The Omission Behind Ones Devotion

Chapter 30

Brayden's POV:

It doesn't take a genius to know that Hayden's shoulder was bothering her, but I knew there was more than pain behind her tear filled doe eyes.

I fiddle with the keys in my pocket before sliding the key into the lock, unlocking the door walking in after Hayden.

I'm the student aid for Ms. Dunbark which meant not only did I have a key to the sports med classroom, but with football she gives me full access to the supplies.

Hayden began pacing back-n-forth, her back towards me. All that was audible was a few small sniffles. I turn back closing the door behind me before turning back reaching out to turn Hayden's body around. Immediately her eyes dart to mine, filled with concern, worry, but most of all defeat.

"I can't Bray..." she began but was cut off by rapid breathing, as she replaces her words with sobs. She backs away combing her fingers along her scalp forcefully. I could see herself beating herself up, and god did I want to run up to that fucking coach and rip him to shreds, but I can't.

Hayden's POV

"Shhh it's okay Hayden," I hear Brayden say but it's no use. For some reason I can't calm myself down, even if I tried. My thoughts swam sporadically throughout my head going a thousand miles per hour, and my heart matched.

If we lose tonight it's on me.

If I mess up tonight, I will let my whole team down.

I'll let my dad down.

"Hayden you need to calm down, your starting to hyperventilate," Brayden eyes went from soft and concerning to fearful and frantic in the matter of a second.

"I... I..." I start but the words don't seem to come out.

Brayden scans my face once more before taking one giant step towards me, wrapping his arms around me enclosing me into a tight hug.

My chest was flush against his, and as time went on I felt my panic transfer off with every deep breath.

It was as if he were some kind of halo, that his presence had the ability to override my own emotions, calming me down in an instant.

Once I had calmed down I pulled away from his warm embrace, laughing as I look down at his shirt that was now wet with tear drops.

"I'm sorry," I say wiping my nose.

He didn't say anything but instead just looked at me, there was a small glint in his eyes but I wasn't quite sure what it meant.

He shook his head, bringing his right hand behind the nape of his neck causing my eyes to drift to his bicep.

"How about we take care of that shoulder," he asked ushering me to sit on the examination table.

I take my seat hearing the crinkling of the white paper underneath me as I shimmy myself  further back.

He returns with KT tape and a pain relieving balm I'm either hand a small blush creeping up to his ears.

"Uh, do u mind if I-," his eyes drifted from my eyes to my jersey as I figured out what he was implying.

"Oh yeah sorry," I begin slipping my arm out of my long sleeve jersey with a wince giving him full access of my left arm and shoulder.

He stood behind me massaging my bicep moving up to my shoulder. I tried to focus my mind on the wall trying to seem as unaffected as I could, which seemed impossible as his fingers dipped underneath my sports bra rubbing the skin therapeutically.  My body stiffens as his hand trails downward to my lower back kneeling away, the strong peppermint scent of consuming my senses.