CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“Gather around everyone.” Jonathan clapped his hands, grabbing the attention of the scattered teens in the open field. “Listen up! We have a very important game coming up, it’s one of the last games of the season and I want us to be at our top game.”

Emerson paid little attention to the announcement, his mind drifting away. Lost in his own thoughts, Mason’s words lingered in his mind. Though he pretended to be unaffected, they still bothered him, prompting Emerson to keep his distance from Mason, avoiding any further complications for the time being.

“Remember, teamwork and discipline are the key to victory…” Emerson snapped back to attention, realizing his coach was still addressing the team. “…Every one of you have a crucial role to play on the field so give it your all.”

“So, coach.” Mason spoke up. “What is the game plan?”

Jonathan nodded, his eyes briefly catching Emerson’s as he saw him with his head bowed and arms folded tightly, chewing on his lips.

“Today, our primary focus will be on our defense. Noah, Nickolas, Ian, Ethan – no one, and I mean no one – should get past you guys. Make it your primary objective.” he said, his eyes still on Emerson. “Also, you need to communicate more on the field. It’s not a one-man game. Is that clear?”

The echo of acknowledgement pulled Emerson from his thoughts in time to hear the coach next words. “Now everyone start with warmup stretches and after move on to defense drills.”

“Scott!” Jonathan's frustration with the player's absentmindedness reached a breaking point, prompting him to let out a resounding bark. As a result, all eyes swiftly rose, meeting Jonathan's determined gaze, Emerson’s included. “See me after practice.” He demanded.

Emerson nodded, sensing eyes upon him. He spared a quick glance in that direction, catching Mason’s intense gaze. No words were exchanged, so the two simply locked eyes, holding the intense moment. However, Emerson eventually averted his gaze, choosing to glare at the ground instead. He felt a sense of fear, worried that if Mason scrutinized him too closely, he would see through Emerson, potentially shattering their friendship.

The practice session was Intense, commencing with a series of stretches including lunges and high knees to loosen up their muscles. They then progressed to skill drills, with a particular focus on defensive tackles and rucking. Each player diligently worked on refining their techniques and precision, repeating the drills multiple times to enhance their proficiency. The ultimate goal was to enhance their ability to win, possession, maintain control, and execute effective tackles while enduring physical challenges.

Throughout the process, Jonathan stressed the importance of commitment and discipline. As the session neared its end, Emerson couldn’t help but notice the fatigue setting in for everyone. While the rest of the team headed to freshen up, Emerson casually approached his coach.

“Coach, you wanted to see me.”

Jonathan scrutinizes Emerson before asking. “You’ve been completely distracted throughout the entire training session. Anything you want to talk about?”

Oh, so this is what it was about. He thought. Emerson exhaled the breath he had been holding. "No, sir."

Jonathan’s smile vanished; he sensed Emerson wasn’t telling the truth.

“We don’t want anything getting in the way of you performing at your best…” he stops in his track. “Whatever it is that’s causing this distraction, handle it, I want you at your best tomorrow for practice. Understood?”

“Yes sir.”

Jonathan sighed. “It seems like someone is waiting for you.” Jonathan pointed at a figure that stood beside the tracks, so Emerson easily spotted William.

“I’ll let you off now…just remember my office is always open if you need anything.” Jonathan added, though it sounded insincere, as if it were something one would say without truly meaning it.

Emerson nodded anyway, eager for the conversation to end. “Thanks coach.” He called out already on his way to William.

Emerson left Jonathan and met William halfway across the field. He was taken aback by William’s presence at this late hour, as their training had stretched into the night. “What are you still doing here?” he asked, lazily falling alongside William as they sauntered toward the locker room.

William shrugged, his demeanor displaying tension as he seemed lost in contemplation. Emerson eyed him, laughing lightly. “Miss me already?” Emerson nudge William's shoulder, trying to lighten his mood.

William gave a small smile and reached down to hold Emerson’s hand. Emerson’s heart rate skyrocketed as he quickly scanned the open field, but he found that they were in the clear.

“Is your practice always this intense? I don’t think I would be able to keep up with any of what I saw today.”

Emerson chuckled. “Not really, we have a game coming up real soon, so Jonathan’s been on our asses lately.” He said eyeing the boy. “How are you getting home, it’s already late?”

“I texted my mom, she’s on her way.” The two fell into a comfortable silence.

“I was worried.” William stated after a while. Emerson did not miss the slight furrow of William brows, he chewed on his lips debating his next words. “Are you okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Emerson questioned. He had his suspicion on what William was referring to and he absolutely did not want to discuss it. So, he stared at his feet. It was uncomfortable for him to talk about, it was the first time an external factor knew of his plight and Emerson did not know how to go about opening up.

“Emerson” William pulled at his hand stopping him. “I wanted to talk about the other day… about what I heard over the phone while we were…” William cleared his throat. A little blush stained his cheek at the thought. “…and Mason…I know it’s probably none of my business and I may not know–”

“Please.” Emerson let out a sigh, hoping to avoid receiving pity from William. As he contemplated the situation further, he realized he also didn’t want to discover what William might have overheard. “Can we please avoid discussing this? Let’s simply pretend that whatever you thought you heard never happened.” He implored.

It was silent for a while, William stared hard into Emerson’s eyes and Emerson willed himself not to let his emotion show, the sleepless night and strenuous training was really telling on him.

William finally nodded. He took a step closer to Emerson and then another so that they were standing at a close proximity, he tilted his head a little to meet Emerson’s eyes “Okay…If that’s what you want.” William said spreading his hand across Emerson’s sweaty chest. Emerson took a deep breath looking down at William.

"Will you be attending my game?" Emerson asked it was a nice change of topic, also to distract himself from the fact that William could practically feel how hard his heart was beating.

William smiled up at him. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Good, cause I’m going to show off.” Emerson gave a goofy smile.

“Really now?” William raises an interested eyebrow.

Emerson opened his mouth to reply but a door opened, and the sound of chattering filled the air.

They both look over to see some boys from the Rugby team freshly clean and ready to go home, Mason included.

Mason absorbed the scene unfolding before his eyes, his anger ignited by the hand placed on Emerson’s chest. Fueled by fury, he charged towards William, delivering a powerful blow to his jaw that nearly sent him toppling over.

“Mason…!” Emerson yelled, shielding William, the second blow from Mason connected with Emerson’s face. “What the hell men!” Emerson didn't mind the blow he had just received; he barely felt it.

“I told you I would take care of it if he ever disturbed you again.” He said pointing at William.

“He wasn’t disturbing me! What the hell?!” Emerson shoved Mason. Giving William his attention unaware of the looks he was getting from everyone that gathered to watch. “Are you okay?” Emerson asked William, his voice taking on a softer tone, but William was glaring at Mason, so Emerson took a step to block William’s view of his best friend and prey William’s hand off his cheeks to get a look at his face.

William's lips were swollen and bloodied, a cut marking the corner of his mouth. The already-red lips now bore an even deeper shade. Emerson cautiously traced his thumb over the injury, eliciting a hiss from William, causing Emerson to quickly retract his touch. “Oh, I’m sorry, does it hurt?”

“Seriously? Mason asked, pulling Emerson to face him. “You are going to defend him?” he asked in disbelief. “A fucking faggot.”

Emerson winced at the word. “Mason…" He tried to speak, but Mason wouldn't let him. Pulling Emerson closer, he whispered only for him to hear, “Emerson... What's wrong with you?” Mason stared deep into his eyes.

Emerson locked eyes with Mason, witnessing the blazing fury directed at him, leaving him speechless and tongue-tied. That question shook Emerson, nothing was wrong with him, he told himself.

Mason shook his head in disappointment as Emerson failed to respond, forcefully pushing him back. Casting one final glare, Mason’s lips moved as if to speak, but no words escaped. He glanced at William, shook his head once more, and stormed off in frustration.