Fate - Jimmy Garoppolo

Chapter 25

"Hey man, what's gotten you so distracted?" George asked Jimmy as he sat on the bleachers next to him.

It's been a few days since the incident and Christmas was nearing. It was only two days away but the atmosphere was anything but cheery.

"How does she do it?" Was Jimmy's response.

George knew what he meant as he looked ahead and smiled as he saw Isabelle wrapping one of the player's knees. "She's strong, man. She's badass. She's one hell of a woman."

There was a ghost of a smile on Jimmy's lips. "Yeah, that I know. But it doesn't mean that she isn't hurting. She just got good at hiding it."

"That son of a bitch is going to get what's coming to him."

"There's something...there's something on my mind. I thought...I thought she left her residency here so she could have a different experience with the Warriors. But..."

George sighed. "She did leave, Jimmy. But let her tell you the exact reason."

"Why does my gut tell me that I'm going to fall more in love with her when she does?" Jimmy says as he looks at George.

"Because when are you not so love struck when it comes to Isabelle Shanahan?"

Now, that made Jimmy laugh for the first time in days.

Isabelle looked across the field and noticed the athletic trainers as they talked among themselves, calmness evident on their face. She took a deep breath and a soft smile made its way onto her face as she knew that now they would be able to feel safe.

God knows how many others he had assaulted, if not raped. And Isabelle was glad that he was being put behind bars.

She had gone through something no one would wish for but she's felt pain before and she knows she can get through it. She wasn't going to let it change the course of her life. She wasn't going to let him ruin her life.

It was almost time to get going when her gaze fell upon Jimmy. She felt as if her heart was going to leap out of her chest just by looking at him and wondered if that feeling would ever go away.

Would she ever be able to love anyone the way she loves Jimmy? Would she even let anyone in or would she compare them to him and push them away?

She knew he was worried and she completely adored him for caring so much. There was one thing she was yet to do and she knew she had to do it now. That's why she started walking up to him.

"Hey, Jimmy." She called out.

He stopped stretching as he smiled at her. "Hey. How are you feeling?"

"I'm good. Each day is better. How about you?"

"I'm good if you're good, mio amore."

Isabelle couldn't help but smile as she looked down, putting a strand of hair behind her ear. "I actually have something to ask you."

"Anything."

"There's this place I go to...everyday. It's the only place that calms me, despite what the place is. I-I was wondering if you could meet me there today? Around 6?" She asked, looking up at him from beneath her lashes.

"I'll meet you anywhere, y'know that. Just send me the address."

She nods. "Okay, I'll text you it. I'll see you later, then?"

He nods as she smiles and walks away.

----

Isabelle was sitting on the ground as she starred ahead, hoping that this was somehow a dream. That maybe if she closes her eyes and opens them, she'll find herself in a different state than she is now.