redemption.

003

-

"i don't get why they're doing this though. like sure, appreciate it, but it's a waste of their money. i could be doing extra training right now," jadon complained to his fellow teammate, ian maatsen, over the phone as he got ready to leave his car and walk up to the counsellors building.

"it'll be good for you bro. can't do anything but gain from it so why not? wanna hit gym with me later today?"
"yeah say nothing. talk to you in a bit."
"in a bit."

he sighed as he hung up the phone, he hated to admit that these sessions were actually helping him. once he spoke about a problem, it seemed to bother him a hundred times less which meant he had room in his mind for football. his performance the past few weeks had improved majorly; maybe this is what he needed.

he got out the vehicle, walking up to the building a few minutes early and pulling the main door open, holding it to let a girl leave first as she headed his way.

the area around her left eye was dark and poorly covered with makeup. as she got closer he recognised her as amelia, the one who's sessions always seemed to be before his.

he tried not to stare, forcing a smile at her as she muttered a thank you, before walking straight over to alyssa's office.

"ah jadon! good to see you, sit down," she greeted him but her energy wasn't reciprocated as he sat with his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"what happened to her face? and the phone a couple weeks ago?"

the counsellor's eyes widened slightly, "it's nice of you to pick up on details but i'm not allowed to say anything. we're here to talk about you. what, do you know amelia?"

he shook his head, "no but anyone would be concerned. surely if something's happening you should report it."
"breach of confidentiality."
"but for her safety?"
"breach of confidentiality."
he kissed his teeth, leaning back into his chair in disbelief, "you're fucked, you know that?"

"if i were to report anything she'd deny it and not have anybody to talk to, or her situation could get worse. now i suggest you start talking about yourself before this session has to come to an early end."

there was silence for a few seconds as he thought about genuinely just leaving now; it's not like he even wanted to be there in the first place.
he sighed, deciding against it and reminding himself he needed this for football, "alright i'll drop it."

"thank you," she forced a bright smile, "so your games recently? your performances have been great, how are you feeling about that?"
"obviously good?" he pulled a face, "appreciate it though."

"there's no worry about the public's expectations of you keeping this up? feeling as if there's more to lose now? increasing pressure?" she pressed on as he thought about it.

"nah i wasn't really deeping it like that but you've got a point now, fuck."
"if you have that feeling it's a good thing. you can channel it and use it as motivation to keep going rather than letting expectations suffocate you."
"yeah that's fair. easier said than done though."
"just keep that in mind though."

-

amelia was sat in her car, frustrated and irritable as she was still on hold for the AA; her car wasn't starting.