by Autumn Sand
“We fought.” His voice chokes up, and he clears his throat. “In all our years of being best friends, that was the first time we ever fought.” He places his hands on his hips and looks away, trying to regain his composure.
As Wayne takes a minute, alarm bells goes off in my head. Can I handle this? Am I ready to hear what happened that night? I just regained my friendship with Wayne. Will I lose him in the wake of the truth? My throat feels like it’s closing, and I try to swallow down my despair.
“I got the keys away from him. But he insisted he wasn’t staying.” Wayne looks up at the sky. “What was I supposed to do? He was my best friend, and he was in pain. So I told him I would drive.” He closes his eyes and inhales deeply. “I had no business behind the wheel. But I was young and stupid, and felt I was invincible. So, I drove.” He turns and looks at me.
I open my mouth to tell him to stop, but I have no air in my lungs to form words. But somehow, I know - I just know - there is no stopping Wayne from this confession. A confession I should’ve heard years ago. So, he proceeds, his words becoming the motor driving me towards the wreckage. No brakes needed; this is a full-on collision.
“It happened so fast. Trevor asked me a question, and I turned to answer him. It felt like a second, but I guess that’s all it takes. The other car came out of nowhere and struck us. We spun around a few times, and when it came to a stop, I saw Trevor wasn’t moving. I was able to get out of the car and…I…I tried to get him out. When I finally got the door open, I laid him on the ground.” He wipes the falling tears from his face. “And you know what he said?” He smiles as he looks up at the sky. “Typical Trevor, always worried about everyone else. He said, ‘Don’t worry. I’m just happy that you’re okay.’ Those were the last words he spoke.” He falls to his knees, and I fall to mine and take him into my arms, crying into each other’s shoulders.
I never asked for the details of my brother’s death before because I always thought it would be too hard for me to hear. But now that I’ve heard them, I wish I’d had the courage to listen to it earlier. Perhaps I could’ve moved on and not wasted so much time being angry. My heart goes out to Wayne. He was a victim, just as much as my brother.
“Now that you have heard the story, do you still forgive me?” His voice is full of hesitation.
But my answer is instant. “Of course.”
We both wipe tears from each other's faces, causing us to cry some more. We stay on the ground for minutes that seem like an eternity. Eventually, he smiles and kisses me on the cheek. “I better get inside.”
We both stand up and give each other a hug. “Win this one in Trevor’s name.”
He winks at me. “You got it, little sis.” He walks slowly towards the entrance, passing through a swirl of debris around his feet. As he walks through, a calmness settles, and I know in my heart that everything will be alright.
Chapter 25
Favor
I’m emotionally spent after an afternoon of truth discovery. I sit on the hood of my car, as the afternoon sun is swallowed up by the horizon. Slowly, the parking lot fills up with cars and people. I feel like a tiny ant in the middle of a bustling city of millions. A few people wave to me and ask if I want to join them at their tailgating parties, but I decline the invitations. I just need this moment, as my thoughts go back to Trevor on that night.
My heart feels like it weighs a thousand pounds and I don’t have the strength to carry it. Wayne’s confession cuts me deep that Trevor was in so much pain after his argument with Dad. I wish he had called me, or I, him. I don’t know, perhaps I could’ve done something for him. He’d always been there for me, and I wasn’t there when he needed someone. Mom said that I was the strong one, but I think it was more Trevor than myself. He was the stronger one, I see it now.
He always protected me from our father, and often tried to include me on things that my father would’ve otherwise left me out of. At the time, I was just rebellious and would do everything I could to make our parents miserable, but now I realize Trevor needed an ally.
Slowly it dawns on me that the game is about to begin. I stare at the stadium that has become my family’s legacy, wishing it was torn down. Our legacy was built on lies, and this stadium represents what went wrong in my family.
But then there's Brice, and this is the beginning of his, no, our legacy. I make a decision that our legacy will not depend on this stadium, or this game, but on us and the foundation that we will build together.
I hop off my car’s hood and walk towards the stadium.
Once inside, I head to the seat Brice had reserved for me. I say hello to a few people that I know and take my seat, and wait for the game to begin.
The Cougarettes are on the field doing their routine. I spot Jana instantly and wave, even though I know she can’t see me. The cheerleaders form two parallel lines and wave their pom-poms as Coach Vega leads his team onto the field. The cameras zoom in on each of the players. On the Jumbotron, it flashes the player's name and position. Brice, because he is the quarterback, is the last to come out of the tunnel and onto the field. On his bicep is a black band sewn around the edge of his jersey sleeve, with the number twenty-two in white, and twenty-two painted on his cheek. Twenty-two was my brother’s number.
For some reason, I didn’t notice the entire team had this band sewn around their jersey, and the crowd erupts in applause. Everyone remembers my brother. Tears begin to stream down my face. Damn, today is such an emotional day. But at least right now they are tears of joy. A picture of my brother flashes on the Jumbotron, and the crowd applauds again as people around me begin to stare. But I don’t pay them any attention because my eyes are now fixated on Wayne standing next to Brice. Wayne wipes tears away from his eyes, smudging the numbers painted on his cheek. I just know that Trevor is smiling from heaven as a sense of peace comes over me.
Brice jogs over to where I am sitting. I get out of my seat and run down the steps to meet him. I lean over the partition. He cups my face in his hands and kisses me. The crowd goes crazy over this, but our love for each other drowns out their noise.
“Happy?” he asks.
“Yes, thank you for this.” I trace my fingers over my brother's number written on his cheek.
“It was Wayne’s idea.” He smiles bashfully.
“You better go, you have a game to win.”
He kisses me one last time and jogs back over to his team.
By halftime, the Cougars are up by two points. Egon and his band give an incredible performance, and dedicate it to Trevor.
The final half of the game begins. A quick touchdown by the Timbers have the Cougars now trailing by five points. I’m down to one good fingernail because I’ve been biting them all throughout this game.
With just ten seconds left on the clock, Brice calls for a quick break and the team huddles. After a swift discussion, the huddle breaks and they take their positions on the field. Brice maneuvers around some players from the Timbers and looks for an opening. He finds one and throws the ball to Wayne. The stadium is quiet as we watch the ball go down the field in what feels like slow motion. Wayne rushes for the ball and easily sidesteps the opposing team member. The ball looks like it is about to fall short, but Wayne, with incredible strength and mobility, jumps in the air and connects with the ball, making the catch of a lifetime. He runs in for the touchdown, and the stadium erupts. The jumbotron replays the catch again in slow motion and flashes back to Brice and Wayne, celebrating with the rest of their team.
They did it. They won the Championship game.
Chapter 26
Brice
A week has passed since the Championship game, and I’m still riding on cloud nine. I have a kickass fiancée, and NFL recruiters have started talks with me. Thing is, I made a promise to my mother that I would graduate first, before signing any contracts. Even the awards ceremony, where Favor’s dad was the speaker, went off without any drama. Kyne Hollister knows how to put on a public face when nece
ssary.
Tonight, however, is a night of celebration. Jameson’s father is hosting the championship party at their house. All is right in my universe, and I couldn’t be happier.
“Babe, how many dresses are you going to try on?” I ask as I watch my fiancée try on what is probably the fifth dress of the evening. Since when did she get so picky about clothes?
“Sorry. It’s just that tonight is very special. I want to make sure I look perfect for you.”
“Babe you’re always perfect. Besides, you think I care what other people think?”
“I know you don’t.” She smiles at me and places a kiss on my lips. Mmmm, she tastes like cinnamon. Which makes me hungry for something else. Just as I am about to pull her down on top of me, she moves away. “Oh no, you don’t. Once you get started, we will be here until morning.” She laughs as she smooths down her dress. Damn, she looks good in it. If I could just coax her over, I could probably get her out of it in less than a minute.
“Never heard you complain before.” I give her my wicked grin. She usually falls for it.
“I am not complaining. But you are the quarterback, and we have to go to this party. Jameson’s dad will expect you.” Touching her hair with her left hand, the engagement ring I bought for her sparkles on her delicate finger.
“Okay, we’ll go to this shindig, but we aren’t staying long. There are better ways I can think of to celebrate.” I sit up on the bed. “Now come here and give me a quick kiss so we can leave.”
“Nothing is ever quick with you, and you know it. So, do you like this dress?”
“Babe, I fucking love that dress. You got me hard just looking at you.” Oh wait. If I’m hard just looking at her, that means other men will be too. “Babe, on second thought, change that dress.”
She looks into the mirror. “Huh? I thought you said you liked it?”
“Yeah, that’s the problem. Other men will too.”
She turns around and sticks her tongue out at me. “Just for that, I’m wearing it.”
“Oh God.”
“What?”
“I hope you have bail money.”
“For?”
“I might need it because, babe, I swear if someone so much as sneezes in your direction, we are going to have a problem.” I walk towards her and pull her into me. “Mine, babe. All mine,” I say as I squeeze her ass. She giggles into my chest. I love that sound.
“Come on, Mr. MVP, let’s go.”
We drive over to Jameson’s parents’ house, and by time we arrive, the party is in full swing. Cal decided to come out, after Jana and Favor begged him the entire week to go. He is still not comfortable being around the team. I promised him that nothing will happen to him. Wayne, Egon, and I will look out for him tonight.
Jameson’s parents’ house is huge. Not quite as big as the Hollister house, but it’s a close second. We are instantly greeted by some of my teammates and cheerleaders when we walk in. It feels good to have this much love in one room.
“Ah, the man of the hour has arrived,” Jameson’s father, Jim, announces. He walks over to us and shakes my hand, kissing Favor on the cheek.
“Thanks for having us over, Mr. Roth,” I say to the very intoxicated man.
“Jim or Jimbo. You have earned the right to call me that. Welcome to the club of winners. Something my son will never know about,” he tries to whisper, but fails miserably.
Ouch, those words have to hurt. I look over at Jameson sipping a beer, as he looks on from afar. “Umm well, thanks, Jim. It feels good to be a winner. But it was a team effort, after all. If it weren't for my boys, including your son, we wouldn’t be here celebrating.”
Everyone does the Cougar chant.
“You see, not only is he talented on the field, but he is humble off the field. You have enough to brag about, but still won’t take any credit. That is the making of a star quarterback. You mark my words. Big things to come for you.”
“Thanks, sir,” I say, while glancing around the room for an escape option.
“Make yourself a home. Enjoy.” He steps closer to me and tries to whisper but again, fails miserably. “Too bad you have a girlfriend. A lot of good looking ass here tonight. I might have to have a taste.” He gives me a punch in the arm, and I want to lay him out.
“Well, I wouldn’t trade my fiancée for nothing out there,” I say through gritted teeth. Now I know where Jameson gets his asshole nature from. It must run in the family.
I wrap my arm around my fiancée’s waist. Damn, I never can get tired of saying those words: my fiancée. Wrapping my arm around her waist, we walk away from Jim, or Jimbo, or whatever it is he wants to be called.
“Babe, is he always an asshole?” I ask.
“Yes, actually. He can be a real tool at times.”
“Slap me if I ever get like that.”
She stops and looks at me. “You could never be like him, or my father. Your heart is too good.”
“You forgot the most important thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I have you.” I kiss her gently on the mouth.
“I swear, just once, can the two of you not be making out when I see you?” Egon says as he claps me on the shoulder and gives Favor a peck on the cheek.
“Bro. Did you get a load of Jimbo over there?”
“Dude, at least it explains Jameson,” Egon replies with a toothy grin. A couple of music execs have been courting Egon’s band since the Championship game. I think he is going to be offered a record deal any day now.
“Oh, so the party has finally arrived,” Cal announces as he gives Favor and I a hug.
“Well, it looks like Jimbo over there is the party,” I joke, and Favor elbows me in the stomach.
“Where is the rest of the gang?” my fiancée asks no one in particular.
“Jana is upset and drinking by herself in a corner somewhere. Wayne is also upset and is standing outside, trying to cool off,” Cal explains.
“Why are they both upset?” Favor looks around the room.
“Honey, who knows? I still don’t understand the two of them. It is obvious they like each other, so how come they’re hiding it?” Cal places his hands on his hips.
Looking at me, she says, “I should go and check on Jana. “
“Okay, babe. I’ll catch up with you later. I’ll see if I can find Wayne to talk to him.”
She gives me a kiss on the lips and goes off in search of Jana. I stare at her as she walks away. Damn, how did I get so lucky?
Egon slaps me on the shoulder. “You got it bad, bro.” He laughs.
I guess he’s right. I do have it bad. “That’s going to be you one day, my man.” I slap him on the back as I laugh at him.
He shakes his head. “Never, man. Too many ladies out there will be missing out on the love machine.”
“Did you just say that?”
“Yep.” He grins from ear to ear.
We are about to look for Wayne when we hear raised voices coming from another room. The three of us walk in the direction of the voices.
“You’re embarrassing yourself. Just go upstairs already,” Jameson snarls at his father.
“Embarrassing? You wouldn’t know the first thing about embarrassment. Every day I look at you is an embarrassment. You couldn’t hang on to the top spot, could you? Hell, you couldn’t even land the girl, could you? You’re just a bottom feeder. Second rate. That’s all you’ll ever be,” his father yells at him as the room quiets.
Jameson looks around the room and sees all the staring faces. He throws his hand up in the air. “I don’t need this shit.” He pushes past his father and walks out of the room.
For the first time since knowing Jameson, I feel sorry for him. Jim looks around the room, raising his glass in the air. “Let the party go on. The loser has left the room.” He takes a sip of his drink as he tries to stand up straight.
No one says anything as they look at the trainwreck standing before them. I shake my head and turn t
o leave the room, with Cal and Egon behind me. I start looking for Favor so we can leave, but as we walk down the hall, we see Kevin Shore talking to some girls. Why is Kevin Shore here? He’s no longer a part of the team. Cal tenses when he sees Kevin.
“Hey, what’s going on?” I ask Cal.
“I knew I shouldn’t have come here tonight,” Cal says in a low voice.
“No one is going to mess with you. Besides, as soon as I locate Favor, we are out of here.”
“Yeah don't sweat it, man,” Egon says, as he keeps an eye on Kevin.
Egon and I place Cal in the middle as we walk past Kevin, who instantly notices us and glares.
“Well well, if it isn’t the pretty boy, the fag, and the wannabe musician.”
Cal tries to turn and go in the opposite direction, but I hold him in place. “Really? Only thing I see is a wannabe bad boy.” I take a step closer to him. “You’re a spoiled rich brat, who has probably never had to have a real fight in his life. I grew up on the rough side of Philly, where I had to fight five times a day to prove myself. You think you can handle me?” I beckon for him to take a step towards me. Guys like him come to a dime a dozen. They pick on weaker people just to make themselves feel better.
Kevin stares at me for a moment before walking away. Just what I thought he would do. We stay in place, making sure he wasn’t coming back.
I look at Cal. “You okay?”
He nods his head. “Yeah. Thanks.”
“Was he the one that did that to you that night?” Egon asks.
Fear comes across Cal’s face. His lips draw into a fine line.
“You know, protecting him is not doing anyone any good. He should be in jail for what he did to you,” I press.
“Let’s just switch the subject,” Cal says, looking down.
“Alright. I’ll drop it for now,” I reply as I look at Egon, who just shakes his head.
We finally find Favor and Jana. Jana is shitfaced, and can barely stand. She takes a step forward and trips, but Egon catches her in time before she faceplants. Oh, this night just keeps getting better and better.
