Page 124 of Withered

Jake:I am going to practice now. I can’t wait to see you in that jersey later.

This last message was sent at 6:40 a.m.

I look around and find his jersey crumbling at the foot of my bed. I place it on my desk and look through other messages. The next one is from Kristy, and she’ll be at my place at 12. I reply to some others and then get ready for the day.

After saying hi to Dad sitting on the couch, I go into the kitchen where Mom is busy making something; it has to be for me. They likely had breakfast since it is almost 9:40 a.m.

“Morning, Mom,” I greet her, taking out my litchi juice from the fridge. Mom sets a plate of waffles on the counter as I pour myself a drink.

“Morning, honey. You look happy,” Mom remarks.

“Yeah. I guess I am.” I flop down on one of the stools.

“How is school going? Anything new?” Mom asks, sitting across from me and waiting for my answer.

“School is great. Today is the opening soccer game of the season,” I say, digging into the waffles. I continue after a bite, “Kristy will be here by 12. We’re going to the game together. That’s okay, right?”

“Yes, you should go,” she says this while typing something on her laptop.

I finish my breakfast and return to my bedroom. I take my time ironing Jake’s crumbled-up red-and-white jersey.

Kristy arrives 30 minutes early. We watched Netflix for a while before heading downstairs for lunch with my parents.

“Are you excited about the game?” Dad asks us.

Kristy speaks eagerly, almost bouncing off the chair, and I just nod. “I’m all for it.”

Mom smiles at her and says, “I didn’t know you liked soccer.”

She swallows her bite and flicks her fork dramatically. “I did not, but this year we have some of the best players on the team.”

She gives me a knowing look, and I mutter, “Shut up.”

“Mr. Evans, is it okay if I take Rose with me for the weekend?” Kristy asks, and I look over at her.

“Yeah, completely fine with me.” My dad replies, and I glare at Kristy.

I was looking forward to spending time with Jake.

I grasp Kristy’s arm and drag her upstairs after dinner. I lock the door and groan, “Kristy, I want to spend time with Jake.”

Kristy grins and steps forward in front of me. “That’s exactly what I did. I’m your free pass.”

“What are you saying?” I ask her, completely missing the point.

“Pack a bag with some clothes,” Kristy says as she collapses on the bed. “We’ll be spending the weekend at Tyler’s house. There’s a party after the game today; it’ll be late.”

Oh.“Fine.”

Kristy already has her bag, so I order her to pack one for me too, as she brought it on herself. “Pick anything from my closet for the party; I’ll take a quick shower.”

In the bathroom, I take my time, get out, and change into a maroon set of undergarments and black jeans. While Kristy takes a bath, I dry my hair and put on the jersey.

Kristy walks into the room wearing Tyler’s jersey, which has the name Bradshaw and the number 49.

“Wow, Jake gave you his jersey,” Kristy comments.

“You’ve got one, too.” I smile.

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