Chapter 25
Theodore Knight
T oday is the first day I have left my bedroom for anything other than class.
Even if I needed to study or complete assessments, I wallowed in self-pity at the wooden desk in the comfort of my own home.
The first class Jaz and I had together after Sunday night was awkward and surprising. In the beginning I was optimistic. Jaz still sat next to me like she always has, but she didn’t spare me any glances that weren’t consumed by annoyance and anger.
This didn’t stop me from worrying.
Her hands were shaking, along with her legs. She isn’t okay. The last time I saw Jazmine like this was during freshman year and I don’t want a repeat of that. But without her saying anything, I have no clue how to help.
I arrived at football training with Austin ten minutes ago and now we are doing a passing drill against our defensive players. My first passes are off target, missing Austin and Logan.
Fuck me. This is the last thing I need. I grind my teeth together, waiting for everyone to reset the drill.
I failed. Again.
An aggressive sigh leaves my throat. I crack my knuckles, searching for a way to control the emotions bubbling beneath my skin. This is why I didn’t want distractions at the start of the year. One part of my brain is focused on Jazmine, the other on my father and his disappointment.
“Knight!” Coach yelled. “Take five. Sub with Price,”
I run my tongue over my teeth as I stalk over to the sideline. Jake Price gives me a blinding smirk, only caring about his chance to take the field.
My chest heaves. Now is not the time for my performance to be going to shit. I know it’s only training but the play-offs are a month away and despite our successful season to date, I want to prove myself. To my dad, Coach Morgan and most importantly, myself.
“You alright, son?” Coach Morgan asks.
I settle my breathing, trying to remain in control. “Yeah, just having a bad day. ”
Coach nods, flicking his gaze between the field and me. “Are you sure?”
I don’t give a verbal answer, only nodding. He doesn’t seem to agree with my response, making me sit out for the rest of the training session. I try to argue and convince Coach Morgan I am fine, but he doesn't believe me.
I’m first in the locker room to collect my belongings. I need to get my head straight. My father will be angry if I get dropped to the bench and replaced. I unlock my phone, finding two missed calls from Jazmine as well as multiple messages.
Fuck. Our research project. I have been so caught up in everything else that I forgot to tell her about training being moved. I throw my bag over my shoulder, rushing towards the exit. Austin catches me on the way.
“Theo, Jazmine is here. And she doesn’t look happy.”
I hear her voice echo from the opposite side of the field. “Theodore!”
Coach Morgan is packing up the final pieces of equipment, I make my way to him.
“Coach, I have to—”
“Go on, kid.”
With his permission, I sprint away from training and towards Jaz. As I inch closer, I see her body swaying slightly and her limbs shaking. Shit, this isn’t good. This is what I was worried about.
“Jazmine,” I keep my voice, soft and gentle .
My eyes sweep over her pale body, the bags under her eyes are close to being black. Fuck, when was the last time she slept?
“Princess, I’m taking you to my car and then to your apartment.”
Quickly, I wrap my arms around Jazmine. Her body is limp against mine and I know she has passed out. I rush to my car with Jazmine cradled in my arms, her head resting against my chest.
I made it to Jazmine’s apartment in record time, most likely breaking every speed limit on the way. She is breathing as I lay her on her bed. I keep my hand on her pulse point.
I've already lost the most important person in my life, I can’t lose her too.
Once I’m sure Jaz’s pulse and breathing are okay, I leave her to rest. Jazmine’s kitchen is still stocked with the groceries we bought which is a concern. Deja vu washes over me as I pull out the ingredients for an omelette.
This panic attack was much worse than the last one I saw. A pit forms in my stomach. Could I be the reason for this? When Jazmine wakes up, I need to lay everything out. No more pushing away emotions. I want her and everything she has to offer.
A relationship with date nights and laughter that makes our ribs hurt. Whatever Jazmine Allen wants, I will give her.
My phone rings out but seeing the caller ID causes an annoyed groan to fall from my mouth. He has the worst fucking timing .
“Hey, Dad.”
“Theodore, what is going on? You haven’t answered my calls to talk about the game,”
I roll my eyes. You would think my father would recognise that maybe I don’t want to talk to him. “Sorry, I’ve been busy. Lots of things going on with assessments and football,”
“Right. Well, you played well but—” Here we go. “Some of your choices could have been better, are you working on that?”
I close my eyes and brace against the kitchen counter. “Yeah, I just got back from training. We are working on some different set plays,”
“Good. I’ll let you go, but I wanted to let you know I’ll be at your last game of the regular season.”
Fuck me.
“Okay, that’s great.” My head snaps up when Jazmine’s door creaks open. “I’ll talk to you later, Dad.”
I end the call, not wanting to waste a moment. My lungs fill with oxygen as I try to calm myself. After today, there will be no room for Jazmine to second guess what my intentions are. She edges closer to the kitchen bench, where a white plate sits with an omelette in the centre.
“Hey, Princess,” I offer a soft smile. “I made food come sit down.”