Page 34 of Forever Cursed

“Please tell me you’re joking.” Chrissy’s unimpressed as I walk her toward the football stadium.

“Just trust me.” I grab her hand and lead her down the walkway.

We step onto the field, and the space around us is open. The hash marks to designate the yard lines are freshly painted. The first time my cleats touched the dark green grass, I felt at home.

Chrissy takes a silent step forward, slowly spinning around to take in the brilliance of this place. The stadium can seat twenty thousand people. If the team is doing well, seats will fill, and the audience will roar. Their chanting and shouting used to be a distraction, but you learn to use it as motivation.

“I never noticed how huge this place is,” Chrissy mutters in astonishment.

“You never come to any games,” I remark.

“Well, you never invited me, now did you?” She purses her lips and places her hands on her hips.

“Would you come to opening day? You, Gwen, Ash, and Zack?”

I never have anyone in the crowd cheering me on. Sure, I have fans, but the idea of having someone who means something to me out there feels different. “I’d get you good seats, free food?—”

“Can I get a jersey?” she cuts in.

“Absolutely. Which player do you want?”

“Yours, duh.”

Chrissy goes back to admiring the field, completely clueless that she’s left me breathless. She wantsmynumber? She wants to wearmylast name on her back? The image of her wearing one of my jerseys barrels into my mind, and my face burns.

“I’ll give you whatever you want.”

Chrissy beams in response, leaving me speechless. She skips over to the player’s bench and sits down, patting the spot next to her.

“I have a question for you.”

Following her gesture, I straddle the bench and face her.

“When did you start playing football?”

“Dad and I used to play catch and watch the games. I fell in love with it, so I begged my parents to sign me up. They didn’t want to initially, but I always got what I wanted.” Well, noteverything.

I’m not your typical sports kid. My parents didn’t force me into football. In fact, I begged them to let me play. They were concerned about the concussion rate, and they didn’t want my body to bruise or my bones to break. I got my way in the end. Football is therapy in my own twisted way. Dad stopped caring after Mom left. He drowned himself in alcohol and TV. He got better over time, but he’s always on the brink of a mental breakdown.

“They didn’t push you into it?”

“No, not at all. They supported me even though they were terrified I might get hurt. It was only when—” Fuck, there she goes again. How does she manage to pull my secrets out of me? She must have a trick up her sleeve...

“Only when, what?”

Peering over her shoulder, I ponder whether I should tell her about my mother. Chrissy has good parents. Would she understand? Or would she throw me a pity party and offer me fake sympathy?

With a sigh, I meet her eyes again and decide to tell her. After all, this is what this mentorship is all about, right?

“My mom left when I was eight. My dad and I don’t know why. All she said was that she needed time away. I don’t think he was abusive. They seemed to love one another, but I don’t knowwhat happened behind closed doors. My dad withdrew after that. He went to work and provided for us, but emotionally, he was a ghost.” I clear my throat to keep the emotions that bleed into my words at bay. I don’t avert my gaze, and neither does Chrissy. I can’t stop now, might as well get it all out. “There’s a reason I don’t have a girlfriend or go out on dates. I’m afraid to open myself to the possibility of heartbreak because what if I do and the person ruins me just like my mom did to my dad?”

With a tiny smile, Chrissy reaches for my hand and holds it. “That’s a lot to carry, Rome. And you’ve been carrying it for years, haven’t you?”

I can only manage to nod. Tears threaten my eyes, and I know if I speak, they’ll break free.

“Love is tricky, and it’ll always be a risk. No one walks into a relationship knowing they’ll be safe. Love is dangerous and exciting. But it’s always scary. I understand why you feel that way, and know you’re not alone.”

I sigh, and the tears in my eyes slip free. Dropping Chrissy’s hand, I wipe them away immediately. I was a fool to think she would judge me over my past. This is Chrissy. The sweet ray of sunshine who exudes love and warmth wherever she goes. She’s good at this, and I hope she knows it.

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