Runaways

Chapter 7

September 7 | Saturday

I wrestle with my blankets and Avery laughs from her bed.

"Fuck off," I flip her off and she chuckles.

"I love you moron. What time is lift?"

"You act like I'd know."

"Are you even going?"

"Have to. Protection circumstances."

"What? Why?"

"It's a long story, Av. You'll hear it soon enough." I mumble, climbing out of bed in just sweatpants and a sports bra, putting on my glasses.

"Making breakfast?"

"Yeah."

"If I shower can you make me food please." Avery whines, brushing her hair as she stands in the middle of the room in just shorts and a sports bra.

"Of course."  I smile, shaking my head and wandering to grab a pan.

Avery Smittles is my crazy teammate and roommate. She's a sophomore theater major and is easily the dumbest person alive despite playing 4 sports in high school and taking all AP and honors classes. Avery played volleyball, hockey, soccer and softball since 7th grade.

As she showers, Carmody is stuck on my mind. Today, I was saying goodbye because we were leaving for Florida for a non conference games against Florida State. Games Monday and we're there until Thursday when we fly home for our game Saturday. I know, I'll see her Friday after she's done with class but I hate being away from her.

I finish making breakfast as Avery still showers. I spilt breakfast in half for us and put half of mine in a container to bring to Carmody, sealing the container and sliding on my sneakers. I shut the door behind me and head down the hall and over to her dorm. I knock on the door and Everleigh opens it, standing there in sweatpants and a hoodie with her hair up in a ponytail.

"Good morning, Sam!" She smiles, letting me in and Carmody is laying on the ground.

"Good morning you guys. Hi baby." I smile, laying down next to Carmody.

"Hiya." She mumbles, burying her head into my chest.

Her voice was shaky and fragile like glass. I hold uer hand softly as she mumbles something inaudible. After five minutes or so, her breathing evened out and Everleigh sighs.

"She's tired," I whisper and Leva nods.

"Yeah. She's had a rough night and she barely slept. Luckily, they don't have practice today so she can sleep but I don't know how long she's gonna sleep for."

"It's fine. We leave for the airport at 3 so."

"That's right! Good luck you guys!"

"Thanks. I'm nervous but I think we will do good." I sigh. "She's out."

"Yeah."

I catch up with the girls and I just lay on the ground, Carmody asleep on my chest. Since I don't really know Everleigh or Carmody, it's great to talk to them since they've known Carmody for a long time and they're both amazing women.

I'm grateful that Carmody has them. They're both very loving and definitely care about each other.

Leva smiles, showing her lock-screen; 8:45am. Lift is at 9. Fuck, I don't want to move.

"You might want to get going."

"I don't want to, though."

"Unless you call your coach..."

"I will." I sigh, grabbing my phone and dialing her number as she's fast to answer.

"Morning, Sam. What's up?"

"Listen, I know I'm suppose to be at lift today but is there anyway I can miss? I'll make it up! I-"

She cuts me off, "First of all, slow down, you're worked up. Second of all, are you alone? Third, what's bugging you?"

"First, sorry. Second, No. I'm with Carmody, Everleigh, and Leva. Third, nothing. I brought Carmody breakfast and she fell asleep on me."

"Okay. Don't worry. Also, you don't have to join us in Florida. I know it's tough for you & Carmody right now so you can stay here if you want."

"I'm not sure."

"Stay here, kid."

"You sure?"

"I'm positive, love. Stay here. You need to stay with Carmody. Her coach said shes struggling so stay with her."

"I will. Thank you so much."

"Of course. Carmody is your girl and you need to be with her now. Stay safe."

"I will. I'll facetime you guys before the game."

"Okay sounds good. Love you kiddo."

"I love you more."

The call ends and I smile, picking up Carmody and putting her on bed and I climb in,under the blankets next to her. She shuffles, repositioning her head on my chest and she dozes back off. I sigh, hugging her tightly and her breathing was shaky; she's awake.
Leva was cleaning up their dorm and Everleigh was watching a fashion show on her laptop.

"You're what she needs," Everleigh smiles, pausing her show and walks over us and I run my fingers through Carmody's hair.

"I'm glad."

"She asleep?"

"Can't tell. Her breathing is shaky."

"Ahh."

"How long have you 3 been friends?" I ask and Leva shakes her head.

"A long time. Our friend group has been through hell but we're here."

"She practically forced us three to be friends when Carmody and her family moved from Sweden to New York."

"Hahahaha. That's so cool. I barely know you guys."

"Well, basically the same as Carmody just minus the sports and swedish."

•••

"You're not coming to Florida?"

"Aves, it's not a big deal."

"You're our only good shooter. We need you."

"I'm staying here with Carmody and Leva and Everleigh."

"Does coach know?"

"She's the one who told me to stay." I smirk, heading to the fridge and grabbing my smoothie.