I never thought I would be enjoying a football game. I never thought I’d go “skinny dipping” either, or that the whole town would hear me sing, but here we are. Here I am.I survived.I survived years of not feeling enough, multiple miserable dates, a whole school life with only one friend, being the designated “loner”, and sharing a room with Lindsey — that’s a whole other nightmare. But this summer was the first summer I felt like I trulylived. I feltalive.I could breathe deeply without forcing a yawn. I didn’t even think about it, I justdid.
What I didn’t know about being angry all the time and always expecting the worst is that I didn’t experience highs and lows. It was all very constant. But the lower I get, the higher the climb. And the higher I feel, the harder the fall. So, if you asked meif I could relive a summer of my life, I would choose this one, bad things included. I would have never experienced the biggest highs of my life if it weren’t for those bad things.
“Wow, Graham is really good.” Allison comments as we see him navigate the field swiftly. So much that he scores a touchdown like it’s the easiest thing for him.
We all cheer, and without even realizing it, the buzzer sounds through the crowds, and we won!
Emily immediately hushes us to go and meet the guys in the field, even though Allison is already on it. She’s dragging me down the steps and into the field where the teams are celebrating and the opposite team is clapping, cheerfully considering this was a friendly game for charity.
She drops my hand and runs to Riden, throwing herself around him.
“Congrats!” She says, and he removes his helmet, red as ever, and it could be because he just played a full game. Or because of her.
I smirk at him, and he gets even redder while she’s shaking him excitedly. He just shrugs my way, and I laugh quietly.
“Here to kiss the champion?” Jake calls me out.
“I think your mom’s got it covered.” I bite my lip, and sure enough, Emily rushes to smother him.
“Take that bloody thing off, so I can see your face!” His shoulders slump, and he takes off his helmet. “Is your head hurting? Are you feeling alright? That was quite the hit… Oh, you played so well, love!” She drags his head down and kisses his cheek, like a proud mom. Then she holds his face. “I’m so proud of you!”
“Thanks mom.” He glances between her and me, embarrassed, and I’m trying really hard not to laugh, seeing this 6’1 boy being babied by his sweet mom.
“We have to go out for dinner!” She claps excitedly and turns towards me, Allison, and all the boys.
“Or we can just eat at the stands at the fair.” Jake counters, and the guys shrug.
“Alright then, whatever my baby wants.”
“Mom!Not in public.” He whines, and she rolls her eyes.
Laughter bubbles out of me, and I catch him discreetly smirking.
“Okay, we’re going with John, and you boys drive safely to the main square!” She threatens, and they all smile at each other.
“Don’t worry, Mrs. West, Riden is driving, so I’ll be seeing you next year. Probably.” Riden hits Aaron in the arm, and we all laugh.
“I don’t drivethatslowly…”
50
Friday Night Lights Confessions
Music echoes around the main square as the smell of mouth-watering food surrounds us. We’re all — Aunt Lori, sisters, and cousins included — sitting outside in one long conjunction of tables, yellow lights wrapped around every stand, light pole, and possible surface on the square. The gazebo looks ethereal.
My anxiety is through the roof, and I keep stealing glances at Jake, knowing damn well he catches me sometimes. This is that moment in movies of will she or won’t she.
I can’t catch him alone, though, since the boys are always with him. My leg trembles beneath the table, and I play with a bag of rice on my plate.
“Not Graham, he probably has a spot saved up in an Ivy, waiting for him.”
Graham rolls his eyes but doesn’t deny it.
“I feel like if I have the chance to have that education, why not take it?” He shrugs, and Aaron scoffs next to him.
“You’re always so diplomatic, this is why I’m grandma’s favorite.” He comments, stuffing his mouth with meat.
“Yeah, I’m sure the idiot who comes home for Christmas sporting a black eye and smoking is grandma’s favorite.” Graham counters, and Aaron smirks, knowing he got to him and got a reaction.
