Crimson Catch (Game Time #1)

by S. M. Donaldson

  I shake my head. “No, ma’am.”

  She cocks her head to the side. “Are you sure? You know this stays between us, I won’t tell your mom or anyone else.”

  I sigh. “Well.” I stop and then start again. “Well, how long before you know the pill goes into effect?” I fidget with the small sheet. “I mean I’m not planning-.”

  She puts her hand up. “Joelle, it’s perfectly fine to ask this question. It will take a week or so for the pill to get in your system. But I will warn you that you should be using condoms, too. Neither are one hundred percent, but condoms help to protect from STDs. Just remember that sex is a big emotional decision.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I say with a small nod.

  “Okay, lie back for me and scoot your behind down to the edge of the table. Just try to relax, okay? I know this is going to be uncomfortable. Just remember to breathe.”

  A little while later, I’m up front with my mom checking out. About the time that the doctor hands me my prescription, I see Mrs. Atwood.

  Maybe I can crawl under a rock and die right now.

  “Well hey, dear,” Collin’s mom says.

  “Hey, Mrs. Atwood.” I try to sound normal, instead of mortified like something in the room is screaming “Hey, I’m going to have sex with your son!”

  My mom steps forward. “Hello, I know we’ve met briefly through the Touchdown Club, but I’m Faith Prescott. Your son, Collin, is a delight.” Jeez, Mom, lay it on thick.

  Mrs. Atwood smiles. “I hope he is. Please let me know if he’s not.” She laughs. “I’m Ella Mae. It’s really a pleasure. Joelle is just the sweetest girl. I know she’s helped Collin so much in school.” She reaches forward and clasps my shoulder. “We’re so grateful, too.”

  She and my mom make casual conversation about all of the events coming up before they call Mrs. Atwood back. Apparently there is a big meeting coming up with the Touchdown Club.

  As Mom and I walk out of the office I can’t hold it anymore, I burst out laughing. “Oh my god, Mom. That was so awkward.”

  She shakes her head. “Honey, it shouldn’t be. Every woman is supposed to go get a checkup once a year. Ella Mae was probably there for hers. It’s just one of the many perks God handed over to us as females.”

  “I need that note for school,” I say after we’re in the car headed for school.

  Mom hands it to me. “I’ll go get these filled so you can get started since it’s the first of the week. You’ll have them when you get home this afternoon.”

  As she pulls up in front of the school, she touches my hand. “Don’t worry, sweetie. I’m not telling anyone else in the family where we went today. I respect your privacy.”

  I nod. “Thanks, Mom.”

  ~*~*~

  The school day drags along. All I want to do is leave, get through band practice and hang out with Collin. My final edits have been sent back to my editor and I’m not quite ready to start the new book yet.

  A knock comes to the door of my Home Economics class and I see the lady from our front office standing out there. Mrs. Poole steps back in our class. “Joelle, can you gather your things and come out here?”

  Everyone looks at me. “Huh?”

  She just motions for me to come out there. Once I’m in the hall, I see my brother. “You need to come on, we’ll wait at the office for Janae.”

  “What’s going on?” I ask, starting to panic.

  “Dad was at the store and had a heart attack,” he says flatly.

  “Um. Okay. What did they say?” I stutter out.

  “I don’t know, they just had Coach come get me and let me know what’s going on.” He shrugs as we make our way up front.

  Once we grab our sister, the three of us are in James’s car and headed to the hospital.

  Once we’re there, my sister makes this big dramatic show of crying as soon as we see my mom. Some people are just attention whores. That’s what they should’ve named Janae - “Attention.”

  Mom pulls James and me into a hug. James pulls back. “So what happened?”

  “Mr. Perkins came in for some pipe and your dad all of a sudden clutched his chest. Mr. Perkins called 911. They are still doing some scans and tests. They’ll let us know soon.”

  My mom, as always, is a strong person, holding it together even though I see fear in her eyes. I look at James. “I need to text Collin, he’s supposed to give me a ride after school. I need to let him know or he’ll worry.”

  Janae rolls her eyes and mumbles, “Like he really cares.”

  My mom shushes her. “She’s trying to make sure no one is worried about her, Janae.”

  James nods but says, “I’m sure Coach will tell him since I won’t be at practice.”

  “Okay, yeah, I didn’t think about that.”

  My phone pings. Speak of the devil.

  COLLIN: I’ll be by the hospital after practice to see you.

  ME: Thanks XO

  A nurse steps into the waiting room. “Prescott family.”

  I take a deep breath and follow my mom and siblings into a small room.

  A middle-aged man stands in front of us. “Hello, I’m Dr. Adkins, I treated your husband today,” he says to my mother.

  My mom shakes his hand. “Thank you. What can you tell us?”

  He motions for us all to sit down at a conference table. “Your husband did have a mild heart attack. There are several things in his lifestyle he’s going to have to change. For one, he’s going to need to eat healthier, and he’s going to have to quit drinking. He has cardiomyopathy, which means his heart muscles are weakening.” The doctor goes on to explain about the procedures they’ve done and about therapy. I honestly can’t listen because I’m pretty sure my dad will never quit drinking. We’ve never taken the priority spot over his problem and I’m sure we won’t start now.

  Once we’re out of the room, Mom sits us down. “So I’m going to call your grandparents. Your grandpa should be able to come help at the store. You guys won’t need to upset your schedules. We may have to adjust the store hours a little for a few weeks while your dad recovers and if we need to hire a part time person to help, we will.” She then turns to me. “Joelle, you need to let your director know you won’t be at practice today. Also, James can run you down the street to pick that other thing up while we wait?”

  My little sister rolls her eyes. “They won’t miss you if you aren’t at practice. It’s just the band.”

  I guess that’s the straw that breaks the camel. I’m in her face before I realize it. “What in the hell is your problem with me? Just because I’m not some popularity snob like you doesn’t mean I don’t matter.”

  “Oh, isn’t that cute. You got a boyfriend so you think you matter. It’s only gonna be a little time before Collin realizes you’re a dork and he doesn’t belong with someone as lame as you.” Before she can turn around, I smack her across the face. My mom goes pale.

  “Mom, she slapped me,” she whines, holding her face.

  My mom shakes her head and speaks quietly. “You’re damn right she did, and you deserve it and more. So I’m going to give you more. Until you learn to respect the other people in this family, you aren’t allowed to go anywhere.” She goes to argue but my mom throws her hand up. “Would you like to give up cheerleading along with it? I’m not playing, Janae. I’m tired of your mouth and the way you act, so sit your little ass down in a chair and shut up.” She then turns to me. “Don’t smack your sister. Now, let James take you down the street and call your director.”

  Pulling up to the pharmacy, James looks at me. “What do you have to get?”

  “Just some medicine, I’ll be right back.”

  “What kind of medicine? I didn’t even know you were sick,” he asks.

  “I’m not. It’s just…ugh…none of your business.” I get out of the car, but he follows me in.

  Stepping up to the counter, the tech recognizes me. “Hey, Joelle. I’ll grab your script, hold on.” Once she steps back
up to the counter, she hands them to me. “I’ll just put these on your parents’ charge account. Mr. Tyler said to pay attention to the warnings. Take it at the same time every day and use other methods if you’re on antibiotics at any time.” I just smile and nod before I take the bag out the door with me.

  Once we get in the car, my brother looks at me. “I’m going to fucking kill him. Are you sleeping with him?”

  I look at him like he’s stupid. “No, you jackass. Mom took me to the doctor. She said it was better to be safe than sorry. Plus, he doesn’t know and if you tell him, I’ll show Mom your history on your laptop. Porn Hub? Really, James?”

  He takes both hands and rubs his face. “Fuck. UGH. Why couldn’t Mom and Dad have had more boys?”

  I laugh as he drives us back to the hospital.

  I look over at James seriously for a second. “Do you think he’ll quit drinking? Because I don’t.”

  James shakes his head. “No. I doubt it.”

  “Do you really want to work at the store with him and eventually take over?” I ask.

  “No. But what else am I supposed to do?” he says with defeat in his voice.

  “Anything you want, James. Life is full of possibilities. You just have to push.”

  “Oh yeah, what do you know about it?” he says with a little defensiveness in his voice.

  I sigh. I want to share with my brother. We’ve grown closer. “Um. Well. Do you know that book you’ve seen a lot of people carrying around school and talking about? Catching Dreams by P.J. Scott?”

  He nods. “Yeah, some of the girls in my English class were talking about it.”

  “It’s me. I’m P.J. Scott,” I say quietly.

  “Bullshit.” He laughs and shakes his head. “No way.”

  “Yes way. I just finished the second book in that series. Clementine is the only person that knows. And now you. So keep your mouth shut. I do not want the people at school finding out.”

  “How? I’m sorry, it’s just hard to believe.”

  “When we get home I’ll show you on my computer and hell, I’ll show you my bank statement.”

  His eyes bulge. “Holy shit, Jo. Are you rich?”

  I shrug. “I’m not rich, but I have a decent savings. I can buy a car when I get my license at the end of the month.”

  “Holy shit. Holy shit.” That’s all he keeps repeating on the way back to the hospital.

  “Just please keep it to yourself, okay? I’ll probably eventually tell Mom, but not Janae. She can’t keep her damn mouth shut.”

  “Yeah, I get that. Just wow. I’ve heard those books are kind of racy for high school kids,” he says, still in shock.

  I shake my head. “Well, it’s not like Fifty Shades or anything, but I guess you could say it’s realistic. I mean you thought five minutes ago that I was sleeping with someone and I know your ass has had sex with people. So yeah, there’s sex in it, but it’s not like some of the stuff I read.”

  “Wait, some of the stuff you read? What in the hell are you reading?” he asks with shock in his voice.

  I laugh before getting out of the car. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

  CHAPTER 25

  Collin-

  As soon as I’m released from practice, I call my mom to let her know about Jo’s dad and that I’ll be going to the hospital.

  She asked me to please keep her up to date on everything. She mentioned something about seeing Jo this morning and getting introduced to her mom but to be honest, I tuned her out a little. I was just trying to get to the hospital.

  I text Jo to find out where they are and hit the elevator. Finding the waiting room they’re in, I pull her up from her seat and give her a big hug.

  “You okay?” I say close to her ear.

  “Yeah. He’s gonna be okay. He’s just gonna have to make some changes and do some physical therapy. But other than that, he was lucky,” she says, sighing.

  I step back and turn to her mom. “Hey, Mrs. Faith, you doing okay? Do you need me to take care of anything?”

  She pulls me into a hug. “No, sweetheart, but thank you for asking.”

  “My mom said the same thing. Just call her if you need anything. I guess you guys met this morning or something.” She just nods with a soft mmm hmm.

  James comes in with an arm load of fast food. “If you would have texted me, man, I would have stopped so you didn’t have to leave,” I say with sincerity.

  He sits the bags down. “Thanks, man, but I needed to get out for a few minutes.”

  “Gah, James, I said no onions,” their little sister bitches with a sour look on her face as she opens one of the burgers.

  Does she really think guys like that shit? Or is this just how she treats her family?

  He glares at her. “If you’d wait a damn minute, hogzilla, two of the burgers have no onions. Yours and Jo’s. You’ve got mine.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Whatev. Plus you got to leave a little while ago to take Jo to her mysterious store trip so you got out of here for a little bit. My friends have no clue what’s going on. It’d be nice if I had their support.”

  Finally I’ve had enough of her mouth. “Well, I’m sure your friends know. You’ve been giving updates via Twitter since earlier today.”

  Her mother glares at her like she’s about to turn into the exorcist. “Give me your phone now. If you had just called a friend or something, I would be okay, but you publicizing it on social media? No, ma’am. Give me the phone.”

  Jo stands up and takes my hand. “Mom, we’re gonna go talk in the hall.”

  Once we’re in the hall, she sits down on a row of chairs, laying her head over on my shoulder once I sit down. “Are you really okay?”

  I feel her give me a small shrug. “I guess. They say he’ll make a good recovery, but he has to quit drinking. The sad part is I’m not sure any of us are important enough for him to actually do it.” She gives me another sigh. “Look, I know everyone in this town knows how much my dad drinks so you don’t have to act like you’re clueless or anything.”

  I pull her tighter into my side. “That’s rough.” I kiss the top of her head. “Do you really think he wouldn’t quit for you guys?”

  I feel her shake her head and answer solemnly. “No. I honestly don’t.”

  Feeling the need to break up some of the seriousness, I ask, “So where did you see my mom this morning?”

  I feel her stiffen next to me. “Um, just as I was checking out from my doctor’s appointment,” she mumbles.

  I think about my mom and what doctor appointment she had this morning. My mom is one of those moms who keeps everything on the “family” calendar so everyone knows what’s going on. Thinking back to the calendar, I remember it said Dr. Fleming. “My mom had her gyn-.” Oh shit.

  “Yeah, that, so let’s not talk about it.” She nestles into me closer. “I’m just tired and emotionally I’m spent for the day. I also don’t feel up to dealing with my sister right now.”

  “How about we go talk to your mom and see if she’s ready to go home. They have what, one more visitation tonight? I’ll drive you guys home or I’ll drive you home and James can drive them home. I’ll come back with him to get the other vehicle,” I offer.

  Giving me a small nod, she stands and I follow her into the room. We talk with her mom for a minute explaining, but her mom refuses to leave.

  “That’s very sweet of you, Collin, but I’m staying the night here. James can go ahead and take Janae home. Joelle can ride with him or you.” She turns her head to Janae. “You’re grounded, don’t forget that, and James is in charge of both of you.” She sighs. “Your grandparents will be here tomorrow so Janae, you’ll be in the den camping out. Make sure your room is clean for them and get yourself set up in the den.” Janae rolls her eyes but doesn’t say anything.

  She hugs each one of them tightly and kisses them goodnight. I can tell by Jo’s reaction that this shocks her a little, but she goes with it. Her mom pulls me into a hug and
thanks me for everything. “Mrs. Prescott, is it okay if Jo and I stop by my house first? My mom wanted to see her and possibly feed her, I’m sure.” I chuckle. “She’s one of those crisis feeders.” She looks at me a little confused. “You know all of you southern women are. Somebody’s sick, we need to feed them. Somebody’s in the hospital, we need to feed them. Somebody’s family is having a crisis, we need to feed them. Somebody died, well, feeding them won’t help, so we’ll feed their family.”

  She actually laughs. “Thank you, Collin. I needed that laugh. It’s fine to go by and see your mom. Just have her home early.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I take Jo’s hand and lead her out to my car.

  Once we are inside the privacy of my car, I reach over and pull her to me, covering her mouth with mine. “Mmmm god, I’ve needed to do that all afternoon,” I mumble against her mouth.

  She pulls back and laughs. “Okay, well maybe I was thinking about that a little, too.”

  We both correct ourselves in the seats of my car. “I need to be honest about something. There’s something you need to know,” I say as she looks at me with worry.

  “Okay?”

  “Your sister is a bitch.”

  She snorts she laughs so hard. “Oh my god!” She keeps laughing. “I needed that. Thank you.”

  “Hey, I only speak the truth,” I say with my hands up.

  On the way to my house, I can see she’s nervous. “Babe, why are you acting so nervous about going to see my mom?”

  “I’m not,” she defends.

  “Yes, you are. Is this because our moms bonded at your hoohaa doctor this morning?” I say with a bit of sarcastic humor.

  She punches me in the arm. “Ouch! Hey, that’s my throwing arm. I was just picking.”

  “It’s not funny. I wasn’t particularly comfortable there.” She looks at her lap. “It was my first time there.”

  I feel kind of bad. “Sorry. Why did you go?”