Incoming Freshman by Carol Lynne

sat next to Chase and began stretching despite his earlier workout. A shadow fell over him and Bobby glanced over his shoulder. “Hey,” he said, staring up at his competition.
    “Did the Prince finally decide to come down from his castle and play with us peasants?” Colson Farley asked.
    Bobby couldn’t blame Farley for the jab, he deserved it. “I’ve been healing from an injury, but I finally got my release, so here I am.” He started to explain further, but Chase’s earlier comment about the way Farley had treated him came to mind. Instead he returned his attention back to Chase. “Wanna run some sprints with me?”
    Chase glanced from Farley back to Bobby with a satisfied smile. “Sure.”
    Bobby got to his feet and held out his hand to bring Chase up. They walked over to the track without looking back. Chase’s low laugh sounded more like a giggle as he started a slow jog. “You’re bad,” Chase said.
    “Naw, I’m just giving him back a little of what he gave you.”
    “Why?”
    “What do you mean why?” Bobby readied himself for his first sprint. “I like you, kid.” He took off as fast he could safely run, feeling good for the first time in a long time. Maybe his body was finally starting to heal properly.
    Chase ran up on Bobby’s side. “Give me all ya got,” Chase said, pulling ahead.
    Bobby bit the inside of his cheek and pushed himself to the limit. Don’t buckle , he silently begged his injured knee. Twenty yards later he noticed Chet standing in the centre of the track with his arms crossed and an angry expression on his face.
    Bobby slowed to a stop and walked the last several yards to stand in front of his coach. Despite his personal relationship with Chet, he knew it was important to show the man the proper respect in front of the team. “Coach.”
    Chet glanced at Chase. “Why don’t you get with Coach Lange. I think he has a new play he wants to go over with you.”
    “Sure thing, Coach Sloan.” Chase waved at Bobby. “Thanks.”
    Bobby nodded, knowing he was about to get an earful from Chet.
    “What was all that about?” Chet asked.
    “Nothing, just warming up with Chase.”
    Chet shook his head. “What’d you say to Farley?”
    Bobby stared at Chet. Throwing Farley under the bus was out of the question. “He asked why I was suddenly practicing, and I told him I’ve just been released from an injury. Why?”
    “He’s pissed. I’m just trying to figure out why. I’m also trying to figure out what the hell you’re doing racing Chase. Are you trying to push your body to another injury, or are you so wrapped up in impressing Chase that you’ve lost your mind?”
    Bobby was guilty of running to impress but it wasn’t Chase he needed to prove something to. It had been a stupid move and he knew it. “You want me to go smooth things over with Farley?”
    “Yeah.” Chet’s voice dropped. “Although he’s a good enough kid, he likes to talk. The last thing you need is someone spreading rumours about you.”
    “Right.” Bobby gave his coach a nod before crossing the track to the field. He found Farley and waited until he was by himself before approaching. “Hey,” he said, announcing himself. “I just want you to know I’m not here to steal your position. I just want the chance to play.”
    Colson snorted. “Yeah, right. Not only are you Bobby Ray Sikes but everyone knows you’re fucking the coach. How confident would you be if you were in my position?”
    It was the first time someone on the team had mentioned his relationship with the coach. Were the players talking about Chet behind his back? Bobby wanted to jump in to defend the man he loved, but he knew it would only make the situation worse.
    Unsure of what to say, Bobby shrugged. “Forget it. I was just trying to smooth things over so we didn’t butt heads all season.”
    When Farley just continued staring at him, Bobby turned and walked away. He couldn’t care less if the asshole liked him, but