"Why did you quit?" James asked, making you raise your eyes from the text book in your lap.

Crashing at his house had become more frequent occurrence. You liked to hang out, staying at his house until late at night. You liked his mom and the warmth she brought with her.

I just love to study with you. was the reason you'd given James anytime you asked if you could come over.

"I heard Gracie and Holly talking about it." He continued, his eyes glued to yours.

He didn't mind you hanging around. He enjoyed your company, besides you helped him get his grades up for the Athletic scholarship. He also wouldn't admit it out loud but he liked you more than just a friend.

A deep breath and a swallow before you replied "I just don't feel like doing it anymore." Your eyes fell back to the text book, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

Swimming has been your passion since age 5. And now, suddenly quitting raised a few red flags.

How are you supposed to tell your best friend that you can't wear a swimsuit because of all the bruises. Your brother was kind enough to leave the bruises on places where you could easily hide them.

Your brother Chris, was a popular kid, one of James' friends, his hockey team's member, always there to help everyone. Inside the four walls, you called home, he was the complete opposite. Cruel, violent. And when he needed to cool down, he turned to you. A pretty good punching bag you were. Since your mother was barely home, working two jobs to make ends meet, it was you and Chris. So no one knew what was really going on.

"No," James said, a bit too harshly than he wished "That's not it. You just don't wake up one day and decide you don't want to do it anymore." He shook his head as he snatched the text book from your hands, once again making you look at him.

"You're the best they have. I'd understand if you weren't good at it." He continued "But you're the best. {{user}} what is going on? Do I need to punch somebody for you? Because I will gladly do that"