Tales of the Underground: Velocity - 19. Chapter 19

There’s an old Native American proverb that says there is a battle of good and evil in all of us, and that the one that wins is the one we feed, but I don’t think it’s that simple. I think it depends on the people around you and lately I can feel The Reaper pulling me one way and Elijah pulling me the other.

I woke up that morning excited to see the hockey roster. There’s no doubt it was posted first thing this morning. I rushed through the morning routine and once more my sisters laughed.

“Where are you off to with such a rush?” My oldest sister asked

“He’s always in a rush” One of my youngest sisters stated.

“Hockey results got posted today.” I said trying to get together as fast as possible

“What do you care? You didn’t try out.” I heard another say

“I just want to see how Eli did” I said walking out the door. I heard them mocking me for caring so much, but they’re just my sisters, they may mean the world to me but their opinions don’t!

I biked as fast as I could, eager to be there for him. I hurried through the halls and found him standing in front of the bulletin board staring at the sheet of paper. I could tell he was disappointed. I took a breathe and prepared for the worst.

“What’s the results?” he shook his head and sighed.

I started to read them for myself but couldn’t find his name until I got to the last sentence.

“Captain of the freshman team and first line centre- Elijah Warren”

“You’re the captain?!” I said starting to bounce with excitement.

“Yeah” he sighed, I don’t understand why he’s so disappointed.

“Come on man, being captain is an honor. You were always great at it when we we’re younger.” I said trying to cheer him up.

“It’s not that.” I gave him a confused look “I wanted to make varsity this year. You think Sidney Crosby or Wayne Gretzky played for their freshman teams?” I couldn’t help but laugh at how overdramatic he was being “It’s not funny Jamie.”

I pulled myself together “I know, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to laugh. You should be proud of yourself, this is a big deal! We can celebrate later if you’d like.” I said with some trouble in my eyes

He began to blush a little “Maybe. We’ll have to see how far you can push your luck.”

I couldn’t help but start to shake a little with nerves. The bell rang to end our little moment and we headed off the class. I swear today couldn’t go by fast enough. When it was finally time for lunch Eli and Stephanie sat and my table.

Jacob rolled his eyes “Oh lovely Jamie’s puppy and Eli’s trainer” He teased “but seriously I get Eli being here but do you really have to be” he said staring at Stephanie

Some tension immediately filled the air “Yes I do. I have to make sure your stupid friend over here doesn’t hurt him.” She said staring at me.

“What the fuck did I do? I think I’ve been a pretty good boyfriend so far.” I said with my voice slowly getting quieter as I spoke.

Eli nodded in agreement “He has treatment me right. I don’t think you really have much to protect me from when he’s around.” Our eyes met and we smiled at each other before looking away.

Almost as if on cue one of the football players walked up to our table “I hear they’re letting a fag captain the freshman hockey team this year, I always knew it was a pussy sport.”

I stood up and slammed my first on the table “What the fuck did you just say to him?”

“Relax, pipsqueak I’ll get to you later.” He said with a laugh

“No, you fucking walk up to my table and disrespect my friend. You’re gonna talk to me now.” I felt the familiar feeling of anger and rage fill me. I saw Matty stand up to back me up.

“Alright, what the hell are you gonna do about it then?” The kid gave me a cocky smile, I know he was easily double my size but I didn’t care. He’s picked a fight with the wrong person today.

I kicked my chair to the ground and threw my tray of food at him. Just as I was doing that one of the hockey players from the varsity team walked up to the table and gave the football player a shove to the back.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” he said staring at the football player “Unlike in your caveman sport we don’t give a fuck what sexuality our players are.”

The football player grunted and let out a cocky laugh before walking away.

“My names Ryan, I’m the varsity captain” he said shaking me, Matty and Eli’s hands. Don’t worry about what that fuckin doucher said. You’re a part of the team now and we look out for our own.” He shifted his attention to me and Matty “In the meantime it seems like you’ve got yourself some brave friends, either of you play some puck?”

“I used to” I confessed “but that was a long time ago.”

“Yeah well we could use some of that spirit. Let me know if you change your mind.”

I nodded as the lunch moderator walked up to our table “Jamie Free! Did you seriously just throw things in the cafeteria” She yelled, I didn’t respond “Alright that’s a lunch detention.”

“You’re joking right? Didn’t you see any of what just happened?” I said arguing my case

“Yes, I saw you throw things at that young man, now go.”

“This is bullshit” I mumbled

“What did you say to me?” The lunch moderator demanded

“I said this is fucking bullshit!” I said feeling the anger begin to bubble again.

“That’s it! That’s another lunch detention for tomorrow!” she shouted

I rolled my eyes and started to walk away

“Don’t you roll your eyes at me young man. Would you like to make it 3 days in a row?” She said not expecting an answer.

“Yes I fucking would” I was starting to lose control again.

“That’s it 3 days and we’re giving your dad a call about this.” She shouted starting to get mad

“Cool, make sure to tell him what a freakin bullshit school this is while you’re at it. That fucker calls my friend a fag and I’m the one in trouble. Unbefreakinlevable!”

“That’s it” she shouted “Principal Willis’s office right now.”

“Great!” I shouted back “Maybe now I can talk to someone with a brain!”

On the walk to the office I began to cool down. I never really spoke to the principal before, but I’ve heard he’s a pretty nice guy.

When we arrived he spoke to the moderator before waving me in.

“So Jamie, this is a pretty serious stunt you pulled.” The principal started

“I know.” I sighed “but you have to understand where I’m coming from.”

“And where’s that Mr. Free?”

“Well some football player walked up to us and called my gay best friend a fag, how am I supposed to remain calm when something like that happens?” I said pleading my case

“I see, but that’s no excuse to take out your anger on a lunchroom moderator, especially with so much vulgar language.” I sighed knowing I wasn’t gonna win “Next time something like this happens come right to my office or go grab a nearby teacher. I’m sorry but it’s gonna be a suspension for the rest of today and tomorrow.”

“I understand” I groaned

The principal wrote my slip and I got on my bike and peddled home. I honestly have no regrets about what happened. I’m sure my dad will see my side of things. It’s not like I was in the wrong anyway. I got home and slept for a few hours before showering and heading off to Eli’s. I drove over knowing that there would be no threat now that his dad was out of town. I pulled into the driveway and rang the bell.

When Eli opened the door I could tell something was wrong. He let me in without saying anything and headed towards the living room couch.

“Look baby, if you’re mad about before, I’m sorry if I embarrassed you or something but I’m not sorry for sticking up for you.”

He let out a deep sigh “I’m not mad about that.” He reached onto the couch and pulled out my black helmet. My heart froze and I started to shake.

“I’m mad about this.” He said pointing out the crack in the visor. Jacob stepped out from around the corner and stood by his side.