I just think that everyone deserves to experience their senior year to the full extent, ya know?
so, what do u think I should do
Well, I feel like since it’s so last minute and I didn’t end up asking anyone else, that maybe I could just take her?
u’d wanna do that
Of course, man. I mean, that’s not weird is it?
I guess not
I just think that maybe if anything, it’s expected in a way. I don’t know. I guess I just felt kind of bad and I’m free and I don’t really see what the issue is.
yeah, okay man. I appreciate u looking out for her
Of course. So, you're cool with it?
yeah, I mean… just as long as ur not planning to, like, hook up with her or date her or anything
Fuck.
It’s like he already knows and he's trying to shut it down ahead of time. Either that or he really is dead set on making sure that I don’t date Cadence for whatever reason. But the problem is, I already am.
I gotta go. we’ll chat later
Yeah, see you at the game.
I groan. That didn’t go as planned. But at least I know for sure that he’s aware that his sister and I will be going to the dance together; at least that can prepare him for the bigger news. I think to just text him again.
I am dating your sister.
And then I can put my phone away and deal with him at the game tonight, but I don’t want to anger him and I wouldn't want him to bother Cadie about it. So instead I just jump off my bed and start to gather my things. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to talk to him tonight again or even tomorrow before the
I made a promise to Cadence, and I don’t intend on breaking it.
The whole crowd breaks out into a roar as the guys rush into the end zone and lift me up into the air. The football is still in my hand, so I raise it up, cheering as the victory we just won ignites everyone in the stands.
I see a flash strike like lightning in front of me, and I look over to the sidelines. Cadence is holding the camera as she snaps a photo of this moment and I present her with the biggest smile.
The team puts me down and we all rush to the center field for handshakes before jogging back into the locker room. But I so badly want to detour. I want to veer off to the side and go to my girl, give her a hug and celebrate with her. I can tell she wants that too but instead, I jog past here, heading in with the guys.
“Zachariah Loft, my boy!” Coach starts as the guys all huddle in. “Seven fucking touchdowns, kid. Everyone, give him a round of applause. The boys start clapping and hooting, but I simply wave off the congratulation away as I shout, “Ya boy had a killer arm all night.” I point to Bray who smiles at me, everyone now patting him on his back.
The game was a complete shut out. Forty-nine to zero and the win feels beyond amazing. Everyone performed their absolute best and the crowd was full and stacked with so much support.
I feel my phone ring in my bag as I load my gear into my locker and I grab for it.
I told you you could do it.
Cadence.
A smile breaks loose. Because she was right. I killed it tonight. But then my chest aches a bit, hating how I couldn’t run up to her, but I know soon, we’ll be alone again.
“Zach, come take us out,” Coach Shaw waves me over and I drop my phone, heading back to the huddle. And on three, we all shout the team's name.
Everyone chants, screaming mine and Bray’s name. We both look at each other and just shake our heads. We’ve been dealing with this pretty much our whole life and it still doesn’t feel real sometimes.
I feel my phone buzz again, and it reminds me, maybe now I can try and talk to Brayden again. Maybe getting him in a good mood might help soften the blow.
