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He turns and leaves me in the middle of the gym contemplating my reality. Would he really call the guys on the team to physically remove me from the room? Yeah, he probably would.

With a sigh, I head to the showers to get cleaned up and changed.

When I step out of the gym, clean and free of my shit since Bryce took my gym bag, I look around and just start walking.

When was the last time I just existed? Where I did what I wanted and didn’t worry about my siblings or teammates? I’ve been so wrapped up in taking care of everyone else that I don’t know what to do or who to do it with.

Okay, I want to call Nick.

Maybe today I should test if we can really be friends…

JOEY:

Hey, what are you doing today?

NICK:

Checking myself into a mental hospital because I think I’m hallucinating?

I chuckle and start to form a plan.

CARPENTER:

Hey, can I borrow your car for a while today?

JOHNSON:

Why? You okay? Do you need a ride?

CARPENTER:

I’m good, just want to get off campus for a while.

“Carpy Carp!” Oiler’s singsong voice has me turning to see him and Johnson coming from the dining hall.

Johnson reaches into his pocket and hands me his keys with a hockey puck key chain on it.

“You sure you’re okay?” He eyes me skeptically.

“Yeah, I’m good. Thanks.”

My phone pings with a new message.

NICK:

Uh hello? Was that a figment of my imagination?

JOEY:

Get dressed and meet me by the dorm parking.

NICK:

You’re not luring me to murder me, are you?

JOEY:

You’re a heavy bastard, I would need help carrying the body.

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