Page 40 of (La)Crosse My Heart

"Why do you like lacrosse?" Jessa asks.

"Because you can like smash other guys when you're playing," he says, his face so animated, "And you can do some sneak plays where you trick the other team and then score. It's the best."

"How long have you played?" Jessa asks.

"This is my second year. I'm seven." He grins, showing a few missing teeth.

It's then I realize that the surrounding boys laugh at his answer, but he just smiles wider.

Maybe I can take a lesson from this kid.

For all the things Jessa has put me through, she's shown me a few things that need to be fixed, and I'm determined to do it.

Because what if this kid decides to play after high school and college? What if I can pave the way to make his life better in this sport?

The day flies by and the kids have an overall great time, which is good, because I'm dead. My legs are tired, and I'm pretty sure I got sunburned.

"Clark Denton," Jessa says, holding up the camera. "How would you say the day turned out?"

There's a quick shiver of fear running up my spine before I turn and say, "Well, I think it was an enjoyable experience overall. What did you think?"

She grins and says, "It was good. We have one more thing we need you and your team to do before the kids go home."

She points to a long table set up with something on top of it. "Will you sign a few things for the kids?"

I walk over with her, surprised to see a whole poster on the table of most of my teammates. Along with that are little individual cards, as well as dozens of lacrosse balls.

"Where did you get this?" I ask, surprised by it. The pictures look like us from a practice, but the colors of the pinnies havebeen changed to the Lancer teal color. They're all interposed, with one picture blending into the other.

"I worked on it most of the night. Luckily, there was a printer available to make those on short notice."

"Did you pay for all of it yourself?" I ask, knowing it must've cost a small fortune. Not that I know what her finances are, but there's a sliver of gratitude she'd be willing to just give herself to make the kids happy.

She shrugs. “It wasn’t that much. Anything to help the kids, right?”

I call the guys over and have them sit in the chairs behind the table, markers ready to sign the posters and balls.

Jessa helps the kids line up and they bounce around, so excited to get some signed items. It might not seem like a big deal for us, but seeing all these kids excited for a signature from lacrosse players is like the perfect circle moment, since there weren't any pros close to us when I was this young to enjoy.

After signing one poster, I glanced up to see Jessa, poised with her camera taking pictures of the group.

The woman is selfless and all things good. I might not be able to stop myself from falling for her, but is that really the worst thing in the world?

18

Jessa

Igot some great shots of the guys today and the interview with the little ones melted my heart.

The biggest surprise was that Clark didn't shy away from the camera when I was recording him.

Once I get home, I find a few pictures to add to the social platforms and then settle in for a bubble bath. After staying up so late, it feels nice to relax and not have anything pressing for a few hours.

I get out and dry off, putting on my pajamas so I can veg the rest of the night.

There's a knock on the front door and while I still jump a bit from the sudden noise, at least I know it's mostly safe in this neighborhood.

"Hey Clark. Come in."

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