We were busy. My team was tormented. In the name of the practice, a few days of practice were extended, leading to an overlimit. Our coach was not taking 'no' for an answer. We know this match means a lot to our college, but sucking this much blood was not fair.
Joshua and I came out of trip mode; we were not getting any alone time. If we did, we would be busy making out, discussing the match, or planning a strategy for the match. This was not only the case for our team; the whole college was looking forward to this upcoming match, which was adding pressure on us to give our best.
Xaviour College captain Jonathan Philip was the son of a politician who was also a powerful person and a close friend of my dad. We didn't get along; he was a total dick, and his wrongdoings were always supported by his parents, which only made his ego reach the next level. To boost his pride, his team has been winning over us for the past 2 years. If we let him win this year, it will leave a lifetime mark on us, and sure, he will rub it in whenever he gets a chance.
As the day of the match approached, our coach was nervous. We were at our best compared to the previous year, but he was still not satisfied. I guess the coach had taken this match too personally, which was only killing us on the ground. He was making sure that at the end of the day, we were completely exhausted so that we could not concentrate on any other things except having food and sleeping, and that was the case with everyone.
It was the day of our match, and the stadium was completely packed. We had expected viewers, but this was too much. The coach was boosting our energy with his inspirational words, and I and Joshua were adding too, but we were not able to remove the tension created in the environment. To make it more entertaining, the weather was cloudy, and there was a high chance of rain. Both colleges had discussed and concluded that this match wouldn't be postponed; they couldn't wait anymore. One wanted to mark their victory, and the other wanted to make sure they didn't. In any case, it's getting entertaining.
It was time we were on the field. Jonathan was standing opposite me, filled with pride; he had decided the result of this match; the smirk he had worn was only making it evident; and Joshua was beside me. Coaches were discussing something when Jonathan spoke: "A bunch of 'homos' with a newbie; can't pluck a hair from us for 2 years. I don't get why they are wasting their energy; handing over the trophy would be the best option. Don't you think, Gray, our team can save energy and use it in partying our victory?" Followed by his teammates, who started whispering shouts, the words 'Homos,' 'Homos,' 'Homos,' which gained the coach's attention and silenced everyone.
I have known Jonathan for the past few years; whether he knows about my sexuality or not, that was not the point, but he didn't throw it in my face. Never once, not while we were playing matches in previous years or meeting accidentally face-to-face. I was not getting why he was suddenly throwing this on my face; was it implied to Joshua also? I don't know, most importantly, how to respond to this comment. My silence only boosted his ego; his smirk was even more evident.
Soon after the match started, his statement only affected my performance on the ground, but the same was not the case for Joshua; he targeted Jonathan throughout the game and scored five goals. Till the match came to an end, both were targeting each other; it was like they would rip each other off. In front of Joshua, Jonathan was nothing. Once again, Joshua's angriness on the ground put me in a daze. He was capable of anything; it was proved on the ground in front of thousands of people. The match came to an end, and we won by scoring five goals. Joshua was solely responsible for winning the game, with more bruises and scratches on both Joshua and Jonathan.
After winning the match, our coach congratulated everyone and praised Joshua more. Everyone knew he deserved this, and we enjoyed our victory by hugging and applauding Joshua, but his mood was off; he was not enjoying the moment, and I could guess the reason.
There was an after-party match, but Joshua declined it due to his injury. Everyone was discouraged; they wanted to cancel the party, but Joshua forced them to go and enjoy it. By agreeing, one last time, everyone hugged each other and bid their goodbyes.
Joshua went to meet the coach. I was waiting for him. After finishing the conversation, when he came out, he was surprised to see me waiting for him. "You didn't go to the party." "No," hmmm. With that, he started walking. His left leg was badly injured; he was crippled. "I will drop you." "No need." "I am dropping you, please." He didn't respond and started walking. I guided him towards my car. The rain was pouring, but it was slow.
We were in the car, and Joshua was giving me the silent treatment; only a drizzling sound could be heard. After a few minutes of silence. I spoke, "The game was intense." "Like really, Gray, only you have that much to say. When the hell were you going to speak up? You didn't utter a word to his face, which only boosted his ego. You know, the worst part is that you were dejected by his words, which only, in return, affected your performance on the ground." He was right, but. "I didn't get any comeback for that; it was a sudden attack of words, and I was shocked." "If you didn't respond, it was ok; you could have shown him on the ground, don't you think? Tell me if this was the case: how are you going to stand up for anything in the future, and why the hell are you taking so much time in responding to me? You are not stopping my romantic approaches; you are enjoying that but don't want to get labeled. If you want only fucking and making out, be clear. Don't think I am going to wait for you forever. And Gray, don't lead on anyone if you are not sure of someone; you are doing that to me."
It took a few seconds to digest every word spoken by Joshua. He was right; I was leading him on but not like how he was portraying it. I was not playing with his feelings; I was pledging my feelings too. It was hard to hold back. If it were possible, I would want to mark Joshua as mine forever. This was my life, but my dad was a dictator. I can't go against him. It's not because of his bloody money, status, or any other fucking thing; it's only because they were my family. I don't want to give up on them, irrespective of their behavior towards me. I want to give my best, and the most important thing is that my dad is dead against my dating. I don't want him to reject Joshua until I prove myself. I don't want my dad to ruin everything.
"It's my dad, Josh. I told you he has hardly accepted my sexuality, and dating anyone, especially a boy, was a big no to him; he won't approve." "Gray, can you please come up with any other excuse? I am really fed up with hearing the same. I have told you so many times to introduce your dad to me; let me be on his good side and win him over. As we are not labeled yet, you can introduce me as your 'friend.' Why are you so hesitant? I will make sure he accepts our relationship wholeheartedly. Trust me for once; speak up for once; your silence started annoying me. Silence is good—at the right place and time, not every fucking time. You didn't utter a word to that bastard's face, for God's sake. Gray, you are going to turn 18. Speak up for yourself. Where do you want to take this non-labeled thing? How long? Why the hell do I feel like it's one-sided? I am only interested in you." "No, don't take my silence the wrong way; if I were not interested, then I would have stopped your approaches. I am sorry. I am going to introduce you to my dad soon. Give me a few days. Let me find the perfect time." "Really, if I am pressuring, please let me know, but Gray, I want you in my life." "No, you are not. I can't be like this forever, and I don't want to lose you in any case." Joshua smiled a little. Thank God, I couldn't handle his wrath. "I am sorry for pouring out my frustration." "Don't be, I deserve it," "I bet you did."
That made us laugh. Tension died, thank God, but I couldn't help but question myself: Was it the right decision to introduce my dad to Joshua? It's soon, and I don't have any other option to make him calm. Finding someone was hard. I meant what I said when I said I didn't want to miss him.
I started driving the car towards Joshua's house. It was the second time I was going to drop him off; like the last time, he was hurt. "It looks like I am dropping you off whenever you are injured or hurt." He was facing the window. "Yeah, something has to be changed." I didn't get that implication. "What?" "Nothing; I need you to introduce me to my family whenever you are ready." I hummed, and the conversation was diverted to Jonathan about the game, his anger when we won the game, and so on. Soon we arrived, and by placing a soft kiss, he exited my car.
When I entered the house, my dad was sitting on the couch, and when he saw me, he was beaming with a smile. "So how was the game? By seeing it, I can conclude it was intense." "Yes, it was." "You enjoyed it." "Very much, Dad." "And me too." I was shocked. "What, you came?" "How could I miss it? I am missing most of your life, and I want to be present in an important one." "Dad, you know you should avoid this public display." "I know, but how was I going to miss this game? You were badass." "I know, thank you." "Don't worry about that, Jonathan; I will take care of his dad." "I am least bothered by him." "How is everything else?"
And I want to avoid this conversation at any cost; he doesn't need to know anything. How many times do I need to tell him that he has enough to deal with?
"Dad, you need to know just this: everything is under control and going according to my plan; that's it." "You know I am worried; I want to help you; why are you not involving me?" "Dad, you have enough on your plate, and this was purely my idea; I never wanted to involve you in anything; let me handle this; trust me, please." "I trust you, but you know, after that incident, I can't lose what I have now; you both are my only precious jewels. I don't want anything else. For my sake, can't you let go of everything? I am really worried."
Is he serious? After whatever happened, let go just like that over my fucking dead body: "Let go of everything, come on, Dad. You are kidding, right? Let go. How can you say that we should let go of everything after what happened to us? We fucking didn't deserve this, not you." "I know I am sorry, but as I said, I love you so much for your sake. I will forget everything and move on." "First of all, Dad, please don't be sorry; it's not your fault, and I am not going to move on. I have already executed my 7-year plan, and I have just seen the teaser, and trust me, I am bloody enjoying every moment. What about the trailer, movie, interval, and climax? Dad, you know me very well. I will start something with the intention of finishing it, or else I won't even start. As I said, don't worry, and I don't want your public display till the right time comes." My dad sighed at that.
"I understand. Please be careful. If you want anything, reach out. Don't do everything by yourself. I am your dad. Take advantage of my power. I really love that." I chuckled at that. This gem is my dad, and I am damn proud of him. "I know, I know, and I will. When it is required, then only you can be a producer, Dad. I may use your card more in the coming days," "Please, I will increase your limit," "Thank you, I am tired, I am going to bed," "What about dinner?" "On my bed, please don't ask for the family bullshit thing, not today." "Clearly you are not missing your dad." "Please save it, Dad." "Right, dinner on your bed, good night then." "Night, Dad, please take care of your health." "Yes, and you too; please contact me if you need anything." "Yes, I will."
With that, I made my way towards my room.
I was really, damn, exhausted. Single-handedly winning a game was not a fucking small thing; it was more than winning a game. I have accomplished much more. It was too soon. I thought at least it would take more than a year. No complaints, though. Oh boy, my prediction went wrong. I am going to have a peaceful sleep for the first time, and it was because of Grayson Russell. Gray's name was enough to make me fucking hard. Why the hell was I not feeling sorry?