Growing Attached To My Competition ✔️

Chapter 25 - Visiting The Patient

"Morning son, how come you're up and here so early?" Sally greeted her son who was sitting alone at one of the diner booths.

It was already 8:30 in the morning and Adrian had no calls, texts or anything from Brody. "I was planning on meeting Brody for breakfast, he was going to help me with my revision but he's kind of late."

Sally took notice of the books Adrian had unloaded onto the booth. "Well I'm at least glad you're taking a bigger priority in your education Adrian."

Adrian nodded along absentmindedly, he was thinking that Brody would come along any minute now.

"Can I get you anything to eat sweetheart?"

Adrian politely declined, deciding he would wait for Brody before ordering.

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20 minutes later and Adrian was still alone in the booth. Adrian pulled out his phone to text Brody.

From Adrian (8:51am): Brody I'm still waiting at the diner, where are you?

Adrian looked at the text message and thought it may come of as too snide. He deleted it and typed another one.

From Adrian (8:52am): Hey, can you not make it to breakfast?

Adrian thought the text was more reasonable, a little bit of whimsical with a touch of softness.

Adrian sent the text message and ordered a full English breakfast to go with his studying.

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Leaving the exam room, Adrian felt a huge sense of relief wash over him. He knew he tried his best and he did genuinely attempt every question he could do. Adrian did believe he could at least get a passing grade despite fumbling on the questions about the nervous system.

Adrian made his way to the gym to join the rest of his team. Adam asked him how he went and Adrian only replied with, "Passable."

After an intense workout they were on their way out of the room when they bumped into Ashley.

"Hey Ashley, what you doing here?" Adrian wondered on why she was outside their practice.

Ashley didn't look all too happy. "I came to talk to Coach Sheen about Brody." She looked very sad and nervous when explaining it. "Brody was attacked at work last night, he got jumped and they smashed the shop up too."

Adrian's heart felt like it was smashed into pieces, tossed onto the ground and stepped on after hearing all of this.

Adrian began to panic internally as he asked Ashley a series of back to back questions, "Wait, what do you mean he was attacked? Who would attack Brody? Is he alright? Where is he now Ashley?"

Adam felt all the tension and anxiety rise from Adrian. He tried to comfort him by placing his hands on Adrian's shoulders.

"The doctor said he's got a concussion and they placed his arm in a cast. He's also got several bruises too but you know Brody, he's feeling optimistic." Ashley weakly laughed at that, knowing that the injuries could have been so much worse if the random stranger didn't call for an ambulance when he walked past the bakery.

'Maybe that's why he didn't show up this morning, he was hurt and you didn't even know.' Adrian told himself, instantly feeling guilty.

Adam walked up to Ashley and held her close to him, settling the negative emotions that were bubbling up after listing how injured Brody is.

"Right now Brody's at home resting at the moment, he wanted me to let coach know since he won't be able to come to practice for a while.  I'm only just popping in since I have to get back to him. I need to ask my tutor if I can reschedule our lesson since I have to go back home, the guy isn't the easiest person to convince but I have to try at least."