jackfuckingmonday:
“Different kind of prison,” Jack shrugged, though they couldn’t fully disagree with River. They knew exactly where they’d be if Wymack hadn’t signed them– working as an EMT in small town Montana, the same job they’d been doing when the coach had showed up at their work. Afraid to leave, sticking around even when no one actually wanted them to stay. “Did you actually choose to be here?”
Not that Jack had any idea where they’d go now, if they had to leave. Their grades wouldn’t be good enough to get a job with their degree, not that they wanted to work in that field to begin with. They’d sign with another team probably, take the jump into pro and pray to any god out there that some coach would want them.
“You probably saved us both from the crowd anyways,” they joked, half of a smile on their face. Not that the stragglers would actually have filtered all the way out by now, but hopefully there would be few enough that the truck could get through. They picked up their duffel bag, heading out toward the parking lot. “Are ya feeling alright?”
“I did.”
An automatic answer. A willing confession. It was one of few truths they so freely give. They chose the Foxes; their list of reasons could be surmised into two points: the first, they’ve seen the team throughout the years and admired the drive. And for the second, they understood that the team was built on second chances, and that mattered more to them than a lacking number of championships. They saw the Foxes as a way to better their life, and throughout the school year, they’ve been proven right.
All until they saw their father.
“Yeah, I chose here. Did --- did you?” They did their best not to sound judgmental; nobody on the team deserved that.
“Well, I guess it’s good I stayed here for a bit if it means less crowds.” Swallowing, they tried to reciprocate a half-smile. They hoped it didn’t appear as forced as it felt. “Admittedly --- not feeling the best. But I will be fine soon.”
River desperately tried to believe the sentiment for themself. They would be fine, despite their father. They would be fine.
















