The nice thing about losing your future is that it makes starting over much easier. Marcus Williams is prepared to make it through the last two years of his degree with no expectations, no aspirations, and no connections.<br><br>But strategies can change, especially when you've got someone like Sebastian Lockwood staring you down on the line of scrimmage.

Audible

Great. Just perfect. Marcus feels a lump growing in his throat as his whole body heats up a few uncomfortable degrees.


“Oh. Ah…thanks. Thanks, man.” Marcus gives a small wave before hurrying out of the locker room, walking quickly down the hall and sliding into the band room. He feels a little lightheaded as he scans the room until he spots Blair by the door, talking to a couple of the woodwind players.


Blair smiles and waves him over, but Marcus shakes his head, wrapping his arms around his middle. “Sorry Blair, I just…I need a minute, okay?”


“Of course,” Blair says with a comforting smile, “go ahead and use the office. Take your time.”


Marcus smiles back at her gratefully, heading towards the band director’s office where he can take a few minutes to collect himself, do his breathing exercises, and hopefully stave off his oncoming panic attack.


“Shit, B, what’s wrong with him? He looks like hell.”


Chapter 17