Page 44 of The Substitute

“I gave the other guy’s theirs the first week but I didn’t have enough…stuff…” He offers it to me but doesn’t let me pull my hand back. “This comes to every game and every practice. It unites us as a team.”

“Okay…”

With a nod, he lets go of my hand. Carefully, I lift the lid and find gold tissue paper. I set the lid aside and notice the rest of the team is watching. Some of them are covering their mouths behind their hands, but it’s clear they’re laughing.

What the fuck am I missing?

With one finger, I open the paper and find a cream-colored gummy bear with an eye hook in the top to hang it from something.

“A gummy bear?” I don’t have a fucking clue what this is.

“It’s a cummy bear!” Teddy is very proud of himself, but I don’t know why. I can’t have heard him right. “Sorry it took so long, I had to order more. I miscounted how many guys were on the team, but I blame Rhys for making me eat healthy this summer. I can’t do maths when I don’t have my breakfast Red Bull. Duh.”

“Everyone has one?” I look around, and the entire team pulls them out. Some on necklaces, some on key rings, some are hooked to their gear bags. Interesting. “Thanks, man.”

“You’re going to make a much better captain than our last one!” Teddy squeezes my shoulder. The team cheers, and I smile. It feels good to be accepted.

On our way out of the building, Teddy claps my shoulder and walks with me.

“So, tell me something,” I start. “How are you and your brother complete opposites?”

“Nah, we’re the same. He’s just smart about book things, and I’m smart with hockey things. But we’re the same.”

I blink at him, pretty sure I just had a stroke. “What?”

“Tobs and me. We’re the same. Why do you think we’re different?”

Now we’re both confused.

“Uh, well, he doesn’t like people or leaving the dorm. He’s sarcastic and hates lights. Hates hockey and hockey players.”

Teddy pushes his hand across himself like he’s wiping away my words. “He’s just messing with you. He loves hockey! How could he not when he’s my brother? I’m awesome. He’s like my biggest fan. Other than Mom, of course…and Rhys…and Dad…”

Clearly, the guy is delusional.

“Right. My bad.”

“I mean, he likes to use science words to insult me even though Mom told him to stop, but that’s just brother stuff, you know?”

The wind is sharp when we push the doors open, and I’ve never been more grateful for an excuse to leave.

“Of course. Brother stuff. I’ll see ya later, man.”

Teddy slaps my shoulder again and heads off in the opposite direction. With a shake of my head, I head to the dining hall.

Well, that wasn’t helpful at all.

Or maybe it was. His best friend chose Teddy over him? I guess they are both delusional. The realization makes me feel even worse for Tobi. He doesn’t deserve any of this.

Ambrose: Have you eaten dinner? Or at all today?

Three minutes pass, and he doesn’t even open the message.

Ambrose: Ignoring me means I’m going to bring back something for you to eat…

I get into line and grab food before sitting down. Tobi still hasn’t answered or opened the message. What is?—

Savage.