Page 10 of His Team

“Um … I’m going to head inside for something to eat.”

“Cool, I’ll come with you. I want to keep catching up. You’re one of the friends I remember most.”

I bite down on my lip. I was trying to get away, but if I’m honest, I don’t want this conversation to end. I nod and start back for the house.

As we walk, I note Cam is inside with Thomas and Dakota. They look to be laughing and having a good time. Once again, I’m starting to feel like an outsider. Thomas will be attending college with them next semester, so he’s not on the outside like I am.

“How’s Caleb? I’ve yet to see him since I arrived. I miss that guy,” JR says, pulling me from my thoughts.

I remember him having so much patience for Cal. Now that I think about it, Jareil was one of us. He supported Caleb whenever he could. This guy has a big heart and he’s as protective as Cam is.

“He’s in his room. This isn’t his thing. I think he’s having a bad day.”

“That sucks. I wonder if he wants some company. I heard about his big scholarship. I’m so proud of him,” Jareil says with a huge smile.

“We all are.”

“But … I heard a but in there. What’s up, Kay?”

“It’s—”

My words are cut off as a loud thudding sound comes from upstairs. Cameron freezes in his conversation with Kota and Thomas. He snaps his head toward upstairs.

The sound continues, it’s like a rhythmic banging. Cam takes off without a word. The rest of us are on his heels as we can only imagine what that sound is.

My heart is in my throat and my stomach has turned sour. I’m only aware that Jareil has followed as I hear him behind me telling some others not to follow us. Kota and Thomas are ahead of me, but we all glance back to see some partygoers who were following to be nosy.

Jareil blocks the way with his big body until Uncle Rusty comes and redirects everyone to the main living room, where Aunt Judy starts up a game.

I give Jareil a smile of thanks and turn to follow after the others. When I get to Caleb’s room, I think I’m going to be sick. Cam is trying to get inside, but something is blocking the door. He can’t open it enough to fit his big body inside.

Dakota tugs at his shoulder so she can try. Cam steps back, looking distraught, as he runs his hand through his hair. Dakota is able to wiggle into the room after a few tries.

“I saw this shit coming,” Cam growls.

Everyone remains silent. The banging stops and soon Dakota is able to unblock the doorway so Thomas can swing the door open.

Cam rushes inside and we all pile in after. Caleb is lying on the floor as Kota rubs his hair while murmuring to him soothingly.

She looks up at Cameron. “I think he hit his head. We need to call EMS for this one. His legs were blocking the door.”

“I just called 9-1-1,” Jareil says from behind me.

“Thanks, man,” Cam says as he squats on the other side of his brother. “Someone get Daddy. He’ll need to head to the hospital with us.”

“I’ll get him,” Jareil says. “I can drive the rest of you guys to the hospital too. I’ll pull up out front.”

We all just nod. I think everyone is in shock right now. It’s not the first time we’ve been around for one of Caleb’s seizures, but that was pretty scary. I know my heart is pounding.

“This party was unnecessary and in poor timing. We already have enough on our shoulders. To add this party was fucking moronic and selfish.

“Mama only thinks about herself. I swear, if something happens to my brother, I’ll never forgive her or anyone else involved with this dumbass party,” Cam growls as he looks directly at me.

I want to throw up. I would never do anything to hurt Caleb, but I can’t say I wasn’t involved in this party happening. I look away from Cam and tuck my hair behind my ear.

This was selfish and stupid. Everything Cam has been saying over the last two weeks rings loudly in my ears. This isn’t about me. It’s not about what I want.

If I care about Cam, I have to care about Caleb. Caleb only wants what comes easy to everyone else. Who am I to get in the way of that?

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