“Yeah, Dad, sorry I woke you. I just really need to talk.”
I can hear him moving around on the other end of the phone. Guilt fills me as I look at the time on the wall. I probably should have come up with another way to ground myself.
“Don’t you worry about waking me. I’m here anytime you need me, son. What’s up?”
I think over how to say this without revealing that I’m in a relationship with the girl next door. I’m not sure how our parents will take this or if his advice will change because of who I’m talking about. I need to vent and get some clear perspective, not a lecture and shutdown.
“Come on, son. This is me. You can talk to me.”
“I’m seeing someone and we’re getting serious. I … I love her. I think it’s time I start thinking more about my future and what that means to her,” I say cautiously.
“Ah, I see. Tell me exactly what your concern is,” he says steadily.
“I didn’t want to date before because I wanted to focus on the game. I didn’t want to end up here. Needing to decide between her and the game.
“What if I can and should declare after this season? She’s a freshman. She has three more years of school to go. What does that mean for us?”
“If she’s the one and she cares about you, she’s not going to make you decide. She’ll support this dream you’ve had all yourlife. Your mother has never asked me to decide between my dreams and my love for her.
“She’s supported me through the best of times and the worst. And, son, times have gotten really bad. I’ve always been able to lean on her love.
“If you can look at this young lady and see that type of love in her, she’ll be there no matter what you choose. There will be a time when you’ll know she has to come first.
“That one time when you’re asking too much of her love and you have to be the one to make a sacrifice, but that’s a different time and circumstance. You’ll know what needs to be done when that day comes.
“For now, trust her to love you enough to support you. If she can’t, she’s not the one. You’re growing into a good man, Bent,” he says.
“But what if I don’t make the right decision and I lose her? Where do I go from there? Nothing seems right without her anymore.”
He chuckles and sighs. “Ah, you’re definitely smitten. No matter what happens, son, you can always come home. Let that be your starting point.
“How you center yourself when you’re feeling lost. Come home and ground yourself in the familiar.
“Meanwhile, I want you to trust your instincts. You’ve fallen for her for a reason. You’re a QB for a reason. You’re a born leader,” he says.
I nod as if he can see me. I knew he would know just what to say. My dad has always been the voice of reason in my life. I have so many memories of him being in my corner. I don’t know what I would do without him.
“Thanks, Dad. That all makes a lot of sense. I’ll talk to you later. I think I should try to get some sleep. Thanks again.”
“Good night, Bent. I love you, son.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
“Good night.”
CHAPTER 17
The Family
Bentley
Zah has been bustingass all season. I’m so proud of her. She has a meet this morning and our entire family is here for the weekend.
They came for her and me. I have a spring practice game tonight. I’m so hyped. We plan to tell everyone about us this weekend. I mean, everyone on campus already knows she’s my girl.
I made that very clear after that debacle with Pacey. Rumors had already gotten out fast about the band showing up to play for Zah for me. By the time we got back to campus the following Monday, it was pretty clear we were together.
I don’t shy away from showing PDA anymore. I had wanted to give Zah time to make up her mind about us, but once she agreed to be mine, I pulled no punches. We still have our game going, but she’s my girl no matter the outcome.
