Chapter 184: The bomb - Monet

"The car will be here in about fifteen minutes." I check the app on my phone, watching in amusement as Chrystal is still stuffing things in her suitcase.

I can't help but be reminded of when I used to be her roommate. The girl was so untidy! I honestly don't know how I managed to put up with it when it would have driven me crazy if it was my home.

I text Luke's phone so that he can tell Cole we are leaving. He had to rush to their room to go get ready for the day where they will still have a press conference and the winner's breakfast, while we're getting an early flight out.

I completely understand how he must have felt yesterday not being able to see me or reach me, because this morning I realize how much it sucks not being able to text with him.

My ears burn just thinking of the day before, and how I can somehow still feel him inside me.

We go over social media posts at the airport about the win, and what it means for the boys to be national champions.

"I'm selfishly glad the boys decided not to enter into the draft." Amy says when we're flying back. "Luke is already a star now, and I know he's going pro, but I'm just so glad I get to have him for myself at least one more year."

"Agree." I say, also happy that we get to live in this bubble of bliss for another year. I don't know how Cole is going to react when I tell him about the photo I found though. I just hope that I still have that calming effect on him that I had yesterday, that when I show him the evidence he would understand why I kept it from him since Mom died and why I didn't tell him sooner.

The girls and I are still laughing and talking when we land, about what we're gonna do now that the training schedule is a tad bit relaxed, looking forward to the summer vacation.

"Monet, Monet!"

All three of us freeze when we walk through the door of arrivals to a sea of reporters waiting on us.

"Miss Murray!"

"Do you have anything to say to the allegations that was made in the press conference?"

"What the fuck is going on?" Amy whispers in my ear, careful not to let anyone hear or read her lips.

"I don't know." I frown.

What the hell is going on?

Two airport security staff rush over to us. "Please follow us. There is already transportation waiting on you."

They escort us off to the side, and I think we're looking just as confused as the other passengers who disembarked from the plane with us.

"Monet!" They shout after us. "Did Cole tell you anything!"

The security opens a door that reads 'STAFF ONLY', and it looks like a small office where they probably question people over what is in their luggage or something.

Amy immediately whips out her phone while sweat breaks out on my forehead. Was there something wrong with the game yesterday? Why are they asking if Cole told me anything?

I look at the blood draining from my best friend's face, but I'm too fucking scared to take out my own phone and see what the hell is giving her that reaction.

"I think you should see this." Chrystal's voice is gentle as she shows me her phone.

BREAKING NEWS! DETAILS EMERGE THAT COLE SMITH IS DEVILS' HEAD COACH BIOLOGICAL SON.

No!

Fuck no!

This is not how he was supposed to find out! I was supposed to be the one to break it to him. If it came from me, he would maybe process it better.

And how the fuck did they find out? That photo is in my closet, way in the back underneath a ton of shit, there was no way they could have seen it, so how?

Chrystal clicks on the link that plays the press conference this morning, and Cole and Coach is sitting next to one another, both smiling and basking in the glory of the win. Did someone see the resemblence the way I'm seeing it?

"Cole, how does it feel waking up a champion this morning?" A reporter asks him.

"Really good." He smiles on the video, making my heart clench. "I think a person can get used to it, so we're gonna have to work really hard to duplicate it for next season."

"How do you think your father would feel right now?" Another reporter asks, and a frown immediately replaces the smile on Cole's face. "He has been in jail for almost fifteen years after he killed your mother."

What the fuck? There is commotion after that, it looks like they are trying to remove the reporter from the room and the camera pans to him. It's none other than Mark Daniels, a victorious smile on his face as he's sowing his damage.

"He claims he's not your real father, Cole!" Mark Daniels shouts over the men who are trying to drag him out of the room. "He claims your real father is Coach Murray! Coach, did you know!"

They show footage of Cole and Coach then, both looking terrifyingly shocked at the allegations that are being made.

"Am I fucking dreaming right now or what?" Amy whispers, her face still pale. "Isn't that the reporter who was bothering you?"

"Yes." The syllable comes out softtly from my mouth.

It all makes sense now, why he was always trying to interview us. He must have known something all along, and he was just waiting for the right time to drop the fucking bomb. It gives him all the leverage, and every news station around the country is going to want his damn story now.

I check the different news articles on my social media feed. Almost every article is about it, because America sure loves a good fucking scandal.

I dial Luke's number immediately, but he doesn't pick up. Amy tries calling her father as well, but she doesn't get an answer either.

I hope to dear God that Cole isn't losing his mind right about now, and giving the media even more to talk about.

Especially since I'm probably the only one who can help calm him down.

Would he feel betrayed when he finds out I've been sitting on this information all along?