“He sure is,” Dad chimed in. “I don’t know much about him, but if he keeps playing like this, Channing ain’t getting his job back!”
“Wow, that was a way to start the game! Let’s check the replay,” the commentator announced. “You can see Coach Rice and the Maryland Monarchs are making a statement by starting the game with an all-out blitz. They really went big, and it paid off. Defensive tackle Lamar Anderson blows past the O-line and gets to the quarterback in seconds. Look at that—he doesn’t even have time to secure the ball because he doesn’t see Anderson coming. Wow! What a hit! And then the speed of middle linebacker Jalen Reed to get on that loose ball and recover it for the Monarchs. If the Monarchs keepplaying like this, the game is theirs. Now let’s see if the Iguanas have a defensive answer to that.”
“It’s still early in the game,” my dad pointed out. “The offense now has to do something and put some points on the board.” He gestured to the TV. “But this is why you can never underestimate the importance of a good defense.”
I nodded. “Defense wins games.”
The Iguanas did their best to contain the Monarchs’ defense, but their offensive line couldn’t handle it, running backs couldn’t get yards, and wide receivers couldn’t get open. The entire defense played hard, but I kept my eyes on number ninety. He was rushing the passer, stopping the run, and tackling everybody all game.
Aunt Addy fell asleep early in the second quarter but woke up for a minute during halftime. Dad had gone to the kitchen, so I took the time to fill her in.
Taking her hand in mine, I lowered my voice. “I took your advice, and I talked to him. We both admitted to having feelings for each other, but when I told him I wanted to be with him, he hesitated.” I paused, anticipating her asking me what I did next. “I told him that I just needed to get it off my chest and I was cool just being friends.”
Her long blink indicated displeasure—or sleepiness. Because I knew she wasn’t bored by my story, I felt compelled to explain myself. “He’s become one of my best friends and one of my favorite people. Doesn’t matter if it’s a bad day or a good day, when I have some news, I reach out to you, Aaliyah, Nina, and Lamar.”
She squeezed my hand, so I squeezed back. Her lips turned up in a small smile, so I continued. “I’ve known from the beginning that he didn’t want a relationship. And that’s okay. I can respect it. So now I just have to pray my admission doesn’t ruin our connection. What if it does?”
I studied her face, willing her to give me advice and trying to interpret any facial tic, blink, or squeeze as a substitute for her comforting words.
“I don’t regret telling him though.” I sighed. “I’m glad he knows. I’m glad I tried. Now, if we can just move past it…” I put my handon her cheek, and she leaned into it gradually. “You know what I mean?”
She nodded.
“Thanks for listening. Thanks for always being there.”
I missed her voice.
Not just the vocal cadence, but her unique personality, her worldview, and how she applied it to what she’d say.
“What are you two talking about?” Dad asked as he came back into the room.
“I was just thanking her for all her guidance and wisdom,” I answered.
The game started again, and sometime in the third quarter, Aunt Addy fell asleep, but she woke up late in the fourth quarter. While Dad started telling her what she missed, my eyes were fixed on the TV—especially when the Monarchs defense was on the field. So, when the game came to an end, I was grinning when the camera panned over to him and a couple of other defensive players.
“This is a defense to watch,” the commentator said. “Anderson has been a game changer in both his game appearances…”
“What time are you getting on the road, Jazmyn?” Dad wondered.
I looked at Aunt Addy, whose eyes were closed, and rose to my feet. “Now.”
“We’ll call you if there’s a change,” he said gently.
I leaned down and hugged my aunt. “I’m heading home, Aunt Addy.”
She opened her eyes and touched my arm, but she didn’t say anything.
“And don’t worry,” I continued, “I’ll be finishing the book this week and getting it to you.”
She gave me a small smile.
Staring at her, seeing her tired eyes and her light dimming, a wave of sadness hit me. “I love you.”
She opened her mouth but no words came out. I chose to believe she was sayingI love you, too, and I hugged her again to hide my watery eyes.
Blinking rapidly, I pulled away and flashed a big smile. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
She nodded and lifted her hand. I took it and squeezed.
