Grey Hearts

Chapter Three: He's Nothing But Bad Newsitled

Hogan

“Get your hands off me.” Seth screamed in my face as my grip tightened on his collar.

“Let him go, Hogan.” Richard said, tapping lightly on my arm.

The whole locker room was so quiet I could hear them breathe. Everyone's gaze was fixed on us. I exhaled shakily and slowly loosened my grip on him, fighting the urge to smash his head against the lockers. The tension in the room dissolved and the guys got back to what they were doing.

I didn’t miss the smug look on Seth's face as he backed away. Why was everyone blind to the true nature of this guy? Was helping the team score a few goals that took them to regional level the only thing that mattered? I had put in my sweat, blood and tears for them before that stupid injury. Why wasn't I still revered for that? How could they forget so easily?

“Wills! My office, now!” Coach bellowed from behind me. I clenched and unclenched my fists as I followed him immediately. Best to get it over with.

I slammed the door and sank down on the steel chair in front of him, the oak table decorated with awards and some paperwork, the only thing between us.

“What happened out there, Wills?” He asked, his arms crossed as his black eyes pierced into mine. I was frozen in place and the words spilled out with all sincerity. “Seth made a personal joke about me. I was mad and wanted to beat him up to teach him a lesson. The other guys wouldn't let me. He should be grateful that he got away this time.”

“This time?” Coach repeated. He leaned on the table towards me and asked in a low tone, “are you planning on doing this again?”

He raised his hand to stop me. “No! That's all I needed to hear. Now go out there and keep your emotions in check. I'll have a talk with him.”

How could he dismiss me just like that? We weren't done here. What about my position on the team or was I not needed here anymore? “Hogan Wills?” My hands were in fists now, a mix of anger and frustration coursing through my veins. I pushed the chair backwards, wincing at the scraping sound on the tiled floor that set my teeth on edge.

I slammed the door shut, my fists by my side as I marched down the hallway. “Hogan, wait up.” I slowed down as Richard jogged towards me in his jersey.

“Where are you going? It's almost practice time.”

“I'll sit this one out.” I replied.

“Why? Did Coach ask you to? I could put in a good word for you, explain that it was Seth's fault and he deserved more than a punch. He shouldn't have said that to you.”

I dismissed him with a wave, “No, no. You don't need to. I just need to cool off today. I'll be there tomorrow, alright?”

He gave me a look that made it obvious that he didn't believe me. “I'll see you later tonight.” He said and turned to leave.

“I'll be at work.”

“Why? Isn't today your day off?”

“Yeah, it is but I need the extra money.”

“Alright, I'll see you there then.”

***

“Who's that girl?” I asked as my eyes fell on the girl that had bumped into me the other day, surrounded by Barbara and Gina.

“That's our new classmate.” Richard replied, grinning from ear to ear.

I stared blankly at him. “Why do you have that look?”

He threw his hands up. “Come on, Hogan. You gotta admit that she's beautiful, isn't she?”

“She's okay.” I replied in a disinterested tone. “What does Barbara want with her?”

Richard shrugged, “you can never tell with these ladies but I guess whatever this is, is purely academic work.”

I hummed, still studying the girl. She had silky auburn hair that fell in waves down to her waist. I observed that she sat alone and didn't speak unless spoken to. She also sat ramrod straight as though she had perfected years of military training. In the few classes we had together, I noticed how she was actively involved from group projects to answering questions during classes. If only she knew that one major setback could kick her right to the curb, she wouldn't bother being so expressive around here. I dragged my gaze from her as Mrs Dupree walked in for the Calculus class.

***

The Next Night

“Well, well, well. Look who we have here. If it isn't the infamous Hogan?” My grip around the bottle of wine in my hands tightened as the liquid flowed into the glass in my customer's grip.

“So you've suddenly gone dumb, huh?” Seth repeated, snapping his fingers in my face. The urge to break them and teach him a lesson crossed my mind but Mrs Jack wouldn't be pleased if I created a scene tonight. It was game night and she had some important guests she wanted to impress.

I ignored him and attended to other customers in line. “Is that how you treat customers around here?” He shouted over the music, attracting a few curious stares.

I wiped my hand with a towel and tossed it on the counter. “Listen, Seth. If you want to order something, just do it and get out. You don't have to cause a scene.”

He snickered. “And who are you to tell me what I can or cannot do?” he asked in the same tone.

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. How did he even find out where I worked? This wasn't pure coincidence. “If you're here for trouble, I'll hand you over to security. Don't test my patience.” I said in the best calm tone I could muster. I didn't want to show my frustration and make him feel accomplished.

The click clack of heels alerted me to Mrs Jack approaching. “What's going on here, Hogan?” She asked, her eyes darting from Seth to me.

“It's nothing. He was just leaving.” I replied.

“This isn't over, Hogan. You better watch your back. Have this for your dinner,” he said with a mocking smile as he turned to leave, slamming a few dollar bills on the counter, “it's clear you haven't eaten in days.” I seethed, fists clenched, resisting the urge to drag him back by the collar and stuff those dollar bills down his throat.

“Hogan?”

I turned to Mrs. Jack. “Is that the kid who took your spot on the team?”

I nodded absently, my mind still filled with thoughts of Seth—and what I wanted to do to him.

“Don’t let him get to you,” she said. “Focus on what you’re here for.”

I wiped the sweat breaking out on my brow with the back of my hand and shook my head. If only it were that easy…