Maybe I’m just a teenage girl, and my hormones are confused. Tyson is a hot-blooded male, and that’s all that was, right? Surely, I would have the same reaction to any good-looking guy. It’s just a natural reaction.
Our bodies flush like that, and our hands entwined … It felt amazing, so right, and awesome. I felt a connection, but I’m sure it’s probably just lust.
On the way home from the lake, I drive to Jacob’s to see if he is around.
“Hey, Tyson, this is a surprise,” he tells me as he answers his front door of their fancy house that has views of the gorgeous lake.
“You look kinda sick. Are you okay?” he questions.
“Um, I dunno, bro,” I state truthfully. My mind is racing.
I spend the next hour telling Jacob how I feel about Brooklyn. It feels damn good to get it out in the open.
“I’ve seen you two together. You got nothing to lose. You two would make the perfect couple.” Jake’s words make me smile.
I’m still feeling confused and torn about everything in regards to what happened with Brooklyn. Do I keep my mouth closed, or do I confess my feelings?
I’m totally stumped about which path to take. But it’s like a higher being takes it out of our control and fate steps in.
A group of about fifteen of us are going to the annual Cedar Lake carnival tonight. We have plans to meet outside the ticket booth. I immediately spot Emmett and Jay from the team—they are not tiny dudes.
“Yo, Ty,” Jay says raising his hand for a high five; I respond and high five them both.
“Hey, Jay. Hey, Emmett,” I say to them. “This sure beats football practice, huh?” I state playfully, but truthfully, who wants all work and no play.
“You got that right, my legs are still burning from Wednesday,” Emmett replies, and we all have a good chuckle. Mine are still sore, so I know what he means.
I notice Cassie and Lucas next, but thankfully, that tool Kyle is nowhere in sight. It’s been a week since Brooklyn and I got a little closer than I had planned on at the lake. I have been too gutless to call or text, and I haven’t heard from her either. Hopefully, she’s not too pissed.
So when I see her arrive, my heart catapults in my chest and starts beating rapidly like a drum. She looks gorgeous as always in her pale blue denim dress. It’s not too short, but just enough to show off her toned legs. Her hazelnut silky hair is down and bounces as she walks. That’s my favorite style on her, natural and beautiful. I tell her this frequently.
“Hey,” I say to her as she walks over to stand with Cassie and Lucas.
“Hey,” she replies looking a little nervous. Shit, when did our friendship become complicated?
“Sorry I haven’t called or text. I’ve been working, and Coach has been a slave driver,” I tell her, and it’s all the truth. I’m not lying, just adding a little icing.
“Yeah, I’ve had a full week with dancing and studying,” she tells me as the edges of her lips turn into a slight smile.
“Hey, guys,” I hear Jake’s voice as he comes up behind us and pats me on the back.
“Hey, Jake,” Brooklyn declares smiling at him.
Cassie and Lucas nod at Jake, and I’m sure I see Cassie wink at him. What is going on there? Surely, nothing would be happening behind Lucas’s back. I will have to keep my eye on that.
“Let’s go get ride tickets,” I announce. I’m seriously like a big kid in a candy store when it comes to roller coasters and rides.
“Yes, I can’t wait to see if this year's haunted house is scarier than last year,” Brooklyn replies smiling. This is the side to her that is amazing. I put my arm around her back and squeeze. It’s just so natural to want to touch her, but I soon drop it realizing I might be overstepping the friendship line yet again.
The next hour is awesome. We fall back into our easy friendship and laugh and chat about the past week. It makes me realize how even a week without her in my life is way too long.
“You didn’t tell me what Coach said about the fight last week? Is he letting you play?” Brooklyn asks me sounding concerned.
“I was shitting bricks leading up to that conversation, but it turns out, Coach stuck up for me and got the charges dropped. Isn’t that awesome?” I reply smiling widely that it all worked out.
“That is so good. You need to be at game one and all the games; they would be lost without you Ty,” Brooklyn responds and punches my shoulder playfully.
God, I’m so glad that things have gone back to normal …
****
After going on the wild mouse roller coaster three times, the bumper cars, the octopus, and a few others, we grab some corn dogs and sit at a few tables. I notice Jake talking to Cassie and Lucas again, and it’s kind of weird because usually they have nothing to do with each other. I don’t know why, but I’m getting a weird vibe.
“When is your next dancing recital, Brooklyn?” I question her, hoping it doesn’t coincide with football.
“It’s in three weeks. I’ll get the date from my calendar and text you tonight,” she replies. I know that her mom used to love going to her dance recitals, so I make a point to go to everyone that I can to show her that I care. Of course, if I have a game, I can’t be there. I have a mouthful of food, so I give her the thumbs-up.
After eating, bright flashing lights grab my attention. Games alley.
“Check this out,” I state as I wander over to the first couple of game stands. Ring toss looks too easy and fishing is for little kids, plus the toys are so tiny. I find one I have a chance at and pay the cashier five dollars to knock down some tin cans.
A crowd forms around me. God, I hope I can knock enough down to win a prize. I’ve been known to have a long distance throwing arm. But now, the pressure is on.
Collecting the ball into my fingers, I precisely aim it at the green tin can and bam knock it down. I fist pump the air. Second ball attempt knocks down the red can. “Yes,” I shout happy with two out of two so far.
Third ball and bam knocks down the blue can. Only two shots are left, and the fourth ball misses. Damn, I need one more to win something decent.
I aim as best I can, throwing the fifth ball, and thank God, it connects and knocks down the yellow can.
“Way to go, Tyson!” Cheers and wolf whistles erupt.
“You knocked four out of five, so you get to choose from the middle row,” the cashier tells me.
I spot the prize I’m choosing right away.
It’s a medium sized Betty Boop plush figure, and it’s perfect for Brooklyn. I point out the prize, and then I turn to face her and pass her the figure.
“Oh my God, Tyson, you got me Betty Boop? You totally rock, you know that right?” Brooklyn declares cheering and bouncing up and down on the spot excitedly.
“Yep, I’m totally awesome!” I state as Brooklyn embraces me in a huge hug.
Cassie comes over squealing. “Oh, that is so cool Brooklyn, and so sweet of Tyson,” she says smiling at me. Of course, it’s sweet. I would give Brooklyn the shirt off my back if she needed it, so what is a stuffed Betty Boop toy?
“Let’s go on the Ferris wheel guys,” Cassie announces as we nod and head over. Personally, I think they are a little boring, but the view is normally awesome.
Only four people are in front of us when we get in line, so it shouldn’t take too long. Five minutes later and we are next. As the next cart makes its way through, I feel Jake’s hands push me forward. I also notice Cassie pushing Brooklyn forward too. We both climb into the cart and take a seat; it’s not unusual that we would get on together, but I kind of assumed that a few others would hop on too.
Cassie closes the gate. “Now, you two are not coming down until you face the truth. You are both perfect for each other,” she declares pointing her finger at us both. What the hell is going on?
“Plus, you both have hidden feelings for each other,” Jacob chimes in, now standing next to Cassie. So this is what those two were up to.
“
So don’t come down from this damn Ferris wheel until you both admit it,” Cassie adds.
“Life is about taking chances, guys. There is so much more for you both to gain than lose in this situation,” Jacob adds, as he locks the gate, sealing us together for at least the next fifteen minutes.
“Cassie,” Brooklyn pleads looking overwhelmed. I see Cassie give her the thumbs-up.
We both start laughing at what has just happened. I don’t know what to say.
Wait, did I hear Jacob say we both have feelings for each other? Did Cassie tell him that Brooke has feelings for me?
I look at Brooklyn, who is peering out into the night sky full of beautiful stars. “This is kind of weird, right?” I say trying to break the eerie and awkward silence.
“Very weird, Ty. I’m so going to kill Cassie when we get down.” I see her bite her lip as her gorgeous eyes find mine.
I don’t know if it is the fall air, the closeness of the cart or what, but I get goose bumps and feel nervous around this beautiful girl.
The girl I’ve known for the last five years, the closest person in the world to me, with the hazelnut hair, freckles on her nose from the sun, her pale blue eyes that turn dark when she is pissed, the one who has been there at every football game cheering me along—she knows me better than anyone does.
Brooklyn smiles and those dimples are the cutest, sexiest sight ever. Then she bites her lip. The silence is deafening.
It’s now or never, Tyson. It’s exactly like what Jake just said—the gain that I could get from this is worth opening my heart and soul. Right? I inhale the crisp night air and breathe out calming myself.
“Brooke, there is something I need to say,” I manage to spit the words out.
Her face looks amazing up here in the moonlight. Her eyes find mine again and widen in interest.
“Look, it’s hard for me to admit this, but it’s killing me. I need you to know something.” I see a little smile form at the crook of her mouth. That is promising; at least, I have her attention. Then without warning and as a complete shock to me, Brooklyn leans forward and places a quick kiss on my lips. Then she is back in her seat and staring out into the galaxy of stars in the darkened sky.
My breathing hitches, and shock has me glued to my seat. I want to say ‘Wow’ or ‘I’m so glad you did that’, but I’m speechless. I smile remembering her lips on mine, and then regain my composure and slide over closer to her. She seems nervous and unsure of what happened. I place my hand affectionately over hers and squeeze it, reassuring her. I hope my touch tells her I feel the same way and our friendship has now become much more.
Why can’t words form in my mouth?
Her eyes are a sapphire blue right now, glistening in the moonlight. If my voice won’t work, then I need to show her how deep my feelings run. I pounce and kiss her before I overthink the situation.
My lips find hers. They’re so plump and perfect, soft like velvet, and her taste is sweet like the ripest strawberry. I place one hand on her cheek and deepen the kiss. Her mouth opens for me, and together we melt in each other’s arms.
After our kiss, we just smile at each other, my forehead pressed to hers.
“Brooklyn, our friend situation needs upgrading. I want us to be more,” I whisper softly. “I want to hold your hand and kiss those perfect lips whenever the hell I want to,” I confess, feeling like a weight has been lifted yet scared of rejection at the same time. She smiles, a radiant and beaming smile at me.
“What do you say, Brooke?” I ask her. The worst part is not knowing how she feels. Either way, I just need an answer.
“Oh God, Tyson, I have wanted to tell you how I feel. To tell you that I think about you every day and that I want more too. I have just been too scared. That is a yes, Tyson. I want it all with you. Let’s give it a shot,” she states squeezing my hand. “You do realize that everything is about to change, right?” she adds looking a little scared and biting her lip again.
“That is my plan, Brooklyn Waters, but it will definitely change for the better.” I lean in to kiss her again. I don’t think I will ever get my fill of her taste or the softness of her lips.
Our team absolutely loves pep rallies leading up to game day. They totally spark unity and team spirit. The sounds of the cheers, overwhelming support, and enthusiasm from the whole school is awesome.
We sit out on the field as a team, proudly wearing our school colors, as we watch the band and drum line marching in step as they play the school anthem. When they blast out a few lines of “Eye of the Tiger,” we cheer and clap. I’m sure that was courtesy of Tyler. The cheerleaders enthusiastically shout their chants, while flipping in the air and performing cartwheels and dance moves; their new routine also consists of a lot of butt shots.
When it comes to the school dance team, my eyes are glued to one girl. Brooklyn is in her element right now. Her body seductively grinds and moves to every beat. Her movements are precise and on point—she is by far the best in the squad, and I’m not being biased. My girl smashes it out of the park. I love the short hot pants dance teacher Miss Grey chose for the arrangement. Hot!
Coach takes the podium proudly and says his bit. He thanks the school for all of their support, the cheerleaders, families, and of course, the football team.
“Let’s go kick some ass!” he screams into the microphone. We cheer, wolf whistle, and clap loudly at his words. In classic Coach fashion, he doesn’t give a shit about who is around. He is who he is and proud of it; there’s no hiding or pussyfooting around.
****
I chill at home after the rally, then grab my cleats, towel, and sports bag, when I realize it’s only two hours before game time. I reluctantly offer to drive Tyler with me to the stadium. Actually, I contemplated driving off without him, seeing as though he has been mouthing off and is running late. The forty-five-minute walk would do him good, but Coach would kill me.
“Hurry the hell up, Tyler,” I shout as I run down the front steps to my truck.
Tommy is already there warming up; he caught a ride with his friend Hamish as the junior varsity starts an hour before us.
I climb in my faithful pickup and start the ignition, then press hard and honk my horn three times. It’s only the first game of the season, and he still can’t get his shit together.
“Jesus, you are like Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy. I’m comin’!” Tyler shouts through the living room window. I chuckle at the vision. He does make me laugh most days, but the rest of the time, he is irritating as hell. Luckily, I overlook a lot of it because we are related.
“Finally,” I call out as he comes sprinting out half dressed, carrying his football gear and cleats. “You gotta get your shit together, dude. Coach will start sidelining you if you are late,” I state to him hopefully as a wake-up call.
“Whatever,” he replies. That’s right; I forgot his IQ is only seventy on a good day. “God, I can’t wait to smash Westfield today,” Tyler states as we drive toward the field.
“You say that about every team,” I respond. It’s the truth—he is a killing machine and wants to defeat and smash them all.
“Well, at least one of us is fired up, Tyson. Are you going to score any touchdowns this year? You know last year, you only scored two.” He’s trying to rile me up. I’m mostly a fullback so it’s my job to stop the other team, but of course, if I intercept or the other team fumbles, the field is mine to score. “Do you know how many I scored last season?” Tyler questions me, sounding cocky and almighty.
Of course, I know. He has rubbed my face in it for the last twelve fucking months. He scored thirteen touchdowns last year from twelve games.
But I won’t give him the satisfaction, so I just shrug my shoulders and tilt my head to stare at the scenery. It’s the start of fall, so the leaves are beginning to turn some pretty cool colors.
“Thirteen Tyson. That is the school record,” he declares, and if he wasn’t such an asshole, I might actually be happy for the guy. That is a
great accomplishment, and breaking the school record is awesome.
I really don’t feel like listening to Tyler talk about how good he is compared to me, so I turn the radio up. Surely, he will get the hint and shut the fuck up. I see his head shake and his smirk from the corner of my eye.
I drive my truck into the designated parking lot and find a spot easy. In a flash, Tyler is out and jogging to the locker rooms. I take my time; the fewer minutes in a confined space with him the better. My palms feel a little sweaty as I gather my bag and keys. Well, shit, it is the first game—it sets the precedence for the whole season.
We play most of our games on Friday nights, and usually, it's eight to ten games. So far, Coach is saying eight, but it can all change. We have eleven on our team, with close to forty players who interchange.
Tonight’s positions are:
Tyler – Quarterback: Jersey #6
He is the leader of the team. Oh, and he loves that.
The quarterback calls the plays in the huddle, yells the signals at the line of scrimmage, and receives the ball from the center.
Jacob – Running back: Jersey #31
He runs with the football, running backs are also referred to as tailbacks, halfbacks, and rushers.
Me – Fullback: Jersey #21
I’m responsible for blocking for the running back, Jake, and also for pass-blocking to protect the quarterback. I’m a short-yardage runner.
Buzz – Wide receiver: Jersey #10
He uses his speed and quickness to elude defenders and catch the football.
Jay – Center: Jersey #50
He handles the ball on every play and snaps the ball to the quarterback.
Emmett – Tight end: Jersey #12
He serves as a receiver and also as a blocker. He lines up beside the offensive tackle to the right or the left of the quarterback.
John-o – Defensive end: Jersey #83
He needs to overcome offensive blocking and meet in the backfield.
He is responsible for forcing the ball carrier either out of bounds or toward the pursuit of their defensive teammates.
TYSON CAINE: Book 1 in the Brothers in Arms Series (Brothers in Arms Book 1) Page 8
