Page 54 of Afterglow
Finally, I arrive at Theodore’s apartment. He hasn’t replied to my messages, which is strange. I know we aren’t on speaking terms but that hasn't stopped Theodore in the past. Anxious knots form in my stomach as my breathing becomes heavier as my chest tightens with every inhale.
Colton answers the door, his eyebrows scrunch with confusion. “Jazmine? What are you doing here?”
I stare at him, disbelief washing over my face. “It’s Wednesday, I’m here to do me and Theodore’s research project,”
Colt’s eyes bulge. “Oh,” He swallows. “He has football training. Did he forget to tell you?”
My hands shake uncontrollably and my chest rises quickly. What the actual fuck? Did he seriously forget about our project? We have a month until it's due and the interviews aretomorrow.I can’t—Fuck.
“Jaz, are you okay? Should I call Theo?”
“No. I’ll go find him myself.”
***
The football fields were too far of a walk, even with pure rage bubbling in my blood.
My Uber dropped me off at the gates of the training field and I stalked over to the barrier. Black spots flicker in the corner of my eyes, forcing my vision to blur.
I know a panic attack is on the horizon. But I shove everything I’m feeling down, letting my adrenaline carry me onto the football field.
“Theodore!” My yelling turned heads from every direction.
Theodore sprints over to me, invading my personal space. The worry on his face fades with my consciousness. My vision turns black and every word I want to yell disappears.
“Jazmine,” Theo says, his voice gentle.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
My heart is erratic. Every sound is amplified, rushing to my ears.
It’s too much.
“Princess, I’m taking you to my car and then to your apartment.”
Tears leak from my eyes and my sobs are stuck in my throat. The sensation of Theo’s arms wrapping around me barely registers before the world goes black.
Chapter 25
Theodore Knight
Today is the first day I have left my bedroom for anything other than class.
Even if I needed to study or complete assessments, I wallowed in self-pity at the wooden desk in the comfort of my own home.
The first class Jaz and I had together after Sunday night was awkward and surprising. In the beginning I was optimistic. Jaz still sat next to me like she always has, but she didn’t spare me any glances that weren’t consumed by annoyanceand anger.
This didn’t stop me from worrying.
Her hands were shaking, along with her legs. She isn’t okay. The last time I saw Jazmine like this was during freshman year and I don’t want a repeat of that. But without her saying anything, I have no clue how to help.
I arrived at football training with Austin ten minutes ago and now we are doing a passing drill against our defensive players. My first passes are off target, missing Austin and Logan.
Fuck me. This is the last thing I need. I grind my teeth together, waiting for everyone to reset the drill.
I failed. Again.
An aggressive sigh leaves my throat. I crack my knuckles, searching for a way to control the emotions bubbling beneath my skin. This is why I didn’t want distractions at the start of the year. One part of my brain is focused on Jazmine, the other on my father and his disappointment.
