“Check on me, why? I’m fine.”
“Bullshit!” Bryce wasn’t pulling any punches today.
“I am. I don’t know why you’re worried.”
It was one thing for me to be tied up in knots, but another for them to know it.
“Again, I call bullshit!”
“Bryce!” Mum chided him as he moved to Emma’s side.
“Why aren’t you playing yet?” Mum asked as she moved around my kitchen like she owned the place before flicking the kettle on.
Ouch!
Hearing her say it, hearing her say it like that, stung.
“I haven’t been selected yet. It’s a good team. Spots are hard to come by. It’s very competitive.” And it was. I wasn’t lying, but I didn’t like it either.
“So, you’re okay sitting on your arse on the sidelines?”
“Geez, Dad! Tell me what you really think,” I invited sarcastically.
I didn’t need this. I could already feel a headache building behind my eyes, probably a combination of lack of sleep and stress. Stress I wouldn’t be shaking anytime soon by the looks of it.
“No. I’m not okay with it. Happy now?”
“No, Seth, sweetie, we’re not happy. But we’re not here because of us, we’re here because of you. We saw you on TV last game, and you looked miserable, honey. You barely call any more. And when we’re texting, which seems to be the only way to get a hold of you, you drop out of the conversation halfway through.”
Shit! I really was a terrible son. I hadn’t meant to worry them. I just got…distracted.
“Sorry, Mum. Look, I’ve been a bit all over the place lately, but honestly, I’m doing okay. I’m taking my supplements and trying to look after myself, but I’m working hard, and I’m going to get on the field. It’s just taking longer than I expected, that’s all.”
“You’re sure that’s all it is?”
I knew Mum wasn’t convinced but that was my job now. I had to do whatever it took to prove to her I was okay. That I had this. That it wasn’t a mistake. I thought I’d been determined before, but I’d just got the slap up the side of the head I needed. Luca and the rest of the team weren’t going to know what hit them this afternoon. It was time to show them what I could really do.
