The football player and his teacher

Chapter thirteen - I didn't mean it

Ashley's POV:

I can't believe that Avery said this to me. It's not like I didn't do it first. The thing is that I was mad at him. We have been arguing since we met, but what he said was too much. I thought he didn't mean it, but no. He meant everything. I made a good decision by quitting. Even if he fails one of his tests, it won't be my problem anymore. I did more than enough for him. I won't lie. I feel bad for him. Honestly, I never thought we could go that far. It's a public secret that we don't like each other. The thing is that we have never talked before. Now things changed, and problems came. It's not like I didn't expect it. There was no way we could understand each other. The sad part is that we spent a whole month together. I thought we could finally stop arguing. It was too good to be true. We'll always find something to be mad about each other, even if it doesn't matter to anyone else. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. No matter that, I never planned for us to be friends. I'm taking this too personally. This boy is no one. At least for me. It hurts me when he talks like that because he is hurt. No one wants to listen to him. That's why he is ruining things for other people. I know Avery doesn't mean it, but he told me the opposite. I want to talk to him. I feel there won't be a point. Avery won't listen to me. We are not even friends. Maybe that is better. I don't want to be around people who change their moods every second. Well, he said the same about me. There must be a way how we can understand each other. I don't believe that this will happen soon. As I see it, things won't get better. I hope I won't have to deal with him after we graduate. I have the feeling that I won't survive.

It's the weekend, and I don't have to go to school for two days. Two tests passed. I think I did well. I want to say the same about Avery, but I can't be sure. I have to say that it's not my problem anymore. I am not his teacher. If he gets a low grade, he can blame himself. I won't be responsible for his actions. We are acting like kids, but sometimes, his words hurt. I know why he treats people like that, but even if I try to help him, he won't let me.

I woke up, but I didn't get out of bed. Honestly, I could lay in it all day. Well, at some point, I will get bored. I don't have plans for the day. Maybe I could read a book. The thing is that I don't want to go outside. My parents have errands to do. I could please them to stay with me inside, but I know they won't do it. I was about to check my phone when there was a knock on the door. Mom walked in.

- Good morning. Will you spend the whole day in bed?

- I don't know. Why?

- Because the weather is nice. You can go out.

- Thanks, but I don't want to do it.

- Honey, you can't stay inside all day. The spring vacation will come soon. Won't you go somewhere?

- Mom, please, leave me alone. I'm not in the mood for that.

- Ok, but one day, you will realize how much you have missed.

- Yeah, for sure.

- Your dad and I will go outside. Do you want something?

- No, thanks.

- Ok, then. Go and eat breakfast.

- Yes, ma'am.

- Very funny.

- Mom?

- Yes.

- Can't you stay here?

- Honey, I will come back after not more than two hours.

- I know, but it's too much.

- Ashley, you are eighteen. Find friends and go out with them.

- You are my friend.

- Thank you, but I meant friends your age.

- Whatever. You can go now.

- Ok, have fun staying inside.

- Thanks, mom. - I said, and she left

After an hour in bed, I decided to get out. I walked into the kitchen for food. All I ate was an apple. Later, I grabbed a book and went into the backyard. Dad made something like a shelter a year ago. It was raining a lot, and they had some work outside. Now I use it to keep me away from the sun. Usually, when I read books, I get lost in the pages. I checked my phone and saw that two hours had passed. I had a message from mom saying she and dad would have lunch with friends. I can come if I want, but I won't do it.

I stayed in the backyard for a while. I was about to go and eat lunch when there was a knock on the door. It can't be my parents. They have a key. The last time dad forgot his and had to knock. I opened the door and left frozen. After our conversation, I never thought I would see him again. It's not like I wanted to do it. He nodded his head down, refusing to look at me.

- What are you doing here?

- Oh, hey. Can we talk?

- No. I don't want to do it with you.

- Please.

- No! Now go away. - I said and closed the door in his face

I walked into the kitchen and made myself a sandwich. When I turned around, I saw him. How did he come inside? Well, I didn't lock the door. That was my mistake. I won't talk with him. Avery can go away.

- Ashley, please. I didn't mean it.

- You didn't mean what? Maybe, to hurt me. That is your specialty. I'm sorry, but no. I won't forgive you. Neither will study with you again.

- What do I have to do to make you listen to me?

- Nothing. Now go away.

- I won't do it.

- Why are you so stubborn?

- You are the same.

- Please. Leave. - I said, trying to hold my tears

- Only if you listen to me.

- I can't do that.

- Why?

- Because you keep lying. One day you tell me something, and the next, you say the opposite. How can I know what the truth is?

- I'm begging you to listen to me.

- No. I'm sorry. Go home.

- Can we at least stay in silence?

- What?

- I won't talk, but I want to stay with you.

- Avery, go home.

- I can't.

- Why?

- Because you are the only one who will listen to me. Ashley, I have no one.

- That's not true. You have a whole team.

- They are on your side.

- What?

- According to them, I am the bad one. Please, you have to listen to me.

- Let's say that I do it. Then what? I don't want to be your friend.

- Then people ask me why I don't want to be good with people.

- I don't understand.

- Whenever I tried to be good, I never got the same treatment. That's why I stopped and became the person I am. I stopped caring about everyone and focused on myself. No one gives a damn about me. Why should I care? No one will appreciate it. I am just a boy with a stupid dream. People don't like me because I am cold. When they are doing the same, it's ok. I don't understand why I always have to be the bad one.

I stayed there silent. The thing is that I had no idea what to say. Since we started studying together, I understood why Avery acted this way. It's visible he is hurt, but I can't help him. I don't even know why he came here. I tried to say something, but no words escaped from my mouth.

- I made a mistake coming here.

- Look, I can’t help you.

- I thought since people like you so much, you will be a good person. I was wrong.

- No, you're not. The problem is that you can't put your mood on people.

- At least you should understand.

- Why? I don't have this problem.

- It just sucks.

- What?

- You and everyone else. I tried to be nice to you, but you didn't deserve it. Honestly, you are like the rest, one big nothing.

- That's not true. At least I believe in you. I said that because you made me mad. I didn't mean it.

- It doesn't matter. I'm glad that you quit.

I didn't say anything. It's visible that Avery wants to go, but at the same time, he is staying here. I don't know if he wants help, but I can't do anything for him. Avery was about to go when I did the only thing that came to my head. I grabbed his hand and pulled him for a hug. He has to get used to this. I know what he needs, but I'm not the one for that. We argue too much. Friends shouldn't have this. Real friendships should be full of joy and happiness.

- No one understands.

- I do, but I'm not the person who has to help you. - I said and pulled away

- Why?

- Because we can't be friends. Our arguments are too much.

- I know. I don't know with who I can talk about this.

- If you want, we can go upstairs and talk. That's the only thing I can do for you.

- No, I won't waste your time. I'm sorry I came here.

- Hey, it's ok. Also, I am alone. My parents were supposed to go out for like two hours, but they met some friends.

- You probably have to study.

- Yes, but I won't do it all the time.

- If you say so.

- Do you want food? I can make you a sandwich.

- Thanks, but I'm not hungry.

- Thanks, but I don't care. - I said, and he laughed

- Fine.

I made him a sandwich. Later, both of us walked into my room. I wanted to be in my bed. That's why we are here. I was sitting and listening. Avery has a lot on his mind. Sometimes, I feel bad for him. No one wants to take his passion seriously. He is the only one who thinks that football is a career. What he needs is his parents' support. He has mine, but that is not enough. Everyone knows he is the best, but miss and mister Robinson don't want to hear it. Why don't they want him to chase his dreams? That is not a bad thing. My parents will do everything for me. I can talk to his parents, but I'm afraid they won't listen.

- I don't know what to do.

- Follow your dreams.

- It's easier said than done.

- Look, I know it's hard for you, but you can't give up.

- I have a game soon. Don't tell anyone, but two men from one university will come to watch me play.

- That's great.

- Yes and no.

- What do you mean?

- If I do well, they will offer me a place at the university. If I don't play well, I can say bye-bye.

- Hey, don't think like that. I'm sure you will play amazingly.

- I would love it if my parents could come. That way, I can show them what I want to do with my life.

- Then tell them.

- Do you think they will believe me?

- Who else knows about this?

- For now, only you, the coach, and me.

- Tell the coach to talk with your parents.

- He has told them how well I play, but they never paid attention. That won't change anything.

- Can I talk with them?

- You will waste your time.

- At least I can try.

- If you want to do it, I have no problem. You have to know they are stubborn. Just like you.

- Very funny. Can I know where this university is?

- In New York.

- That is interesting. I hope we won't meet there. - I said, chuckling

- Joking is my job.

- Ok, joker.

- I want to show my best. The thing is that with all these tests, I don't have time to train.

- What if I tell you that there is a way?

- How?

- Tell the boys the news. They will train with you while we study.

- There is no way this can happen. I will be distracted.

- Your focus will be on the ball, but your mind, on the questions.

- Ashley, I can't do that.

- My other suggestion is to sit with me on the tests. I can try to help you.

- Thanks, but I don't want teachers to fail you for that.

- Well, we have studied enough. I think your grades will be good. You can focus on the game. When is it?

- This Friday.

- Ok, you have enough time to train. I can help you, but I am terrible.

- Thank you, but I will be fine.

- Can I come to watch you?

- Sure, but why?

- To support you.

- Well, I will be glad to see you. At least one person will cheer for me. - Avery said, chuckling

- I will talk with your parents.

- Thank you. I'm sorry about everything I have said to you. The thing is that I have no one by my side.

- I know. That's why I want to be there.

The rest of the day, Avery was at home. My parents invited him for dinner. They got invitations for the game as well. The thing is that the game is in the afternoon. My parents are at work, but Avery's aren't. I still think they won't come. Honestly, I don't know what their problem is. Their son only wants them to go to his game, nothing else. Is it so hard? That is his only wish. I will talk with them and convince them to come. It won't be easy, but I have to try. Also, I told Avery that I would do it. I hope that they will say yes. He will be happy to see them.