*Thank-you for the reviews on the last chapter. They were greatly appreciated thank-you all so much*
ROMAN:
I lay in bed next to Hayden looking up at the ceiling as my cellphone alarm goes off alerting me it's time to wake up. I groan to myself knowing that we are back in Atlanta after an amazing weekend together. We got in late last night well actually this morning around 3 am we decided to stay in Hilton Head a little longer knowing what we were coming back to. I reach over and turn my alarm off groaning again that it is 5:30 in the morning. I let out a deep breath knowing I have to face Shea later this evening to tell her I am leaving her but even before that I have to address the Mack and Jordan being removed from the team shit show I am going to face when I get to work. I look over at Hayden as she is sleeping peacefully in one of my t-shirts and her hair pulled up into a messy bun exposing all the love bites on her neck. I roll over wrapping my arm around her waist, kissing her neck softly. "Time to wake up, Beautiful," I say with a smile as I kiss her neck. "Rise and shine," I say as I rub her thigh softly. She groans in protest. "Come on, Hayden," I plead with her sliding my hand up the shirt resting it on her hipbone.
"Let me sleep in," she begs. "I'm not ready to get up what time is it?" she asks.
"5:30," I answer.
"Wake me up at 6:30. I'm tired. I need more sleep," she says.
"All right," I say softly as I squeeze her hip softly. "I love you."
"I love you too," she says as I kiss her cheek. I get out of bed and cover her up before I walk into the master bathroom to start the water for me to take a shower before I make us some breakfast giving Hayden the time to sleep. I know it was a long weekend and we didn't get much sleep and we did get in early this morning. She deserves time to sleep.
After my shower Hayden is still sleeping soundly as I dress in a pair of grey slacks, white button down shirt and a light green tie. I brush my hair up into a neat bun after I shave and brush my teeth. I put on a pair of black loafers before I go to make us some coffee and make us some waffles for breakfast. I never really get this dressed up but today is different as far as work goes. I have a lot on my plate today that I need to face including talking to the media about my decision to remove my two star players from my football team as well as talk to the team about changes. Practice is going to run late tonight as we have to redo everything. I text Mitch to let him know I am back in town and he tells me it's been a media shit show all weekend so we decide to hold an emergency press conference before practice.
At 6:30 I walk into our bedroom with a cup of coffee for Hayden and she's still sound asleep. I wake her gently. "Hayden, it's 6:30," I say sitting on the side of the bed. "Time to wake up."
"I don't want to get up," she says.
"You have class today," I say as I place her coffee down on her nightstand as I rub her side softly. "Come on, Hayden."
"I don't feel well," she says. "I just want to sleep. I don't think I am going to make it to class today. I will just email my professors for my work but I don't want to wake up."
"What's wrong?" I ask with concern.
"I just don't feel well," she says. "I just want to sleep it off," she says.
I feel her head to see if she's warm, "you don't feel like you have a fever. Maybe it's the lack of sleep you've gotten lately."
"Maybe," she says. "I don't know. I just feel like crap. I'm going to miss out on school today."
"All right," I say as I brush a loose piece of hair out of her face admiring her beauty as I look at her. "I will leave my assignment for you on the island in the kitchen but I want you to rest as much as you can. Can I get you anything? I made coffee and waffles for breakfast."
"I'm not really hungry and I don't want that coffee," she says as she pushes herself to a sitting position. "Can I have some orange juice?" she asks. "Maybe the vitamin C will help whatever is going through my system."
"Sure," I say as I stand up. I pick up the coffee. "I will be right back," I say before I leave the bedroom to get her a glass of orange juice to help her feel better. I bring it back to her.
"Thank-you," she says as I hand it to her and she takes a sip of it. "You look handsome today," she smiles. "What's the occasion, Ro?"
"Well, there's a media shit storm brewing remember we talked about that? Mitch and I are doing a press conference before practice today and I know as soon as I get to campus I will need to look presentable when the media bombards me. I was in hiding all weekend," I smile.
"They are chomping to get to you," she smiles before placing her juice on the night stand. "I'm kind of bummed out that I am going to miss watching you teach in your fancy suit today and fantasize taking it off of you tonight." I let out a chuckle as I take a seat on the bed. "Trying to make the other women drool over you?"
I take her hand into mine and say, "you're the only one I want drooling over me and you can still take it off of me tonight."
"Hmm, I hope I am feeling up to the challenge," she smiles as I stroke her knuckles with my thumb. "You talking to Shea tonight too?"
"Yeah after practice I am going to tell her I am leaving her. I have a bad feeling it's not going to go well."
"You're almost free," she says with encouragement.
"Soon," I say with a smile. "Did you enjoy the weekend together?"
"I had the best weekend of my life. I love having you to myself," she smiles, "and it was great to be open and able to share our love in public without hiding. I just wish we didn't have to hide anymore."
"Soon," I promise her. "I have to head into work. I love you, Baby Girl," I say before I stand up. I lean over and kiss her forehead.
"I love you too. Have a good day, think of me," she smiles.
"I always do," I smile back. "Get some rest."
"I will," she says before I leave the room. I grab my things for work and head out the front door of our apartment.
When I arrive at work on this cool September morning I am greeted by the paparazzi as soon as I get out of my car. The cameras are flashing, cameras are rolling as reporters crowd me on my way into work asking questions. "Coach Reigns, how do you think the season is going to go without your two star players?" "Coach Reigns, can you tell us why you chose to take immediate action against Mack and Jordan without the substantial evidence and the charges being filed?"
"I will answer any questions you may have today at 3pm at an emergency press conference," I say before pushing my way through the crowd.
I start my day off by teaching my 8 am Philosophy class one where Mack is also a student of mine and it is not the same without Hayden sitting in the front row. I go through my lecture when Mack raises his hand. "Yes, Mack?" I ask.
"I noticed someone is missing today," he points out. "Hayden is missing, where is she today? I didn't see her all this weekend and I noticed you weren't around all weekend. Where is Hayden?" he asks and I do my best to control my temper. He has a lot of nerve even mentioning her name. I don't even know why he's in my class and while he's still on campus for his behavior.
"I have no idea where Hayden is," I say. "Are there any questions that have to do with the lesson and not a student in this class?" I ask. "Okay, then, moving on," I say going onto the next part of my lesson before class ends. "Here is your assignment," I begin, "you're going to write a 4 page paper, in size 12 font about one particular type of Ethics. It will be due October 1st," I say, "you will give your opinion on the topic of ethics you choose, examples of that topic of ethics and an explanation of what that topic of ethics is. You will need to cite your sources and Wikipedia is NOT a source to use for this paper. Are there any questions?"
Mack raises his hand and I call on him, "so if I chose applied ethics could I write about a relationship between a married college professor and one of his students for the topic of what is morally correct and how it is morally incorrect in so many aspects of human nature?" he asks with a smirk and the class erupts in ooh's as he challenges me.
"That's a GREAT idea," I say, "just like someone else in this class could choose applied ethics and write about two football players raping two girls while they were unconscious and if their football coach was correct in removing them from his football team," I say as the class ooh's again at my challenge back. "Mack, if you have any questions for me you can ask me after class other than that, this conversation is over."
"My pleasure, Roman," he smirks and I get back to class and hand out the requirements for the assignment so they know what to do and my grading expectations.
When class is over I start packing up my things as Mack stops in front of my desk. "Can I help you?" I ask looking up at him.
"I think you made a mistake removing Jordan and I from the team. We didn't rape those girls. They wanted it. They weren't saying no," he says, "so to remove us from the team is foolish and stupid. Your team won't prevail without us. You know you need us so do the right thing here and put us back on the team and all this will be over."
"They couldn't say no because they were unconscious, Mack. That's rape I know you don't want to believe it but having sex with an unconscious female or male is considered rape. I'm not allowing you or Jordan back onto the football team. You two don't make the team there are other players that want it just as badly as you do. I made my decision based on ethics."
He lets out a laugh, "funny you of all people talk about ethics. What do you think the ethics board would think or say if they found out you were having a sexual relationship with one of your students?"
"There is no proof that I am having a sexual relationship with a student," I say.
"See, there doesn't need to be proof when the complaint is made. It takes one time for someone to bring it up to the dean their concerns and then there will be an investigation. I would hate for anyone to find out that you and Hayden are sleeping together," he says. "I wouldn't want to let it slip to the Dean or anything."
"Threatening me is not going to change my mind, Mack. I am not changing my mind."
"You know my dad gives a lot of money to this college and their football program. He is good friends with the Dean. I wouldn't want to tell my dad the only reason I was kicked off the team was because you stick it in to one of the girls that's calling rape," he smirks.
"GET OUT!" I yell clearly losing my temper.
"Think about it," he says before he walks out of the room and I take that time to punch the white board denting it with my strength before I move onto the rest of my day that turns out to be a day from hell.
At 3 pm my coaching team and I take a seat for our press conference. I want to get all the answers out there to their questions so they don't make this hard on everyone. "Thank-you everyone for coming, I want to answer any questions you may have," I say. I look out and see all the hands in the air, "Thomas," I call on one of the reporters.
"Do you think that kicking Mack and Jordan off the team before having the proof of the rape allegations was a bit presumptuous?"
"I think kicking Mack and Jordan off the team was the right decision at any time. Ethically and morally what they did two those two women was wrong. It brings a negativity around our team that we don't want. To be a player for Georgia Tech you need to be morally and ethically correct in your actions whether they raped those girls or not the accusations are there and the action needed to be done."
I call on another reporter, "do you think kicking the two best players off the team will ruin your undefeated season and your chances for a bowl game this season?"
"Mack and Jordan were amazing players and have been on my team since they were freshmen. It was not an easy decision to make with that being said there is a whole team that are ready to play that want the championship and want to go to the bowl game. We have a junior quarterback ready to stand in where Mack was. I think that Tyler Hayes wants it just as much as Mack did and can carry the team through the season. We are going to readjust at practice today, come up with new plays and discuss this but I think we can do just as well without them as we would with them."
Calling on another reporter she asks, "what if the accusations are false, will you allow Mack and Jordan back on the team and do you think kicking them off the team will ruin their future careers as a possible NFL player and being drafted in the draft?"
"If the accusations are false I will openly and publically apologize to both Mack and Jordan but due to the negativity surrounding them I will not allow them onto my team. I don't think that kicking them off the team will ruin their future NFL careers. NFL holds the same ethical standards as we do. The moment those accusations hit the airways they ruined their own NFL future."
"I see," she says, "there are rumors that you are currently involved with one of your students, one of them being one of the girls that is accusing Ryan of raping her. Was your decision based off your relationship with her?"
"There is no truth to those rumors and my decision was based on ethics not on anyone. I am finished with this we have practice to get to," I say as I stand up ripping my microphone off of me and leave the room with my coaching staff.
Practice has a different feel to it as we brush up on some new plays and it almost seems somber without Mack and Jordan but Hayes took over the quarterback position and is the new team captain while another senior player stepped up into Jordan's place. We don't look bad on the field just different. They do pretty well and I am impressed at how well they all come together and practice despite everything going on around them. As practice comes to an end I call for them all to make a huddle and take a knee so we can talk. "You're looking good out there. I know there is a lot going on surrounding the team and we lost two players but y'all stepped up to the game and practiced like nothing happened. I know it's different but soon it will all feel normal. I want you to know that you don't need Mack or Jordan to be the best, you don't need them to take you to an undefeated season or to a championship game. What you need is your heart and mind. You have to want it for you, want it for the team and play like you want it. I know we can do it. This isn't Mack or Jordan Tech, this is Georgia Tech and we're a team! You need to play like a team it's not about two players it is about all of you working together and giving it your all. It's going to be a rough transition but I have faith in all of you. Each of you bring something special to the team and each of you will bring the team to victory. WE are going to do this, we are going undefeated and we are going to the bowl game! On three yell Georgia Tech. 1-2-3! GEORGIA TECH!"we yell together. "Go home get some rest, do some studying and I will see you back on the field tomorrow night." I say before I dismiss them from practice. I let out a deep breath knowing what's next for me tonight and that's leaving my wife.
I pull up into my driveway and take a deep breath. I know it's not going to be easy and I know it's going to be bad when I tell Shea. I send a quick text to Hayden letting her know I will be home shortly as soon as I am done with Shea but she doesn't respond before I get out of the car. I text her that I love her and walk into the front door of my house. "Oh, you're home," says Shea as I find her in the kitchen.
"We need to talk, Shea."
"Roman, what the hell is going on? It's been a madhouse all weekend, I tried to call you and text you but you didn't answer me. Where were you?" she asks, "and why are there reporters calling the house and standing outside the house? What happened?"
"I told you I was going away for the weekend," I explain. "I turned my phone off until I got back this morning and I kicked two boys off my football team for raping two girls at a party. That's the media shit show," I begin.
"So is that what you want to talk to me about? And where were you last night?"
"I stayed with a friend," I say, "and it's not about the football team that I want to talk to you about. It's something else."
"Please don't keep me waiting," she says. "What is going on with you lately? It's like you're so far away from me. What is happening with us?"
I let out a deep breath and say, "Nothing is happening with us, Shea. I want a divorce this isn't working out for us. I thought I could make this work but I can't. We just aren't right for each other," I say. "I can't be the man you want me to be and I can't make you happy like you need me to do."
"Roman, don't do this," she says as tears fill her eyes. "Please don't do this. We can work this out."
"No, Shea we can't work this out. I am in love with someone else," I say.
"What? What do you mean you're in love with someone else?" she asks and I can see her temper rising.
"I know you already know, Shea. I have been seeing someone else the last month now and I want to be with her. I'm going to be with her."
"So you're just going to shit over our marriage, what about us and what about the girls, Roman, that's bullshit."
"Shea, you know we only got married because you were pregnant and I am going to be in the girls' lives no matter what. This is not a happy marriage for us. We are always fighting with each other and that's not good for Ky and Nova to see."
"No, you just want to fuck this little girl and get it in you will be tired of her, Roman. You don't really love her. You love fucking her."
"No, Shea, it's not like that. I do love her. I love her a lot and I'm going to marry her someday, have kids with her someday and be happy with her. I'm not happy in this marriage. It's over, Shea."
"No, Roman! It's not over," she yells. "I'm not going to let you destroy this family!"
"Relax, Shea, it's just not right for us," I say. "I'm sorry. It's just not right for us and we're never going to be happy we want two different things and I am never going to be the man you want me to be," I say.
"I don't believe this," she says and I can see the fire building. She walks over to the cabinet and starts pulling out plates, "4 years, Roman!" she says before throwing a plate and then throwing another at me. "You're going to leave me after 4 years? I take care of your kids," she yells as I dodge the plates flying at me and hear them crash to the floor.
"Shea, stop!" I yell but she loses her mind and continues throwing plates at me. Then she starts breaking glasses. I have never seen her so upset in my life. She practically destroys the kitchen as I try to stop her before she makes her way into the living room and starts breaking family pictures before taking a metal frame to the TV. "Would you knock it off?" I ask.
"Get OUT!" she yells. "You fucked up this marriage! It's your fault. I hope that bitch was worth it. 4 fucking years, Roman and all I am is the mother to your children."
"Well, yeah," I say not making the situation better, when she throws the metal frame at me I know it's time to go. "I'm taking the girls with me because you are in no position to care for them tonight."
"No you aren't taking my babies."
"I am," I say as I move past her and make my way up the stairs two at a time as she follows me into the bedroom as I grab a suitcase to pack clothes as she loses it on me, hitting my back as I pack my things. I ignore her as she continues. I make my way to the girls' bedrooms and pack up some of their stuff before I take our bags out to the car as Shea follows me, continuing her assault on me. I go back into the house and say, "I'm getting the girls. Calm yourself."
"Talk to me!" she says.
"When you are calm I will talk to you," I say before she slaps me across the face. "Don't hit me!"
"Don't leave me!"
"I'm sorry, Shea but this is what I need to do," I say as I make my way up the stairs to get the girls to take them to Hayden's with me.
"You're going to be sorry," she says. "I am going to destroy you! And I am going to destroy Hayden," she threatens me as I go to get the girls.
I manage to keep Kylynn asleep and carry her into Nova's room. I wake her up gently. "Daddy," she says with a smile. "You're home."
"I am but we need to go have a sleepover," I say in a whisper. "I need you to put your shoes on."
"Where are we going, Daddy?" she asks.
"We're going to Hayden's house," I say.
"Oh," she says without asking questions. I didn't want to involve them tonight but I have no choice. I can't leave them with Shea she's not okay mentally at this moment as I leave with the girls she runs out after me, hitting me and yelling that she's going to destroy Hayden and me. I don't even know what that means but it doesn't sound good. I finally get in the car, start the car and back out of the driveway leaving Shea standing there watching and yelling as I leave. "Mama is mad, Daddy," says Nova.
"I know," I say, "but we have to talk tomorrow," I say to her.
"Okay, Daddy," she says as I continue my drive to Hayden's apartment.
I arrive at Hayden's apartment complex and get both girls out of the car leaving our things in the car because I can get them once everything is settled and the girls are settled in. I walk into her building and make my way to our apartment. I knock on the door and she answers dressed in a t-shirt and a pair of shorts not looking better than she did this morning. "Hey," I say, "I had to bring them with me. Is that okay?"
"That's fine," she says as I lean in and kiss her lips softly.
"It's done," I smile as I walk in. "But we need to talk."
"I know," she says as she shuts the door and locks it behind me. "Go put them to bed and we can talk."
"How are you feeling?" I ask her.
"Like I got hit by a bus but we really do need to talk," she says. I nod, kiss her lips once more and make my way to the guest room to put the girls to bed.
*A/N: What did you think? Please review and thank-you for reading.