The Swift Playbook

Part 9

It had been four long weeks since Justin's grounding had begun, and the weight of his punishment was beginning to feel like a distant memory. Or so he thought. The next day marked the season opener for the Chiefs, an event the entire family always looked forward to, especially since Travis had been coaching for several years now. The anticipation filled the air; even the younger kids buzzed with excitement as they got ready.

Maddie helped Ruby and River pick out their jerseys, each of them giggling as they found oversized shirts that almost drowned them. "I can't wait to see Dad on the field!" Ruby exclaimed, bouncing on her toes.

Justin stood in the doorway of the living room, watching the flurry of activity, feeling both nostalgic and left out. His heart raced with a mix of pride for his dad and disappointment that he wouldn't be part of the day's festivities.

As Taylor entered the room, her smile radiated warmth. She watched Travis in his element, getting everything set up for the game. There was a spark in his eyes that filled her with happiness. He was doing something he loved, and seeing him so passionate about coaching brought back all the joy of their family traditions around football.

But as the day unfolded, that sense of happiness quickly turned to frustration for Justin. As everyone continued to prepare, he hesitated before approaching Travis, steeling himself for what he was about to say. "Dad, can I come with you to the game?" he asked, hopeful yet nervous.

Travis looked over at him, brow furrowed. "No football, remember?" he replied, his tone steady but firm.

Justin's heart sank, the reality crashing down on him like a wave. "Come on, it's just one game! I promise I won't mess up," he insisted, trying to keep his voice steady even as anger bubbled beneath the surface.

"Justin, you know the rules," Travis said, crossing his arms. "You made choices that led to this. You can't expect me to just let you off the hook."

"Choices?" Justin's voice rose, disbelief mixing with resentment. "You think it's fair that I'm missing out on something that's a family tradition just because of a stupid grounding? It's been four weeks! I've served my time!"

Taylor glanced at Travis, her eyes wide, sensing the tension rising. "Justin, please—"

"No! This is ridiculous! You're punishing me for something I already regretted. I've missed out on everything while everyone else gets to enjoy life!" Justin shouted, frustration pouring out in waves. The reality of being sidelined hit him hard, especially when everyone else got to celebrate.

Travis's expression hardened. "This is about more than just football. It's about responsibility and respect. You need to learn that actions have consequences, Justin."

"Actions? You act like I committed a crime! I'm your son, not a criminal!" Justin snapped back, his anger fueling him as he stepped closer to his dad, fists clenched.

"Watch your tone, young man," Travis warned, his voice low but firm. "You're lucky you're even having this conversation with me instead of being sent to a friend's house. You need to understand that this isn't just a punishment—it's a lesson."

Justin shook his head, feeling trapped in a cycle of frustration. "You're not even listening to me! I feel like you're treating me like I'm five years old! Everyone else gets to go out and have fun, but I'm stuck here, and for what? I just want to be part of my family again!"

"Yelling isn't going to change the situation," Travis said, his voice steady but losing patience. "You'll sit this one out. That's final."

The room fell silent, the weight of Justin's words lingering in the air. Taylor's heart ached as she watched the clash between her son and her husband. She knew they both needed to calm down and talk it out, but now was not the time.

Justin turned away, anger simmering just below the surface as he stormed out of the living room and slammed the door behind him. He felt betrayed, isolated, and more alone than ever. As he paced back to his room, the excitement he had once felt for the game was replaced with a sinking sense of despair. He had let his anger get the best of him, and now he was more isolated than ever, cut off from the very family traditions he cherished.

Upstairs, he collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling as his thoughts spiraled. The argument had only made him feel more trapped, the anger burning brighter as he replayed the exchange in his mind. He hated the way it had turned out, the way he felt like he'd lost not just the chance to go to the game, but also the bond he'd had with his dad.

As the sounds of the family bustling downstairs echoed through the house, Justin clenched his jaw, desperately wishing for a way out of this situation—out of this anger that threatened to consume him whole.