After film, we have practice. Coach has warned us that we have to build up our strength. He’s going to run us hard, and we’re going to scrimmage on the field.
“You need to sit this one out,” I say to Anton when he starts to pull on his gear.
“I’m fine.” He glares at me.
“You need to talk to Coach and let him know you’re not feeling so great. Tell him you are still getting over the flu or a cold or something.”
“Seriously,” Anton says, standing up and getting in my face. “I can take care of myself. I need to get out there and throw the ball. How can we scrimmage if I’m not there? The team needs a quarterback. Corbin is still out. Who else can throw the ball? We all need to get ready for Friday’s game. So don’t worry about me, worry about winning.”
I look at him and shake my head.
“Come on, just tell Coach you’re sick. I’ll throw the ball out there, and we can work on your arm when I get home.”
“So you can do everything now? Be the star of the team? Is that what you want? To play quarterback? To take my place?”
I stare at him. I don’t know this guy standing in front of me.
“You can’t afford to get hit or take a fall,” I say. “This isn’t about me or the team. It’s about that dumb brain of yours. Dr. Wilson said no practice or football until your headaches go away. Another hit could totally mess you up. It could kill you.”
Anton puts on his cleats.
“You aren’t going out there,” I say. “It’s just practice. Go home.”
He ties his left shoe.
“Tell Coach you are sick, or I’ll tell Coach what Dr. Wilson said.”
Anton looks at me. He’s mad now.
“Talk to him,” I say again. I wish Dr. Wilson were still in town. I wish he would’ve called Anton’s parents. I don’t want to be the one to say anything. I know I’d be annoyed and angry if it were the other way around—if Anton was telling me I shouldn’t practice. If he was bossing me around, telling me what I could and could not do. But I can’t help but be scared that the next hit could take him out for good.
Anton kicks off his cleats and heads to Coach’s office in his bare feet. I hear him knock and then see him disappear inside. And I want Coach to see what I see—Anton isn’t right.