Page 132 of Hits Different

I wait for the ripples of laughter, but it never comes. A couple of people have leant forward. Everyone’s waiting for my response. A question about soccer. I just came out, and they want to ask me about soccer.

Huh. Who knew. It won’t always be this easy. I know that. But maybe it won’t be as hard as I thought either.

“Brandon”. My dad smiles gently, “They’re waiting for your answer”.

I look across the room and clear my throat. “You bet I am”, I direct my response straight at the cameras. “And we’re going to win”.

Chapter 49

Endings, Beginnings

Parker

Office of the Vice Chancellor

Student Disciplinary Committee

Dear Mr Di Rossi,

We have recently undertaken a full review of the case that led to your expulsion. The panel has considered revised witness statements, including one from Amanda Deloitte.

In light of your actions in protecting a vulnerable student, the panel withdraws its decision to remove you from your studies, with immediate effect.

The panel also expresses its unreserved apology, and we look forward to welcoming you back for your senior year in September.

Yours sincerely,

Prof. C. Drescher

Head of Student Services

* * * *

“Your mom must be bouncing off the ceiling”, Simon hands my phone back. “I’m glad the panel finally saw sense. What do you think made that young woman come forward?”

Brandon had told me about his message to Millie, and once I’d gotten my head around everything, I reached out to thank her.Take care of Carter, she replied,Because he’s going to take care of you.

In theory, this fixes all my problems.Back to college, safe in the knowledge that I tried MMA and it wasn’t for me. I’ll get my degree. Return to a Darwin-free fraternity house. There’ll be a summer job waiting for me at Summit when I’m done. I’d only be an hour away from Brandon. My mom will be proud.

And all of that’s important. It is.

But I can’t help feeling like something’s missing.

“I’ve pretty much finished everything on the shit list”, I say, “I’ll get those windowpanes repainted tomorrow, and make sure the storeroom is all cleared out before I go. I’ve finally managed to talk Sheryl down from keeping those paintings of soccer players with animal heads, so I’ll burn those before she changes her mind”. I trail off at his expression. “What? Youlikethem?”

“No, they’re terrifying”, Simon leans across the desk. “But why are you talking like you’re going somewhere?”

“I mean, I just assumed…” I falter, “You only hired me because I got kicked out of college. Now I’m back in”.

“I only hired you because your mother emotionally blackmailed my mother, and she in turn emotionally blackmailed me”, Simon grins, “And thank God she did. It really worked out”.

It’s only then it really hits me, how far we’ve both come. When I first started at Summit, it was my last chance. Simon didn’t want me here. Now, the thought of leaving is getting me way more choked up than I ever did when I left home or college.

I guess it’s a sign I belonged, even for a couple of months.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever said it”, my hands twist together, “But I really owe you. You’ve been a mentor to me, and gave me a chance when nobody else would. These last six weeks have been the best of my life”.

“Mine too. Well, top ten, at least”, Simon says, pushing his glasses up his nose. “And Uncle Alberto would be impressed, Parker”.

---