Chapter 2

"His injuries are severe," a doctor said, his voice echoing in the sterile emergency room. "Multiple fractures in the right humerus, two broken ribs, severe contusions on both legs. We need to operate immediately to set the bones."

My mom wrung her hands. "Operate? Is it safe? I've heard Dr. Alistair Finch is the best orthopedic surgeon in the country for athletes. He's flying in tomorrow. Can't we wait?"

The doctor looked surprised. "Ma'am, with these types of fractures, especially in the throwing arm, delaying surgery could mean improper healing. He might never regain full mobility. For a quarterback..."

My sister, Lily, her face a mask of concern, stepped forward. "Ethan's so young. We can't let him be... handicapped. We have to do what's best."

"Exactly," Mom cut in, her voice firm. "We wait for Dr. Finch. I want the absolute best for my son. Only then can we ensure Ethan makes a full recovery and gets back on that field."

Her eyes met mine, glistening with unshed tears. "It's about making sure Caleb's path to the scouts is clear. If Ethan is permanently benched, Caleb can finally shine."

No, she didn't say that last part out loud. But I heard it.

I lay there, a cold dread seeping into my bones, colder than the antiseptic smell of the hospital.

They wheeled me to a private room. Mom fussed, adjusting my pillows, her brow furrowed with worry.

"Those animals," she seethed. "When I find out who did this, they'll pay. Ethan, don't you worry. Mama will make this right."

Lily sat by my bed, holding my uninjured hand. "Ethan, I'm so sorry this happened. We'll get you the best physical therapy. You'll be back."

Their faces were etched with such genuine distress.

It made me sick.

The next morning, my phone started buzzing. It was Lily, showing me her screen.

Sports forums. Local news comment sections.

"Ethan Hayes? Heard he was juicing. No wonder he got that offer."

"My cousin plays for Northwood High. Said Hayes was always a dirty player, arrogant too. Guess karma caught up."

"Someone saw him arguing with some shady guys behind the stadium. Probably a deal gone bad."

"Heard his stats were inflated by his coach. Always knew something was off about that kid."

Lily quickly swiped the screen away. "Don't look, Ethan. It's just trash. I'll get our lawyers to shut it down."

Mom was on the phone, her voice tight with anger. "What do you mean it's all over the internet? I told you to manage Caleb's PR, not to let this filth spread about Ethan! Get it taken down! Now!"

She hung up, her face pale. "Some lowlife is spreading rumors that you were taking performance-enhancing drugs, that your stats were faked. They're trying to destroy your reputation."

They were. My own mother and sister.

Tears welled in my eyes. Was it the pain in my arm, or the gaping wound in my chest?

Mom knelt beside me, her eyes sincere. "Ethan, no matter what they say, you are my golden boy. My champion. We'll fight this."

Lily nodded. "We're a family, Ethan. We stick together."

The lies were suffocating me.