Page 100 of Fragile

“So, we all know why we’re here today.”

My dad hums, and I have to resist rolling my eyes. Of course that hum is the most judgmental sound he could make.

“Miles, I understand you’ve had a lot to deal with since the weekend game, what with your injury and concussion.” He steeples his fingers on his chest. “How are you feeling now?”

I try my hardest to ignore the fact that he is more concerned about me than my own father has been. “Sore, but okay. Thank you, sir.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear you’re doing better.” He takes a breath. “Now, there is something your coach and medic disclosed to me, and that is that you were under the influence of illegal substances while on the field.”

I swallow hard, feeling the heat radiating from my father beside me.

“You understand that we have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs on campus, but especially as you are an athlete under government of the association, they have given us notification that you are to be removed from the team indefinitely.”

I nod solemnly, because I expected that. The confirmation doesn’t lessen the blow. It hurts like fucking hell to know that I did this, but I accept it, because I know I messed up.

My dad makes a noise that sounds as though he might be choking. Wishful thinking, perhaps.

“I need to apologize on behalf of my son. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation as to why—”

“He had class A drugs in his system? I think even if he had a valid reason, I’m not prepared to bend the rules for any student, Mr. Cooper.”

Jeez, that told him. I could high-five him for putting my dad in his place, if I wasn’t the subject here.

“Right, of course,” my father says, backing down, and I glance to him in my peripheral. I’ve never known him to back down before.

“Now, there are things to discuss here, Miles.” The dean sits forward, moving his pen to align with the paper pad on his desk. “One is the matter of your place here at Cedar Lakes. There are no school rules that state you will lose your place here, and given that it’s your last year next year, I would prefer if we could come to an agreement instead.”

“I’m listening, sir.”

He nods. “I understand you are majoring in Sports Science and Physiology. Correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Your professors have very complimentary things to say about you, and your grades reflect hard work too. It would be a shame for you to leave here with an uncompleted degree, in my humble opinion. Don’t you think, Mr. Cooper?”

My dad clears his throat, pushing his palms into his knees. “I wasn’t aware that Miles had declared a major.”

I can’t help the scoff that leaves my mouth, but I regret it as soon as both sets of eyes swing my way. “Sorry.” Gritting my teeth, I turn to my dad. “I decided to declare at the beginning of last year after speaking to Mr. Dawson.”

“Sebastian’s father?”

“Yes. He gave me some sound advice, and I wanted to make sure I had a contingency plan in case I ever got injured in a game.” I make a point to emphasize the last words, and I know they hit as intended because I see my dad’s eye twitch. Yeah,that’s right, Dad, I’m not going to end up bitter like you. His eyes bore into mine, full of disdain and darkness that I’ll never fully understand.

“Right, well, it was a smart move. It meant that people want to vouch for you in this school; they want to see you succeed,” the dean says, allowing my attention to snap back to him.

“I’m grateful.”

“Yes, I wouldn’t be so grateful just yet, because if you are to stay in this school, there are some requirements you’ll need to adhere to, without fail.”

My chest eases for the first time since walking in here. “I’ll do anything.”

He smiles and places his glasses on his face, looking down at his notepad. “The first is that, as well as your doctor ordered counseling, the school also has a weekly meeting for students who require additional support with any mental health subjects. You will need to join this group and attend every week without fail.”

“Done,” I say without hesitation.

“You will also have to name the person who sold you the drugs so we can deal with them accordingly.”

Now I hesitate. I knew this would happen, but I feel guilty for possibly signing someone’s future away here, or maybe he did it himself anyway.

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