“No, no nothing has been said to me, I was just wanting to make sure. I have heard the work load is getting a little heavier, a few of my other students have been feeling the same way, so it’s okay, you’re not alone in dealing with that, but don’t feel like you can’t come talk to us, yeah? We’re here to help, though I know some of the teachers are most likely trying to trip you up.” She’d been in his position when she was at school, teachers trying to catch her out, treating her as if she wasn’t all that educated simply because her head and heart was in sports. “I’m glad you’re enjoying practice though, and that’s mostly what I wanted to talk to you about. With the stress of the other classes, I’ve noticed a couple of people starting to… slip in performance, it’s not your fault, but I was thinking, maybe it’d be best to do a bit of one on one work, so I can understand your needs out there, rather than putting you all into a group and punishing those that don’t enjoy it, does that make sense?” She’d tried her best to not sound as if she was calling him out, or even mocking him for not being to the standard of her other students, and rising from her seat, she moved round to the other side of her desk, resting against it as she stood close to Riley, offering another one of her charming smiles. “What can I do to make this all better for you, so you enjoy it more.”
Coach was always so understanding which was why he stayed with her. She was always there for him, and this was just another example. She could actually understand him and it was just what he needed at a vulnerable time like this. “Thank you. Just knowing you’re here for me is already helping a little.” He had expected that she would have noticed his declining performance, but it still was hard to hear, especially when he was so eager to please her. He nodded his head as she spoke, knowing it was definitely better that the entire group didn’t suffer for his mistakes. It would have made his already tenuous relationship with them even more fraught. Looking up as she leaned against the desk in front of him, he tried to think of an appropriate answer. Her smiles melted him as always, and he just wanted to do better for her. She deserved it after all she had done for him. “I don’t think there’s much you an do. I’ve just been stressed out with work and loneliness. It’s not easy when all the other guys have girlfriends to talk to, and I only have more work to do after practice.” Maybe he shouldn’t be unloading all this on her, but it came out before he could stop himself. “I just don’t know what to do anymore.”
