"Set, hike!" The sound of the roaring crowd faded as Jake zoned into the game, hearing the soft thud of the ball hitting Ryan's fingertips. Jake breaks free from his position, finding an open spot, and making eye contact with Ryan. The quarterback pulls his arm back and launches the ball into Jake's waiting hands, where he catches it and presses it close against his chest. He looks ahead as he runs, watching the yard lines fly behind him, becoming smaller with each step. 20, 15, 10, 5... he's almost there, one more step to the endzone. A heavy opponent crashes on his shoulders and Jake winces from the impact, tucking his head as he rolls forward. All he can do is hope that he made it in. More and more players stack on top of him, crushing him beneath their communal weight. Jake makes sure to keep the ball tight in his grip, not wanting to drop it and make all of this for nothing. Worst-case scenario? They would have to go one more yard for the touchdown. He feels the weight on top of him releasing, the air coming more freely into his lungs. Soon, the lamp posts' lights are visible and everyone has gotten off of him, allowing him to stand up, brushing the stray dirt and grass off of his pants. He soon sees the movement he was yearning the ref would make, his hands raising above his head as he calls a touchdown. A smile stretches ear-to-ear on Jake's face, proud happiness overwhelming him as the crowd chants out his name, knowing him for, well, him for once.
"Holland! Holland! Holland!"
As the team rushes forward to congratulate him, Jake's eyes lock on Ryan's. It was hard to believe that it was only two weeks ago when the roster came out, he had awkwardly hugged Ryan. The smile still plastered to his face, he gets back into position as Brody Syder, the kicker, gets the ball snapped to him and kicks it into the air, soaring between the yellow posts. He raises his arms again to indicate that it's good and cheers roar from the crowd. Jake looks up proudly at the scoreboard, 7-0. A whistle blows and the ref and signals halftime, the teams rushing off of the field and into the locker room.
"Jake! Great touchdown!" Ryan exclaims, thumping his hand on Jake's shoulder.
"Thanks, but it was your throw that let me get it," Jake says with a smile, gently shoving Ryan.
"Yeah, it was the throw," Mason replies smugly, walking threateningly towards Jake. "A good throw and some very undeserving luck." Mason lifts his hands and shoves Jake into the locker and he winces in pain.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Mason? Leave him alone!" Ryan retorts, a protective fury in his blue eyes. "Jake is a very talented wide receiver and we all know this. If you can't accept that, then feel free to leave the team." Flames of rage burn in his eyes and you can see the evident struggle as he holds his hands together, attempting not to hit Jake again. With an award-winning eye roll, Mason stalks to the back of the locker room where his things are.
"Thanks," Jake says, more embarrassed than he's ever been.
"Don't mention it." It might just have been the navy on his jersey, but his blue eyes were shining especially bright. Coach walks into the locker room soon after, opening the door and letting in the sounds of the crowd chanting at the top of their lungs.
"Wolves! Wolves! Wolves!" The shouts fade away as Coach shuts the door behind him.
"Gather 'round everyone!" he hollers. Everyone stops what they're doing to crowd around him. "We played a decent first half. There are obviously some things we need to work on, though. Holloway- find the opening. You listen to the play well, but you need to know when to stray from the plan and find way to get the ball, okay?" Coach continues, giving advice and praise to each member on the team. "Okay, halftime's almost up. Let's head back out there. Come on, boys." The door opens and the chanting rings in their ears, pumping up the team. Jake and the rest of the team saunter onto the feild, relishing the roar of the excited crowd. Signs and posters reflect the moonlight, the glinting silver accenting the deep navy. Soon, Ryan starts shouting out the plays, pulling Jake and the rest of the team into the zone.
Two touchdowns and a field goal later, the game ends, leaving the Wolves with their first victory. The team, high on adrenaline, were jumping and shouting in the locker room. Shouts of "let's go!" echo throughout the room, their school's signature howl was also spreading like wildfire. Ryan walks over to Jake, thumping him on the back.
"I just saw Mason leave, now we won't have to deal with him anymore."
"Well, that's nice," Jake replies with an awkward smile. The locker room slowly clears out, but the two boys stay in deep conversation. Soon they're the only ones left. Jake knows his parents are waiting out in the bleachers, but they're probably having a conversation with somebody; his father was very social- very awkward mind you, but social all the same. As they talk, Jake feels a pull towards Ryan and it seems that they're getting closer with each beat of his heart.
"Oh geez," Ryan exclaims as he looks down at his watch and backs away from Jake, "it's late. I better go, my parents are probably getting agitated."
Jake nods. "Yeah, that makes sense. See you on Monday?"
"See you on Monday," Ryan agrees with a smile. As Ryan walks away, Jake can't help but feel a little disappointed. He doesn't know why, but he does. Collecting himself, he grabs his things from his locker and heads out to the field.
"Jake! There you are! You ready to go?" Emma asks, walking towards him. Hannah and Tom are close on her heels.
"Yup," he says with a smile.
"Oh my word, Jake! You did great!" his dad exclaimed, hooking his arm around his shoulder. Praises wash over him as he walks to his car. He knows he should be elated- he scored his first touchdown after all- but he just feels disappointment.
YOU ARE READING
Just Me
Fanfic*The sequel of Meeting You* Jake Holland is the son of none other than Tom Holland and his wife, Emma. He was the wide receiver for the football team and a sophmore and was amazing, just like he is at almost everything he tries. He loves his family...
