Keegan and Jeff

(Keegan’s point of view)

The beach dinner was so good. Seeing all of my football friends and my family all enjoying one another’s company was special. It was definitely something I needed.

After we helped the moms clean up the tables and the beach, we went to the blue house for some male bonding. I sat out in the kitchen with Baylen and Sterling while the other guys played beer pong. Mr. Hamlin would not allow real beer so they used apple juice. I had no interest in playing however. After a while I decided to go into the basement to observe the games. Jeff was down there so I had kind of avoided the area if I am being honest. He and Brees were getting closer and even celebrated a six month anniversary last week. I couldn’t be mad at the guy, he had great taste in women.

As I entered the basement I could hear someone say my name and then Brees’ name immediately after.

“Dude, Keegan is always trying to be up on your girl Brees. You need to get that under control,” one voice said.

“Man, yeah, she is about to swerve you and get her a junior All American,” another said.

I came down to the foot of the stairs and could see it was Quincy and Hale, two of Jeff’s friends. Jeff was faced away from me and didn’t see me enter the basement.

“Come on fellas. She is completely in love. I gave my girl her first trip to O-town last week,” he bragged, making a trigger motion with his hand.

They all cheered and reveled as he bragged to the room about something so private. Brees would be so embarrassed. I couldn’t control what I did next. Without hesitation I walked over and shoved Jeff. He spun around quickly and his gaze met mine.

“What the fuck Patts?” he asked angrily.

“I could ask you the same thing Jeff. Your relationship should be private and not put on display for your buddies,” I said poking his chest.

“Bruh, touch me again and I’m gonna knock you the fuck out,” Jeff said fixing his shirt. “Brees is my piece, not yours and you can’t handle that. She can’t help it if she wants to ride the J-train all the way to D-town,” he said smugly.

I didn’t even hesitate, I socked him right in his nose. Blood immediately started coming from his nostrils. He lunged at me and pushed me into the pool table. We each threw a few punches before Mr. Hamlin came and grabbed me. Jeff was still talking shit as Baylen pushed him backwards towards the couch.

“Boys, what are we doing? It’s our first night in Punta Cana and we are doing this?” Mr. Hamlin screamed.

His voice bellowed and scared a few of us. I looked over at Jeff and Bay. How could no one else be upset that he was dragging Brees’ name through the mud like she was some tramp. Didn’t he “love” her? How could he speak about her like this?

I saw her beautiful face appear around the corner. She must have come into the back door that leads to the basement. My heart leapt for a moment and then was crushed when she ran to his aid and walked off with him.

Baylen and I went to the back deck and sat on the steps. He shook his head and looked out to the ocean. I could see his disappointment and I knew I was in for a lecture.

“I don’t want to ask, but was this over Brees?” he inquired, still not looking at me.

“Yeah,” I said shortly.

He put his face into his hands and threw his head back.

“Kee, she chose Jeff. You gotta let it go and move on,” Bay said exasperatedly.

Is he serious? He thinks I’m taking swings at this kid because of a crush? I looked at him and stood up. He looked up at me with a surprised look on his face.

“Bay, this kid was talking about private things he and Brees have done and he was gloating to the entire football team and lacrosse team about it. I wouldn’t have hit him for any other reason than to protect your sister. I swear!” I said with frustration.

Baylen jumped up with his fists balled. He didn’t even speak, he ran down the steps so quickly that I couldn’t even stop him. I knew it was too late and that Jeff had better hide before he got his ass whipped yet again. I tried to run after Baylen, but he spotted Jeff with Brees on the beach and he took off running.

“Baylen, no dude, just wait!” I pleaded.

I could see Jeff sit upright as he saw one of the biggest guys in our school headed his way. Brees yelled something, but I could not make out what it was. Baylen took his left shoulder deep as if he were tackling a wide-receiver and landed right into Jeff’s side. Jeff flew off of his feet and onto his back. His eyes were huge and fear took over his once smirked face. Brees got in front of him, as if to protect him.

“Move Squirt!” Baylen yelled, dodging left and right to get at Jeff.

“Bay, what is happening? Why are you and Keegan so angry with Jeff?” Brees pleaded.

I didn’t have the heart to tell her what I had overheard, but I was hoping Jeff would make it right. I stared at him with squinted eyes and he looked up at Brees from the ground and he began to apologize.

For me this apology wasn’t enough. I needed him out of here.

“Boys, I have got it from here. Let me talk to Jeff. Please!” Brees cried.

We walked away and let her have her privacy with Jeff. I had to calm Baylen down.

“Dude I’m so sorry I didn’t have your back on this. I should have known you were protecting her,” Baylen apologized.

I nodded my head in a reassuring way. We walked back into the house to Hale doing a magic trick of some sort. I couldn’t take my mind off of Brees. I wanted to take her away from Jeff, away from these people. We were in such a beautiful place and we couldn’t even enjoy it together.

“Do I even wanna know?” Dante asked, sipping his beer.

“No dad. Let’s let this one play out via Brees. She has got this one,” Baylen said.

I hope she didn’t let him convince her to stay with him. Even if she isn’t with me, she can’t possibly stay with him.