Mr. I Don't Smile

14. royals

14. royals

Ciera

"When I said I'd do anything to help you, this is not what I meant," Theo grunted out from under me.

"How dare you talk to your queen this way, peasant!"

"See? This is exactly what I mean."

"But it's so much fun! You can stop being my footrest now." Theo got off his hands and knees and glared at me.

"Just because you broke your leg doesn't mean you're privileged."

"That's exactly what it means. You can go on your break now."

"Are you done?" he deadpanned.

"Yes," I grumbled. "Thanks for playing along, I guess. It gets really boring around here when you can't move as you used to."

"It's all good. Now let's get to school." Theo helped me off my bed and hoisted me up on his back. Then he grabbed my crutches and took me down the stairs. We had come to terms with some sort of routine in the morning. Theo was a giant help, along with Clara, surprisingly.

She really was trying.

Camila had called my parents and told them what happened. All they cared about was how much the hospital bill cost. But with all the money they were worth, I didn't know why they were so worried. And they didn't even ask to talk to me.

It hurt less than it usually did. Maybe I was growing desensitized and numb. Maybe I was just apathetic and indifferent.

Either way, it probably wasn't good.

Later, we all got into my car. Theo was in front and I was next to him. Rosalie and Clara were in the back.

"I knew you'd let me drive your car," he grinned.

"Don't get ahead of yourself. I'm unable to right now and Clara can't drive for shit."

"Hey!" Clara exclaimed from the back. "I can drive!"

"Then why aren't you in your car?"

She was silent after that.

When we got to the high school, Theo offered to walk me over to my locker. "No thanks. I have something to do first."

)()(

"What?" Coach Beth asked once again.

"I'm quitting the track team," I repeated.

"But why? You're our star player. We need you, Ciera."

"I know I'm going to be out for eight weeks. And after hearing that, I guess I feel empty? I realize it's . . . it's not my calling. Running is not what I want to do. I'm graduating this year, and I want to take that time to focus on the things I do."

"As in, music and painting?"

"Yes."

Coach Beth nodded and got some paperwork. After I signed, she looked at me sadly. "Just, come back every once and a while, alright? You're going to do great things in the world."