Under the Lights

Chapter 25: Drama

Chapter 25

“What’s the matter with you tonight? Get your head in the game!” I yelled, grabbing the front of Brian’s helmet. 

Brian tried shoving me off, not meeting my eyes. 

“This is our first playoff game and we’re currently losing. So get your shit together and catch the damn ball.” I snapped. 

“Language.” Coach Samuels frowned as he walked past. 

I didn’t even look at him, still glaring at my brother. 

“What’s the matter tonight?” I asked quietly. 

“Nothing, nothing Jess is just... Nothing.” Brian shook his head with a sigh. 

“You do realize that playoffs are knock out rounds. We have to win 5 games in a row if we want to make it to states.” I said harshly. “So you block out whatever shit is going on with Jess, and you focus on the team right now.” 

“It’s not that easy I-” 

“You think I don’t want to think about Carly the entire time I’m on the field? Of course I do. But I focus on the game. Because my college education and my career is riding on me playing a decent game.” I said, letting go of his helmet. 

Brian just nodded, although his face didn’t look any less depressed than a moment before. 

By the end of the fourth quarter, we were up by one, ball was in their possession, and there were 9 seconds left on the clock. 

And as much as I didn’t like the team at first, I’d give anything to win another state ring now.

Brian was already walking away from the field as we kept the other team away from scoring again. 

The rest of the team started walking towards the center to shake hands with the other team, but I made a split second decision as I ran after my brother. 

He was walking fast though, and I didn’t catch up with him until we were in the locker room. 

“Brian what’s going on?” I asked seriously, taking my helmet off. 

“Nothing, it’s nothing.” Brian muttered, pulling off his stuff. 

“Brian. This isn’t like you. What’s the matter?” I said quietly. 

“Jess and I broke up, okay?” Brian said harshly. “And I don’t really want to talk about it so can you drop it?” 

“Why did you-” 

“She slept with someone else.” Brian snapped. “Drop the subject. Now.” He said, turning away from me. 

Everyone else started coming into the locker room, and I was completely iced out by my own brother. 

“Hey...” Carly said softly as I joined her outside of the school. “What’s the matter? You just like disappeared after the game?” She said quietly. 

I sighed, wrapping my arms around her. 

“I love you.” I whispered, kissing the top of her head. Carly laughed. 

“I love you too, but what’s going on?” Carly frowned, looking up at me. 

“Brian’s being obnoxious.” I rolled my eyes with a shrug. “Come on, let’s just go home.” 

“To your house?” Carly raised his eyebrows. 

“We could watch a movie?” I suggested. 

“Frozen?” Carly giggled, biting her lip.