632 V2 ch104 (2/2)

”It's just a suggestion. May work, may not. No guarantees.” Dr. Moore showed his hands and looked indifferent. ”This advice can only go so far. You're still the one that has to make the decisions here.”

”I'm just tired of explaining myself.” Jeremy let out his hundredth sigh of the afternoon.

”As a public sports figure, you can try to use the media to your advantage.” Dr. Moore pointed out. ”Have an interview with the hard questions. It can help you, and maybe help Jake too.”

”Me?” I was stunned. How was I suddenly pulled into this?

”I don't think Jake likes the limelight.” Jeremy frowned.

Dr. Moore looked to me. ”Aren't you also tired of explaining your situation to your classmates? Instead of just saying 'it's complicated', you uncomplicate it.”

Jeremy looked at me, worried. ”Do your classmates say bad things to you?”

I shook my head. ”They aren't bad. Just confused. Noah usually just tells them to mind their own business.”

Jeremy scratched his face. ”Hmm. I'll talk to my agent. See what options are out there.” He made eye contact with me. ”You would have to discuss this with Wayne and Mary too. They are your guardians, plus it might also affect their own sons.”

I shrugged. ”I'm not in a rush.”

”It's just an option for the future.” Dr. Moore said. ”Keep it in mind. Just in case you're still worried about how the public sees you. Until then, reach out to your close friends.” He paused for a second. ”Does your family know how you feel?”

Jeremy pursed his lips. ”Well, sort of. They know I'm trying to be a brother to Jake. They know I have a sense of guilt for not being there. But they...they have their own opinions about the matter.”

”Oh.” Dr. Moore looked to me. ”Have you thought about them at all?”

I gave a single nod. ”You could say that. I saw them at the all-star game on Tuesday.” I glanced at Jeremy. ”With you.” I paused for a minute. ”If I had gone when you invited me...would I have to see them? Or did you invite them after I said no?”

Jeremy looked ashamed. ”I thought it would be good to get together. You could meet them and they could see you. Get to know one another over the all-star break while in a different setting, over a fun-filled week. There was a lot we could have done there and then you would be able to sit with them when I played in the game.”

”I don't like surprises.” I told him, kind of hurt that he would have sprung that on me if I had went.

”I know I should have consulted you first, but you also said no so quickly so it doesn't matter now.”

”It still matters.” Dr. Moore jumped in. He looked at Jeremy. ”How do you think Jake would feel, if he had said yes, and then you told him that your family was going to be there too. It would have been awkward for him. You would have put him in a difficult spot. He would either try to back out, and potentially hurt your feelings. Or he would go and try to face down some of his demons without preparation.”

”My family aren't demons.” Jeremy was astounded.

”Not to you. Not literally either.” Dr. Moore looked to me. ”Want to explain? Or want me to explain?”

I shook my head. ”Jeremy...I don't think I'm ready to see Uncle Jack anytime soon. Maybe ever. He's different from you. He was an adult this whole entire time and didn't bother to check in on me or anything. You had your excuses: you were young, you were also abused, and you regret what you've done.” I gulped. ”What's his excuse?”

Jeremy was stunned into silence.