Page 7 of Autumn Skies & Pumpkin Pies

EIGHT

Rocker

When I looked over and saw Warbee on the sidelines with Keefer, I couldn't lie; I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Whatever feelings I have for Warbee have thrown me off kilter. It’s not something I expected. I look forward to Chemistry class and lunch every day. I’ve even started looking for her between classes. Weekends at the bakery is one of my favorite past times now and talking until late at night on messenger has become my favorite way to fall asleep. However, this secret admirer thing is going to cause issues for me. I can see that already.

After practice Mase, Keefer, and I head out of the locker room. As we’re crossing the field to reach the school Keefer asks, “Do you guys think that Teaganne has a crush on me?”

I laugh. I can’t help it. Everyone in town knows that Teaganne has a crush on Keefer. “Dude, please, tell me you knew that.”

He shakes his head which causes Mase to laugh. “I never thought she noticed me like that before.”

“What makes you think she does now?” I ask. My curiosity is high right now.

Keefer shrugs. “Warbee. That’s why she was on the field today. She told me to ask her to homecoming.”

“You should. Teaganne does like you. I can tell. I think everyone but you can tell,” I reply. We walk in silence until Mase reaches his class. After he leaves, I turn to Keefer. “Is Warbee going to the homecoming dance?”

“Yeah, Teaganne somehow convinced her. Then they went dress shopping and Warbee couldn't find anything, so Teaganne made her dress. Honestly, I figured Warbee telling me to ask Teaganne was her last-ditch effort to get out of going to the dance,” Keefer explains.

“So, Warbee doesn’t have a date to the homecoming dance?” I ask.

Keefer chuckles. “No, I mean, she wouldn’t even be attending homecoming if it wasn’t for Teaganne demanding it. Although, after Teaganne took the time to make the dress, I doubt she’d try to get out of it now.”

I nod my head. “Cool.”

As we gather our books from our lockers it’s quiet, but when I shut my locker Keefer and his dark blue eyes are watching me. “If you like Warbee, and I think that you do, I support it. However, I should tell you…. don’t hurt her. If you hurt her, I’ll have to hurt you.”

Instantly, I try to dismiss the idea. I thought I was being discreet about my crush on Warbee, but maybe I was wrong. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, man.”

Keefer scoffs. “Yeah, okay. Keep telling me that. Look, you do a pretty damn good job of hiding it, but I see it. I think you’d be good together.”

“Really? We’re complete opposites,” I tell him. It’s true, we don’t have a ton in common.

“Yeah, but that’s why it would work. The two of you would balance one another. Those are the best kind of relationships,” he tells me with a shrug. “Anyways, I got to get to class. I’ll catch you at lunch.”

Before Keefer disappears, I call out to him, “Keefer.” He turns around. “That advice you just gave me...you should take for yourself and Teaganne, too.” He rolls his eyes, but his smile lets me know I’m right.

****

The rest of the day goes by in a blur. I soaked up my moments with Warbee the best I could, but the game is on my mind. It’s important that I stay focused, because I’ve already been notified that there will be scouts in the stands tonight. I need to impress. I need to play the best damn game ever. My entire future depends on it.

When I pull up to the high school stadium tonight with my bag of gear beside me, the truth of tonight hits me like a ton of bricks. This is my last homecoming game. It’s the last time I’ll play for this team with my hometown cheering me on. This game already has so much riding on it, that as I step out of my truck it feels final. Senior year is so bittersweet, and I haven’t decided how I’m going to deal with it all yet.

The locker room is quiet as we change into our gear and uniforms. It’s the calm before the storm. Coach Brime steps out of his office with his game face on. The assistant coaches flank him. We all take a seat when he clears his throat. His pre-game speech is about to start. As I sit there and listen to him go on about the game and its meaning, I can’t help but feel sentimental. I take in my surroundings and by the time he’s finished his speech, I’m more than ready to take the field and bring home this win.

As we stand at the entrance of the field house, we can hear the cheers and chants coming from the stands. Our town is here to show their support, but my mind wanders to one person in particular. I’m curious if a certain girl is sitting in the stands, cheering with the rest of them. She’s been at every home game so far this season, so I can’t imagine her not being here tonight. I hope she’s here. I need her to be.

The night goes by in a blur of plays, runs, catches, and touchdowns. By the end of the night, I’m covered in sweat, but so damn proud of myself and this team and how we came together. We won the game forty-two to ten. My smile is so large my cheeks ache. When the people in the stands descend to join us on the field, I search for that familiar head of red hair. About ten yards away, I see her hugging Keefer. Our eyes catch and she starts to walk towards me. I meet her halfway.

“You did amazing tonight! Congratulations!”

If it’s possible my smile broadens even more. “Thank you. I’m glad you were here.”

“Me, too,” she tells me. The crowd thickens around us and Warbee gets jostled by them, I reach out to steady her. “Thanks. I guess quick reflexes are a must for you.” Her laugh sounds nervous and without another thought, I pull her into me. Everything is in slow motion. The way the moonlight catches her red hair and how her hazel eyes look green under the stadium lights. I move on instinct as I drop my helmet to the ground and bring my hand up to wrap around the back of her neck. Our lips meet and I know there will never be another night like this.

NINE

Warbee

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