Page 23 of Afterglow
“Really?” Kierra tries to run her hand over my shoulder, I grab it before she makes contact and move it to her side.
“I’m not interested. I think we shouldn’t hook up anymore,”
The last time we had sex was four months ago and now I’m rethinking my priorities. After being named captain, I don’t want to let anyone down. Besides, I think I’m over having casual sex. Which is something I never thought would leave my mouth but here we are.
Kierra’s face scrunched in disgust or maybe she doesn’t think I mean it. “Fine, I’m sure you’ll come crawling back.”
I barely hold in my scoff when she walks away.
Finally, Jayden appears across the room. “Jay!”
“What’s up?”
“Mind if I use your bathroom, the line is ridiculous.”
“Go for it. I better not hear any moans; I won’t regret barging in.”
I cackle, slapping him across the shoulder. I try not to take his comment to heart. Jay isn’t the first person to insinuate that the only relationship I can have is in the form of sex.
I stop my thoughts as I reach his door. My eyebrows form a V, as a puzzled look comes to my face. The door is already open.
“No one is supposed to be in here,” I say in the darkness.
Upstairs is off-limits unless one of the players gives you permission. I understand I wouldn’t want anyone trashing my houseandinvading my personal space. A girl is laying on the bed, as I inch closer to her, she isn’t moving. Fuck. What the hell happened? Quickly, I appeared at her side. My eyes widen and a string of curse words leave my mouth.
Jazmine Allen is lying unconscious on her brother’s bed. I place my fingers against her neck, trying to find a pulse. Nausea washes over me and memories of my mum laying on the bathroom floor invade my mind.
Stop. I can’t think about that. Jazmine needs me.
“Jazmine, can you hear me? It’s Theo,” I shake her body lightly, trying to bring her back. Thankfully, she is still breathing and her pulse is there. Jazmine doesn’t respond, so I try again.
“Jazmine. I need you to wake up for me, okay?” My voice falters, a sob breaking through. “Please,”
Jazmine’s hand squeezes mine and her legs slowly begin to move. She grabs at her chest, trying to pull herself into a seated position.
“Hey, hey, hey.” I place my hand underneath Jazmine and help her move.
She tilts her head; watery green eyes find mine. My heart is on the verge of shattering as I assess the state Jazmine is in.
“Theo,” It’s barely a whimper.
I don’t know what happened but whoever caused this deserves a punch to the throat, maybe two. She never calls me Theo, only my full or last name. From what I've observed, Jazmine hates vulnerability. She fears how others will perceive her if she isn't perfect. But this won't stop me. I am going to take care of her. I want to show her she can trust me and it's okay to not be okay.
I think back to my mum and the best ways to help her when she had a panic attack. Physical touch is important. It can bring the person back, showing them they are safe.
Grounded.
“Is it okay if I keep touching you?”
Jazmine nods her head slowly, she doesn’t seem to know what is happening. Carefully, I intertwine our hands. I stay silent, but my mind is on overdrive, taking in any movement Jaz makes.
Every couple of minutes, I squeeze her hands so she knows someone is still with her. My eyes switch between her rising chest and distant gaze. Eventually, Jazmine’s breathing calms, her tears fading away.
“Can you tell me what happened?” I ask.
I need to know who the fuck it was so I can beat the shit out of them or get Jayden to do it. He is goingto be ballistic when he finds out about this panic attack—at least, I assume that is what happened.
Jazmine swallows. “Can we leave first?”
