Page 31 of Return Policy

“You too, Des?” I ask.

“Good to go,” he says.

“Alright, break.” I clap my hands together, and the boys line up thirty yards from the end zone as I get in position behind Julian.

Nine seconds to hike the ball.

I take a deep breath to tune out the rumbling from the screaming fans as I make sure the boys are all ready.

“Hike!” I yell as loud as my lungs will allow.

Julian launches the ball between his legs, and it flies through the air, landing perfectly in my hands.

I backpedal a few steps, taking in every chaotic movement on the field, then zero in on my running backs. Theo and Desmond are both running fast, but Theo’s ahead. I cock my arm back and launch the ball towards the right side of the end zone, where Theo is just a few small strides away. It spirals beautifully through the air, and there’s nothing I can do now but stand and watch. Theo turns his head just as the ball reaches him and catches it effortlessly in his hands.

“Touchdownnnnn, Stingraysssss!” the announcer shouts through the loudspeaker. The stadium erupts, and I can’t hear anything else. My teammates split and run to either Theo or me.

“Damn!” Julian yells. “Atta boy!”

We celebrate the touchdown for a few more seconds as we run off the field so special teams can set up for the extra point.

“Nice job, kid,” Coach Porter says when I reach the sidelines.

“Thanks.” I beam, unable to wipe the shit-eating grin off my face.

“Dude!” Theo runs up to me, and we jump and bump hips. Our little tradition. “More titties!”

“More touchdowns!” I grab the bar of his helmet and tap our heads together. “Good job, T.”

“Good job, E,” he says, grinning as he removes his helmet for some air.

Michigan makes another touchdown, but we still hold our own the last eight minutes and score a win.

We finally have our reprieve to the locker room, and I take the world’s quickest shower, eager to see Mark and my brother. After exiting the stadium, I find them standing by the Stingray statue where we agreed to meet.I jog up to them with an ear to ear smile I can’t seem to wipe off. “Hey, guys.”

Mark’s face lights up the second he sees me. “Elijah.” He laughs and pulls me in for a tight hug. I’m surprised at how comfortable I am with the contact. “Great job, son,” he says, and my shoulders tense.I don’t think I’m quite ready for that…

“Good job, man,” my brother says, pulling me away for a hug of his own. “That game was amazing!”

“Thanks.”

“You boys want to get something to eat?” Mark asks.

“Always.” I rub my stomach exaggeratedly.

“Any recommendations from the big man on campus?” my brother asks, clapping me on the shoulder.

“There’s a burger place I go to a lot. That good for y’all?”

Mark throws his arm around my shoulder. “Sounds like a plan.”

11

SOPHIA

Today was a blast cheering on the team with Dad, hisgirlfriend, Diane, and Leah. I wish Jake could have been with us, but he’s back in Amsterdam for his soccer… “football” season.

The four of us are sitting at Burgers and Brews, waiting for our order, and I’ve never been more excited for food in my life. I’ve barely eaten all day and used all my energy screaming at the game.

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