Look out for the <>!

The sun was just rising on the horizon, which caused a yawn to escape my lips. I rubbed my eyes, feeling more tired than I should be. As I struggled to put on my leggings that I found on the floor of my bedroom, I questioned if this was actually worth it or should I just snuggle back into bed and sleep a little longer. But the thought of taking a yoga class with Everett was enough motivation for me to leave my room.

As I walked down the stairs, I heard the TV playing softly. I walked into the family room and saw dad watching clips from yesterday on our large TV. I had never seen him watch the games at home before, but I wondered if he always did this or if this was a new thing.

"Hey," I said to him as I slipped on my sneakers.

He paused the TV then turned towards me. "Hey Nora. You're up early. What's your plans today?"

For a second, I debated on telling him where I was heading off to. "Everett invited me to do a round of yoga."

His eyebrows raised. "Really? That's news. I'm impressed, even after a game he's out doing yoga. Most players would be sleeping off today or partying still."

But I think we both knew Everett wasn't like most players. "Yeah, I guess he teaches at the same place Mom takes lessons?"

"Yeah, I heard rumor of that. Anywho, send him my regards."

"Of course," I said as I took a seat on the coach, unwilling to let Dad go just yet. "So, how was the game yesterday? We won. That's a good thing, right?"

He nodded. "It wasn't terrible, but it could have been better."

I thought the team played great, but I held my tongue. "So, what are you looking for in the reruns?"

"I'm looking for how the players talk to one another, how they pass. I'm looking for the teamwork. Because deep down, that's how we'll stand out. That's how we'll be the best."

"They haven't really improved since the start of practice."

He shook his head as he looked at the paused screen. "Actually, I think they have, but the progress is slow, and I'm worried it will plateau."

"What do you think will help?"

He looked at me and smiled. "You. The team likes you, and I think you have more power than you realize."

Not believing it, I shook my head. I had been working with Dad for weeks and I was sure I'd done little to help. I stood up from the couch and stretched. "You shouldn't put all of your ducks in one basket."

He chuckled as he turned the TV back on. "I have a few other ideas up my sleeve but you're my number one."

I smirked. "Of course, you do. Anyhow, I'm taking the bike and I'll be back later this morning."

"Have fun!"

"Will do," I said to him as I left out the door to get to the garage.

__________________________________

In a matter of 15 minutes, I walked into the yoga studio, feeling more awake.

The studio was nearly empty except for an old lady talking to Everett. But as I set up my mat, Everett turned his attention towards me.

"Hey, you came!" Everett said with a smile. He whispered something to the lady, then walked up to greet me.

I don't think I had ever seen Everett so excited to see me or anyone for that matter. Most of the time, I felt like he just wanted to pretend I didn't exist, but it was clear he wanted me here.

"Hey," I said, unsure what to say.

"I didn't think you would come."

I shrugged. Honestly, I wasn't sure I would come either. Bed was temping me this morning, and I was surprised bed wasn't temping him, especially after the game. "I had nothing else to do this Sunday morning."

He nodded then turned to the front of the room. "The lesson should get started in the next 10 minutes, so I'll let you finish setting up."

"Sounds fine with me," I said as I finished set up then sat on my mat, watching people come in.

Most were middle-aged women. All of which greeted Everett and Everett greeted them back by name, making an effort to say hello.

"So are you new to Everett's classes?" someone asked as they laid their mat beside mine.

I looked at the gray-haired lady and nodded. "First time. I'm guessing this isn't your first?"

She shook her head. "No, not my first time. But let me tell you, this class will not disappoint. Once you have a class with Everett, you don't want to take a class with anyone else. He's an outstanding teacher. He's so kind and patient, makes everyone feel like they belong no matter what level you are at."

My mouth fell open just a bit as I glanced at Everett who laughed with another woman. She couldn't be talking about the same Everett I knew. Everett was not warm and welcoming. The Everett I knew pushed people out of the way and yelled at them in the halls.

"Ok, let's take a few deep breaths and get this class started," Everett said as he moved to the front of the classroom.

The class quieted down as Everett took a seat on his mat. He began talking about his week of school and how to melt all the stress away. His voice was calming as he talked about focusing on the movement.

This was a side of him that I had never seen before. I wondered if it was forced but he looked so natural.

_____________________

I rolled up my mat at the end of practice.

"I hope to see you around again," the lady next to me said as she slung her mat over her shoulder.

I smiled with a nod. "Likewise."

As people trickled out, Everett walked over to me, wiping the sweat from his tanned forehead. "Hey, Nora, can I walk home with you again?" he asked.

If felt like Everett wasn't trying to be anyone here but himself. He seemed happier here. I was friends with yoga Everett whereas football Everett was a nightmare. "Sure. I'll just walk my bike beside me."

"That's not a problem, right?"

I shook my head. "Nah, it's fine."

"Cool."

"Everett, honey, want to join us for wine and dine for next Friday?" one lady asked before she walked out the door.

Everett smiled at her politely. "As much as I would love to, Ruth, I can't. Have plans. Next time though."

I knew why he couldn't join them. He had an away game next weekend that would prevent him from attending. What interested me was he never mentioned the game. I wondered if anyone here actually knew who he was.

"Of course! We'll see you at next practice."

<>

"See you then," Everett said as he grabbed his mat. "Ready?"

I had ever seen him smile so much as this morning. He was truly happy here. "Ready."

We left the studio with the bike being pushed beside me, walking down the road in the early fall sun.

"The class was excellent. You know a lot," I said, getting the conversation started.

He nodded. "Yoga is my passion. You can laugh about it, but I like it more than anything else."

"I'm not going to laugh about it. I find it interesting." Just because he had hobbies besides football didn't mean it was laughable. If yoga made him happy, then who was I to judge?

He nodded as his eyebrows rose. "Well, if you don't find football interesting, what are you passionate about?"

I shrugged as I thought about my interests. The past few weeks of football consumed my life, it made me forget about my true hobbies. I had hobbies, but what were they? "I like chess."

"The board game?"

"It's not just a game. It's serious and involves a lot of serious effort and thought."

"So like football."

I never thought of football like that. But as he mentioned it, I realized he had a point. Those plays Dad made were just as strategic as chess. "You have a point there. I used to be on a chess team."

"I don't know there was such a thing."

I shrugged. Life was full of things we didn't know. We were silent for a moment as I tried to come up with something else to say to him. "Where did you go to school at?"

"Newark."

I heard of that town before, but I couldn't say I had been there. "Like Newark Ohio? Like 45 minutes from here, Newark?"

He nodded. "Yup, I'm a local."

"There isn't many from around here on the team."

"Nope, I'm one of the handful."

"I'm not surprised, OSU recruits from all over the country."

For a minute, we were silent as we continued to walk. Under the shade of the trees, it wasn't so hot but soon winter would bring snow and gray skies.

My thoughts shifted to how he talked to the ladies. He smiled and laughed as if he actually enjoyed spending time with them. The Everett I saw made me wonder if this yoga Everett was the Everett that Vera and Dad knew from last year.

"I know you aren't into parties, but maybe you would want to go to the one happening tonight?" Everett asked, breaking the silence.

I frowned at the mention of another party. Weeks have passed since the last one, but the memories were still so fresh in my mind. I shivered even though the sun was shining on us. "I rather not."

He nodded as he stuffed his hands into his short pockets. "I'm sorry about how I acted last time. But I really thought I was helping you. I didn't want you to end up like those other girls."

That night made me feel so small. He bossed me around like a child. I didn't want to feel like that again.

"Rick's not going to the party. It should be safe."

"If you hate him so much, why don't you report him like you did Charles?"

Everett frowned. "Listen, I thought I was doing something nice," he snapped.

I stopped walking. "Why? Because I need it? I'm not some charity case." I pointed at him. "I'm happy without you. Honestly, inviting me is not nice. You know how that last party made me feel? Do you know how you made me feel?"

"I said I was sorry."

I shook my head at my cheeks grew hot. "'Sorry' is just a band aid, Everett. You treated me like trash, and I'll not let you treat me like that again. But you know the most infuriating thing is? You're completely different when the team is around. I don't know what side of you I'm going to get."

Everett swore loudly as he glared at me. "But do you realize how you make me feel when we are alone? You're just as destructive."

I balled my hands into fists as I took a deep breath. He couldn't just spin this around on me. "I'm not destructive. I'm speaking the truth, the truth you need to hear."

Unwilling to say any more, I got on my bike and rode home. He was not a victim when he was just as at fault. There was only so much he could do to justify his actions.

________________________

As I walked into the house, I was still fuming about Everett.

"Hey champ, how was it?" Dad asked as he took a sip of water in his office next to the front door.

I stopped as I ripped my shoes off. "Everett is unbelievable."

He frowned. "So, I take it not that great?"

"I don't know how to get through to him. It's like talking to a wall."

Dad sighed as he got up from his desk. "Maybe he doesn't need anyone to get through to him. Maybe he just needs someone to listen."

But the thing was, I wasn't sure if I could do that.