Rules we don't break

Shadows on the field

Two days had passed since the field trip, but the echoes of it wouldn't leave me.
Not the fight, not the way people stared at Maddie afterward, and definitely not the look in her eyes when I pulled her into that tent.

The suspension from practice stung more than I let on. Coach Carter had been clear — no training, no scrimmages, not even standing on the sidelines until he said otherwise. For a guy like me, it felt like I'd been cut in half.

But the truth? Even if he had let me back, I wasn't sure I could play. Not the way I used to. My body was betraying me in ways I couldn't admit.

The only one who knew even a piece of it was Jack.

⸻

Locker Room – After School

Jack was pulling on his pads, chatting with a couple of the guys before they filed out to the field. Once the room emptied, he turned to me — the one still stuck on the bench, lacing my shoes like I actually had somewhere to be.

"So," Jack said, leaning against the lockers, arms folded. "How's it feel being benched for once? The great Joshua Carter, punished like a regular kid."

"Feels like hell," I muttered.

He smirked. "Yeah, but I gotta admit... practice has been a lot quieter without you barking at everybody."

I rolled my eyes. "You're welcome."

Jack's grin faded, replaced with that serious look he saved for when he wanted answers.
"Okay, jokes aside. I know you're pissed about the suspension, but I also know you. Something else is going on. You've been walking funny. Sitting out like you're sixty years old."

My jaw tightened. "Drop it."

"Not a chance, Cap." Jack tapped his own chest. "Best friend duties. You don't have to tell Carter, or the team, or Maddie... but you have to tell me."

The room was too quiet. The hum of the fluorescent lights pressed against my skull. Finally, I let out a slow breath.
"It's lower body," I admitted, my voice rough.

Jack's brow furrowed. "Lower body as in... serious?"

"As in, every time I move, I feel like something's gonna snap. And if anyone finds out, I'm done. No more team. No more season. No more future."

Jack cursed under his breath. "Damn, Josh..."

I looked at him, forcing a crooked smile that didn't reach my eyes.
"Captain Hook can't sail without his legs, right?"

He shook his head, but didn't laugh. "You're playing with fire, man. And you can't keep hiding it forever.