More Than A Game

Chapter 2

Looking upwards from the photo, I could feel my eyes burn. Trying to hold back the tears, I could clearly see the heartbreaking event taking place in my mind. A couple of years ago, when I eighteen, I was picking up Brayden from football practice. We had an argument over something silly and of course I had to give in because I felt guilty seeing him upset. I thought it would be easier if I just gave him a couple of minutes to cool down, but it was the moment I stepped out of the car, that changed my life forever.

Stepping onto the concrete path, I suddenly felt a bead of sweat of building up on my forehead. Turning around, I noticed Brayden rushing towards a dysfunctional couple standing in the mysterious alleyway, throwing vicious words at each other. Trailing behind him, I hoped in my heart that he didn't do anything stupid, but the closer I got towards Brayden, the more concerenced I was becoming. I was confronted, to find an intoxicated adolescent and an anxious women who was also a teenager and had several scars on her face. I remember hearing Brayden's shouts pleading the man to back away and control himself but that only made matters worse. As the intoxicated man took a sharp swipe towards him, I could see Brayden's body jerking backwards trying to maintain his balance. Before I had a chance to react, the man tightly grasped Brayden's stomach as the groans of agony projected from Brayden as he gasped for air. Tears trickled down my cheek as I glanced over my shoulder to find the women suddenly disappearing. Finding an empty beer bottle laying on the concrete, my heart began to beat faster as the moans of pain from Brayden began to intensify. Scrambling to grab the bottle, I was hoping that all of this was a just a dream but the moaning from Brayden proved it was all reality. Within an instant, my hands began to tremble as I forcefully smashed a bottle over the intoxicated stranger. The man dropped to the floor in a dizzy heap as Brayden collapsed on the floor struggling to breath. I rushed over to Brayden's body which knelt across on the wet, path of concrete. Looking into his brown eyes, I could feel my heart shattering into pieces as I realised that I failed at the one thing that I thought I was actually good at; protecting one of the only people who gave me a real reason to live.

Making my way out of the car and onto the steps of the front of my house, I was nervous. I know I should at least smile because of Chad Wingard, but the letter was making me nervous and now that the memories of the awful night were brought back, I don't know if I am able to cope with it all. I put on fake smile because I didn't want mum to worry, she's been through enough, I didn't need her to deal with my emotions.

Staring at my watch, it was already 6:30pm. Boy, was I really late. I pushed the key into the keyhole and opened the door. Walking through the front of the house, I could smell the herby aroma. Stepping into the kitchen, I saw mum chopping the vegetables and Brayden who was washing up. Without saying anything, Brayden turned around.

"hey Carmen. You're finally home, I thought you might have gotten lost" he added with a laugh. I couldn't help but bite my lip. I was still emotional after the photo; I sighed. Brayden stared at me in concern but I could tell that he didn't want to ask me anything.

"CARMEN. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I HAVE BEEN WORRIED SICK ABOUT YOU" mum began yelling. Her eyes had a tinge of dark red, I could tell she might have not been happy with my lateness.

"I'm sorry. I was caught up with something." I choked. To here mum bursting out in anger was something very new. I don't think I've ever seen her this angry about anything.

"That's what you said to me about a couple of hours ago" her tone now changed into concern. I wanted to tell her everything but no matter which way I put it, the time wouldn't be good. Mum walked up to me and gave me a hug. I looked up at Brayden who gave a smile. I smiled back.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you. I understand, it was a big day for all of us, right Brayden"

"Hmm yes, your superstar footballer son agrees."

After dinner, mum was busy doing some chores in the garden while Brayden decided to join me while I sitting quietly on couch.

"Alright, spill it. What's up Carmen?"

"What are you on about Brayden?"

"When you walked in the door you were all bright and happy but when I looked you in the eyes, I could tell they were red and that could mean one thing"

I hated it when Brayden was right. Yes, I appreciated that he cared for me but I just struggled to tell him about the photo. I sighed. His eyes widened as I explained the photo I found on my found and the awful memories that it brought. I tried to hold back the tears once again today. Brayden reached in as he hugged me.

"Carmen, you should blame yourself about it. That night wasn't your fault. I was sixteen and was a whiney kid. I pushed you to the limit and you were just trying to help. If there's anyone to blame, it was me. I shouldn't have rushed up to a couple who were strangers to us."

"You were only trying to help. I don't know anyone else who would do you did."

I was thankful to have someone to talk to. As much as it was difficult to get my thoughts of my chest, it was nice to have someone there to listen to you. Since the night of the attack, we haven't really spoken about it properly so I guess it was a good outcome for both of us.

"Before I forget, this is for you" Brayden handed me an envelope. I grasped it tightly in my hands. Why would the university. I opened the envelope as I began to read the letter. I could feel my heart beginning to beat rapidly. I reread the letter to try to soak in the what was written. I could hear Brayden repeatedly asking about the context of the letter. I handed it to him.

"Dear Miss Richwald. We regret to inform you that your classes for the upcoming week has been suspended. Please come in on Monday morning to discuss further. Sorry for any inconvenience." he looked at me in disbelief. "Carmen. I'm really sorry."

"No, I'm sorry. " I snapped at him as I snatched the letter out of his. Storming in my room, I slammed the door shut. I sat on my bed as my mind began to ramble as I tried to come up with reasons why the letter said what it said. Does mum know about the letter or did was she just trying to protect my feelings? I was worried, this was the last thing that I needed right now. Guess I was stuck waiting until Monday to discover my fate.