"How's the shoulder?"
My dad takes a bite of his steak without looking up from his plate. He and Marie have been back for a week now, both of them making living here impossibly awkward. Dad has made it abundantly clear he doesn't want me here and Marie overcompensating for Dad's cold shoulder.
"Fine."
The doctor says everything is looking good. Still can't move to any movement whatsoever and it's making my skin crawl. I've read the fantasy book Del dropped off at my house and even ordered another on Amazon.
Never thought I'd say that.
"When can you throw again?" He looks up this time, glaring at me from across the table. I hope he gets permanent wrinkles from the constant unbearing mood he's always in.
"I don't know Dad. Never." I joke, forking a piece of lettuce.
"Don't say shit like that Mason. You need to throw again." He shakes his head and I nod mine.
Riveting conversation, will think about it years from now. But it's true, it feels like I'll never throw a ball again and will spend the rest of my life reading books and withering away in this shell of a house.
Dinner proceeds silently and I'm thankful for it. I think about the team and how they're doing just fine without me. They've made it to the playoffs and are in good standing to make it to the big game. It kills me to not be a part of it but the second I'm cleared for more than just sitting around I'll be there for them.
I have a meeting with Coach and the trainers tonight at 5 to discuss my recovery with the team. I'm dreading that talk and looking Coach in the face again in weeks. I know he can't help but be disappointed in losing his QB weeks before the playoffs, I know I am.
I help Marie with the clean up and curse the deadbeat I call Dad as he leaves his plate and takes off to his office.
As strained as my relationship with my own parents are, Marie has been nothing but nice to me. She's always made her best effort to be there and bridge the gap between us even if that bridge crumbles every time.
"Listen, Mason, I know your father isn't the best at expressing his concern, but he is worried about you." Marie passes me a plate and I pay it dry with my one good arm.
"It's fine Marie. You don't have to attempt to make it up for him. He's a grown man and can tell me himself." Even though he'd never do that. Showing me he cares would be like pulling a tooth.
"We'll, you're right of course. Just know we're here for you. I am if you ever need anything." She smiles and it's warm and welcoming as it always is.
Sometimes I find myself thinking about my own mom when she looks at me. If she had made different choices than the ones that led her to where she is. If she found peace in me and Dad instead of drugs.
What "ifs" lead you down a drain that never clears.
"Thank you, I appreciate it." I offer her a smile and finish off the dishes. By the time we're done, it's close to meeting time so I set up my laptop in my room, being sure to close the door.
I've been checking my phone like a loser since the kiss.
Maybe telling Delilah I should've kissed her sooner was a push, but it wasn't a lie. I'm not going to lie to myself or her, she's always been special to me. She's always been a part of me that I'm proud of.
Seeing her again has cracked open my closed heart. I'm determined to make her see that we can have fun and be the people we are today. Maybe our story isn't finished yet.
YOU ARE READING
I Wish You The Best
Romance"Forever was a simple promise before it became a difficult task" Your first love is always the hardest to let go of, which is why Delilah and Mason had promised each other that after college they'd make it work. Unfortunately for them both, their fo...
