Jordan must have drifted off because the sound of Kelsie gasping startled her. Kelsie’s head was in the bucket groaning about being hot. Kelsie tried to undress but had no strength. Jordan went to her side and helped remove some of her clothes, gave her a drink and a cold cloth. She wipes Kelsie’s body and forehead. Kelsie murmured something about Aimee, but not enough to make sense.
Jordan’s eyes opened again, Kelsie was sleeping peacefully. She looked at the alarm clock 8.30am. They have last soccer practice before the weekend final and Jordan didn't want to disturb Kelsie. Jordan searched Kelsie’s office “C’mon folder, where’s the red folder..ahh here.” It contained the daily training schedule and ran out.
Kelsie rolled over and grabbed her head. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at her watch but couldn’t focus. She then turned to her alarm clock 10.30am “fuck” she drags herself out of bed and searches for the training schedule throwing papers around the office. “Where’s my fucking folder.”
Kelsie slowly makes her way out to the playing fields. It hurt to think about anything so she didn’t. She didn’t want to deal with the carnage that was left behind last night. To her amazement the girls were training with Jordan directing them. Kelsie walks up next to Jordan as the girls went for their warm down lap. Kelsie sees Jordan has her red folder. Jordan looked over but Kelsie didn’t make eye contact.
“Training went ok, few mess ups but after the 10th extra lap they go the hang of it. It’s under control.”
Kelsie didn’t say anything just nodded.
“Why don’t you go and lie back down, I can finish up.” Offers Jordan
“Ok thanks” croaks Kelsie
“Sure no problem.” Jordan grated out
Kelsie faces Jordan. “I was out of line last night, everything was my fault, I'm so sorry.”
“I just can’t believe I got you so angry.” Said Jordan quietly
Kelsie rubbed a nervous hand through her hair, her voice breaking up.
“You didn’t, it had nothing to do with you. Aimee and I have split up, you just came in at the wrong time I’m very sorry.” Kelsie started to lose control and turned to leave.
“Kelsie.”
She stops and waits for Jordan to continue.
“If you want I could stop by later, see if you need anything.” Jordan knew the answer but still offered
“That would be nice, yes.” Kelsie walked away and Jordan dropped the folder
Jordan knocked on Kelsie’s door but got no answer. She quietly opened the door and saw that she was still asleep. She left and went to her office and started tidying up the mess. Reached to get the phone that had fallen on the floor her arm runs across some jagged glass slicing the underside of her forearm. She lets out a yelp and the blood starts to flow freely. Jordan started to feel sick.
“Kelsie, help….Kelsie.”
Kelsie stirs to her name and jumps up and out to her office. She freezes on seeing the blood. She immediately gets a towel from the pile and places it on the wound and holds it tight.
“Sit down Jordan.”
Kelsie still holds the towel. Kelsie notices Jordan distress. “Hey it’s not that bad you silly thing. Right you hold this there and I’ll be right back.
She returns shortly with a first aid kit. She pulls out some gauze. “Ok I just want to have a little look so you look away.”
Kelsie carefully lifts the towel and grimaces at the gash. “On second thoughts you may need a few stitches.”
“No” says Jordan .
“It will scar.”
“No I said.”
Kelsie gently dresses and bandages her arm. She looks at Jordan and brushes her hair back. “It would be easier if you would just hate me.” Said Kelsie
“I can’t do that.” Jordan half smiles
“Well there’s only one thing left to do.”
Jordan nodded waiting for the brush off bombshell to be dropped.
“Lets have some lunch, I need food. Would you like to join me.”
Jordan surprised at the invitation excepted immediately.
They walk back into Kelsie’s quarters. “I need to have a shower first, but if you’re up to it there is some stuff in the fridge if you want to make us something I won’t be long.
Jordan fixed them sandwiches and sat down at the table. She picks up a magazine and casually flicks through the pages. She looked up and sees Kelsie’s reflection in a mirror as she showered. Jordan tried to look away but here eyes wouldn’t avert. She was captivated by Kelsie washing herself, rubbing her hands over her body a task Jordan has imagined herself doing hundreds of times. She shivered and went back to her magazine only occasionally glancing. The shower stopped and Jordan observed Kelsie as she now wiped herself “Oh my god Jordan you are the biggest perve.” She said to herself.
Kelsie came out in just a robe and sat down. She grabs her drink and notices the can was already opened and smiled “thank you.”
That’s alright” said Jordan her mouth full.
There was a long silence then Jordan initiated the next discussion.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Kelsie shrugged. “thanks but it’s complicated.”
“You probably shouldn’t have told her about last night.” Said Jordan quietly
Kelsie looked away feeling ashamed “I didn’t tell her, I never got the chance to confess.”
“Oh really.” Jordan then reaches across and gives Kelsie’s hand a reassuring squeeze.“I’m so sorry Kelsie.”
Kelsie started to shake trying to hold back. “I just can’t believe she is out of my life.”
Jordan continued on carefully “Did she say why.”
Kelsie took a breath and wipes her eyes. “Well she started off with we have drifted apart, we move in different circles, blah, blah, then throws in met someone else, some more excuses and that about sums it up.”
Kelsie packs up the dishes, her hands shaking badly. Jordan takes them from her and puts them on the sink. She looks back and sees Kelsie in great distress. Jordan walks up to the side of Kelsie and puts her arms around Kelsie’s shoulders. Kelsie gives in and rests her head on Jordan’s stomach and sobs. Jordan holds her tighter to calm down her trembling. “We will get through this.”