Chapter 125 The Next Big Game

Chapter 125 The Next Big Game
Xavier’s POV

Jasmine’s graduation is in a few days, and it gives me mixed feelings.

I am genuinely happy that she would be finishing this phase of her life with her dream coming true, and most importantly, that I am part of this journey, but I can’t deny the sadness that settles in the pit of my stomach.

The real question is, how do I survive without her for one year?

One whole year.

That’s what I have left to round off school, but she will be gone before me.

What started as us being roommates, trapped in close proximity, has grown so much that I can’t imagine a day without her in my life.

We’ve lived together for so long that it will be hard to get used to this. I know I shouldn’t let that weigh me down, she will be here for a couple more weeks before finally leaving, but I can’t help it.

“Coach wants us to meet in the locker room for a brief meeting.” I announce, my voice feeling distant.

“I wonder what he has to say this time.” Isaac laments behind me.

“It’s definitely about our next big game.” James adds.

“But he’s been talking about it forever. I’m sure I could quote him word for word in my sleep.” Isaac complains as we enter the locker room building.

Slowly, their words fade into the background, and I’m back to overthinking what is yet to come.

Good lord, I feel defeated.

I haven’t even discussed what our life will look like after her graduation, and I don’t know if I should bring it up now that she already has so much going on.

Fuck.

“Alexander! Sit down.” Coach’s voice cuts through my thoughts, and I instantly take a seat next to James.

My eyes follow his every movement as he scans the room, probably checking if we’re all present.

After that, he nods to himself before clearing his throat and saying, “First of all, Nicole is no longer part of the team, and in fact, no longer part of this school.”

What?

My eyes dart around the locker room, and indeed, Nicole isn’t here. I’ve noticed he hasn’t been at practice for a while, and although I should have followed up, I decided not to after our fight and the things he said about my princess.

Thinking of that again makes my hands curl tightly, heat crawling through my veins.

“He has been expelled for attempting to rape a drunk girl.”

Just like that. Without any filter, coach states the reason.

“That fucker.”

“What the hell!”

“He deserves it.”

“Fuck him.”

Several reactions fill the room, but I am even more enraged than all of them. I just wish we’d all had turns to punch him in the face before he was kicked out.

It’s our finals soon and he chose to destroy not only his education, but his career as well.

“Now that we are done with this, let’s move to the most important part of this meeting.”

Everyone knows what’s coming. He’s been hinting at it for a while, and honestly, I’m very happy that after winning the regionals, we qualified for the national championship. It’s a much bigger stage.

Although it’s still some time away, coach isn’t letting up, he wants his team prepared to win, as he always says.

“The national championships.” He states, looking at each of us. “You think regionals is tough, well, welcome to the bigger game.”

He folds his arms across his chest before continuing.

“This is the closest you can be to your dream and your career. You better not let go of this opportunity.” He advises, walking slowly around the locker room like he’s sizing us up.

We don’t have to be constantly reminded of how important this game is, especially me. That’s why I’m trying so hard not to get distracted by the fact that Jasmine won’t be here when the championships come around.

Of course she could fly in to watch, but I’ll miss her being part of the process. Following me to practice, encouraging me, just being present through it all.

Fuck. I’m distracted again.

I let out a frustrated sigh before forcing my attention back to coach.

“We are going to win this game.” He declares with conviction. “Not for the school, not for me, but for yourselves, and I’ll be here to see you through it.”

“Amen.” Someone screams from behind, and the room instantly bursts into laughter.

The room needed that. The conversation was already getting too heavy.

Coach shoots a glare at whoever said it, and continues, “Next year, you’ll be done with this school, and finally face life…”

Damn. Not this.

This is the reality I’ve been trying not to think about, not for me, but for her.

“Alexander!”

“Sir.”

“Things are about to get really busy for you.” Should I be scared or glad? At least it would keep me occupied in Jasmine’s absence.

“You’ll take on the role of student coach for the junior team during this last year, and of course, I’ll help as much as I can. I just need more eyes on the next captain. Are you good with it?”

“Sure.” I agree instantly.

When I have a moment to myself, I’ll think more deeply on this. Am I really ready to coach the junior team?

I guess we’ll find out.

“Good. As for the rest of you, don’t let your guards down now that you are about to be finalists.” He clears his throat. “You have people that look up to you, including this school.”

He pauses to look around the room once more. Now it feels like we’re the ones graduating.

We haven’t even entered finals yet.

The holiday hasn’t started, and he’s already giving us a farewell speech.

I wonder what he’ll say on our actual graduation day.

“So, don’t let us down, and once more, good luck with your next big game.”