Page 16

“A very happy Homecoming Saturday evening to all of our listeners as we recover from what has been a wild twenty-four hours of Pioneer football. Some good news from Coach Bianchi today, as we were just informed that Gunner Weston only has a sprained left shoulder. He is expected to remain at quarterback but unfortunately will be held out of defensive snaps moving forward.

This new development will be yet another hurdle for this team to face as they prepare for the Pennsylvania State Playoffs and what will be a difficult path to the state championship. While we have been locally following our beloved South Mountain Pioneers, the rest of the state has been in awe of the powerhouse that is Allegheny Prep. The favorites to win the western side of the bracket and reach the state championship in Hershey have walked to an undefeated regular season. The starters for the Crusaders of Allegheny Prep have yet to play in the fourth quarter……”

**********

Gunner shook his head and turned off the radio. He adjusted in the seat, watching his friends as they arrived around the grove. They were all smiling, dressed in a rainbow of suits as they danced on the lawn .

“Gunner, sweetheart. Are you coming for pictures?”

His mom’s voice surprised him, and he jerked forward. A small grimace of pain flitted across his face as he grabbed at his coat, his shoulder still tight.

Apologize.

He kept his head down as his mother opened the driver-side door.

“Gunner, why didn’t you tell me about Emilio and that girl from the musical? They are so cute together.”

She sat down beside him, leaving the door open.

You can do this.

Gunner glanced out the window at Emilio, who was gingerly putting a corsage on Bridgette’s hand.

“I think the bigger question is, why hasn’t Emilio knocked out AG for asking Juelz tonight?”

He actually made himself snicker with that comment, and his mother joined in, pointing out that Ty had brought two girls tonight instead of one.

“Well, you know Ty.” Although he wanted to join in on the fun, Gunner was unable to hold his voice steady. The tightness in his chest was making it difficult to take deep breaths, and he was not sure if it was the pain in his shoulder or the guilt from the night before that was making him struggle.

“I also know my son.” His mom read him like a book and turned in the seat toward him. “And I know when he has something on his mind.”

OK.

His face began to heat up, and he started to replay everything that had been said in the hospital the night before. He briefly caught a glimpse of his sister. He exhaled as he took in her radiant smile and grown-up appearance.

“I wanted to apologize for last night, for everything I said, Mom. I was an idiot and jerk. Peyton was right.”

That felt better.

His mom’s eyes were soft and nurturing as she put her hand on his cheek.

“Oh Gunner, I think everybody said some things last night that they didn’t mean.”

He straightened his jacket, another grimace twisting his face.

“No, Mom. Peyton was right. I just, I mean, how do you do it?”

She squinted, confused by his question.

“How do you move on every day? How do you go through every day and stay so strong?”

At first, she didn’t answer. It was as if she were playing out what to say in her head. However, after a few seconds, she sighed and leaned toward him.

“Gunner, I will never move on from your father.” She grabbed his hands, causing his shoulders and chest to relax. “Your father was the man I loved, the man who brought me both of my babies. My two wonderfully strong babies that have grown up so much.”

I’m not strong, Mom.

He shook his head in disagreement.

“I don’t know, Mom. I mean, some days I feel like…I feel like I’m fine, like I’m figuring this all out.” She squeezed his hand. “But then other days, like yesterday, seeing his face on that plaque, I just…I just feel like I’m lost again. ”

He squeezed back.

“And what is wrong with that, Gunner?”

What!?

“You think I don’t have bad days? Do you think Peyton doesn’t have bad days? Sweetie,” she laughed and squeezed again, “I have more bad days than good days.”

He tilted his head, a shimmer overtaking her eyes as she continued.

“Most of the time, you are either at school, football practice, or musical practice. But,” she took her hand away and wiped her cheek, “I still cry.”

Mom .

“And that’s OK, sweetie. It’s OK to still miss him because you always will.”

Always.

“That means he will always be with you.” Her voice was steady, and he slumped back in his seat. “Gunner, I want you to look out into that grove right now. I want you to look at all of your friends, your sister.”

He stared out through the windshield. The people he had known his whole life were joking and dancing around in the grass.

“No matter what day you are having, no matter how bad it gets, they are there for you.” He felt her hand move his chin to face her. “Now, look at me.” Her soft, caring brown eyes were starting to overflow with tears. “Gunner, you can have bad days, bad weeks, bad months. That’s what makes you human.”

I am human.

“But never forget the people that are there for you, the ones that would help you no matter what.” Her voice went a little higher as she peered out into the grove. “Those boys would follow you anywhere; they would help you with whatever you needed.”

He chuckled quietly and glanced down at his shoes, which were glowing in the sunshine that leaked into the car.

“Trust me, I have seen you all get in trouble because of that. But they care about you very much.”

He took a deep breath, squeezing his mother’s hand again.

“And sometimes…” Gunner caught a glimpse of Juelz running away from Andy as a car pulled into the parking lot. “Sometimes, when you feel like everything is crumbling around you…when you are lost and can’t figure out who you are…”

Hailey.

He watched her move around the corner of the car and into the grassy grove.

Wow.

He swallowed hard, admiring how her golden dress fit her perfectly. The thin white sweater she wore lay smoothly over her shoulders, and the fabric of her gown flowed gracefully to her knees.

Beautiful.

A matching ribbon was tied behind her ear, and as he watched her laugh, he could not help but admire her hazel eyes, which shimmered between strands of her brunette hair.

“…sometimes you find something you were not expecting.”

Gunner was trying to stay connected with his mother. However, Hailey’s necklace---her neck in general---drew him in as it flashed in the sun.

“I have watched my Gunner talk to a lot of girls, but never---” He jerked around in his seat. “But I have never seen you like this.”

I know, and I hate it!

His mother slid out the door.

“Gunner,” his mother said solemnly, “last night that girl waited at the hospital for you after everyone left. She watched as you suffered in that room and broke down. Today, she is still here for you.” He swallowed hard. “You are not dumb, sweetie. You know what that means.”

That’s what scares me.

He opened the door slowly. Hailey waved to them.

It’s what REALLY scares me.

He knew that had to mean something, and at that moment, he was sick and tired of guessing what it was.

Enough of the games.

He buttoned his jacket without grimacing and grabbed the corsage from the dashboard.

I need her.

He needed to be around her. If a friendship was all she wanted, then he was ready to accept it. He would accept whatever she wanted because, as he made his way toward her, a smile broke across his face. Not the forced smile he had learned to put on over the last few months. A genuine smile. One that only Hailey could bring out of him, one that had his stomach warming with each step he took.

I love this feeling.

All his friends were ushering him in, but Hailey was all he could focus on as he approached.

And I don’t want to lose it.

********* *

“Hailey?”

Shoot.

“I’m sorry I was---”

Juliana put up her hand. She clearly recognized why Hailey was so distracted.

“I totally understand. He looks good tonight.” She smiled and tipped her head toward Gunner.

Was I that obvious?

Hailey blushed and grabbed the bottom of her dress, crossing her legs.

But he does look---

“Well, I’ll tell you who else looks good tonight…” Bridgette interrupted.

“If you say my brother, I’m going to scream.” Juliana jutted out her jaw. “Look, you can do whatever you want. But just so you know, my brother is an idiot and---"

Bridgette slapped her gently on the shoulder.

“He is not an idiot!” She chuckled as she moved to the other side of the table. “Your brother is actually quite sweet, and he is really cute when we work together. He tries so hard, and he really is getting good at his part. I love that---”

Juliana cut her off with a noise of disgust.

“Please.” She inhaled slowly, clearly annoyed. “I don’t want to hear this about my meathead of a brother.”

Hailey could tell the moment Juliana spotted Andy on the dance floor. Her whole demeanor changed.

“However, since you seem to love talking about him, I guess I’ll just have to step aside. If you will excuse me.” Juliana stood and winked at Hailey. “I think it’s time I start working on my dance routine with that hot-looking candlestick over there.”

Hailey and Bridgette both laughed as she sprinted away.

“I’m pretty sure they have like a ten-second dance routine.” Bridgette sat down and put her elbows on the table.

If that!

Hailey giggled once more. The music was loud, and she took a second to collect herself with a scan of the giant gymnasium. She found Gunner again. This time, he was talking to his sister near the drink table.

I hope they are OK.

She had not yet had a chance to speak with him about last night. And while Hailey and Peyton had taken pictures together in the grove, most of their conversation had been about the amazing outfit Gunner’s sister had picked for tonight.

The dark blue dress was a perfect complement to her eyes, and the way she had her light brown hair done was so tasteful that Hailey momentarily second-guessed her own choice.

“You look very pretty tonight,” Bridgette said, grabbing a cup of punch she had set down on the table.

Me!?

Hailey nervously smoothed out the cotton tablecloth and smiled.

“Thank you, Bridgette. I love your dress. The purple is wonderful on you. ”

Bridgette’s face flashed a light pink.

“Coming from you, Hailey, that means a lot.”

What!?

“From me?”

Bridgette lowered her voice.

“You are so pretty, and you always look so amazing. And tonight, that dress and your hair. I mean, it just means a lot coming from someone like you.”

Wow.

Hailey was struggling to respond.

“Well, thank you. That means a lot, but you really do look amazing, Bridgette.”

Another song started to play, and the dance floor in front of them began to fill up.

“You know…” Bridgette seemed to be building up courage before she continued. “I wasn’t the most welcoming when I first met you.”

Not really.

Hailey glanced at the floor, thinking about the first few interactions they’d had.

“But I’m glad I got to know you. I’m glad your family moved here.”

Oh, wow.

Hailey exhaled. The bass of the song rocked the wood of the basketball court under her heels.

“Bridgette.” Hailey leaned over the table. “I never apologized to you for taking the lead. I should have spoken with you first, I just--- ”

“Please, Hailey.” Bridgette threw her head back, flicking her wrist. “That part was made for you. I have learned so much from watching you. And, to be honest,” she chuckled softly, “I was petrified to play that part.”

Me too.

Hailey let out a nervous laugh.

“I mean, all the lines and the dancing. And that dress!”

Right.

Hailey shifted in her seat and adjusted her own dress.

“But I know you will be great. Plus,” Bridgette’s eyes moved to Emilio, who was approaching the table, “you will have all of us with you on the stage.”

The bulky linebacker smiled and puffed out his chest. His suit was practically painted onto his muscular body.

“Excuse me.” He extended his large hand to Bridgette. “Can I please steal this beautiful senorita for a dance?”

Hailey bowed gracefully.

“Senorita.” He stuck out his arm, and Bridgette instantly grabbed it.

In seconds, they were out on the gym floor. More of the football players and musical cast began to join them, and Hailey could not help but grin as she watched the entire group together.

You will have all of us.

She repeated Bridgette’s words and pushed a strand of hair back from her face.

“I have to admit.” Gunner’s voice made her jump. “It’s still weird seeing Emilio with Bridgette. I wouldn’t have put those two together. ”

He sat down, trying to hide the pain in his shoulder when he unbuttoned his jacket.

“Well…” She bit her lip and tried to prevent a girlish giggle from escaping. “I think it’s cute.”

She heard him chuckle as a new song kicked on, bringing more students to the floor.

“You coming?” Tyquan’s hand touched her shoulder as he ran past. “I need another partner out here that can dance!”

How many dates does he have?

She merely smiled and waved. A shrug was the last she saw of him before he was swallowed into a mass of students.

“Did he bring multiple dates tonight?” Hailey playfully questioned Gunner.

“Well, you know, it’s Ty.”

He leaned in closer as the music got louder.

Oh boy.

She took a deep breath. She could feel his stare.

“I’m sorry my mom wanted to take so many pictures at the grove,” he said, adjusting gingerly once more in the chair.

“Please!” She tried to keep the conversation light. “I don’t know who took more, your mom or my sister!”

He relaxed a bit, and a genuine smile as bright as the gymnasium lights grew across his face.

That smile.

“It was good seeing her tonight. I’m glad she came out.” His voice was soft, much different from the night before at the hospital.

“Yeah, I am glad she is going out more.”

Very glad.

He moved his hand over to hers without warning.

Here we go.

“I wanted to apologize for last night.” He squeezed gently, causing a tremor of electricity to run up her arm. “I was…I was not me, and I was a total jerk. I’m sorry.”

His eyes lowered, and she squeezed back.

“I know it was scary, with your shoulder, and how much football means to you. With this being your senior year, I can only---”

He squeezed tighter and moved in even closer. Her mouth snapped shut. She could smell the aroma of mint coming from his lips.

He is so close.

“It wasn’t that.” He was staring directly at her now, his green eyes dancing like grass in early spring. “I mean, I love football, and I would give anything to win with these guys.” He pointed out to the dance floor, where JT had pulled off his jacket and was twirling it around. “But last night, I just, I guess I’m trying to figure this whole thing out, trying to make it to the next day, you know?”

I definitely know.

She nodded and turned to face him so she could give him all her attention.

Believe me, I know.

After a brief pause, he put his hand on her knee, sending a chill through her body from his touch through the fabric .

“I guess I just had a bad day yesterday. I shouldn’t have taken it out on my family and, and you.” He looked down, now avoiding her eyes.

Stop that, Gunner.

She could not explain how, but her insides actually got hot. The fact that he was blaming himself, again, was something she could not bear.

Help him.

Hailey grabbed his hand again, moving her thumb over a fresh scar---one he must have picked up in the last game. Her worries from last night were gone. He was asking for help. And while he might not be particularly good at it, he was opening up to her and being vulnerable.

Do something.

“I know what it is like. To have bad days.” His eyes returned to her. “You will have more, but it gets easier.”

He stared for a few seconds before grabbing both her hands. He squeezed tightly, and she felt a warmth wash across her body.

“Well.” He came almost nose to nose with her. “They have gotten a lot easier since I met you.”

Oh boy, he’s smooth, even when he’s being authentic.

Her cheeks went hot, and she felt like she had just stepped out into a humid summer day.

There was no denying what he was saying to her at that moment, and as he squeezed her hand tighter, she felt the butterflies take over her body.

I know what that look is.

She had finally figured it out. What had pulled her in right away when they had met.

He has so much strength .

It was crystal clear now, and she could not believe she had missed it. She would do anything for him to see it himself, no matter how long it would take or how much he would fight it.

“I’m sick of playing this game, Hailey.” His face was determined, making her palms sweat. “I can’t do this anymore, and I’m too all over the place to be any good at it.” Hailey could feel her heart pumping faster. “I struggle each day to figure out what my next steps are and where I’m supposed to go. But as long as they lead to you, I know it’ll be a great day.”

He lied; he is great at this.

“If it’s friends that you want to be, I can be friends. I can be a great friend, and I can listen to you. I can be there for you when you get on that stage. I know how hard that is going to be, and I will not leave your side---”

She stopped him with another squeeze. And while her face was scorching hot, the butterflies pushed the words up her throat.

“Any day that I get to see you is a great day for me too, Gunner. However long it takes, I promise I will be here to help you figure everything out.”

Wow, that was intense.

It was as if the room stood still. He appeared to need time to take in what she had just said.

Was that not right?

She was about to adjust in her seat when he began to smile. His body relaxed, and at least for a few seconds, she felt like she was able to help with some of his pain.

Wait!?

Her head twisted as the next song started to play. She had been listening to this song on repeat for months, practicing.

“Did you do this?” she asked him, her cheeks burning.

The grin did not leave his face as he pointed to the DJ booth.

“No, but I have an idea who did.”

Peyton Weston!

His sister was giggling as she skipped away with her friends.

“Well.” He stood up and straightened his jacket without a wince. “I may not know where most of my steps will go each day, but I sure know the next few that I want to take.”

He bowed and tipped his finger toward the dance floor.

“Can I have this dance?”

Her legs were weak, but she slowly stood. She nodded, following him in step as they made their way out.

“I am assuming this is for practice purposes, possibly to take some notes?”

He laughed but did not answer as the lights began to dim, the song slowly getting louder. Even though the gymnasium was full of other students, it felt as if they had the whole building to themselves.

The music started to play louder as he extended his hand, making her blush even more as she intertwined her fingers with his. She had practiced the movements over and over in her head, but tonight was the first time they were moving in-step together.

He’s been practicing.

Their eyes locked as they began to step slowly around the wooden gymnasium floor. The smile refused to leave her face as they moved faster, his steps leading her. Finally, she felt her body release, and he spun her, never letting go of her hand.

“I hope you don’t mind,” he whispered as he brought them together again. “But I think I’ll only use my good shoulder tonight.”

She couldn’t stifle a schoolgirl giggle, and he gently spun her again, grabbing her hands tight before she brought her head to his chest.

Perfect.

He smelled so pure, like a crisp autumn morning, and as she exhaled, she felt his chin rest on her head.

This is perfect.

She had sung the song over and over in her head while practicing, but not tonight. Tonight, she just let it play over them. The stares all around them were meaningless as they moved slowly together across the floor.