Page 63 of When We Were Young
“I regret to announce, that as of today I am officially retiring from professional football.” Noah was the picture of professionalism, a jacket and tie, white buttoned-up shirt. He looked down for a moment and then at the cameras again.
Emily couldn’t breathe. She was on her feet. Why was he saying that? Had something happened? “Noah...” She uttered his name under her breath and waited, listening.
He was speaking again. “In the course of my physical exam this past week I got a second opinion regarding my previous concussions. Even though I’d been cleared by the NFL, I wanted peace of mind before making such a big commitment. The second doctor cleared me, too, because my results were within the normal range.”
Noah didn’t smile. This was a very serious matter, clearly. “But he did explain that because of my past injuries I was ten times more likely to be disabled by a hit to the head.”
Emily closed her eyes. She couldn’t imagine.
“Ten times more likely to end up in a vegetative state after one wrong tackle.” Noah paused. “And ten times more likely to die on the field. All from a blow to the head. The sort of thing that is commonplace in football.”
He exhaled. “And so I have made a decision to live. Not only that, but to love.” The hint of a smile crept onto his face and he looked straight into the camera. “Emily Andrews, I love you. I’d rather have a lifetime with you than twenty years in the NFL.” He paused. “Meet me at the bench by the cafeteria in half an hour.” He looked around the room, the picture of professionalism once more. “That’s all I have.”
Noah walked away from the podium and Joel Walker stepped up. “Mr. Carter is not taking questions at this time. If there is any other development to this story, we’ll let you know.”
Before his agent could step away from the microphone a reporter yelled out, “What about his signing bonus, five million dollars? What happens to that?”
Emily could see the struggle in Joel’s face. “Mr. Carter will return it.” He did a curt wave, and walked off in the same direction as Noah.
The station cut back to the studio, where all threeSportsCenterannouncers looked too shocked to speak. Emily understood. She felt the same way. Noah had retired from football? Had that really just happened?
Clara spoke first. “Noah wants... to meet you.”
She was right. “Thank you, Clara. I need to get ready.” Emily smiled at her sister. “You already look perfect.”
“I know. Thanks, Emily.” Clara beamed. She started putting away her paper, like she understood they had to get to the school. Noah was meeting them.
Emily turned off the stove and covered up the half-done chicken and broccoli. They could eat later. Then she ran to her room and switched into her prettiest pale pink sweater and her darkest jeans. She fixed her hair so it hung straight around her face and touched up her makeup. Whatever Noah was up to, she wanted to look her best. She had a feeling she and Clara wouldn’t be the only ones around when they got there.
It took nearly twenty minutes to find a parking spot and walk at Clara’s pace to the bench outside the cafeteria where Emily and Noah often met.
Sure enough.
Hundreds of students had gathered around, forming a sea of spectators. Emily would never know why so many of them were interested in Noah’s announcement. Easing their way through the crowd, Emily led Clara to the bench. She helped her sister sit and then tried to look over the sea of people for Noah.
Some guy standing nearby yelled for the crowd to back up. “Give the girl room. Don’t ruin this.”
Emily tried to imagine why Noah had asked her to meet him here, on national television. Even as she wondered, three camera crews hurried over, each of them led by a panicked-looking reporter.
But the students wouldn’t let them through the crowd. “She can talk to you later,” the loud student shouted. “Everyone stay back.”
Emily planned to thank the guy when this was over. Without his help, Noah wouldn’t have a place to stand once he got here. Clara tugged on her sleeve and Emily turned to her. The students were noisy, so it was hard to hear.
“What’s Noah doing?”
Emily smiled. “I guess we’re about to find out.”
She watched for him, replaying the ESPN announcement again and again in her mind. Had a first-round draft pick ever retired from the game before taking a single snap? Emily didn’t think so. But Noah hadn’t told her about the second doctor’s warning.
With all that was at stake, with the gravely serious risks, Noah really was choosing life. Emily had a feeling his decision was the hardest Noah had ever made. The truth was still resonating through her, still sending aftershocks across her heart and soul. Noah had retired from football. Nothing about that seemed even a little bit real.
Her mind was still trying to comprehend his announcement when she saw him above the crowd, his blond hair and tan face. From the first moment she spotted him, his eyes were fixed on her alone.
Only her.
Moving with great purpose, Noah stepped through the crowd and made his way closer, all while keeping his gaze on hers. As he finally approached the bench and the clearing where she and Clara sat, Noah began a slow jog, and suddenly Emily was in his arms. He framed her face with his hands and kissed her. Not too long, since they had an audience. But long enough to let her know exactly how he felt about her.
Then he did something she absolutely didn’t expect.
