Chapter Text
Andrew Minyard's departure from Palmetto State University was a quiet affair, much like his entire existence there. Aaron, Nicky, and Kevin were at practice with the rest of the foxes, he’d gotten out of it acting as his usual manic self. Or at least that’s what he’d portrayed, the truth was Andrew had been off the drugs for months, not that anyone but Bee and Renee cared enough to notice. Amid the shattered promises and the cacophony of unkept expectations, he packed his bags with a solemn determination, leaving behind a life he never truly embraced but couldn't wait to escape.
He’d been contemplating this for months, usually baking out when he’d remembered the promise between him and his brother. That all collapsed a week ago.
Aaron knew he had to say something, anything to break the deadlock, but his mind was blank. He had never seen Andrew like this before, so consumed by anger and betrayal. It scared him, the way his twin's eyes blazed with intensity, the way his fists clenched and unclenched at his sides.
Finally, Aaron found his voice. "Andrew, please, just listen to me."
But Andrew just shook his head, his jaw clenched so tight it looked like it might shatter. "I don't like that word, don’t say it, Aaron. Besides, I already know what you're going to say."
Aaron felt a pang of guilt deep in his chest. He had never meant to hurt Andrew, never meant to come between them like this. But he couldn't help how he felt about Katelyn, couldn't help the way his heart raced whenever she was near, and anyway, it wasn’t as if they had a brotherhood to begin with so why is Andrew so mad? "I love her, Andrew," Aaron pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't just walk away from that."
Andrew stopped pacing, his gaze locking onto Aaron's with a ferocity that made him shiver. "And what about us, Aaron? What about our promise? Does it mean nothing to you?"
"That promise was just a way to control me and you know it” Aaron insisted, his voice breaking with emotion. "But I can't sacrifice my happiness for the sake of you, you don’t even try to be my brother. Now you expect me to give everything up for you"
Andrew's expression softened, just for a moment, before hardening once again and giving a sadistic smile. "So that's it then? You're choosing her over me? Fine then, the deal is broken. Enjoy your cheerleader"
Aaron opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. He didn't know what to say, didn't know how to make Andrew understand that this wasn't about choosing sides, but about following his heart. Before he could find the right words, Andrew turned on his heel and stormed out of the locker room, leaving Aaron alone with his thoughts and his regrets. Sure they’d fought before but this time Andrew broke their deal. Does that mean that Andrew is truly done with him? As he watched his twin disappear into the darkness, Aaron felt something inside him shatter. He had never felt so angry, so alone, so lost, and so utterly broken. But deep down, he knew that he couldn't turn back now. He had made his choice, and he would have to live with the consequences, whatever they may be.
The room he occupied for the past few years felt like a prison, suffocating him with its memories and reminders of a past he wanted to forget. As he folded his clothes and stowed away his belongings, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief washing over him. Freedom was within reach, and Andrew grasped onto it tightly, refusing to let go. He glanced around the sparsely furnished room one last time, his gaze lingering on the faded posters taped to the walls and the worn-out textbooks stacked on the desk. None of it held any sentimental value to him. They were just remnants of a life he endured, not one he lived.
"Minyard," Wymack said, his voice gravelly yet gentle. "I heard you're leaving."
Andrew glanced up, meeting the coach's gaze with his usual stoicism. He wasn’t sure how Wymack knew that considering he’d been fairly quiet about the matter, only planning on telling Bee and Renee after he’d driven off in his GS, but then again the damn coach was perceptive and he hadn’t the energy to care. "Yeah," he replied simply, not bothering with any unnecessary elaboration.
Wymack nodded, his expression unreadable. "Mind if I ask what you're planning on doing?"
There was a pause as Andrew considered his response. He wasn't one for divulging personal details, especially to someone like Wymack, but there was a lingering respect between them, forged through years of unspoken understanding.
"I'm going to take some time," Andrew finally said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Figure things out."
Wymack studied him for a moment, as if searching for something beneath the surface. "You know, you're welcome to stay," he offered quietly. "You've got a place here, if you want it."
Andrew's lips quirked into a sardonic smile. "I appreciate the offer, but I've had my fill of this place."
Wymack nodded in understanding, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Well, whatever you decide, just know that you'll always have a family here. We've got your back, kid."
There was a flicker of something indiscernible in Andrew's eyes, a fleeting moment of vulnerability that he quickly masked. "Thanks," he muttered, his tone gruff.
Andrew zipped up his bag and slung it over his shoulder, feeling the weight of his decision settle on him like a heavy burden. But it was a burden he was willing to carry if it meant breaking free from the chains that bound him to this place.
Outside, the campus bustled with activity, students going about their lives with a sense of purpose that Andrew envied. But he had never been one for campus life or the social circles that entangled his peers. He was a lone wolf, always on the outskirts, observing from a distance but never truly belonging.
As he made his way through the campus grounds, Andrew couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia creeping in. Despite his disdain for the place, it had been his home for the past few years. And now, as he walked away from it, he couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. But Andrew wasn't one for dwelling on the past or pondering the future. He lived in the present, taking each moment as it came, dealing with whatever challenges life threw his way with a quiet resolve that few could match.
As he reached the gates of Palmetto State University, Andrew paused for a moment, taking one last look back at the sprawling campus behind him. Then, without a second thought, he stepped through the gates and into the unknown, leaving behind the echoes of his past and embracing the promise of a new beginning. The road ahead was uncertain, filled with twists and turns that Andrew couldn't predict.
But as long as he had his freedom and the strength to forge his own path, he knew he would be alright. And with that thought in mind, he sent a quick goodbye to Renee and Bee, got in his GS, and sped off into the streets, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with the same quiet determination that had carried him this far.