Page 141 of Redemption
“Back here,” I call.
I’m sitting at my desk when the door to my office opens. Dr. Harrison is standing in the doorway, looking uncomfortable.
I know being here is hard for him, but I didn’t have any other choice. I can’t force Tanner’s parents to get his headaches checked out, and even if they did, I’m not sure I would trust them. So, I’m bringing Dr. Harrison in to do a physical for all the boys. It’s the only solution I can think of. I sent home a permission slip to all the parents with the caveat that the physicals were required to be able to play on the team.
Surprisingly, there was very little fuss. I was expecting Eric to throw a fit, but I haven’t heard a word out of him.
I haven’t told MJ, though. Her relationship with her mom is healing, but things are still strained with her dad. I figured it would be better if she doesn’t know until after it’s over—that way she doesn’t have to chance running into him.
“Dr. Harrison,” I say, standing to greet him. “Thank you for coming.”
He walks to my desk, shaking my hand and getting right to the point. “Where can I set up?”
“We’ll set you up in the locker room, and I’ll send the boys in one by one. Does that work?”
“Works fine,” he says, voice gruff.
I made sure he knew about Tanner before coming here, so I don’t have to tell him now.
Without anything left to say, I walk him to the locker room so he can set up. His eyes dart around, taking it in. There’s heartbreak in his stare.
I wish there weren’t.
I wish his son were still here, but I also wish he had a healthy relationship with his daughter.
They both need it.
“Sir,” I say, turning my ball cap in my hand. “Before you get started. I want to say something, and I hope you don’t take offense when I say this.”
“What is it, Hayes?”
“Your daughter needs you, sir. And I think you need her too. I’m not trying to tell you what to do—but I think you are both very stubborn—her more than anyone. Don’t write her off. She can be prickly sometimes, but it’s part of her charm.”
He doesn’t look at me, but I can see the tears in his eyes. “She doesn’t want anything to do with me—and she has every right not to. I won’t try to control her life any more than I already have.”
“Love isn’t controlling. Show her your love. She wants it, even if she pretends she doesn’t. That’s all I have to say. Thank you for listening.”
He nods, turning his head and unpacking the supplies he brought with him.
Patting the side of the locker, I say, “I’ll let you get to it. Thanks again for coming.”
Then I walk out, finding the boys to send them in.
______________________
Three hours later, all the physicals are over, and we are sitting in my office, waiting for Tanner’s parents to arrive—all of them.
There’s concern in the set of Dr. Harrison’s face as we wait, but I don’t ask. I want him to explain to everyone what he found.
I sent Tanner home. I didn’t want to pressure him to sit in a room with all three of his parents. The situation is stressful enough for him already. I didn’t want to make it worse.
My pen taps against my desk, and Dr. Harrison’s eyes zero in on it.
I stop, feeling chastised like a child.
The door to my office bursts open, and Lily rushes in. I also invited her to the meeting as a school official.
We haven’t talked a lot lately. She offers me an awkward smile and sits beside MJ’s dad, offering him her hand. “I’m Lily Carson. The principal.”
