“It was old enough to know better.” A heavy sigh spills from his lips. “I was really depressed, and I withdrew into myself. Unless I had training or a match, I hid in my room, refused to come out to eat with my family, and I wouldn’t go to schoolsome days. On days when I did go in, I was usually late, and I rarely did my homework. I was constantly getting detention and not bothering to show up. I was fighting all the time with my parents, and me and Dad almost came to blows several times. At weekends, I was going to parties, smoking dope, and fucking random girls. Anything to make myself feel, because I felt dead inside. I was even fucking up during matches and ended up benched a couple times.”
“I’m so sorry, Callan. That must’ve been horrible.” I can’t imagine feeling like that.
“My parents tried everything to help, but I didn’t want to listen. They dragged me to some shrink, and I just sat there and listened to him waffling, saying jack shit. They took me to the doctor, and he wanted me to go on antidepressants, but I refused. My brother tried talking to me, but I wouldn’t let him in either. I was a really shitty son and brother for a while.”
“I doubt that very much.” I wrap my arms around him, just needing to hug him. “You were going through a tough time, and I’m sure they understood that. I don’t know Dara, but I’ve seen your parents, and they love you so much.”
“Yeah.” He holds me close. “I’ve been such a prick to them, but they never stopped trying.”
“That’s what loving parents do. They never give up, especially during the hard times.” I cup his face, loving the feel of the thin stubble brushing against my palm. “Do you still feel like that?”
He shakes his head. “I was better this year, which is why I hated them so much for taking me away from everything I’d ever known. It felt like I’d just gotten my head back on straight when I was forced to move. I was playing the best football of my life, and them making me come here felt like a punishment for the shitty way I’d behaved. I’m not proud of the things I said or did, and I was falling back into a black hole, but things are good now.” He smooths wayward strands of hair out of my eyes. “I’m properhappy for the first time in a long time, and I feel hopeful for the future.”
“Does this mean you are considering the scholarship?” My heart thumps feverishly in anticipation.
Callan pins me with an intense look I feel all the way to my toes. “Yeah, beautiful. I think I am.”
26
CALLAN
Our supporters are going nuts as we come off the pitch, shouting and singing and stamping their feet on the bleachers. A decent crowd traveled from Ryemont to Wilmington for the match, and I wish my parents and Astrid could’ve been here to see us smash our rivals. But Astrid had to work, and the new bathrooms are being installed today, so Mum and Dad are needed at home.
“Dude.” Thor slaps me on the back. “That last header was dope!” His grin is shared by every player on the team. After the last defeat, this win feels real good.
“You ate and left no crumbs, bro,” Riley adds, clamping a hand on my shoulder.
“Everyone was on fire today, mate. It was a team effort.” I shrug off their hands and their praise.
“So humble.” Thor smirks, nudging me with his elbow. “I wonder how long that’ll last when you hit the big leagues.”
“Oh my gawd!” A high-pitched screech accompanies the words before Gwen bulldozes her way through a few of the cheerleaders hovering on the sidelines and charges at me. Thor snorts out a laugh as she flings her arms around me. “Youfreaking crushed it, Cal!” She hugs me tight. “I bet there were scouts in the crowd writing your name down.”
Peeling her arms off me, I step back, creating a little distance between us. I don’t mention I know for a fact there were scouts in attendance because Coach already confirmed it before the game. “Hopefully.”
“You have star written all over you,” Ana says, materializing on my left side like a ghostly apparition. Before I can stop her, she leans in and kisses me on the cheek. “You were amazing out there.”
I move back farther and say, “Thanks,” through gritted teeth. I’d love nothing more than to tell that bitch to go fuck herself, but causing shit with the head cheerleader would not be smart. I need Coach on my side if I’m going to seriously consider college and scholarship opportunities.
“What’re you doing?” Gwen hisses at Ana.
Ana narrows her eyes. “I’m congratulating our star striker. What’s it to do with you?”
“Callan belongs to Astrid, and Astrid’s my ride or die. I’m just trying to stop you from making a fool of yourself.”
I have zero interest in girl drama, and I don’t care if Gwen thinks it’s rude, but I am fucking done with this shit. I stride off without saying goodbye to either girl. I’m itching to get to the locker room and message Astrid.
Thor comes up alongside me. “I see Ana still hasn’t gotten the message.”
“She’s stubborn, but it won’t get her anywhere. All she’s doing is pissing me the fuck off all the time.” Every single time we’re training or playing a match, she is right there, in my face, flicking her hair, pouting, and thrusting her tits out, trying to draw my attention, and I’m sick of it.
“Has Travis said anything?” Thor asks as we enter the athletic building.
“Nope, and he better not.” I crack my knuckles as tension spirals through me.
“Pity Astrid couldn’t come today,” he says, pushing through the door into the locker room.
I shrug, downplaying it, but the truth is I missed her. “Renee was planning to send her updates.”
