The doctor scrawled a few more notes before handing Declan a printed out list of instructions. "Is there someone here to drive you home?"

Declan nodded. "A friend's waiting for me."

"Good. I want to see you in two weeks."

"It's a date." Declan laughed half heartedly as he carefully climbed off the exam bed and hobbled down the hall on the crutches.

"Hey. What's the word?"

"No break. Very, very bad sprain." Declan followed Charlie out to his car and carefully climbed in. "Good thing the season is over cause I'm benched."

They drove in silence for several minutes. Declan found himself lost in thought. He was still stinging over the game. He couldn't believe the coach really kicked him off the team for being hurt. It was completely unreal.

"Crazy about Kyle wasn't it?"

"What do you mean?"

"Guy is some kind of genius right? Does college math in his head. Draws pictures that are photo perfect. But the rest of the time he's like some kind of headcase. I mean he's nice, but weird."

"Kyle's okay." Declan found himself saying without thinking. It was only after he heard himself say the words that he realized that he totally meant it. Kyle was an okay guy. "Can't hate a guy that had my back against the coach."

Charlie pulled the car to a stop in front of Declan's house. "Sorry about that."

Declan nodded, totally understanding Charlie's meaning. "It's cool, bro. You came through in the end."

Charlie carried Declan's gym bag inside, dumping it in the hall before leaving. Declan hobbled to the kitchen where the answering machine was blinking. He hit the play button as he walked by, heading for the refrigerator for something to drink.

"Hey Declan, it's Lori. Just checking up on ya. Call me when you get home. Let me know you're okay."

The machine beeped and clicked off.

"Hey Dad. How's the trip? I miss you too. You got my message. Don't worry, it's not that bad." Declan said to his glass of water. "Oh no, you don't have to come rushing home. Really I'm fine. Yeah Dad, I promise I'll call you. I love you too."

He tossed the empty bottle in the trash and hobbled into the living room.

Declan dropped down on the couch and picked up the phone. At least someone carried enough to check up on him. And to stand up, or rather sit down, for him. Thinking about it, he realized that it actually made hurting his ankle worth it.