Page 34 of Redeeming Heart

I was pretty sure everyone puked including me by the end of practice.

I still had to pick up Jonah from practice and head over to the pub. I was starting to miss my car.

Jonah was more than happy with spending extra time with Brandon and his team. He wasn’t even excited to see me and I was too tired to care.

He was all energized up watching Brandon’s team practice and forgot to mention to me that his mother won’t be picking us up. I found out when I pulled a snack out of my bag.

I was even too tired to sink my teeth into my apple when I thought about walking but I had to get something besides protein bars and water into my system.

Jonah finally acknowledged my presence when he came over to sit down beside me. “What happened to you on Saturday?” He asked, showing interest in my bags as if he was too shy to ask.

“You came home late,” He added.

“Are you my babysitter now?” I asked, arching an eyebrow.

“Err, no, I was just curious.” I chuckled at his remark and playfully bump his shoulder with mine.

“Are you okay?” He suddenly asked.

I frowned. “Yeah, I’m good. Why?”

“Things with your father. Both of you have been avoiding each other again.” For a guy who has never spent any time with me was suddenly very worried about me.

“Your dad mentioned that if you land in jail again, you will be charged and could face jail time for a very long time.”

I concealed a smile and chuckle because he was really worried. “I will probably face trouble again but it isn’t something you should concern yourself about.”

He tapped my hockey bag. “What’s this?” He asked and let out a gasp when he impatiently pulled the zipper down.

I shot him a grin and then motioned for him not to tell. He jumped to his feet and it almost looked as if he wanted to scream from excitement. “What?! That’s so cool.”

“Lower your voice, Jonah,” I grumbled, pulling him back down on his butt.

“Can I come and watch when you play?” I looked at him—having a hard time figuring him out.

“You don’t even know if I am good.” I pointed out.

He shrugged. “According to Brandon’s whole team—you were one the best players and captains.”

“And you believe them?” I won’t be ignorant and admit to him that I used to be good but I won’t classify it as my best.

He nodded. “They were just surprised to learn that I am your step-brother and only expressed that I am lucky to grow up with a legend.”

“My mom was the legend.” I corrected him and I went back to snacking to regain my strength to walk home since Meredith isn’t coming to pick us up.

“Come on, we have to walk,” I told him and gestured for him to gather his stuff as I will not be carrying it since I have my own.

“How was practice today? Have you told the coach about changing positions?” I asked, letting him walk in front of me.

He nodded and shrugged at the same time which told me nothing. “It didn’t change the minds of my teammates that I am a loser.”

I rolled my eyes at his dumb remark. “You are not a loser. They are all losers because they are bullies. The first rule when it comes down to a team, you protect and respect each other.” Hockey teams were smaller compared to other sports which made them a pack. You become family and you can forget about personal space or have any secrets that they don’t know about.

“I felt like punching Riley in the throat.” He exclaimed with rage.

I just exhaled softly and wanted to pinch the bridge of my nose. I was such a negative influence on him. “That’s not a good idea, Jonah. It will cost you a lot more than make you gain.”

Three years later and I finally understood what disasters I caused by losing self-control. Blaming everyone else for my problems and taking it out on everything.

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