Page 82 of Damaged Prince
“Let’s get you to the locker room.” Coach says.
“I’m fine,” I say, but no one believes me. I don’t even believe me.
Once we’re in the locker room, they set me down on the bench and help me take off my gear.
The medics check me over, and I’m too tired to fight them.
“Looks like some bruised ribs. Can’t tell if they’re broken without x-rays though.”
“Am I good to finish the game?” I ask, blinking my heavy eyes open.
“You're not going back out there,” Coach grumbles. “You're done for the night, Cross. Get some rest, heal. Be ready for the next game.”
“I’m fine. Really. Just give me a few pain meds and I’ll be good.” I try to get up, but Coach shoves me back down.
“Don’t argue with me, boy, or I’ll bench you for the rest of the season.”
I don’t want that. This is my last year to play.
Knowing he means his threat, I begrudgingly sit back down. “Fine,” I mutter.
After getting another once over, the medics leave me. “You fine here to get changed?”
“Yeah, I’m good.” I wave him off.
“Go get those ribs looked after. I won’t let you play until you get a clean bill of health from the doctor.”
“Yes, sir.” I give him a little sass, too annoyed and pissed off to care.
He gives me a glare that would scare me any other time. Right now, I honestly am just done.
He leaves me, and I’m left in the locker room alone.
It takes a lot of effort to get the rest of my gear off, with the pain starting to make its presence known.
Hissing in pain when I stand up, I groan. Opening my locker, I go to grab my bottle of acetaminophen and pop a few, cringing as I down them with the warm bottle of water.
Leaning my head forward, sweat drips down my brow as I take a few deep breaths, grimacing when even that hurts too much.
Opening my eyes, they lock on the little white bag peaking out of the pair of socks I’ve hidden it in.
Looking over my shoulder to make sure I’m still alone, I grab the baggie and the rolled-up dollar bill from the sock. Dabbing some of the white powder on the back of my hand, I take the bill and inhale it in one go.
“Fuckkk.” I groan as I feel the burn in my nose. Shaking my head, I put everything back and make my way over to the shower. By the time I’m under the hot spray, I feel fucking amazing.
With a dopey smile on my face, I just stand there under the water for I don’t know how long.
“Owen?”
Mhmm. Laney.
“Owen. Are you in here?” The voice gets louder.
Frowning, I open my eyes, ignoring the water getting into them.
“Owen?”
“Jellyfish?” I call out for her.
