Page 44 of Brick Wall
It’s fine, really. I mean, I don’t mind being friends with Sebastian. He’s an awesome guy. I’ll have to ignore those small flutters I get when I’m around him for too long—no big deal.
I hardly see him in person anyway, and I doubt we will see each other too much soon. Both Sebastian and I are heading into a busy season.
Interestingly enough, the football season and my collegiate volleyball season start the same weekend. We have the Harvard Invitational at Harvard University the weekend after Labor Day, during which we play three different teams within forty-eight hours.
I’m busy pulling sixty-hour workweeks to prepare for the invitational and running intense practices before classes begin for my players. Okay, I’m probably pulling more like eighty hours or more, but why keep track when you are doing something you love?
The start of the season is rough, but so is the middle and end. The off-season is busy with recruitment and everything I put off when I was extra busy, so volleyball often takes up my life.
I’m sure many athletes and coaches say the same about their chosen sport.
I know Sebastian has been busy.
We’ve talked a few times through texts for the last couple of days since our hike, but not as much as we did before.
I sent him a bunch of material the next day as promised and kindly reminded him to follow up with his nutritionist and team for support, but beyond that, I haven’t initiated any more texts. He has a few times, but it’s been less frequent.
My phone pings from my desk, and I swivel in my office chair to grab it. It’s nine in the evening, and my hallway in the athletic center is quiet. I’m the only staff member still working this late.
Sebastian: I realized I’m a terrible friend.
Sebastian: I never thanked you for your help.
There’s that dreaded f-word again. Friend. I ignore it and type back my response.
Annie: I’m pretty sure you did, but I’ll accept the extra thanks.
Annie: How is everything going?
Sebastian: Good
Sebastian: I’m doing better
Annie: Closer to your weight class?
Sebastian: Haven’t made it yet, but I’m much closer.
Annie: YAY!
I tuck away my phone and get back to drawing up plays for the upcoming tournament, trying out new formations and tactics.
Sebastian: What are you up to?
Annie: Just revisiting my playbook.
Sebastian: I’d say the same, but I never look at that thing.
Annie: *sends a gif of a nun sayingtsk tsk tsk*
Sebastian: I’m an OL. I don’t need to look
Annie: I’m sure your coach is pleased to know this
Sebastian: Are you going to tell him? Are all coaches friends? Is there a club?
Annie: For sure. We meet on Tuesdays.
Sebastian: My day off. That checks out.
