Morning all. It seems my computer has decided to take things slowly today. Which is a fun way to enter the middle of the week. I think after I poste the morning posts I will be pouring myself a big cup of coffee and running some clean out programs just to see if it helps. Better to take the time now than to have low grade annoyance all day. At least that is my motto. But before we begin. let’s start with the morning prompt shall we? Ready, set, go…
I know Doug is going to be hurt but I am not sure if this is a mass killing spree or just some sort of planned physical violence. Something to think about. And not really where I thought my brain would go. But apparently computer issues lead to violent thoughts.
Wednesday, February 15th: I want to prove myself.
“I want to prove myself,” he said. He looked so earnest in his appeal. I knew it was in vain. I looked to Douglas. I saw the look that flitted across his face, hard and mean. Quickly it was replaced by a cocky grin, his habitual look and as good as a clay mask for hiding his true intents.
I hoped the kid in front of him saw the look of mean and took it as the warning it was.
“Okay, you can try and prove yourself, get changed and get out there.” Douglas told him. He inclined his head and his cronies followed him out to the field as the kid moved to one of the lockers and began changing for the field. I was almost returned to my full outer wear, the towel I used for showering neatly hung until it was ready to be squashed on top of my filthy practice gear.
Douglas and I played different sports, in many ways, but I knew no one in his orbit would offer a warning. I thought about walking away, but I just couldn’t. I buttoned the last of my shirt buttons.
“Hey,” I called to the swiftly changing newbie. He turned to look at me as he dropped his shirt in the locker and reached for his jersey. “He plays mean and dirty. Metal bars in the fist dirty,” I told him.
The eagerness faded from his face and he looked a lot older. His eyes were dark and cold. “I know,” he said. The two words sent a shiver up my spine. “But thanks for the warning, I appreciate it.”
I nodded and slipped on my street shoes. Aware that he paused to watch me, I tried not to hurry the tying. It was soon accomplished. I finished and grabbed my bag.
“You staying to watch?” he asked.
“No, unfortunately,” I replied. His face was back to eager and excited and I wondered if I imagined the darker look. “I’m running late as it is. Are you still going out there with him?”
“Yes,” he said. “I’m sure he will play a fair game.”
“He won’t,” I replied. “But everyone out there will say he did. He’s their ticket to glory.”
There was a strange half smile that flitted across his lips. “I consider myself fully warned. But you shouldn’t worry about me. You are going to be late.”
I nodded and grabbed my bag. I closed my locker door and glanced at my watch. If I left now I could still make it across town in time. Barely. “Good luck,” I told him.
“Thanks,” he said. When I glanced back, the same half smile was on his face and I felt a shiver in my belly. Something was definitely wrong.
Ten til Midnight 