Step Up to The Plate (Dansby Swanson)

Chapter 10- You're a Knock Out

She kept her eyes closed as she responded, "I want to work."

"You can't go out there like that," He sighed, "You need to let everyone know who he is."

"No, I won't do it," She frowned, glancing over to Presley. She had forgotten about her being in the room, "Do you think they'll believe I took a practice ball to the face?"

Presley shook her head, "That won't work, because who hit it? The team would know different... although-" She stepped closer, turning Avery's face gently, "It does look like it could possibly be from that..."

Presley looked at Freddie, and he frowned, "I think the truth is the only answer here..."

"Well, technically, I was struggling and fell against the kitchen counter.."

"That's even less believable than the ball," Presley spoke up.

Freddie sighed, "We have to tell he done this," Avery's eyes were pleading, and he wasn't sure he should force her into something she wasn't ready for, "You know what? We can make this work."

Avery nodded, "Thank you.."

"What will you tell Dansby though? Should you really lie to him?" Presley questioned.

Avery groaned. She didn't want to lie to him. If he ever found out, that would be a bad way to start a relationship- if things were to work out. On the other hand, she was humiliated that someone who supposedly cared for her, did this, and she allowed it, "I don't want to lie to Dansby. I just... I don't."

"Lie to me about what?" Dansby walked in, confused, as he watched Freddie step in front of Avery. He sort of glared at Freddie for hiding her from him, "Why would you lie to me, Avery?"

"Gosh," She mumbled where he couldn't hear, trying to hide her face.

"It's not a good time, bud..." Freddie motioned to the door, "She'll come see you in a few."

"Freeman..." Dansby was aggravated, and attempted to peek around Freddie, "Presley," his eyes landed on Avery's best friend, and she quickly looked away.

"He's probably right, " Presley whispered, feeling bad for him, "She's um, not feeling well..."

"Avery," Dansby ignored them both, "Is that what you want? Do you want me to leave? Because if that's what you want, then I will."

His voice was so respectful and pleading. She couldn't deny him this time. Tears streamed down her face, but she took a deep breath, and spoke softly, "Move, Freddie... It's okay."

Freddie turned to face her, searching her face for reassurance. Once she gave him a nod, he slowly moved to the side.

She closed her eyes, not wanting to see Dansby's reaction. She could hear him gasp, though.. it wasn't even a second until she felt his arms around her tightly. God, she'd never felt so safe as she did at that moment. She began sobbing against him. Silence filled the room, and for the first time in a while, she felt peace.

Dansby couldn't believe it. He knew her relationship was horrible but had no idea it could come to this. He'd heard the threat Bryce had given her the day before. He should have done something! But it was too late for that, "I'm so sorry-" His voice cracked, as emotion took over. He held her even tighter, not caring about anything at that moment except for her.

Freddie looked to Presley, who was staring back at him. Both seemed relieved but silently knew a long road was ahead.

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