Stronger (The University of Gatica #4) (3 page)

"Hey, sleepyhead, get up." Jason's voice pulled her from her sleep. Him being in her room seemed out of place.

Was she back at home in their small shack of a house in the heart of New York? Chrissy opened her eyes slowly, the weight of the medicine pulling her back toward rest. "Go away," she mumbled.

"You need to eat. You were supposed to have food in your stomach for that pill. Leave you alone for a few minutes and you jack everything up."

The bed moved beside her as Jason sat down. He carefully pulled the ice pack from her knee and stood back up. "I'm going to empty this. Wake up and let's go eat."

"I'm not hungry and going somewhere sounds like a horrible idea."

"Well, talk yourself into it. There isn't even a packet of crackers around here. You guys don't buy snacks or what?"

"I'm an athlete. I'm not allowed to eat junk food, moron."

"Be nice to the help or help yourself."

"You need a new tagline. You've been saying that since we were little." Chrissy moved to her elbows, her eyes scanning the room.

"Yes, well I wouldn't need to say it if you weren't a turd most days of the week." Jason turned from the sink and leaned against the counter.

"Where’s Elizabeth?"

"She left when I got here a few minutes ago. Mumbled something about needing to go to the store. I think me being here made her uncomfortable."

"Did you do something?"

"Nope. Just came in and said hi." He shrugged and moved back to the bed. "Let's get you up. Laying there is good when you're being iced, but you need to move a little or those muscles are going to get stiff, which will suck to work through later."

"Ugh... just go away." Chrissy covered her eyes with her forearm. The thought of getting up and going anywhere seemed overwhelming. The pain in her leg was subtle, but still present.

"Nope. Food for us." Jason stopped by the bed and reached down, slipping his arms under her and lifting.

She let out a long groan as her knee bent slightly. "Damn that hurts," she barked at him.

"You're tough. Stop whining and own it. You decided to eat it." He winked at her and moved toward the door, standing there awkwardly as if trying to figure out how he was going to go through the door with it closed.

Chrissy sighed and looked up at him. "I'll open it. Just move closer and be careful."

"I am being careful. Quit bitching at me." He moved toward the door, bending down slightly as she reached for it.

Getting in the car was another adventure in futility. Chrissy leaned back as Jason shut the door, her heart racing as adrenaline pumped through her. The need to protect her knee overrode everything else and barking at her brother was her only release.

She buckled her seatbelt and pulled the small visor down from the ceiling, checking her teeth and running her fingers through her hair. Jason got in and she turned to him. "I look like shit. I can't go anywhere on campus."

"You look like you. Shut up and be happy that I'm here."

She reached over and rubbed his shoulder, her mood settling as the hum of the car ushered in a bit of peace. "I am. Sorry I'm crabby. Just hurts like hell to move."

"It's going to for a little while, but it’ll get better. I'll be here to help you."

"You always are." She smiled sadly, turning to push the visor back up and refocus her thoughts to something more positive than her past home life.

"Speaking of... I talked to mom an hour ago. Just gave her an update on you." Jason shrugged as Chrissy pinned him with her glare.

"I don't know why you bother. It's not as if she gives two shits about me or you."

"She's still our mother, Chrissy. I didn't want the school calling her and us not having told her about your accident."

"Did she say she would be right up to help take care of me? Did she cry or seem worried about whether my scholarship—my future—would be affected?" The harshness of her voice stung her own ears. She hated lashing out at her brother, but he had started the conversation, and for what purpose?

"She was drunk. I don't think she really knew who she was talking to." He sighed and pulled out onto the busy side street just behind the Woodlands dormitory. "Let's go to Pete's on the edge of town. No one really goes there, so we should be good for a quiet hamburger and fries."

"Okay," Chrissy mumbled, turning to look out the window. It was freezing in New York, the temperatures dropping just after Thanksgiving and never really making a comeback. Speaking of comebacks... would she be able to strengthen this knee to return to the track by mid-January? Or at all? It was just a matter of time before her knee gave out completely. Having the same reoccurring injury a few times in her life left her with no doubt that she would end up on the operating table and off the track before too long.

"I'm sorry for bringing up mom. Just no one else to talk to about it, I guess."

"There really isn't anything to talk about, Jason. She's an alcoholic on her good days, half a whore on the bad ones. She's not a mother by any definition of the word. I know you wish she was or would be, but that ship sailed a long time ago for me." Chrissy glanced over at him. "We're just lucky that Uncle Marc helped to raise us. Not sure what we would have done without him."

"Speaking of Marc," Jason cleared his throat, his features pinched with hard emotion, "he wants us to come to Manhattan for a big family dinner. It's just dad's side of course, but all of our cousins are coming."

"When?" Chrissy reached up and turned the heater down, the air becoming increasingly difficult to breathe.

"Christmas Eve. They want to have dinner and then go to the Christmas Eve service at their church."

"They want all of us to come to church with them?"

"It's an open invitation, but I think we should go eat with them for sure."

"I'm fine with that. Are you planning on trying to spend Christmas with mom again this year?"

Jason pulled the car into the open parking lot, a couple of other cars dotting the almost empty space. "Yeah, I guess so. You know they close the campus for three days at Christmas. Are you going to come with me or going with a friend somewhere again?"

"I don't know yet. I'm not staying with mom, but I might see if Uncle Marc would be okay with me staying there. Or I’ll ask Jani if I can stay at her and Aileen’s house. I’m guessing they’re both going home for the holidays."

Jason got out, a soft sigh leaving him as he did.

Chrissy closed her eyes as sadness washed over her. Her mother was trash and had been for as long as she could remember. Jason would forever hope that the woman would get it together, but she just didn't care enough to even try. Chrissy reached for the handle, opening the door and pushing it hard with the anger that built up in her. She hated that her brother wished for something that would never happen. He was once again setting himself up for disappointment.

"I'm going to try and hobble. Just help me up and I can hop." She unclipped her seatbelt.

"No. I'm going to carry you. You don't have crutches yet."

"We'll look ridiculous with you trying to carry me into the restaurant."

Jason bent down and slid his arms under her, pulling and lifting her as if she weighed nothing. He grunted for full effect as his lip lifted in a smirk.

Chrissy reached over and pushed the door shut as she grumbled at him.

An older man held the door for them, his eyes moving across the bandage on Chrissy's knee. Her athletic shorts a bit too short to be appropriate anywhere but at a meet. She reached down and tugged at them as they moved into the restaurant.

"I should have changed."

Jason helped slide her into a booth, the sharp pain in her knee raring to life as she scooted.

Dizziness washed over her again. She held her hand up to stop him from helping. "Wait... just give me a second."

Jason moved to his side of the booth and slid in, a frown on his mouth. "Take all the time you need. I’ve nowhere to be but here."

She pressed her fingers to her eyes, emotion rushing along her senses. After breaking up with Brent she hadn't really let anyone else into her life. Her brother and Jani were all she had. What a comforting and heart-breaking thought.

Jason's hand touched her arm, his voice soft. "Hey, it's okay. Just take your time. You're going to heal and be better than you were before."

Her voice cracked as she spoke, tears threatening to roll over onto her cheeks. "I'm sorry. I just hate being a burden on you. I should be able to deal with this myself."

"Hush. I love you. I'm here because you're my sister and the only real family I have."

"And I've been nothing but a bitch about it." She pulled from his grasp, reaching for the small white napkin to her left and shaking the silverware from it before blotting at her eyes. "I'm sorry."

"You're hurt. I’d be a bitch too, well, probably a bastard but let’s not get sexist.” He grinned. “How about we not focus on that? Let me tell you what I found out about this limp-dick idiot that’ll be messing around in my locker room for the holidays." Jason blushed as the waitress walked up, a look of distaste on her elderly face at his language no doubt. "Uh sorry, ma'am."

"What do you kids want?"

"I'll have a Coke and a cheeseburger." Chrissy picked up the menu and handed it to the woman.

"I'll have the same, but make it three cheeseburgers and add double bacon on them." Jason smiled and handed her his menu too. She took them and turned, her movement stiff.

"Why didn't you tell me the old bat was standing right there?" he grumbled.

"I heard that," the woman yelled from the kitchen. Jason turned and waved, his face a deep shade of pink.

Chrissy laughed hard, the feeling drying up her need to feel sorry for herself.

"I didn't know she was there. Now, tell me more about Coach Phillips’ son."

"Right... Of course you didn't know." He rolled his eyes and sat back, picking up his silverware and picking at the tape that held it together. "He's a punk from what I hear. He was captain of the Providence College Friars from Boston. Great team. Huge success up there."

"So what did he do?"

"You mean his injury?"

"Yeah. If he's a great success, then why’s he here getting better instead of being there? It's the middle of their season."

"Ripped his rotator cuff in three places. They had to surgically fix it at the end of September. He's done great in therapy, but lost his strength."

"Which arm and how did it happen?"

"No clue. I would assume jacking off, but that's just my thought." Jason turned to look up at their waitress as she approached with their drinks. "Damn..."

"You need to watch your mouth young man. I can't imagine a pretty girl like that enjoying how vulgar you are." She looked over at Chrissy, as if asking for confirmation.

"It’s rather disturbing. I think if you keep talking like that, sex on the first date tonight is totally out." Chrissy shook her head and looked back to the woman, whose mouth had dropped open. She turned on her heel and walked away quickly.

"That's disgusting..." Jason muttered as Chrissy picked a piece of ice out of her drink and chucked it at him. "I was helping you, pig."

"Don't bother next time..."

Jason filled dinner with joking and laughter, Chrissy letting go of her feelings of being a burden as they shoveled fries and greasy burgers into their mouths. Jason was her best friend, her brother, her only real family. They had spent so many years taking turns at raising each other that the bond between them was unbreakable. He paid the tab, much to her displeasure, and moved around the table to help her get up.

"I want to try and walk, Jason."

"No. It doesn't work like that. Trust me." He leaned down and picked her up as she growled softly at him. The waitress made herself scarce, but moved to open the door for them as they left the restaurant. Chrissy contemplated telling the old woman that they were just kidding around, but it was more fun not to.

"Have you seen this kid from Boston? The coach’s son. What's his name again?" Chrissy asked Jason as he carried her to the car.

"I don't know his name, and I don't want to. I’m supposed to meet with coach Monday morning. I'm sure I'll get roped in to helping out."

"That's because you're coach’s favorite."

"That's because I'm his bitch.” Jason laughed. “You know you wanted to say it."

"True." She chuckled and reached for the car door. It was going to be a long three days of doing nothing without help. She was highly independent, unwilling to let anyone step in and assist her unless she was desperate. Jani could help, but that was it. Elizabeth was too new to her, and Jason had a million things going on.

As Chrissy got settled in the car, Jason slid into his seat.

"Hey, what did you think of Elizabeth? I saw you eying her earlier in my room."

"Who? The new girl?"

"Yes, my new roommate."

"Is she an athlete? She's almost as tall as me. Big for a woman."

"She's tall, but thin. She's not big."

"I agree, but it's still a little weird."

"So’s Jani. She’s tall and thin and high jumps for Canada. Elizabeth is a basketball player, a post." Chrissy wrapped her arms around herself, wishing she had a jacket with her. The snow would start falling again soon, it always gave a slight break, only to rare to life in full force. “She got the okay to transfer schools and keep playing b-ball because her old school wasn’t a divisional school.”

"She's beautiful, no doubt. Not sure I'd be down with dating a woman as tall as me."

"You're being dumb." Chrissy reached out and popped her brother's chest. “She's not as tall as you.”

"Damn close." He pulled the car out of the lot before picking up the conversation again. "Why? Did she say something about being interested in me?"

"No, and I didn't ask. I get the sense she's been hurt a few times and isn't exactly interested in boys at the moment."

"Is she interested in girls? I’d be happy to be a spectator at an event where she—”

Chrissy cut him off, "Come on, dude. You’re such a pervert."

He laughed and she couldn't help but smile. No need to egg him on. He was full-blooded male and would take the conversation to far left field without any help. "What? I'm just saying."

"Yes, well don't." She rubbed her stomach and let out a soft sound of appreciation. "That was delicious by the way. I haven't been there in forever. Almost forgot how good the food is."

"Changing the subject on me?"

"You want me to see if she's interested in you?" Chrissy turned her head to watch her brother's reaction.

"I don't know. I guess it wouldn't hurt. I'd take her out if she wanted someone to show her the town. I haven't been on a date in a while." He shrugged, his noncommittal attitude very much Jason.

"You haven't slept with anyone in a while?"

"None of your business, but of course I have. Sex and dating are two totally different things."

"I don’t think most people, females in particular, would agree. They’re usually in combination with one another."

"Love is complicated, as you well know. Fucking is easy." He shrugged again. "New subject. I love you, but I'm done talking about my sex life with you."

"We haven't even talked about it." Chrissy laughed.

"Yes, and we're not going to. If your friend wants a date, I'll think about it. If she needs a hot night of—"

Chrissy cut him off again, her hands pressing to her ears. "You're right... stop." She pretended to gag as her stomach turned. Something about the thought of her brother with anyone left her feeling three steps beyond ill.

He laughed and reached to turn the radio up. "You've officially made this awkward. Congrats."

Chrissy spent Sunday dipping in and out of sleep. Her entire leg and knee ached more than she had expected. Jani and Elizabeth fed her pain pills and picked up meals from the cafeteria for her. Jason was MIA all day and she was grateful for the chance to simply rest. The beginning of the week would be spent in her room studying. She enjoyed the atmosphere at the library so much more, but having someone lug her around was out. Thank goodness for exams. At least she didn’t have to try and make it to classes. She had a few days off before her first exam.

It took all of Monday practicing to finally get down how to balance properly on crutches. It had been too many years since she had used them. Jani stood beside her, a soft chuckling leaving her friend as Chrissy lost her balance over and over.

"Why is this so damn hard?" Chrissy growled as they moved down the hall just outside her dorm room.

"Because you're trying to overcompensate. Just sink down on the crutches and stop trying. Let your body do what it knows to do. You're overthinking it."

"Fine." Chrissy relaxed, closing her eyes and sinking down onto the wooden sticks. "I need to be studying."

"I'm going to the library tomorrow. You want to try and come with me?"

"I do, but I'm not sure I'll be able to get this down by then."

"Just keep working at it. I'm going to get us something to eat. You want ham or turkey?"

"Another sandwich? Ugh..." Chrissy turned as Elizabeth walked up, holding up a large bag.

"How about Mexican food? I got a treat while I was out."

"Thank God." Chrissy moved with ease on the crutches toward the dorm room. Jani laughed loudly behind her.

"So all we need to do is offer you chips and salsa and you can do anything."

"She’s a fast learner." Elizabeth walked into the dorm room as Jani held the door for them.

"She wasn't able to balance right on those crutches until you brought in Mexican food. Now she's sprinting with them across the hall. Looks like with the right type of reward she can do anything." Jani closed the door behind them and moved to the small table in the room, clearing off books and papers.

"That's all of us." Elizabeth started to unpack the food, looking over her shoulder at Chrissy.

"How are you feeling?"

"Good. Just worried about my Chemistry final. I need to spend the rest of the week focused on it."

"When’s the test?" Jani asked, pulling out a chair for Chrissy and motioning for her to join them.

"It's Wednesday. I have my other classes under wraps, but the Chem final is going to eat my lunch. So much memorization." She moved to the table and dropped her crutches beside her before carefully descending into her chair. A knock at the door resounded and Elizabeth got up to get it.

Jason poked his head into the room, Elizabeth backed up to give him room.

"Just checking in with you. I'm headed to The Red Coats. You want me to grab you anything?" He breathed in deeply and grinned. "Or you want me to just join you guys?"

"We're good. Go have fun with your friends. I'll save you some chips if you want to come back by." Chrissy picked up a chip and popped it in her mouth as her brother simply nodded in response.

"You can join us if you want though," Elizabeth spoke up, her words relaxed and unemotional.

"I'm good. Coach Phillips’ pussified son is supposed to be there."

"Ugh. I hate that word, Jason," Jani grumbled, her eyes narrowing on Jason.

"Your problem sweet thing." He winked as Jani shook her head.

"Text me later and let me know if he's hot." Chrissy worked to get a little bit of everything on the small plastic plate in front of her. The sound her brother gave as he left exactly the reaction she was looking for. “Send me a pic of him,” she called out, winking at her friends. She wasn't interested in the coach’s kid or anyone else. Brent had done a proper job of crushing her. No hope for the next guy. It would take time to heal her emotional wounds and no gym would properly heal those.

The girls ate in silence for a few minutes, Chrissy enjoying the various flavors of everything Elizabeth had picked up.

Jani broke the silence, her question making Chrissy wonder about the thoughts that must be going through her best friend's mind. "Why is Jason not seeing anyone? He's wicked hot and has a great personality."

"He thinks lust is safer than love." Chrissy shrugged.

"I think they both suck," Elizabeth said quietly.

"I agree totally." Chrissy pushed the cheesy enchilada around on her plate. The image of Brent and the black-haired whore he had slept with more times than Chrissy wanted to think about, broke her serenity. "I fell in love with a boy in high school and thought it would be forever. We went to different colleges a few years ago and it ended. He was fucking some girl in his dorm the night I showed up unexpectedly for his birthday. I wanted to surprise him. Guess it was me who got surprised."

"That’s sucks. I hate you had to go through that. Every time I hear it I want to go find your ex-boyfriend and beat him up." Elizabeth punched her fist into her other hand.

"We’re talking about bad boyfriends again? You know mine still tops!” Jani laughed. “I fell in love with the school bad boy last semester. He did drugs, talked me into meeting him in the swim team’s sauna and let me get high off of second-hand smoke. His bad boy self had me skipping class and practice to be with him. I almost lost my scholarship because of him." Jani picked up a chip and rolled it aggressively in the cheese dip. “He came to watch me jump yesterday, and wants to get back together. He says he’ll change his ways. I just don’t think it’ll happen.”

"He was beautiful though. They usually are..." Chrissy sighed softly, reaching for her soda and taking a deep drink. She turned to Elizabeth, part of her hoping she would share a little bit about herself. They had been roommates for a few weeks and, honestly, Chrissy didn't know much more than Elizabeth's name and that she was from Long Island.

"I didn't date much in high school. Basketball took up all my time and my grades are insanely important to my parents. They are both lawyers and making anything less than a hundred was frowned upon." She shrugged, sitting back and taking a shaky breath. "I wanted out of the house more than anything, so I decided to take the scholarship offered at UCLA and then my parents talked me into this low grade nothing school for sports and I hated it. The weather was nice, but that was it."

"You're transferring from Los Angeles? I thought you went to NYU or something," Jani butted in.

"Nope, from Cali."

"Why in the world would you leave there? I heard the weather is beautiful and the guys are blistering hot." Jani laughed.

Chrissy kept her thoughts to herself, the shifts in expression on Elizabeth's face telling quickly that a bomb was headed their way in the story. Something had happened to push Elizabeth back toward home and it couldn't be good.

"That's all true. I met one of those hot guys on campus and started dating him. One night at a large frat party he slipped something in my drink that drugged me pretty bad. I remember trying to fight against him when he pulled me into the ‘purple room’." She paused as tears filled her eyes.

Chrissy reached over and touched her arm. "Hey, you don't have to share this if you don't want to."

"I want to, it's just hard. I haven't talked about it since pressing charges against him and the whole damn fraternity." Elizabeth reached for the napkin Jani extended to her. "I can't tell you what happened. I was too far gone on the drug to know, but I was in the hospital for a week after that. I know I was raped.” She swallowed. “I'm done with men... forever."