Desmond trudged through the front door, his parents' hushed but intense voices coming from the living room. The tension in the air was palpable, a stark contrast to the usual calm order of the house. He knew what this was about—they had been fuming ever since the fight, demanding severe punishment for Marvin. But now, things had taken a twist, and it left Desmond on edge.

"Desmond, get in here," his father, Mr Harris, called out, his voice sharper than usual. Desmond kicked off his shoes and made his way to the living room, bracing himself.

Mrs Harris, his mother, stood by the window, arms crossed, her perfectly styled hair still in place despite the stress lines that had formed on her face over the past week. Mr Harris was sitting on the couch, leaning forward with a scowl as he looked at some papers in his hands.

"What's going on?" Desmond asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

Mrs Harris turned to face him, her expression hard. "We've been talking to the school and the Kepplers' lawyer. They're offering us a cash settlement in exchange for dropping the whole thing and leaving Marvin alone."

Desmond frowned, trying to process this. "So, what's the problem?"

"The problem," Mr Harris said, his voice tight, "is that this isn't just about money. The Kepplers clarified that if we push for more punishment, Joel will kick you off the team. The school will definitely have his back, due to your previous history and the warning Joel gave you about fighting.

Desmond felt his stomach drop. Football was everything to him, his future. "So, what are we supposed to do? Just take the money and let Marvin get away with putting me in a hospital?" He didn't see any wrong in him starting the fight with Marvin, he was just angry at being the one who lost.

Mrs Harris sighed, her frustration evident. "We don't want to, Desmond. You know how much this has upset us—how much we wanted to make sure that boy pays for what he did to you. But..."

"But what?" Desmond pressed, his anger starting to boil over.

"But your father and I have to think about your future," she continued, her voice softer now, almost pleading. "If you get kicked off the team, it could ruin your chances of getting a scholarship, of going to a good college. We've worked so hard to give you the best opportunities, and this could jeopardize all of it."

Mr Harris nodded, setting the papers down on the coffee table. "It's not an easy decision, son. We hate the idea of letting this go, but we have to be smart. The Kepplers are willing to pay a significant amount to make this disappear, and in the long run, it might be the best option for you."

Desmond stared at them, his mind racing. He wanted Marvin to pay, but he also knew what was at stake. Football was his life, and losing his spot on the team would destroy everything he'd been working toward.

"So, what do we do?" he finally asked, his voice quieter now.

Mrs Harris walked over and sat beside him, taking his hand. "We want to hear what you think, Desmond. We're willing to fight if that's what you want, but we need you to understand the risks. We can take the money, drop this whole mess, and focus on making sure you're in the best possible position for your future. Or we can push for more, but that means risking everything."

Desmond looked between his parents, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him. After a long moment, he took a deep breath and nodded. "Take the money. I can't lose football."

Mrs Harris squeezed his hand, relief flooding her features. "Okay, sweetheart. We'll handle it. You focus on keeping your head down and staying out of trouble. We'll make sure everything is taken care of."

Mr Harris leaned back, a heavy sigh escaping him. "It's the right choice, Desmond. We'll make sure this doesn't come back to haunt you."

Desmond nodded, trying to push away the bitterness that lingered in the back of his mind. He didn't like it, but he understood. Football was his future, and he couldn't afford to let anything—especially a fight—get in the way of that.

As he got up to head to his room, Mrs Harris's voice stopped him. "And Desmond, please remember—we're doing this for you. We want the best for you."

He forced a small smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I know, Mom. Thanks."

But as he walked up the stairs, the anger still simmered just below the surface. He might have agreed to let it go, but he knew this wasn't over. Marvin might have won once again but Desmond wasn't going to forget.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~Marvin POV~~

It was a bright Saturday morning when I walked into the community center with Joel, my nerves were buzzing. I knew this was supposed to be a way to make up for the stuff I'd done, but that didn't make it any easier. Lisa, the woman who runs things here, gave us a nod as we entered. She seemed like one of those people who's always smiling, no matter what.

"You guys Volunteers? we've got a truckload of donations that just came in. Could you two help unload it?" she asked, looking directly at me.

I hesitated, 'Can I even lift what was coming out of the truck', 'Why can't I just help pack the donations'. Joel took charge as I let my thoughts rumble in my head, "Yeah, we'd be glad to help" He grabbed my shoulder and we followed Lisa.

The truck was huge. When I saw the back of it, crammed with boxes of canned goods and other stuff, it was overwhelming. Lisa suggested forming a chain to get the boxes unloaded, and before I knew it, I was in the middle of the line, with Joel right in front of me.

The first box was heavier than I expected. When I caught it, I almost dropped it, but I managed to pass it to the next person—a friendly older guy who smiled at me.

"Good catch," he said with a wink.

I just nodded, not sure what to say. The whole thing was weirdly calming, though. I focused on the rhythm—catch, pass, catch, pass. It was a lot like football, just without the adrenaline.

Now and then, I noticed Joel glancing at me, making sure I was okay. I didn't mind, the man was simply worried about the person he was meant to be caring for. After about an hour, we were done. The truck was empty, and the boxes were all stacked inside the center. I was sweating and tired, but I won't lie it felt good to see what we'd done.

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"Great job, everyone," Lisa said, clapping her hands together. "Let's take a quick break and then get back to sorting these."

I grabbed a water bottle and took a long drink, feeling the cool liquid slide down my throat. Joel looked over at me with a proud smile.

"You're doing great, Marvin," he said quietly.

I shrugged, everyone else had pulled their own weight so I didn't think I deserved any special praise. Plus there were older men out here who were able to move things far faster than I could, 'if anyone's doing great, it's them'

After our break, Lisa gave us a new task—helping families load their groceries into their cars. I didn't know what to expect, but I figured it would likely be worse than just moving boxes, after all, I would likely have to actually talk to people now.

The first family that came through was a young mom with two little kids. She was struggling to push a cart full of bags and keep the kids from running off at the same time. Joel stepped forward like it was nothing.

"Let us give you a hand," he offered, taking the cart from her.

The mom looked relieved. "Oh, thank you so much," she said, glancing at me.

I hesitated, I really don't want to deal with this "Do you need help with your kids?" I sucked up my complaints as I saw Joel looking at me with a smile, he may not have said anything but I could hear him loud and clear. 'Help the lady with her kids'

The mom smiled at me, her shoulders relaxing. "That would be great if you don't mind."

I nodded and knelt down to the kids' level. 'The annoying part' "Hey, do you guys want to follow me? I'll show you where your mom's car is." I tried to make my voice sound as friendly as possible.

The kids stared at me for a second before deciding to follow. I led them over to the car while Joel pushed the cart. When we got there, I opened the back door and helped the kids climb in.

Joel loaded the groceries into the trunk while I stood by, making sure the kids didn't try to jump out or anything. The mom kept thanking us, and I wasn't sure how to respond, so I just nodded.

"You two are lifesavers," she said as she buckled her kids in.

"Just happy to help," Joel replied with a smile, looking over at me.

I gave a small nod, feeling a bit awkward as we watched the car pull away, I turned to Joel.

"This isn't so bad," I admitted, surprised at how much I meant it.

"Right, and also you guys want to follow me? Never thought I'd hear your voice like that" Joel laughed at my interaction with the kids as we made our way back to the center. 'Fuck me' I hope this finishes as quickly as possible.

The day didn't take long to wrap up, I was tired extremely, but it was a good kind of tired. The last of the families had come and gone, and now it was time to clean up. Lisa came over to us with that same warm smile.

"You both have been amazing today. We're almost done, but we could use some help packing up the leftover supplies."

I nodded, grabbing a broom and sweeping up the floor. It was simple work, and it gave me time to think. The other volunteers were chatting as they worked, and I found myself listening in, even though I didn't join the conversation. There was no way I would talk with them but listening wasn't too terrible.

At one point, Lisa came over to me while I was sweeping. "I just wanted to say thank you again for your hard work today. You really stepped up, and we appreciate it."

I looked up at her, a little surprised. "Uh, thanks," I mumbled, feeling awkward.

"You're welcome here anytime," she added with a smile. "I hope we'll see you again."

I nodded, not really sure what to say.

When we were done and ready to leave, I took one last look around the community center. The day had been long and tiring, as we got to the car, Joel glanced over at me. "So, how was your first day of community service?"

I thought about it for a moment before answering. "It was... alright. It'll probably be best to do the rest of my service here."

Joel's smile grew even bigger "I' was thinking the exact same thing."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The scent of Olivia's cooking fills the house as Joel and I walk in. The kitchen is bathed in warm light, and the rich aroma of beef stew and fresh bread creates a cozy atmosphere.

Austin is already at the table when he spots us, his face lights up.

"Hey, Marvin!" Austin calls out. "How was community service?"

I drop my bag and take a seat. "It was alright," I reply, trying to sound positive. "Not as bad as I expected."

Olivia, busy at the stove, turns and smiles warmly. "That's good to hear. It's important work, and I'm glad you're helping out."

I give her a small, appreciative smile. Joel set a plate of steaming stew and warm bread in front of me, I didn't even notice when he went into the kitchen.

"Here you go," Joel says, placing the plate on the table. "I know you're starving after all that work."

"Thanks," I say, taking the plate. The stew's rich aroma and the warmth of the bread make me feel a bit more at ease.

Brooklyn walks into the kitchen, dressed casually in jeans and a sweater. Her long hair is pulled back, and she moves with a relaxed, almost detached air. She grabs a plate and serves herself, then takes a seat next to me.

"Hey," Brooklyn says, offering a nod. "So what is this I'm about to eat?"

Olivia gestures toward the pot on the stove. "Beef stew and fresh bread. Glad you could find time in your busy day to join us." Olivia ended her statement with a hint of sarcasm.

"Yeah, it's a struggle missing time with the family I spend every day with" Brooklyn hits back.

The table soon fills with the sounds of clinking cutlery and the hum of casual conversation. Olivia updates us on the charity fair she's organizing for next month. "We've got a lot planned—booths, live music, activities for the kids. I could really use some extra hands for setup and organizing."

Joel nods. "That sounds like a big event. I'm sure Austin would be happy to help out, and I can assist with the setup as well."

Austin's eyes light up. "I'd love to help! I can also ask my friends if they want to join."

Brooklyn, finishing her first bite of stew, chimes in. "I'll help too, Trisha and Sophia are going to the fair as well.

Olivia smiles. "Ahh, I was wondering why our little celebrity took an interest in helping the community, it's just to hang out with her friends" she teases Brooklyn

The conversation shifts to lighter topics. Austin shares stories from his football practices, his excitement evident. "Coach was really impressed with my catches yesterday. No one on the team could guard me."

Olivia beams. "That's fantastic, Austin. All that hard work is paying off."

Joel adds, "I've seen you practicing. You're improving every day. Keep it up, and you'll start getting calls from some seven-on-seven teams later in the spring."

Austin's enthusiasm is palpable. "That's what I'm aiming for. I want to show what I can do."

Olivia turns to me. "Marvin, how did you find the community service? Was there anything that stood out to you or that you found challenging?"

I pause, considering her question. "I've never done anything like it before, but it was nice to help the people out."

Joel looks pleased. "That's exactly what we hope for. Even small acts of service can make a big difference."

Austin adds, "It's like being part of a team, even if you're not on the field. You get to see how your efforts make a difference."

Brooklyn, finishing her stew, looks over at me. "I think it's cool that you're stepping up. It's not always easy, but it's worth it."

"Thanks" I was surprised at Brooklyn's compliment, ever since dinner after the nightmare, we hadn't actually talked.

The conversation continues, with Olivia discussing the charity fair and Joel sharing his garden plans. Austin talks more about football, and Brooklyn adds her thoughts on various topics.

As lunch winds down, Olivia and Joel start clearing the table. Austin and I help by stacking plates and putting away leftovers. The kitchen, bathed in warm afternoon light, feels like a comfortable place to be.

Brooklyn, stretching and looking ready for a change of pace, says, "So, Marvin, Austin, heading to practice now? It's a nice day for it."

Austin jumps in, eager to get going. "Yeah, we're heading to the field. Want to come along and watch or join us?"

Brooklyn shrugs. "Sure, I don't have anything else planned. I do need to get outside for a bit too."

As we gather our cleats, Brooklyn follows us out of the house. The sun is shining brightly, and the field looks inviting with its fresh green grass. Austin's energy is infectious as he grabs the football and heads toward the practice area.

Brooklyn walks beside us, her presence adding a different vibe to the day. She glances at me occasionally, her effort to connect clear in her small gestures and casual comments. Her presence feels like a tentative bridge, reaching out with quiet support.