Max

The little boy who was no more than seven, pushed past the nurses, walking swiftly to the bed that held his father. The father was lying there, peacefully sleeping. The little boy came up to him, and climb on the chair next to the bed. He was going to sit there until he woke up. The father had tubes that came from a machine that beeped repetitively, to his arm.

The boy just won his first football game and was excited to tell his father. So, he waited, right there on that chair. Suddenly the repetitive beeping turned louder and faster. The little boy didn't know what that meant, but he knew it didn't mean anything good. The nurses rushed in, pulled him from the chair. They dragged him out of the room, while he tried to kick them off.

The boy called out to his father as the boys surroundings begin to fade. The little boy tried to reach for the door handle to his father's room. But it was too late, the door handle disappeared. The boy was terrified. He called out to his father. But no reply came to him. He was alone, in a dark, noiseless surrounding.

I awoke suddenly, trying to slow down my heavy breathing. It was exactly ten years ago. But his sickly face was freshly engraved in my mind. I shook my head and rubbed my face to clear that image out of my head. I took a deep breath and tell myself not to be too engrossed in thoughts, especially not today. This was game day. The first game for senior year. I was prepared to lead my team to victory like I had for years. I need to play hard and well. The only way to do that is to not think so deeply.

I quickly jumped out of bed and prepared for this big day. When I got down the stairs, I smelled an aroma that made my stomach growl. Fresh hot breakfast, a meal that was rare, since I had to go to school and my mom to work. I walked into the kitchen. I see my mom in front of the stove flipping over a pieces of bacon. Why is she doing this? Is she trying to act like the perfect little mom or something? Why isn't she in mourning? Why so cheery on a day like this? But I remembered, don't think so deeply today. I shooed the thoughts out of my head.

When my mom saw me, she smiled, "I was called in later for the hospital, so I decided to make a nice big breakfast. This food will give you energy throughout the day for the big game today."

I grunted, clearly not impressed. Why is she acting like football is so important to her all of a sudden? She never cared. Like she never cared about him. 'Wait, don't think about it, don't think about it.'

No matter how hard I try to push it down, the resentment builds up inside me, with my jaw tight, and fist clenched, I stormed out of the kitchen.

"Yeah, whatever. I am going to school early. Besides, I hate bacon." I walk to the front swiftly, ignoring her pleas to come back.

I walked out of the front screen door, it closed with a slam. I quickly got into my sports car and cranked my favorite metal band's music. I didn't care if it disrupted others in the neighborhood.

When I reach the school, I am still in a horrible mood. When Carter saw me, his face expression soften. He was one of the very few people that knew what happened. I try to look cocky, like I usually do here at school. The pain is trying to resurface, but I suppress it with a confident smile.

Carter joins me, his face somber. "Are you good man?"

"I am going to win us the game today. How do you think I feel?" I say with a grin.

Carter opened his mouth to say something else, but I give him a look that shut him up. I keep my facade as we walk to class. When I see Xander with his arms linked with Lindsey, my fist clenches.

"Ya ready to lead the team to victory, Maxie boy," Xander said laughing and punching my arm.

I pay no attention to him, not wanting him to get any satisfaction.

"It's a shame, really. When one wins a game, the quarterback's girlfriend would run onto the field to congratulate him. Too bad it's that scrawny orangutang they call Sally," Lindsey said with her face all scrunched up.

"Well for once I am glad I ain't ya," Xander smirked, "oh and speaking of the devil herself."

Sally walked to her locker with her books held tightly to her chest. Charlie was with her, as usually yelling out her opinions. When Sally spotted me she gave me her smile, but it quickly fade when Xander and Lindsey approached her.

"Aww look, it's Max's little pet and her flea," Lindsey said, looking into Sally's eyes with intimidation.

"Shut up! Last time I checked cows don't have freedom of speech rights," Charlie said pushing Lindsey away.

"How much ya paying him now, huh? Even I wouldn't kiss ya for a hundred dollars," Xander said, leaning against the lockers with his hands, entrapping Sally.

I just about had it with both of them. No, it wasn't because they were making fun of Sally. It just couldn't be. Remember, I don't care about her. It was because they are ruining my reputation by reminding me and everyone that Sally is my "girlfriend" by bullying her. I couldn't hold my rage back. I grabbed Xander by the collar of his shirt, and pinned him to the wall. I say in a low voice that he could only hear.

"This isn't part of our deal," I growled, "Do not interfere with my relationship with Sally or I will bust your noise open."

I let go of that turd as his body crashes against the metal lockers. I grabbed Sally's arm as I walked away from this crap.
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Hmmmm 🤔 what do you think about Max in this situation? Do you think he cares about Sally deep down? Or is his ego too big?