Page 61 of Released from the Sin Bin

He laughs. “We’re making some changes. With Luca gone, we need a good defenseman.” Fuck no. “How do you feel about filling the spot?”

No fucking way. I’m not doing it. I’ve worked too hard to change my position now. Going to defense means less scoring chances and it means learning new shit I haven’t done.

“Do I have a choice?” I know I don’t. Coach Renan doesn’t give us choices.

“Of course,” he sneers sarcastically. “We always have choices in life. Defense or bench. You choose.”

I roll my eyes at him as he and Coach Greardon laugh it up.

“Defense it is.” He claps his hands to make it final before leaning closer to me. “Consider this a second chance. You can’t have a shitty attitude and be a shitty player at the same time. Fuck this up and you’re done.”

Fuck. I know I’m not the best, but I’m not the worst either.

After throwing my gear off and taking a hot shower, I sit through a couple of classes. Barely registering anything being taught. I’m dreading the call when my father finds out. I may just go home and get it over with.

I can hear him now, “I played Center and was the top scorer in the league.”

“You’re an embarrassment to our family.”

Followed by a few punches to show he’s still the man of the house.

Between classes I get a text.

Playing on defense isn’t the worst thing, but it’s unfamiliar territory when I’m only months away from the draft. His disappointment comes from me not entering sooner, but he’s already conveyed that to me several times over the past year.

Mom: Don’t come home. It’s not worth the fight.

Which means they already know.

Mom: Braydon mentioned it to him.

Mom: You’re going to do great. I know you are.

She tries so hard to keep us going.

As I’m walking to lunch, I come across Braydon and his friend, Justin, in the quad, fucking around and flirting with a group of freshmen girls.

It’s not worth the fight.

Fuck that. He wants to be just like dad. Then let him.

“A word.” I nod to my little brother to get him away from the pack.

“Hi Carter,” one of the girls greets me with a wave.

“Bray,” I say to get my brother's attention, ignoring the girl hanging on his arm.

He rolls his eyes and follows me to an open spot, away from his friends.

“Did you call dad?” I ask once we’re out of earshot.

“Yeah, so.” He shrugs and cleans his teeth with his tongue. He doesn’t care what his actions do.

He doesn’t care about the girlfriend he’s cheating on or the brother he’s making trouble for.

“That was my business to tell him.” I step closer to get in his face.

“I called him about something else and it came up.” He shrugs with a smug grin.

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