His eyes go round with shock, his hand cradling the side of his face. Then his gaze jumps to my hand, still fisted to my side with a smidge of blood on my knuckle. Seeing that, I stare at the large gash on his lip and the blood that seeps from it onto his white shirt.
I’m tempted to hit him again at the reminder of Josie standing on the cliff, but whoever is standing next to me must’ve heard my thoughts because they bring me back.
Their hands on my shoulders pull, fanning the black fog away, and that’s when I realize how silent the entire locker room is and how all of their eyes are on me.
Loosening my fist, I stare down at Bryson who stills on the ground, staring with caution like I’m going to punch him again. I want to but I don’t.
“I don’t care what you say or what you do but don’t talk about Josie like that again. I’m not fucking around.” I forcefully slip my shoes back on, slam my locker door shut, and stalk out of the room straight to the weight room.
Grayson: So…
Noah: Shut up
Grayson: I didn’t say anything
Kainoa: So we’re going to ignore the elephant in the room?
Angel: Leave him alone. I got you papi
I grin at Angel’s message in the group chat. No one bothered me in the weight room, during study hall, or when we were in the film room. I’m pretty sure everyone knew and could feel how angry I still was or maybe they were shocked they’d never seen that side of me.
I don’t regret punching Bryson, but I do regret doing that in front of everyone. I’m the captain; I’m supposed to set the example, be the leader, but instead I lost my shit.
Thankfully, Bryson didn’t snitch on me because if Coach would have found out, he would’ve punished everyone. He did that when I sort of got into it with Bryson.
But I’m not letting my guard down because Bryson is petty and knowing him, he’ll find a way to get back at me.
Me: Sorry you all had to witness that. That won’t happen again
Grayson: Now why the fuck are you apologizing??? That motherfucker not only deserved it, but that had been a long time coming! If I was you, I would have punched him again
Grayson: Also did you slash his tires?
Kainoa: Did you see the look on his face? He looked so scared. It took everything in me not to laugh. And I promise we won’t judge if you did
Me: No that wasn’t me
Angel: Do you know who did it?
Me: No comment
Grayson: It was Josie? Wasn’t it?
Me: No comment
Grayson: Hot and savage? I think I’m in love with her. Please don’t punch me
Grayson: Also, it took everything in me not to take a picture
Angel: Same because the look on his face was priceless
Noah: It was
Grayson: So I’m curious…does this mean that you and Josie are F.U.C.K.I.N.G?????
Kainoa: Jealous, Gray??
Grayson: If I say yes, will you punch me too?
