Page 31 of Strike & Score
I have no problem focusing on what’s important, and what always has been for me. Being Colin’s stupid target won’t change that. Even if he thinks he has control over me, my time, and my body, he couldn’t be more wrong.
I ditch all thoughts of him, because I already started practice distracted enough and I’m not going to let that continue. I’m going back to ignoring him, even if I’m stuck living in the same house as him, I’m not going to give him anymore than that.
Except maybe a few more headaches because we’re in the middle of a battle and I don’t have to talk to him to fuck with him.
My plan toignore Colin works longer than I thought it would. I do my best to be out of the house the majority of the day, and when I sneak back in, I go straight to my room.
This goes on for a week, and I feel like each day that passes is a tick off a countdown because Colin will only be so patient.But every morning I wake up alone and untouched. And every morning my disappointment grows until I metaphorically slap myself in the face because there shouldn’t be an ounce of disappointment in my body.
I also still haven’t given back his spare key because I’m keeping that as my own insurance policy. Though, the weirdest part of all of this, he hasn’t doneanythingto me. No silly pranks, not even talking to me.
Nothing.
Because of that I haven’t done anything to him either, though I’ve been tempted. When he was at one of his games I thought about stealing all of his bedding and make him sleep on a bare mattress with bare pillows.
Then, I considered the fact that he’s a man and probably wouldn’t even think twice about that.
So I did nothing.
Halloween is fast approaching, and I know any semblance of peace we have is going to end on that day. Everyone knows Colin is going to have a party, and we all know how he feels about me being around for a party.
The good thing about my house actually having a tiny bit of reprieve from him is that I’ve been able to do what our coach wants, and focus on my grades and soccer.
We won our last game, and are all riding high on it, myself included.
“You coming out with us, Mace?” Blake asks while we’re all in the locker room after the game.
I shake my head. “No, I’m tired and going to go ahead and turn in.”
“You really want to go home? The last thing I want to do right now isthat.” Blake grimaces and I chuckle knowing exactly why, but luckily for me what was once a torture chamber hasn’t been.
The bathtub with a nice soak is calling my name back home. A frat house that’s full of sweaty, drunk, and horny guys does not sound like my type of celebration. But my headphones, some good music, and a relaxing bath, nowthatis how I want to celebrate.
When I get home, it’s quiet and I know Colin isn’t here, but I‘ve become less and less concerned with where he’s spending his time lately because if he’s not bothering me then I’m happy. I don’t care who he may be with, it’s not my problem and if they’re keeping him busy then at least he’s not seeking me out.
I get my bath started, dumping my lavender Epsom salts in the hot water before stripping off my clothes, and stepping in. I lower myself slowly into the water, letting it soothe my muscles that are already becoming sore from the high pressure game we just played. My music is playing in my headphones while I settle into the water. I drop my head back and my body relaxes.
I’m not sure how long I lay in the water, a handful of songs play and I’m too comfortable to bother moving.
That is, until I sense something is off.
I’m not alone anymore, and my hackles rise. My eyes open, looking to the side I see him leaning against the sink with his arms folded.
Colin is just staring at me, he’s in jeans and a dark T-shirt, his dark hair is disheveled in the intentional way he always does. He’s looking at me like I’m the most interesting thing in the world, and all I can do is narrow my eyes at him.
“What do you want?”
He says something in response, but I can’t hear him over my music. I want to go back to ignoring him, and pretend like he isn’t here, but I also don’t trust him.
I take out my headphones, and move to cover myself byhugging my knees to my chest while stabbing him with my eyes.
“Nothing I haven’t seen before.” He smirks, moving closer to me.
“What do you want?” I repeat.
“Already told you.”
“I couldn’t hear you.”
