The Biggest Game is Life

Chapter 4 (Big Problem)

                It was the end of practice. I was changing when Paisley came over. His hair was wet and pushed back. He was shirtless with only sweats on.

“Benny Swofford, you’re a hell of a goalie.”

“Thanks, you aren’t that bad of a skater yourself.”

He smiled. I had stopped changing, realizing Paisley’s eyes were dead on me. Luckily Cam came over.

He patted Paisley on the back.

“We might have a chance in the playoffs with you.” Cam laughed.

“You guys really aren’t that bad skill wise. I’m excited to help, so far you all are nice and I think I’m gonna feel just at home.” Paisley stated.

“For now.” I murmured.  

“Swoffy, come on now you know we all love each other.” Cam started to come in for a hug. I laughed and darted over to Levi who was about to leave.

“See ya!” He said as he went out the door. I followed. I cold wave of air hit me.

“Hold on Levi!” He stopped and looked at me. I spoke.

“You have a huge black eye, you can hardly see, tell me what the fuck is up.”

“Look, my sister is here I have to go.” Levi pointed.

“Levi something is up, and you know I’ll figure it out eventually.”

“Okay.” He said as he got into his sister’s car and they drove away.

The only thing I could come up with was he go into a fight with someone. Did someone in his family do this? I mean unlikely, he’s spoiled like crazy and they love the crap out of him. Maybe Kennedy did this? I mean girls can hit hard when they want. I stopped thinking about it and went back inside.

I saw Mason, Cam and Paisley all standing together laughing. At least they all were getting along. I just couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable around him.

“Hey Benny come tell Paisley the story of where you tripped over the net and let that goal through!” Cam yelled.

“Maybe another day.” I finished dressing alone away from all of them. I was about to leave when Mason came over.

“Hey, I’m gonna crash at your place tonight.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Well my Mom is a lot a bit pissed. I’ll tell you in your truck.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

We walked out to my truck and got in. I started driving away when Mason final spoke.

“Claire’s worried.”

“About what?” I rolled my eyes, of course this was going to be about her.

“So, she might be pregnant.”

“WHAT!?” I yelled slamming on my breaks.

“MIGHT. I SAID MIGHT.” Mason yelled back.

“What the hell?” I asked as the car started moving again.

“So, well you know, we’ve done it a couple times, some really amazing times.”

“The point please.” I interrupted.

“Right, well the other day I sort of forgot.”

“Forgot?” I asked.

“Yeah.”

“How do you forget to use a condom?” I asked.

“I know, I know, I was in the moment, it was dumb, it just sort of escaped my mind.”

“Fucking idiot.”

“Benny, you don’t know anything. You’ve never even kissed a girl so you have no idea what it’s like.” Mason yelled. The truck fell silent.

“Look I’m sorry, I was in the moment, and now poor Claire.”

“You told her right?” I asked.

“Yes, and she’s freaking out. She’s telling everyone. Like she’s on her death bed.”

“So your mom?”

“Oh yeah she knows and is so pissed at me.”

“Mason, she might not even be pregnant.”

“I hope she isn’t. I hope so hard it hurts, man.”

Mason paused.

“But even if she is, I’ll stick with her.”

I wanted to laugh at this but I held it in. Yes, because you would stick with her the rest of your life, just like all the other teenage fathers.

“Good.” I said as I pulled up to my house.

My father wasn’t anywhere, which was okay with me. We walked to my room and Mason threw his stuff on my floor and laid back on my bed.

“Benny, I can’t be a father, I just can’t.”

“Well you might get lucky.” I said, not really sure how to comfort him. This doesn’t really happen on a daily basis.

“Never have sex, I’m telling you, it’ll mess up your entire life.”

“Okay, noted.” I sat down in my chair and opened a bag of BBQ potato chips.

It seemed like the end of Mason and his possible future father conversation so I decided to make my move on another topic.

“Do you think there is something strange about Paisley?” I asked taking a bite of a chip.

“No.”

“He stares at me weird.”

“His hair is extremely perfect, that’s kind of weird. And his perfect smile. I mean except mine is definitely better.” Mason laughed.

“He stares at me weird.” I repeated.

“Not really, not that I’ve noticed. I think he’s just getting a feel for the whole place and team. Give him some time. Soon he’ll fit in just fine.”

“I guess.”

“Benny, he’s not any problem compared to mine.”

“You’re right.” I sighed as I thought about Paisley and how his eyes followed me wherever I moved.