Page 94 of Drew
Thank fuck we found a quiet corner where people didn’t recognize us. Most of the team was celebrating at local bars where students hang out. After slamming down a few shots, I chased them with a few beers. I wasn’t out of control, but for not being a drinker, it was more than my share.
Our flight was early this morning, and it took everything in me to get up when the alarm went off. But it’s my own fucking fault I feel this way. I refuse to look at my phone, in fear that Abby remains radio silent. Finding my place on the plane, I pop my earbuds in and will myself to fall back to sleep.
When I wake up as we land, I feel much better. I know better than to drink like I did last night, but at the time, I just couldn’t give two fucks about it. I haven’t done anything like that since high school, and I feel a bit guilty for resorting to it. This is so unlike me.
It takes forever for the team to get from the airport to our university. I’m dying to see Abby. My only goal is to find her and talk through whatever’s wrong. I just hope I’m not too late.
Knowing I skipped a shower this morning, stopping by my apartment first, is a must. Sure, I showered after the game but after drinking, sleeping, and traveling all day, I need to wash the grime off me before seeing her.
As soon as we’re back in the apartment, I quickly rush through a shower and change into a pair of jeans and t-shirt. Of course, it’s raining in Washington, so I grab a hoodie to offset the weather.
On the way out the door, DeShawn hollers, “Hey, you have some mail!”
When I turn, he’s holding two large envelopes and some bills. Immediately, my attention is on the larger envelopes. If their logos are any indication, I’m sure what might be in them. But the way my heart hammers out of my chest with my need to settle things with Abby, I know I can’t handle anymore disappointment now, no matter the risk.
“Thanks, man.” Snagging the envelopes, I rush to my car. Throwing them on the passenger seat, I hightail it to Abby’s.
God only knows what is going through that brilliant mind of hers. But she’s gonna talk to me one way or another.
I’ve purposely kept my phone off all day; I can’t handle the possibility of rejection. Her silence is like an axe splitting through my chest and chopping me to pieces bit by bit, as time goes on. I need to see for myself if I’m just imagining things, or if my instincts are right.
God, I don’t want to be right in this moment.
Of course, the parking lot’s full when I arrive at Abby’s apartment. I finally find a spot on the street, about a block away. My long strides eat up the pavement quickly as I close the distance between us. Hell, I’m not even sure she’s here, but knowing she doesn’t work today, I doubt there’s any place else she’d be.
When I knock on her door, I’m forced to impatiently wait for someone to answer. When the door finally cracks open, my heart sinks to find Sydney.
Sydney’s face fills with excitement as she pulls me in for a hug. “Congratulations, Drew! You played well yesterday.”
Not really, but that’s beside the point. Taking a step back, I rub my palm against the back of my neck. “Uh, is Abby around?”
“She’s in her room last I checked.”
I don’t even wait for a response as I push past Sydney and walk to Abby’s door. It’s open, and she’s lying on her bed listening to music with her earbuds in. Instead of rushing in, I take a moment to study her. She’s dressed in yoga pants and a hoodie I’d left here the other day. Her hair is stacked on top of her head, and she’s staring at the ceiling.
When I look at her beautiful face, I notice dark circles under her eyes, and they seem a bit puffy.
Is it from crying?
Or has she been sick?
God, I hope I haven’t been in this funk because she’s been sick.
Wait… Sydney would’ve said something, right?
When I take a step into the room, I startle her.
She jumps, pulling her earbuds out as she goes. “Oh, you scared me. Have you been standing there long?”
“Long enough to notice there’s something wrong. Have you been sick?”
Abby shakes her head. “No.”
Shit. She has been crying.
“So… What’s going on, Angel?” I draw out on a long breath, bracing myself for the worst.
Abby sighs and looks everywhere but at me. There’s tension in the room I’ve never felt before, and I’m certain I’m not going to like what she has to say.
