Ashes (Asher Adams-All American)

Chapter 2: Trying to Let Go

TW: referenced drug use, steroid withdrawal, not eating

Asher's exhaustion wasn't enough to keep him in a soundless sleep; his mind wandered from his father, his mother, Olivia, football, steroids, then his father's words. He only cared about him when he was doing good. He needs to push himself harder; colleges weren't even looking at him at this point. Sure, he could play on any DII or DIII school, but that wasn't going to get him a full ride. His dad wasn't able to pay for his college, who knew if his mom even cared enough. It was up to Asher. He was brought out of his tossing and turning as his alarm went off at 5:30. He groaned, rolling out of bed. He pulled on shorts and a sweatshirt. He needed to do laundry he thought to himself; he just hadn't been in the mood recently. He threw on his bookbag saw his dad still passed out on the couch. He glanced at his car keys; he needed gas, but he also knew his dad didn't have the money for it.

"I'll just run," Asher muttered to himself with his bookbag it would be great weight training. It's not like Beverly wasn't safe, benefits of being privileged he thought. By the time he got to the school, he was exhausted, but it was the perfect warm-up, 3 miles on the dot. He threw his bag in his locker, looking at the case. He needed to get rid of that; maybe Olivia could help him tonight. He lifted until his normal time, getting a quick shower then heading upstairs. He realized he forgot to do that stupid make-up assignment for 1st period; he heard the bell ring but decided to stay in the locker room to finish it. About halfway through the period, he finished and entered the class late.

"Mr. Adams, you better have a good excuse for coming in late," the teacher looked at him.

"Slept in," Asher lied; he didn't have a good excuse. He knew it was punishable but better than admitting he didn't complete the assignment.

"Well, you'll have plenty of time in detention to complete the work you missed while you were sleeping," she told him sternly.

"I have football tonight, and I completed the work from yesterday," Asher handed her the paper.

"And you won't be playing football if you don't take this detention, so your choice."

"Okay," Asher agreed, "detention only would last an hour; he would only miss an hour of practice. He could make it up afterward; he just would have to tell Olivia they would have to push back their date an hour."

"I'm sure your dad is going to be thrilled," Asher looked over at Jordan.

"He might be more concerned why his wide receiver has been sleeping in class then completely comes in late today," Jordan answered him, "what's going on man?"

"Nothing, I don't know I just have been slacking recently apparently," Asher responded.

"Asher, you push yourself harder than anyone other than Spencer," Jordan whispered.

"Mr. Baker, Asher doesn't need any more distractions," the teacher glared at them, ending their conversation.

Jordan rolled his eyes and looked back at the board.

Asher had to pry his eyes open during every class; he figured he would be fine after he did his workout at lunch. He somehow managed to dodge Jordan, Olivia, and JJ before lunch as headed down to the locker room. He changed and began his workout as Spencer walked in.

"What are you doing here?" Spencer looked at him.

"The same thing you are, trying to push yourself to be better," Asher nodded.

"Fair," Spencer looked at him, "just looks like you may be pushing yourself too hard."

"And are you supposed to be doing this on your shoulder?"