Page 53 of Kickoff

I breathed in. “I swear I’ll be fine. I’m trying to prevent the stress from getting to me. I’m all right. Don’t worry.” I smiled, trying to prove I was really fine.

The cheerleaders finished their routine, and Mr. Ross, the principal, walked to the mic that had been set on the sideline. “Good afternoon, Elk River High.”

The crowd clapped and wolf whistled.

Mr. Ross motioned for the students filling the bleachers to calm down with his hands. “People, please behave.”

Another round of cheers erupted.

“I know tonight is the night.” More cheers. “Let’s welcome the Elk River High Bears, our very own football team and last year’s State champions.”

My teammates and I ran onto the field, pumping our fists and brandishing our helmets over our heads, leaving an electrifying energy in our wake.

“You ready?” Chase asked from beside me.

I shrugged instead of replying. Usually, I succeeded at standing in front of the entire school without freaking out too much, but not today. A ball of nerves bounced around inside me, and I had no idea how to stop it. I clenched and unclenched my fists, waiting for Coach Roberts to call me forward. I wasn’t a fan of pep rallies, but as the captain of the football team, it was my duty to be here and lead my teammates and give a feel-good speech to motivate the players and create excitement within the school so people would show up at the games, fill the bleachers, and cheer on us.

“Minutes ago, I learned that a big storm has hit Riverside and wrecked Cowley High’s football field. A light pole crashed on the turf and the bleachers. The damage is too extensive to be fixed by the end of the afternoon. Since it’s last minute, I offered to host the game here, at Elk River High. Tonight’s away game will take place on our very own field.”

My teammates jumped into each other’s arms, bumped chests, and high-fived. The students filling the bleachers screamed their enthusiasm.

“Yes.” I pumped my fist above my head. This was indeed good news. Playing our rivals with the home advantage was incredible. We would have the crowd on our side, our colors filling most of the bleachers, and our team spirit would reach new heights.

“It’s like too good to be true,” Peters said, his arms draped around Craig’s and my shoulders.

“Okay, people,” Principal Ross hollered. “I know the news makes you happy, but it doesn’t change the fact we have a game to attend tonight. I expect you to be on your best behavior. Cowley High isn’t happy about the change of plans, so please don’t rub it in their faces. Team, play your best game and make us proud, and students, wear Elk River High colors and encourage them tonight.” He motioned to Coach to join him. “I’ll pass the microphone to the man of the hour, Coach Roberts.”

Both men clapped each other’s shoulders, and students applauded.

“Elk River High,” Coach’s loud voice echoed around us. “Are you guys ready for some football?”

The crowd erupted in a chant. “Bears, Bears, Bears.” While some people hollered, “Pierce, Pierce, Pierce.”

The cheerleaders dispersed amongst the players, and Tanya locked herself to my side, her small hand circling my biceps in a death grip.

“Massssse, have you thought about my proposition?”

I hated when she used that voice. The one she thought was sexy but was everything but. “Your proposition?”

She bobbed her head multiple times. “Yes. Helping me study. I have a test on Monday, and I really need your help.”

“Already told you. Not interested. And I won’t be tomorrow or next week either. I’m busy.”

Her fingernails dug into my flesh that I could feel even through my jersey. “But Mase...” She batted her eyelashes like it could change my mind. “I wouldn’t beg if it wasn’t important. My parents are away all weekend, and you know how much I hate being home alone. We could combine study and playtime. I swear it’ll be fun. What do you say?”

“My answer is still no.” I jerked my arm away and stepped back from her.

As if she recalled we were standing in front of the student body, she plastered a fake smile on her face, shifting position so her side was glued to mine, invading my personal space once more. The scent of her floral perfume tickled my nostrils, and I rubbed my nose with a finger, breathing through my mouth to avoid burning my neurons with the chemical smell emanating from her.

I sensed her tensing beside me, but I refused to engage with her. “About tomorrow night… Have you changed your mind? We could still go together.”

“Nope. Not going. Now, leave me alone, Tan.”

I sidestepped to put distance between us, and this time, she didn’t glue herself back to my arm.

Once again, I searched the crowd for the one face I was desperate to see, trying to forget that in an instant, I would step to the microphone and pump up the crowd before Principal Ross dismissed us.

I found her on my second sweep, and I breathed easier. The tension crippling my back melted away. Melinda pushed through the students to reach Paige sitting in the sixth row on the far-left side. From her appearance—a navy-blue school varsity sweater, sweatpants, and a black beanie covering her damp hair—I bet she had just finished training. Even dressed down, she looked magnificent amongst the rest of the students.