Scotty – Line-backer: Jersey #46
He is one of the team’s best tacklers. Also having the dual role of defending the run and the pass.
Whipper – Cornerback: Jersey #16
He lines up on the wide parts of the field, opposite the offensive receivers.
Cruise – Left guard: Jersey #62
His job is to block for and protect the quarterback and ball carriers on the left.
Muz – Right guard: Jersey #64
Main job is to block for and protect the quarterback and ball carriers on the right.
I casually make my way inside the locker room. The familiar array of deep heat and massage oils fills the air. The traditional song for our team, “Eye of the Tiger,” is roaring on the boom box to help us get in the pre-game zone. It is definitely a great song to help fire us up.
I nod my head to a few of the players. It’s not a place for cheers and loudness—most of us are trying to get in the zone, focus on football and nothing else.
Following “Eye of the Tiger” is a new tune. Obviously, Tyler has been playing around on iTunes. Seriously, my brother should have been born in the eighties.
“The Best Around” from The Karate Kid starts to play. Epic song. Listening to the lyrics, I start to think why can’t I be the best around? Today, more than usual, I can feel the suppressed anger building, pressure of being the golden child and stress burning inside me.
“Yo, Tys, you and Tyler have another fight?” Jake questions as he gives me a welcoming high five.
“Just the usual chip on his shoulder,” I respond as I start to dress into my pants with knee and thigh pads, then shoulder pads and my jersey.
A few teammates have traditions like wearing the same socks all season, saying a certain prayer before the game, etc. I guess I have a little tradition myself—I pop in my headphones and listen to “Bitter Sweet Symphony” before every game; it clears my mind and gets me focused.
I’m all dressed except for my helmet. Coach likes us to support the junior varsity team, so we will watch them for the first twenty minutes and then start our warm-up.
“Go Tommy,” I shout out to support my kid brother as we take seats in the bleachers. We are just in time for kickoff. The crowd is awesome, hundreds of students, fans, and parents line the stadium seats; roaring cheers fill my ears, flags wave back and forth, and the delicious smell of the concession stand fills my nose.
I spot Brooklyn—I would notice her anywhere. My pulse increases as she smiles at me and waves sweetly. Ever since the carnival, I have been pinching myself.
Tommy is the running back—he works in conjunction with Simmo, the quarterback, for the juniors. The first five minutes is slow, and then the center throws a magical ball straight to Tommy. Their defense is doing a great job blocking the opposition. Tommy sprints to the touchdown line and slams the ball down. Touchdown!
“That’s my boy, Tommy!” Tyler shouts out, causing me to roll my eyes in annoyance. I guess I don’t want Tyler to influence him too much, not in a negative way anyway.
“Woo-hoo Thomas,” I call out waving to my little bro. If I have my way, he will make it to the big time. He looks our way and gives us a thumb-up, looking very proud of himself.
The juniors score one more touchdown bringing the score to 12 - 0. When they break for the first quarter, twelve minutes into the game, Coach signals us.
“Okay, guys, let’s go warm up those muscles.” Coach sends us back inside to get ready for our game.
Our mascot, Wilbur the Wildcat, is on the sideline doing his bit. I try not to notice, but he gets all in your face, and the kids love him. Brooklyn heads over to me. “Good luck, Ty,” she tells me smiling widely.
I wrap my hands around her waist and pull her to me, then kiss her delicious lips. Slowly at first and then as our tongues touch and entwine, the passion increases like it always does. Realizing where we are, I pull back smiling. Who needs luck when I have her kiss lingering on my lips? One last peck and I make my way to the warm-up rooms.
Walking back inside the locker rooms, the guys cheer and wolf whistle at me. Guess I forgot who might be watching when I kissed Brooklyn. I shrug it off and chuckle. Nothing is going to break my stride. I’m in love.
I take my time stretching each muscle extending and bend my knees, then Jacob and I pair up and take turns tackling the other and throwing passes.
“Okay, boys, drills are set up. Let’s go,” Coach announces, so we line up and get to it. Feeling warm, a touch sweaty, and out of breath is just what we need. “It’s the first game of the season, and for some of you guys, it’s your last year. So let’s make this one count; you are tough. Strong. Brave. Let’s go out there and show Westfield how we kick ass,” Coach says during his pep talk.
We all put on our helmets and jog in our lines out onto the field. The crowd roars, I hear ‘I love you, Tyler’ from a few random girls. God, they are unbelievable.
There are only a few minutes before the start of the game, so the team captains meet with the referee for the coin toss. The visiting team is Westfield, so they call the toss.
“Heads,” shouts Leroy Black, the captain, as the referee flicks the coin; it lands on the ground tails up.
“We will take the first kickoff,” Tyler announces knowing that is what Coach tells us.
“We choose the top end for defense,” Leroy declares knowing he gets the second option.
It’s kick-off time.
Jay is the first one to touch the ball. Being our center, he runs and offloads to Tyler, who darts and weaves through a few players before their defense smash into him hard. I see his body shake and hit the grass full-throttle from the force of the tackle.
Their fullback climbs off Tyler enabling him to stand up, still a little shaken. He shakes off the pain from the intense blow. Thank God for the helmets or there would be more head injuries than there already are.
The siren rings for the first quarter, still no score. Westfield is better than we expected, especially in their defense, but we just gotta try a few different plays and see what works.
“Okay, fellas, their defense is tough, and they are gunning for Tyler so we gotta be smart and be one step ahead out there,” Coach states to us as we have a quick drink and get ready for the second quarter.
Something about Coach’s words has made something click and flicked a switch. I was strong enough to admit my feelings for Brooklyn; the determination to get what I want is burning deep. My desire is so strong—I’ve never felt like I needed it like I do today. Is this how Tyler feels every game?
As we run back onto the field, I grab Jay by the arm. “Hey, if I can get close enough, throw me the ball,” I tell him; he frowns and then shrugs his shoulders.
I guess if Tyler is open, he will throw it his way first, but if not, I’ll be ready. Let’s do this.
The siren rings and the referee blows his whistle. It’s Westfield’s kick-off, so we need to work overtime in defense before we can even think about scoring.
I tackle and block their quarterback the best I can. He is fast, but I pull out the big guns and stick to him like glue. He catches a pass, so I dive on him tackling him hard to the ground. Our supporters cheer for me. Defense is my thing.
So I hope to surprise a few of them tonight with my offense too.
With our kick-off, Jacob starts with the ball this time. His position is running back so he takes his chance sprinting, and our line backer, Scotty, tackles the first defender. The next defense is too fast and dives to tackle Jake, but he passes to Jay as he falls so I take my chance and sprint up behind him. “Jay, I’m open,” I call out.
He looks at me and passes; I catch it swiftly and run. I weave and twist through the tough ass defense, beating one, then two, but as I get closer to the touchdown line, the meanest defense in two states smashes into me like a ton of bricks. Man, that fucking hurt.
So much at stake, I have to get up. Nothing is broken, so I get up and keep going. The pain is soaring t
hrough my muscles, though.
I want to beat this team, but it’s about proving something to myself tonight too. It’s what is inside me, the demons inside that I fight with to be the best. No surrender.
The ball is back in Westfield’s possession, but I’m hungry.
I sprint when I see my chance; the center unleashes the pass to their quarterback, so I leap to grasp the ball before he can. It’s a clear interception, and I clutch the ball tight and run faster than ever before.
Sure, I could pass it, Tyler is free, but for once in my life, I want the glory. Why the hell can’t I run it?
I tear through the last defense, darting from side to side to escape a tackle. Jake has my back and dives onto him from behind. I sprint hastily to the touchdown line, feeling amazing as I cross it and throw down the ball in excitement. Then with my arms raised in celebration, and I jump into the air feeling ecstatic.
“Go, Tyson. Amazing touchdown!” people shout out and the crowd screams and goes wild.
“Amazing work, the fullback for Cedar Lake, Tyson Caine, scores the first touchdown of the season,” the commentator announces over the loudspeaker and the crowd in the bleachers cheers and goes wild with excitement.
Victory is mine!
The adrenaline pumping through my veins is intense. It resembles kissing Brooklyn for the first time on the Ferris wheel. My heart is pounding like never before. My skin is a thousand degrees Fahrenheit. The heat of the attack has me on fire.
The team races over, and Jake has me in the air. “Way to go, Tyson,” he screams. They all huddle and lift me up; it’s all surreal and awesome.
“Well, you finally pulled something wicked out there, great work, Ty,” Tyler calls out to me and pats my shoulder.
Well, I’ll be damned, praise coming from the quarterback who scored thirteen touchdowns last year.
I glance over at Coach; he is smiling widely and fist pumps the air. I nod at him and give him the thumbs-up. I don’t think he saw that new play of mine coming, but something tells me he won’t be displeased that I tried something unique.
****
The next two quarters are hard as nails; both teams are well matched, and block as well as we attack. At least we keep them from scoring, so that is another bonus.
When the full-time siren rings, I throw my arms up in the air. We won! The score ends up 6-0 and the winning and only touchdown is mine. What a feeling!
I look at the crowd to find my angel’s addictive blue eyes. She is making her way to the fence, so I run to her. “You are amazing,” she shouts out as I lift her up and into my arms.
I kiss her sweet lips. I’m drawn to them, and I know I probably taste all gross and sweaty, but I’m feeling selfish; I need her taste to top off one of the best days ever. Brooklyn deepens the kiss, so I guess I don’t taste bad after all. I squeeze her body closer, which is hard work with all my padding on. We get caught up at the moment.
For a few minutes, we forget where we are. It’s just my girl and me. I reluctantly pull back to see her pretty face. She is breathless and smiling like a giddy school girl. “Sorry. I know I’m all sweaty, I just needed to kiss you to top off my high,” I announce to her.
“Don’t ever apologize for kissing me, Mr. Caine. You are free to do so whenever you please,” she responds biting her lip. I take advantage and kiss her again, causing us both to laugh through the kiss. “We have some celebrating to do. Go and shower and I’ll be waiting,” she declares to me pushing me toward the locker rooms.
I nod and make my way to the locker rooms. I breathe out feeling like I’m floating. “The man of the hour, Tyson Caine,” Coach shouts as I enter, and my cheeks are hurting from smiling so widely.
“Yeah, baby,” Jake calls out. Jay wolf whistles and yells, “You kicked ass, Ty.”
One by one, they all give me a high five, a hug, or a pat on my shoulder and verbalize their praise. I can feel my head growing as big as Tyler’s. Well, not quite. Speaking of him, I don’t get any more praise from his direction, but he’s not being nasty either.
Although I’m sure he is pissed the limelight is off him for once. You win some, you lose some, bro.
Why the hell am I so nervous? Tyson has been my best friend for the last five years. He is the only one who knows intimate details about my mom’s ovarian cancer and how important it is for me to get checked. He even knows what I’m thinking before I vocalize it sometimes; we are the yin to each other’s yang.
“You do realize we need an official first date, don’t you?” Tyson declares in the cafeteria while we are eating our boring lunch of tuna on rye.
He catches me by surprise with his comment, and I nod in agreement. “I guess you’re right, but you know I’m not the kind of girl who needs flowers and expensive dinners,” I respond.
“Where do you want to go and when do you want to go?” Tyson asks me fidgeting in his seat. He looks nervous, and it’s pretty cute. I don’t see him get nervous very often.
Good question. Where in the world do you go with your best friend, who you are now dating?
“I’m free Saturday night, are you?” I ask Tyson eagerly.
I chose Saturday night, so how about I put the ball in his court.
“Sounds good, Saturday it is. Now to pick where.” He’s frowning and looks deep in thought, as if he’s racking his brain on where we could go.
“I think it’s your turn to pick where since I picked when. How about you surprise me,” I say sassily to him. I can’t wait to see where he chooses.
“Okay, I just hope I don’t mess up our first date. You sure you trust me?” he questions me smirking.
I reach across the table and squeeze his hand. The moment we touch, I feel a spark. “I trust you more than I trust anyone else, Tyson. Surely, you know that by now?” I tell him honestly.
“The feeling is mutual. I will make it a night to remember. I’ll pick you up at seven and wear something fancy,” he instructs me in his deep voice. It sends shivers down my spine, and when he winks, my heart starts to race.
The rest of the week is a little drawn out as I wait for our first real date as an official couple. We hang out Wednesday afternoon while we both work on our homework. We sneak a quick kiss before I head home.
Cassie takes me shopping to find something to wear for my date, and I disagree with everything she’s chosen so far.
“You should wear a dress, Brooke. If it’s a restaurant, that is what you’re supposed to wear,” she tells me in her usual bossy voice.
I frown and shake my head at the six different dresses that Cassie suggested.
“What about this one?” she questions me holding up a hanger with a dress attached. I glance down at the short black and white striped dress. It is very simple with short sleeves and a round neck. It actually looks more like a long blouse than a dress really.
“I don’t hate it,” I respond giving Cassie a wink. It’s progress for me at least.
“Get in the changing room and try it on, woman,” she orders me, but I still love her.
“Fine, but don’t even think about giving me heels,” I add and stick my tongue out at her.
“What about wedges then?” Cassie questions. I could probably do wedges, though I might still twist my ankle.
I wear heels for my recitals, and they are uncomfortable and fake. I want things with Tyson to be natural, not me trying to be someone that I’m not.
“It’s dinner with Tyson, Cas. It really doesn’t matter what shoes I wear,” I state to her as I disappear behind the large red curtain to try on the dress.
It fits perfectly. It isn’t too tight, there is room to move, and the material is so silky. It’s pretty damn short, though, but something tells me Tyson won’t mind.
“Oh wow, Brooke, it’s gorgeous on you,” Cassie announces as I come out of the changing room.
I smile at her response. “I really like it,” I tell her as I turn and spin in front of the monster-sized mirror. “I’ll wear my flats with the
rhinestones. Could you imagine how short it would be if I wore heels?” I state; surely, she will agree.
“Yep, any shorter, and Tyson will be getting more than he bargained for your first date,” she declares, and we both giggle.
“Ha-ha. Yep, gotta leave something for dates two and three, right?” I joke to her laughing again. God, I love the easiness of our friendship. I’ve had other girlfriends, and it’s been so difficult; they are catty and jealous or don’t have a warped sense of humor like Cas and I do.
I glance at the tag: $39. Well, you can’t argue with that price. Looks like dress number seven was the lucky choice.
“Wow, that is a steal at that price too,” Cas declares as she sees the amount. “Can we at least get you some new earrings to dress it up a bit?” she pleads with me.
“I’ll let you show me what you have in mind. If I hate them, I’m not wearing them,” I bargain with her.
“Deal,” she responds winking.
I put my jeans and shirt back on and pay for the dress at the counter. The salesperson is a little snobby, probably wondering how a tomboy like me can pull off a dress like that.
I wonder the same thing myself.
Next stop is ‘Jewels R Us’ costume jewelry shop. They sell every kind of crystal, cut, stone, and color of the jewelry kind. Some of these pieces are nicer than I expected, and I’m drawn to the turquoise necklace and earrings.
“I love those pieces, but seriously, Brooke, for a restaurant you need classy. Cobalt blue or silver are probably the best option,” she adds.
God, I hate making decisions some days; it’s all too hard. “I do love the blue, so I’m leaning that way,” I declare as I check out the gorgeous stones.
“Try on these,” Cassie suggests, holding up a pair of very pretty and delicate sapphire blue drop earrings. Wow, I’m in love with them.
“They totally match and brighten your eyes,” Cassie tells me, and I glance in the mirror again. She’s right; my eyes are sparkling. “Oh, look.” Cas comes over with a gorgeous matching bracelet, it’s blue and silver and stunning just like the earrings.
TYSON CAINE: Book 1 in the Brothers in Arms Series (Brothers in Arms Book 1) Page 9
