I grumble because I’ve been through concussion protocol before. It’s not fun, especially since this time I’ve landed myself in the hospital.
The door to my room swings open and I brace myself, hoping it’s not Mia. I don’t want another confrontation. Even though we’re done, I still love her. How can I just turn that part of my heart off? We’ve been together since college. I’ll always love her.
Luckily, it’s my teammate Edmond Piper.
“You’re awake!” He says with a smile, his booming voice filling the room. “Thank god because we cannot play with Tommy Garavito next week. I know he’s your back up and everything, but the dude is clueless.”
I chuckle. “I’ll do my best to get back on the field, but it might not be next week. You might just actually have to step up and catch a few passes.”
He shakes his head. “No way. Not unless you’re the one throwing them.” He sits down in one of the hard plastic chairs close to my bed and his smile fades. “Is it pretty bad?”
“I can’t remember what day it is or who we played in our last game. And apparently, I’m back with Mia? Is that true?”
Edmond’s smile returns. “Must be ‘cause I saw you together before the game. Y’all looked pretty cute and cozy.”
“I can’t imagine what she did to earn my forgiveness.”
“Me neither. You were pretty angry when you saw those pictures.”
“No shit. I still don’t understand why she did it.”
“Well, I’m sure it’ll all make sense once you get your memories back.”
“My brain is scrambled, dude. Nothing makes sense right now. Just tell me, after I got hit, did we win?”
“Fuck yeah we did. Did you think we were going to let some sorry ass team beat us? Not only did their linebacker get ejected for targeting but we ran up the score too.”
“Good to hear.”
Edmond stands and stretches. “I just wanted to come back and check on you. The rest of the team is waiting for an update. They sent me as their ambassador.”
“Thanks for coming, Ed.”
After he leaves, I try my best to remember the game, and getting back together with Mia. If Edmond saw us together, then it must be true. She claimed to be my wife earlier, which is still unbelievable. Maybe we did get back together but marriage? Not possible. As soon as I’m released, I’ll start asking questions. Until then, there’s no point in adding more stress to my life. Having a concussion this severe scares me. Football is an integral part of my identity. Without it, who am I? I’m aware of the risks to my brain if I keep playing, if I keep getting injured. I’ve seen too many talented players retire early because they started to develop symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. I promised myself I’d step away from football if I noticed any of the symptoms like changes to my mood or thinking.
I sigh and lean my head back. The pain in my head is starting to subside and the nurse returns to check my vitals and to check on me. When she leaves, I decide to get out of bed. My legs wobble when I stand up and I’m a bit unsteady as I shuffle over the window. It’s still dark out with stars twinkling in the sky. There’s no point in glancing at the clock because I don’t need another reminder of time. There’s a loveseat under the window and I collapse onto it. What am I going to do if my memories never return? Even that question can’t be answered until I talk to the doctor. Once I do, I’ll deal with my next issue – an unwanted wife.
Five
Mia
After I left the hospital, there was no word from Maverick, and I didn’t want to poke the bear by showing up again. His concussion is severe, and I want to give him space to heal. So, when he finally walks into the condo we live in, I’m caught off guard. We stand there staring at one another until he finally breaks the silence.
“What are you doing here?” The tone of his voice is cold and empty, and the look in his eye is dead and vacant. He doesn’t see me the way he did last week and a crack forms in my heart.
“I live here,” I answer.
“Because we’re married,” he adds with a hint of sarcasm.
“Yes, we are.” There’s a large manila envelope on the table from the chapel in Vegas. It’s pictures from the ceremony we ordered but I haven’t opened it yet. “There’s proof on the table if you don’t believe me.”
“I don’t. You’re a liar. You’re probably making up this whole marriage thing.”
His words sting but I remind myself to be patient. I’ve been through concussion protocol with him before, but this is the first time his memories have been affected.
“I’m not lying but I’m not going to fight you. I’ll give you space. I’m staying in the guest room for now.”
“I’d rather you not stay here at all.”
