"You're on the team even if you don't play."
"He's right," someone says from the door. I look over and see the coach walking in. "You need to be there, Dean. I don't let my players miss a game. You know the rules."
Dean smiles. "Then I guess I'll be there."
The coach goes over to Dean. "You tell them the news?"
"Not yet."
"Go ahead."
Dean glances over at Jake, then back at the guys. "I got three offers to play next year."
The team erupts in cheers. Dean can't stop smiling. Neither can I. I'm so happy for him.
"Did you make a decision?" Tyler asks.
"I'm taking the one in Texas," Dean says. "Small college in Dallas."
Danny's going to Dallas too, but to a different college. He hasn't told Dean yet. He wanted to wait until Dean made his decision.
"That's great, man," Tyler says.
"Everyone go congratulate Dean, then help yourself to the food," Danny says as he goes to the kitchen.
It wasn't much of a party but it was all Dean would've wanted. He got to see everyone and thank them for helping with the house.
After everyone leaves, I'm cleaning up in the kitchen when I hear Dean yelling from the bedroom.
"Brook, is Jake out there?"
"No, I thought he was with you."
Dean comes out to the living room. "Where the hell did he go?"
"Maybe he's outside. I'll go check." I look in the back yard, then go around to the front, before going back in the house. "He's not there."
Dean's eyes dart side to side and his chest moves in and out. He's panicking, thinking Jake's missing again.
"I'm sure he's fine," I say, going up to Dean. "Maybe he went down the street."
"We have to find him." Dean goes to the kitchen to get his keys, going so fast he almost trips.
"Dean, calm down. I'm sure he's just outside somewhere."
Dean goes back to the living room, heading to the front door. "I can't even call him because my dad broke his damn phone."
"Wait! I'll come with you!" I run to the door and open it.
Jake's standing there. "Hey." He smiles at me. "You leaving?"
Dean yanks the door back so hard it hits the wall. "Where the fuck were you?"
"I left my sweatshirt at Danny's house. He took me there to get it."
"And you don't bother to tell me?" Dean yells, his face turning red. "I almost lost you!" He grabs the front of Jake's shirt and yanks him in the house. "You can't fucking run off like that! Ever!"
"I didn't!" Jake yells back. "I told you before I left. I told you twice!"
