More Than A Game

Chapter 11

I glanced at my mirror as I slowly sat up on my bed. Still thinking about yesterday's social media blunder, I rubbed my eyes before going downstairs to find my mother and Brayden already eating breakfast.

I slowly made my way to the table as mum began explaining what Brayden had told her why I was up late. I turned to face Brayden and smiled.

"I was finishing an assignment? Right, but thank you anyway." I spoke hoping no questions would be asked. I knew it would be hard to keep a secret but I hoped Brayden wouldn't ever find out about my sudden interest from the public. I still remember our argument from last week and didn't need another replay of it.

"Don't even worry about it, I'm sure you were busy getting on with whatever it is you do. Just a quick thing, how Chad?" I quickly turned to face Brayden gesturing for him to keep his mouth shut before being given a confused look.

"I take it you haven't told mum yet? I know it's none of my business but just be sure to tell her when you're ready, okay? I don't want to pressure you anymore than I already have."

It was at that very moment when Mum turned around looking rather happier than usual. I stuck my tongue out to prevent anymore questions about my love life being asked. The expression on mums face changed as she took a seat.

"Anyway, I hope you don't mind me asking but have you thought about what might happen after football?" Brayden looked down before shrugging his shoulders. That was odd. I made a mental note to ask about it later. I spent a couple of moments scrolling through twitter, it was the same kind of vibe. Ignoring Brayden's cold stare, I grabbed the remote off the kitchen bench before turning the screen on to Channel 21 news where a young woman began talking about the sports.

I hardly paid much attention to most of the news stories as I took a bite out of my toast. I looked up to find myself hearing the name Chad Wingard. Forcing myself to look up at the screen, there was footage of Chad coming out of Adelaide Oval as a flock of journalists swarmed around him. My stomach felt as if it became filled with fear when one journalist asked the one question I dreaded hearing.

"Chad, can you tell us who's this girl of yours that's got everyone talking?"

I almost choked on my toast. In silence, I watched as Chad quietly responded with no comment before making his way in his car. He spent a few moments sitting before driving off as the journalists went off as if nothing happened. I silently gasped to myself as I stared at Brayden who awkwardly shuffled in his chair before rushing upstairs.

I looked up and faced my mum, who stared at me confused. All I could say was that Brayden's just stressing over school before I myself made my way upstairs.

I called out Brayden's name. I watched him turn around, looking angered. "Do you want to explain what those people meant by that statement?"

I looked up towards the ceiling, wondering how I would even begin to explain. I would never imagined my relationship with Chad would cause this much chaos. Maybe I should've left whatever it was back at Adelaide Oval when I had the chance. Looking up, Brayden foiled his arms.

"I'm sure they weren't talking about another woman, weren't they? I told you to watch out, this your problem now. Just make sure channel 21 doesn't end up at our doorway, alright? And by the way, I know about that photo."

In silence, I watched as Brayden rushed in his room and slammed the door shut. Great, on one side I have a brother who probably hates my guts and on another a mother who is oblivious to what's going on, which is both my fault. Feeling guilty, I rushed downstairs, drenched with emotions. I could hear mother asking about the noise upstairs, I honestly couldn't be bothered talking anymore.

I headed outside and closed the door behind me. I walked down the street, my mind rambled with many concerns. I was too scared to go back home but I knew I had to go back sometime soon. I was lost and confused, I started strolling through twitter. Same ol story, same old insults and comments. It had felt like a weight had risen from my shoulders when a couple of tweets were actually pretty positive. I replied to those comments because right now, they were the only ones who were on my side. I began making my way home, coming up with a logical explanation for mum.