bed, dropping my phone after realizing it was still in my hands. Me and Simon were texting about the game he had two weeks ago.

They lost by the way.

It was sad for everyone, but I think the coach was especially glum. He threw his clipboard, walked off the field, and grumbled to the school building. They had another game last week, they came out on top this time.

The only reason they didn't win their first game was because of the goalie.

He was good for the most part, but towards the end, got a little ahead of himself. He laughed when he caught the ball, spit foul names at the other team's blunders, and even got pissed when Simon didn't make one goal.

He was being a dick, and when it came time to catch the other team's winning shot, he was the first to watch it hit the back of the goal, sucker-punching everyone's hopes of winning the first game in that one point.

And Simon after the game was bitter. He didn't speak a word until he dropped me off at home, only to say a small goodbye.

I think it's a pride thing.

You know, trying to impress me by winning. Honestly, it amazes me that he can run the length of the field so many times.

It'a a monumental foot in itself.

So after that day, the game became the talk of the week.

Everyone had something to say about it, even people who weren't there to witness. I spoke about it to Simon's friend, who we saw before the game. He wasn't able to see it himself but the rumors pretty much filled him in. I shared my bit on how the goalie was being unsportsmanlike, that there was no reason for his behavior.

He just laughed, nodding as the reply, and continued the science lab. I left his table and worked as well.

That's the story of how I talked to someone other than Simon, Cecil, and the lacrosse team.

I'm so stodgy.

"Yes mom?" My feet follow to the living room where my mother sits studiously in the chair facing the stairwell.

This is a set up.

"Come here, I want to speak with you, personally."

Oh god.

I stroll towards her, moving slower as I get closer to the seat.

"Yes?"

"Sit." My butt is quick to find the comfort of the coffee table top, squishing my floral shorts into the cool face. "I wanted to ask you something, important."

"I thought it was personal."

"It's both."

"Oh." Where is she going with this? I'm a little worried about what she is getting at.

"Well, I have accepted and acknowledged the fact that you are in a relationship. I'm very happy for you, we all are, dad too.However, there are some responsibilities that come with having a boyfriend, Andes."

No.

"Mom, I know it's not-"

"Andy just listen and absorb, not talk back." I quite my mouth, but my thoughts are buzzing with the truth. "Andy, what I'm trying to get at is premarital sex. There! I said it!"

She claps her hands together, showing the anguish she's been going through in her mind.

I knew she was going to say this.