A Fresh Start

Chapter 25-August 2015

TK

It's been a week since Ryan left for school. The drive out to Ohio took him two days. He could've done it in one go, but his Mom told him no more than 10 hours on the road. She paid for the hotels along the way so he couldn't be too annoyed.

We texted most nights once he was safely off the road. It was a weird conversation at first. We decided not to talk about sex, kissing, or any terms of endearment. It would be easier for us both if we both acted like friends.

He's enjoying his time with his team. Officially practice doesn't start until tomorrow, but they're working out together every day.

I have also thrown myself in to exercise. Trying to stave off depression.

Today, I am working out my arms and chest with my fellow soccer seniors. As captain, I have to set a good pace for them.

Brandon Jordan's my spotter today as I try and push to a new limit on the bench press.

"Dude. Come on. Give me one more, and you'll be at failure. One more, and we are done," he says. "Ok. Go."

I push the barbell away from my chest with what's left of my strength and hold it for two breathes before Brandon has to help me land it in the rack.

"That was epic, TK. 280. That's your best, right?" He says with a dumb grin.

I nod and drink some water.

"Ok. You and I are done then. We did three full circuits today and hit failure on all of them. We're going to HATE ourselves tomorrow," he says. "Wanna get some food with me?"

I shake my head, "Nah. I need to do my cardio now."

"Man, I think you're going too hard. You need to take a break," he says in a concerned voice. "I think you've worked out more in the last week than all summer with us."

"Sorry, man. You're right. I was seeing someone until they left for college. I have a LOT of free time now, and I don't know what to do with it," I admit.

"Haha, oh shit. That explains a lot, actually. How long were you and he together?" He asks. Some of the other guys on the team are standing around listening. I think this is the MOST I've talked about my love life with them since I joined the team, and they're curious.

"Since.....freshman year mostly," I say and close my eyes as the reactions hit.

"The fuck, really?" Says Brandon.

"Damn man," says Marcus Wright, another senior.

"Shit, you HAVE to come to Qdoba with us then today," says Donavan Michaels on my left.

"Yeah. I honestly thought you just didn't date—just that guy sophomore year. Here you are, having a whole massive secret life. Who was he?" Says Brandon.

I shake my head, "he isn't out yet. so that's just for me to know, but I'll get food with you guys. I think I'll just walk the track for a bit. Text me when you're all done," I say, but my dream of solitude before bro time is ruined by Coach Anderson.

"Hey, TK! Dr. Roberts needs to talk to you real quick, seeing as you're here," he says, and the team makes dumb bro noises about me being in trouble.

"Shut up," I shout at them with a smile and walk over to the coach. "What's up? Did she tell you anything?"

He's Passive, "I know a bit, but your Mom's down there right now. You're not in trouble, so don't panic."

God damn it.

When we get to the guidance counselor's office, I see Coach Michaels, my hockey coach, standing there with Mom, and he shakes Coach Andersen's hand.

Mom gives me a hug and repeats the mantra "you're not in trouble" but adds, " pretty sure you aren't at least."