Page 16 of Afterglow
The sun has disappeared and the icy temperature settles over my skin when Jay and I exit the gym. My muscles ache after every step I take. An ice bath is calling my name. Our cars are parked in the lot on the right side of the gym, it seems the university decided to modernise everything but the car park.
“Did you see Jazmine today?”
I snap my head towards Jayden. “Yeah, happy to see me as always.”
Jayden’s mouth plasters on a cheesy grin. “Maybe stop flirting with her. She would be nicer,”
The first time I asked Jay for help with getting Jazmine to like me, he was no help. And it wasn't because he was protecting his sister but because even he hastrouble cracking the vault known as Jazmine Allen. This does ease my ego, which continues to hurt from her rejection.
Jay's question swirls back into my mind. “Why do you ask?”
“Just,” He stops, a crease forming across forehead. “Just worried about her. Usual big brother stuff,”
Laughter booms from my chest. “You’re twins,”
“I’m eight minutes older,”
I chuckle.
Why is he worried about her? Jazmine’s face from class flashes in my mind. The cracks weren’t there but she has walls constructed higher than the empire state building around her heart. Jazmine’s death glare is there, carved into my brain.
My phone intrudes before I can ask Jayden about Jazmine.
Dad.
I contemplate answering but decide against it.
“Not important?” Jayden asks, nodding towards my phone.
“Nope,” I lie, hiding behind a smile.
***
After my roommates, plus Athena, arrive home, we order Chinese takeout. Our small talk and life updates fill the room as we wait for our food to arrive. It doesn't take long before we are sitting around the small glass coffee tablein the middle of the lounge room which serves as our makeshift dining table.
We pass the various meals around to each other, while continuing our conversations from before. Athena has a blinding smile on her face as she describes the new book she is writing. I'm confident the only way to make Austin read a book is if Athena writes it.
Colton and I sit opposite them on the remaining couches. My lips curve up as I reflect on the moment. This is a usual Monday night for the four of us. Ever since sophomore year, we have had dinner together on Mondays. It’s crazy how fast the years have gone and how close Austin, Colton and I have become. I can’t imagine university without them.
After dinner, I retreat to my bedroom. The week is only beginning, so I need to be fully rested. A sigh escapes me as I collapse onto my bed. Fatigue washes over my body, invading my muscles. Today wasn't even the busiest day of my week, yet I'm exhausted.
I fear for the rest of the semester, as I have more assessments to complete and football games that are high stakes.
A ringtone blares, bringing me back to the present. My jaw tenses as I read the caller ID.
Dad. Again.
I take a deep breath:Inhale. Exhale.
“Hey, Dad,”
“Theodore. How is football going?”
I roll my eyes at his lack of small talk. Just another day of him only caring about my future football career. Thepressure from my father and his legacy are heavy weights on my shoulders. I thought earning captain would ensure a break from my father's expectations but there doesn't seem to be an end in sight.
“Great, our first game is on Saturday.”
“Ah yes, I will be watching. Don’t let me down,”
