“This boy…” I point toward the kid. “…was tormenting Brody, saying ugly things to him.”
“Is she serious?” The mother snickers. “My son is an angel! You know this, Coach! He would never say anything mean to another child. Right, Jake?”
He pouts. “I didn’t do anything. She’s crazy, Mom. She called me an asshole.” He starts to cry.
The mother appears horrified that I would call her demon spawn that.
But I don’t miss the cunning tug of his mouth. No one else noticed because he did it so discreetly, wanting me to see it.
“She started yelling at me for no reason. Right, Brody?”
But he knows Brody won’t say anything, since he can’t.
Anger surges through me, my breaths shallower.
“What’s going on here?” Tynan’s gruff voice booms behind me.
Relieved, I turn toward him. “That kid was bullying Brody.” I look at Brody. “May I tell Tynan what he said?”
He nods, his pain swathing through his features. He’s trying like hell not to cry.
I tell Tynan everything, saying it out loud so they all hear. His face upturns with so much fury, even I cower.
“I want that kid off the team,” he tells the coach, hitting him with a venomous look. “Now!”
“What?” the mom protests. “Absolutely not! Jake has a real shot at going pro! And this is the best team in the state. I won’t ruin his chance because of this no one!” Her eyes squeeze into thin slits.
“I would suggest you watch how you speak to my wife.” He spits the words through gritted teeth. He’s close to losing his control completely.
“Wife?” The woman’s face goes ashen.
“That’s right, Laura. Now, get your fucking things and your shitty-ass kid and leave before I run you out of this town for good.”
Her nose flares. “Come on, Jake. Let’s go!”
He groans.
“Now!” She starts marching away—very dramatically, I might add.
Huffing, her evil spawn eventually follows her.
Once he’s gone, we pull Brody to the side, and everyone goes back to what they were doing.
“Has this been happening a lot?” I ask him.
He nods, but avoids eye contact with us.
“He must do this when I’m not close enough to hear.” Tynan inhales sharply.
Brody nods again.
“Buddy, if this ever happens again, promise me you’ll tell us.” Tynan tucks his chin in his palm. “We don’t want anyone to think they can treat you this way. We’ll always protect you.”
My hearts swells from him saying we. Like we’re a family.
I guess we are, aren’t we?
“Yes, always.” I smooth a hand down the back of his head. “Don’t think you have to deal with anything by yourself. We love you, Brody.”