Page 4 of Fragile

As I stare at the disconnected call, a tightness in my chest restricts my breathing for a second. I absently rub at it as I lock my phone. “Love you too, Dad,” I mutter.

Hiking my gym bag over my shoulder, I shove my phone into my pocket and make my way to the athletes’ gym, the September air still fairly warm. In all honesty, after speaking to my dad, I’m spent. The gym doesn’t seem like the best idea when my mind fights it, but it’s one of the only releases I have, except meaningless hookups, and even that’s gotten old.

I almost ignore my phone buzzing in my pocket, just in case my dad decides to get an extra insult in before my workout. I wouldn’t put it past him this morning. Curiosity gets the best of me, though, because I suddenly remember Quinn messaged me earlier too. The smell of sweat and the hum of music fills my senses as I step inside and pull out my phone.

Seb

Hey man, Quinn missed you today at the Hangout. You have to make the next one or she’ll send a search party.

I have been neglecting my friends since we got back to school. Not intentionally, but it’s just been a lot keeping to the schedule the great Mark Cooper set up for me.

Miles

Was it Quinn or you who missed me?

Pushing through the changing room doors, I walk over to the lockers, and stuff my backpack inside. I’m already wearing my workout gear, so I grab my headphones and head for the gym, beelining it straight to the treadmill.

Seb

Dick.

Miles

The day got away from me after talking to coach. I’ll make it up to her.

Fuck, I hate lying to my best friend. Regret seeps into my subconscious as I increase my pace, because I don’t like keeping things from Seb about the shit my dad gives me. We’re both victims of parents who have too much to say about our careers. He’s had pressure from his dad too, but the difference between us is that mine doesn’t know when to quit. Mine keeps on until I’m submissive and weak. Which is where I’m at today. If Seb saw me after that phone call, he’d know something was up.

Seb

We’re heading to Lakeside for a late lunch if you want to meet us there?

I steady my pace as my fingers tap out my reply.

Miles

I’ll miss out on food, heading back to crash after this workout.

Seb

That’s cool. Party at the media dorm later, you in for that?

A smile tugs at the side of my mouth. Booze and girls? That’ll have to do.

Miles

Definitely, see you later.

He sends a thumbs up emoji, and I message Quinn too.

Miles

Sorry I skipped today. I promise to bring you extra gummy worms for our movie night next time, okay?

Am I playing on one of her weaknesses? I sure am, because I hate being on the out with Quinn. In fact, I remember the first time I bought her gummy worms…

“Hey, Queenie,” I say, running up the steps to her porch. When she doesn’t answer me, I turn my head to look at her and watch a tear fall down her rosy cheek. Something in my tummy flips. “Are you okay?” I ask as I rush over to her.

“I-I lost my favorite doll today at the store,” she sobs, burying her freckly face in her tiny hands. “Mom told me to leave it in the car, but I-I forgot and I r-really wanted to b-bring her. She would g-get lonely in the car.”