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“Well, folks, it has been smooth sailing the last few weeks against lesser competition that has led to a three-game win streak. However, the Pioneers are in a tough one tonight against the Racers of Maple Grove High. As we go into half-time, the score is tied 14-14…”

**********

“I’m thirsty.” Juliana stood up and pointed to Hailey. “Want to come?”

Hailey continued to stare, waiting for her to complete the sentence.

What? Where?

She glanced over at Bridgette, who seemed fixated on the field.

“Well?” Juliana asked, laughing.

Oh, right!

She was still adjusting to the central Pennsylvania accent, which often left her confused.

“Yes, sorry! I’ll go with you.” Hailey smirked as Juliana shot her a condescending smile .

“I’ll watch your purse, Hailey,” said Bridgette helpfully. “Can you grab me one? I’ll save your spots and wait for Brad to get back.” She was keyed in on the band’s half-time performance.

Maybe we are OK?

Bridgette’s attitude had changed over the last few weeks, and Hailey was even starting to enjoy the time they spent together onstage. They had a lot in common, but the transformation might more so be attributed to the extra time Bridgette was spending with Juliana’s brother.

Bridgette had been finding reasons to help him during each practice. She had even gone over to his house last weekend for some more “one-on-one review.”

Good for her.

A smile spread across Hailey’s face as she peered out over the large stadium, the lights flashing down as the marching band played on. She had sworn off ever going to another game after California. However, Gunner’s constant requests had finally broken her. She could not bear to see the disappointment on his face after another rejection, and she thought, based on her father’s recruiting days, that it would just be a relatively small event. It was only high school football, after all, not college, like her father had coached before. Yet when she finally stepped through the gates, she immediately realized she was wrong.

This is a crazy number of people for a high school game.

“I hate when the score is close, I just hate it.” Juliana shook her head as they stepped off the metal bleachers.

Hailey struggled to stay near her friend; the half-time rush had begun. Parents and students were scattered all about, small clusters stopping to converse every few feet.

As she stepped around a group of laughing freshmen, her eyes flashed to the sideline, where her father had been standing a few minutes earlier. It was obvious that her attendance made him happy. Even though it was Gunner who had asked her to come, she made sure not to mention that when she told her dad about her plans. He had been smiling more lately, as not only were they winning football games, but Melissa was starting to more regularly get out of the house. Family dinner now consisted of talks about the musical and school, and she was beginning to enjoy the time they spent together again. Bringing up Gunner might unearth memories that her father and sister were not ready to face.

I might not be ready, either.

“Well, look who decided to finally show up to a game.” Charlotte’s sneering voice stopped them both. Juliana immediately put a protective hand across Hailey’s chest. “What, no ‘practice’ tonight?”

Oh no.

The venom in the girl’s eyes was crystal clear.

“Fuck off, Charlotte, and go blow someone under the bleachers!” Juliana snatched Hailey’s hand and pulled her away. Gunner’s ex-girlfriend’s mouth fell open as she stuttered around a comeback.

Good.

It was no secret who had started the gossip about her and Gunner. After class one day, Hailey had overheard some of the cheerleaders in the bathroom mention her name. The things they were saying were nowhere close to what was happening, but she knew no one would believe her if she denied them. Whether she liked it or not, Gunner had a reputation, and most of the girls around the school knew all about it.

I hate that.

She felt a lump begin to form in her throat at the thought of Gunner with someone like Charlotte. Hailey had only experienced a few short relationships before her mother passed, and they had amounted to nothing more than holding hands and a kiss on the cheek. The more she thought about it, the more uncomfortable and tense she became.

“She’s just mad that Gunner has been looking at you every time he comes off the field.” Juliana, expertly navigating through the crowd, led Hailey to the concession stand’s line.

I know.

She was right, and it was hard to miss. Gunner had found Hailey the second she sat down and had waved immediately. It had awakened the butterflies in her stomach, and she had been unable to take her eyes off him since. She hated that football was such a physical sport, and the fact that Gunner was hit so much made it even worse. It also did not help that he never left the field, which, according to Juliana, meant he was very good.

“I thought they were together?”

Stop it, Hailey!

The question was more for her than anything.

Why did I ask that?

She knew the answer, but for some reason, she felt like she needed to hear it again. Hailey had not told Juliana, but she had been comparing herself to Charlotte for the entire first half of the game. She was the perfect cheerleading captain---the girlfriend every high school football player would want. Her blonde hair seemed to be professionally done, and she had the measurements of a fashion model. Hailey could not help but be jealous as Charlotte flaunted her body up and down the sideline.

“I would never let that slut near Gunner again,” Juliana responded coldly.

Wow, what happened ?

Juliana saw Hailey’s questioning head tilt, so she went on.

“When Gunner’s dad died, they were dating…or whatever you want to call it.”

Yeah…

Hailey felt the lump again.

“She couldn’t even show up to the damn funeral because she said it was ‘too much.’ I mean, what kind of person does that? Says they care about someone but then just abandons them during that time?”

What a bitch!

She never liked using that type of language, but hanging out with Juliana made it hard not to.

“After that, Gunner spent some time at our house because he didn’t want to go home. I would hear him on the couch, talking to himself, and sometimes…” She stopped, looking up into the sky as if replaying it. “A few times, I even listened to him cry.”

Oh no.

Hailey’s palms were starting to sweat. She lowered her eyes and tried to imagine the strong, caring, fun-loving guy that she had been hanging out with crying alone.

He seems so in control.

“Mrs. Weston!” Juliana yelled. Hailey froze.

Gunner’s mom!

“Juelz! Sweetheart!” The woman’s voice boomed over the crowd, causing heads to turn toward them.

Oh god .

Hailey kept her back turned. Her heart started to pump harder, and she rubbed her fingers against her thumbs to try to calm her nerves.

She had heard all the stories about Gunner’s father. She had heard about all his accomplishments and his support of the community. However, during her short time in this town, she had rarely heard anything about his mother.

“Mrs. Weston, I would like you to meet Hailey Bianchi,” Juliana said, practically presenting her on a platter as Hailey spun around.

Wow.

She was instantly taken aback by how beautiful Gunner’s mother was. She had light brown hair that curled above her shoulders and was wearing a South Mountain Football shirt, like most of the other parents. However, unlike most of the other adults at the game, Gunner’s mother was vibrant and glowing. Her smile was so bright that Hailey stuttered through an awkward greeting.

“I’m glad you two can finally meet! Hey, Mrs. W., I’m going to get a few waters before the second half. Do you mind watching Hailey?”

I need to be watched?

Gunner’s mom nodded and moved in close. Juliana took off to the concession stand like she had planned this all along.

OK, this is weird.

“I’m glad we’re finally getting to meet.” Mrs. Weston’s soft brown eyes were exactly what Hailey needed at the moment. The crowd around them had now shifted focus to their small group, and she could again feel herself becoming the center of attention. “I have heard so much about you.” Gunner’s mom leaned in and extended her hand.

Who from? Gunner?

“Don’t worry about all these people,” she said as Hailey reciprocated the gesture. “They don’t get out much.”

Her smile lit up the entire area, and Hailey could not help but grin back.

“Thanks.” It was all she could muster in response.

“How is your family doing with the move? I am sure this is very different from California.”

You have no idea.

“Oh, well, yeah, it is a little different.” For some reason, Hailey let out a nervous giggle. “But so far, everything has been just fine.”

What a terrible lie.

“Here!” Juliana was already back. “We better get back before kickoff!”

“You mind if I join you girls on the way back? I am hoping to slip away from all the Boosters trying to run me down.”

Gunner’s mother laughed as Juliana stood in front of her like a bodyguard.

“You got it, Mrs. W.!”

This woman was not what Hailey had expected at all. She did not seem like someone who had just abruptly lost her husband five months ago in a tragic accident. She appeared in complete control. She held her head high, and she had no problem ignoring all the stares that were making Hailey uncomfortable.

“I hear the musical is coming along.” Mrs. Weston maneuvered Hailey through the crowd, similar to her son at the fair a few weeks back.

“You have been talking to Ms. Summers again, haven’t you?” Juliana stayed close, clearly not bothered by all the commotion.

“Well, if I can be honest with you girls,” Mrs. Weston leaned in as they finally made it to the front of the bleachers, “I would much rather talk about music than football.” She winked to Hailey, who could not help but smile delightedly. “But you know how it goes…”

Actually, I kind of do.

“Well, this is my stop. I guess I can only hide from everyone for so long.” She smiled. “It was great seeing you, Juelz, and don’t be a stranger.” She hugged her. “Same with you, dear. Any friend of Gunner’s is always welcome at the Weston household.”

Friend?

“Tell your father he is doing an amazing job.”

Her hug was just as friendly as her smile, and Hailey knew that this would draw the attention of the entire sideline. It was warm, it was tender, and it was motherly, something Hailey had missed and now wanted more than ever.

“Go Pioneers!” Mrs. Weston yelled before stepping back up into the stands.

Juliana grabbed Hailey’s hand as an explosion from the sideline jerked her eyes off the wonderful woman who had just embraced her.

That was Gunner’s mother.

She grinned as she turned back to the field. Her attention was immediately drawn to the green eyes and dark brown hair of the boy staring at her from the sidelines.

**********

OK folks, here we go! The Pioneers are clinging to a 24-21 lead, and the Racers of Maple Grove High are moving down the field. They have first and goal from the nine-yard line with thirty-five seconds left. A touchdown on this drive would win it for the Racers. Timothy Derr has had a great night as quarterback for Maple Grove---he’s getting behind his offensive line. He calls out his cadence and takes the snap. Derr is going to run the ball to the right side and…WHAT A PLAY by Tyquan Carter and Emilio Cortez! They stopped Derr at the five-yard line, and the Racers will have to hurry, as they have no timeouts! WAIT…Tyquan Carter is still down! He is holding the back of his calf. The referee has stopped play, and the Pioneers will have to use their last timeout!”

“Ty!” Gunner yelled as he ran to the sideline. “Ty, you OK?”

A scream from his best friend answered that question.

“It’s a cramp! It’s a cramp!” The muscle was flexing visibly, and the pain on Ty’s face was palpable. “Coach, it’s just a cramp!”

Ty tried to stand, but the muscle was still pulsating, forcing him back down.

Damn, this isn’t good.

Gunner’s head was spinning, and he could only helplessly peer at his coach, who was surveying the sideline.

“Bailey!” Coach Bianchi finally shouted. “Bailey, get over here.”

Bailey?

Gunner turned as his tall, lanky young teammate came sprinting into the huddle.

“Coach!” Bailey’s eyes went wide. “Is Ty OK? Can he play?”

“He will be fine, but not right now.”

Shit.

Gunner glanced over at Emilio, whose eyes were also wide.

“Coach!” Ty gasped. “I’m fine. Just give me some time to work this out. ”

Coach Bianchi rested his hand on Ty’s shoulder.

“I’m not going to risk you going out when you’re not one hundred percent. You gave us everything you had tonight, Ty. Now it’s Bailey’s turn.”

Oh boy.

Gunner adjusted his facemask and tried to catch his breath.

“Coach, I don’t know if I can,” Bailey stammered softly. “I mean, maybe you should give Ty time to shake this off.”

“We don’t have time, son. You got this! Focus on your assignment. Just like we practiced.”

Gunner could see his young teammate’s limbs trembling.

Damnit.

This was obviously a terrible time for Ty to get hurt, as they had been struggling all game to keep the opposing team out of the endzone. However, Gunner knew Coach Bianchi was right. Ty would just be a hindrance on the field---that cramp was not going away anytime soon.

Come on, Gunner.

He tried to reset. The eyes of the entire team were on Coach Bianchi as he huddled them up.

“This is it. I need you all to play smart and concentrate. Focus on your assignments, and end this game!”

Coach Bianchi leaned over to Emilio and the defensive coach to make a play call.

“Coach---” Bailey was cut off by the whistle before he could say any more.

Do something .

Gunner pushed himself toward his teammate.

“You got this, Bailey!” he shouted, and he slapped the young man on the helmet. “I know you got this!”

The rest of the team took his lead. In an instant, the whole group was pumping up the young man before he took the field.

“Ty!” Gunner pointed to his best friend. “You gave us everything tonight. We’ll finish this for you.”

The pain in Ty’s eyes was clear as Gunner began to backpedal away.

This is not good.

Finally, Ty nodded and pumped his fist.

We need to win this game.

The scoreboard in the back of the endzone was too large to ignore, and Gunner could no longer fight looking at it.

We really can’t lose this game.

He knew a loss would mean they were out of the playoffs, but there was something else driving this feeling. Something that had him pivoting back to the bleachers, where he spotted a familiar face. He had been checking on her after each possession and, well, any time he could.

I don’t want Hailey’s first game to be a loss.

“Bailey!” Ty’s voice brought him out of his trance. “You got this, Bailey! You hear me? You got this!”

There’s my best friend.

Everything else dissipated as Gunner watched Ty limp toward the young cornerback who was about to take the field .

“I watched you in practice, and you are ten times the corner I am! You understand the position, baby. You were born to play it.” Bailey seemed to be in shock. “They have no timeouts, and they have no kicker. They’re going to try and win this game.”

A loud shriek from the referee’s whistle sent the Maple Grove team into position.

“One of these plays, he is going to try and beat you to the endzone. Trust your feet, watch his hips, and explode.”

Ty glanced over at Gunner and smiled.

“You got G behind you. Trust him, and let your moment come to you.”

Perfect.

The two friends locked eyes until the second whistle blew.

“Get it done, boys!” A final slap to Bailey’s helmet sent them on their way. Gunner could not help but smile as he made his way into the defensive huddle.

Absolutely perfect, Ty.

“Well, strap in Pioneer fans because here we go. Maple Grove has twenty-eight seconds and no timeouts. They can run a play and kick a field goal to tie the game or run two plays and try to win it. What a time for young Malcolm Bailey to get his first snap of the season. The sophomore will replace Tyquan Carter, who looks to be cramping on the sideline.

Derr, the Maple Grove quarterback, gets behind his offensive line and calls out the cadence. He takes the snap and tries to run around the right side again! Derr dives for the endzone and…WHAT A PLAY by Malcolm Bailey! He stopped Derr short of the endzone and kept him in bounds !

The clock continues to run! Derr is scrambling to get his offense set. He gets behind the center and looks at the clock. This will be the last play of the game! The Racers get the snap off in time. Derr rolls to his right. He is going to throw to the endzone! Cortez is putting pressure on him, but he gets it away. The ball is fluttering to the endzone and…”

Gunner never had to help Bailey. It was perfect coverage, and the quarterback threw it right to him. Gunner never even had to leave his own endzone---Bailey took off down the sideline all alone.

Sure, he could have just run out of bounds. The game was over; they had won. But Bailey was going to take this one back for a touchdown, no matter what.

That was close.

Gunner could feel the pain setting in from the hits he had taken earlier. The adrenaline that had been pumping through his body began to flag, and even the crowd noise was no longer helping.

“Hell of a game, Weston.” His coach was grinning ear to ear as they met on the sideline.

Nice smile, Coach.

The rest of the team was already mobbing the young cornerback in the endzone, and Gunner paused to watch the moment unfold. Bailey deserved to be happy; it was only going to get better for him once he got the chair treatment from Emilio tonight at Tony D’s.

Good luck, Bailey.

Exhaustion was taking hold, and as Gunner removed his helmet, he once more glanced over to the bleachers to find Hailey.

Beautiful.

Her face was glowing as she waved her arms with Juelz. The sheer excitement of her celebration returned some of his flagging energy. He hoped he was not too obvious every time he found her in the crowd. He was having a tough time keeping his eyes off her.

Come on, Gunner.

He quickly glanced away, making sure her father was no longer nearby.

Pull it together.

Coach Bianchi had just begun trusting him with his offense, and he was sure that doing anything with Hailey would break that trust. The bigger problem, though, and what scared him the most, was what he saw every time he looked into Hailey’s eyes during musical practice. They were gentle and poised but also held a strength that he knew he could never match. He would never be able to be the person she deserved, and as he stood by himself on the sideline, he knew exactly what that meant.

Shit.

He inhaled and kicked the grass at his feet.

This sucks.