The Fumble Of A Quarterback

Chapter 29: I Still Hate Football

I sit in Dad's office the next day, looking at my hands, waiting for him to say something. The silence chokes us. I don't know what to expect but I only expect the worst. After we got home last night, Dad told me he wanted to speak to Everett and I tomorrow. He didn't show anger, which added to my fear. I barely slept last night, worried about today.

I haven't had a meaningful conversation with Dad in days. I was angry for so many reasons. But with the article out in the open I feel my anger melting away. I don't look at him with resentment. I just hope he doesn't have resentment towards us.

"The meeting with the university is going to be rough," Dad finally says. "I was in so many meetings yesterday because of this article. I want you to hear it from me, because of you, the university is finally going to release a statement about Charles and they will remove him from the team. They are halting everything, not wanting to support an abuser like him."

Everett's head snaps up to look at Dad. His eyes are red, no doubt from the lack of sleep he got over the night. With our phones were constantly buzzing over the last 24 hours. On top of the hate we received, we got messages of support and honesty. I had only read a little of what was said but there is so much more I need to read.

"He will not step back on the team or on campus."

"That's good," I say.

"It's a start," Dad says. He frowns. "I'm just sorry it took this long. I am also at fault. Everett, I let the University get the upper hand and boss me around. I should have not listened to them. You and everyone else on the team deserves better. I will be better. I promise."

Everett lets a small smile creep across his face.

Dad looks at me. I swallow a lump in my throat. Here is goes. This is what I've been waiting for. He's going to rip into me. Tell me how much of a brat I've been. "I also owe you an apology. I think I got so caught up with winning that I didn't focus on anything else. That article was a wakeup call."

My eyes snap up to meet his. I am hearing things correctly? Was he apologizing to me? After all the drama I caused? After how I acted? It doesn't seem right, but I don't correct anything.

Dad gets up from his seat. He makes eye contact with Everett. "Well, we should get to that meeting, shouldn't we?"

Everett nods as he rubs his tired eyes. "Yeah, let's get this over with."

He gives one last kiss to me before walking out of the office, leaving me to wait for them.

As the minutes pass. They turn into an hour. Soon it's two. My hands are clammy. They have been gone too long. Shouldn't they be back by now? I cannot stand it any longer. I wipe my hands on my pants then leave the office.

My shoes echo the silent hall. I think the only time I've seen this place so silent was my first day on the job. Boy, that seems forever ago. A lot changed since then.

With Dad giving the day off to everyone, I don't expect to run into anyone so I am surprised to see Tad with a stack of towels in his hands.

He smiles at me, only to drop the towels in the process.

"Shoot," he mumbles.

Quickly I help him pick them up while mentally preparing for what he would say. Since the article was released Tad hasn't texted. He hasn't said a word.

"So the article..." Tad starts.

"I know."

"Wow. Like there was a lot in that. Everett really told all."

"I know."

"And Everett? I never thought he would spill it all. Like he shot Charles down, sure, but he shot the university, the team, your dad, everyone," he says as he drops the towels in a large bin by a door.