“What the hell are you doing, Archibald?” Stacey’s voice sliced through the air, sharp and furious, as she stormed toward Marcus.
Marcus didn’t flinch. His frown deepened, more annoyed than anything. “You sabotage her, you sabotage my basketball career,” he snapped, crossing his arms over his chest. “And that’s something I won’t let happen.”
Stacey’s face twisted in disbelief. “Are you seriously defending her right now? Her?”
Marcus shot her a cold look, his voice lowering dangerously. “You have no right to ask me anything.”
Stacey let out a bitter laugh, her hands balling into fists. “This is about your precious captaincy, isn’t it? You care that much about staying on top, huh?”
Marcus’s eyes hardened, his jaw set. “More than I care about being on top of you.”
***
Marcus brought me to the clinic without saying much, practically dragging me along. My ankle still throbbed from the fall, but part of me was more rattled by the fact that he’d actually helped me.
I was about to thank him, but before I could open my mouth, Marcus cut me off.
“Don’t think you’re special,” he said, his tone flat and cold. “I just need you to finish the project.”
And with that, he spun around and left without another word.
I stared after him, my mind spinning. Typical Marcus — hot one second, cold the next. I sank back into the clinic chair, still wincing from the pain when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
A video call from Brent.
I picked it up, forcing a small smile. “Hey.”
“Finally!” Brent said, his voice warm but teasing. “It’s been impossible to get ahold of you. What’s been — ” He stopped mid-sentence, his expression shifting as soon as he noticed the look on my face. “Betty, what happened?”
“Nothing,” I said quickly, trying to sound casual. “I just fell, that’s all.”
Brent’s brows knitted together, concern etched in his face. “Do you need me to come over? I can leave before my immersion.”
I shook my head, swallowing hard to keep my voice steady. “I’m fine, Brent. The nurse will be here any second. What do you mean by immersion?”
Brent paused for a moment, hesitating. “We’re heading out to a remote area for a class project — won’t be back for a while. But when I return, I’ll come visit you. There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
“Tell me now,” I replied.
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Not over the phone, Betty. I’ll tell you when I’m back.”
My chest felt heavy, but I didn’t push it. “Promise?”
“Promise,” Brent said softly. “Just… take care of yourself, okay?”
“Always,” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure if I believed it.