The Boy in the Jersey ✔️

23

Chapter 23

Thalia showed up at five o'clock exactly. After I had filled her in with the situation and everything that was going on. When I got done ranting she just stared at me with wide eyes and an open mouth.

"What a prick. What did Josh say?"

"He didn't know that his dad said anything to me. He just thinks I left."

"And you've been ignoring him for the last week?"

"Four days" I correct

"Irrelevant" she says with a dry tone

"I didn't know what to do. I felt like that same weak little girl I was back in middle school. He hit close to home and I let my doubts take over"

Thalia lets out a breath as she finishes up the braid in my hair.

"As Logan's girlfriend I hate the guy. But as your best friend, I saw how happy you were Kelly. I saw the looks he gave you. I don't think he was using you. He was already captain before he met you. I'm proud of you for doing this tonight Kel."

I smile at her and wrap my arms around her to engulf her in a tight hug.

"Can't breath Kelly."

I pull anyway and release her before smiling at her again.

"Thank you Thalia. I know I'm putting you in a tough position and I'm really gonna owe you. But I really appreciate it."

"Of course Kelly. You're like my sister. I'd do anything for you"

My moms voice trails up the stairs.

"Girls are you coming? We're gonna be late!"

Thalia and I share one more look before heading down the stairs. As we pass by Logan's room he steps outside and leans against his doorframe.

Thalia and I stop at his door.

"Baby are you sure you don't want to come?"

Logan shakes his head.

"No. But tell the team I wish them good luck."

Thalia leans in a gives him a kiss on the cheek before she grabs my arm and we go downstairs.

We rush outside and get in my moms car before she dives away.

**

"You girls go get us some seats I'm going to pick up some snacks." Mom says as we walk into the field.

Thalia and I head to our normal spot in the front row and take a seat just as our team got the ball.

We were playing against the North Tigers. They were a good team but they always came up short. I knew we had this game in the bag.

My eyes scanned the football field looking for Josh. When I finally saw him my heart sunk into my stomach.

He had bags under his eyes and he had grown out his stubble. Even from here I could tell he was wore out and distracted. His head wasn't in the game.

"What did you do to him?" Thalia asks

I look at her and see the sympathy in her eyes.

"I didn't think he would take it that bad" I mumble

"Kelly he obviously likes you. You need to talk to him soon."

I look back toward the field just as Josh gets tackled to the ground. The sound of the bodies hitting echoed throughout the field. When the ref pulled the Tiger players off of him Josh didn't move.

I watch in horror as my dad jogs out to where Josh is laying on the ground now clutching his shoulder. My dad takes off Josh's helmet and I can't help but cringe at the look on his face. He looked so broken.

My dad and Josh exchange a few words before my dad helps him off the ground. Josh is still clutching his shoulder as he walks off the field and towards the locker room.

Thalia and I share a look before I rush towards the locker rooms. I pass by my mom who watches me run by her, but I don't pay any attention. My mind was focused on getting to Josh.

I push open the locker room door and look around frantically for him or my dad. Voices in the back room caught my attention and I head there.

"I can't coach. I just can't do it anymore." I hear Josh say

"Josh I know you don't think-"

"No goddamnit I can't!" Josh screams at my dad.

He takes a deep breath before he speaks again.

"I can't be captain anymore. Even if I didn't get injured. My head isn't in it. I can't focus, I haven't been sleeping at night. I just- I need a break."

I hear my dad let out a sigh.

"Who do you recommend I make captain then?"

"Logan"

"Logan? He isn't even on the team anymore."

"I know. But he deserves it. He has such a passion for the game and it's my fault he isn't part of the team anymore. It's the least I can do."

"Josh he isn't apart of the team because he wasn't acting like a team player. He let his anger towards me get the best of him. That's not a quality that a captain needs to have."

"If I'm not on the team anymore he won't have a problem. He's the best option coach. Nobody knows the team or the plays better."

"I'll think about it" my dad says

I hear footsteps walk towards the door but stop at Josh's voice.

"Coach?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you tell Kelly I'm sorry?"

"Just give her some time kid. Now you need to rest up."

My heart clenched.

The door swings open and my dad stops in his tracks when he sees  me.

"Honey What are you doing here?" He asks as he shuts the door behind him.

"I came to make sure he's alright. I was going to wait until after the game but I needed to see him."

"Go easy on him honey. He just quit the team"

"I heard"

My dad claps a hand on my shoulder and kisses the top of my head.

"I have to go deal with the team. Stay as long as you need to honey and I'll come get you when the game is over."

I nod my head at my dad and flash him a weak smile.

He gives me a quick hug before he leaves the locker room, rubbing the back of his neck.

I rub my palms on my shorts and take a deep breath preparing myself to talk to him.

I didn't know how this was going to go. I hoped it would go good but I wasn't sure.

I zip up my jacket and text my mom to tell her I wasn't coming back to the game.

I settle my nerves and grab the handle and slowly twist.