Don't Say Goodbye (Brett Favre)

Chapter 3

“One day Prince Derek will be her intended
Splendid

We've tried all summer, but we just can't lose her
Hey fellas, wait up!
Quick, put on some speed
When picking teams
Or friends
I'd never choose her
You'd think she'd take a hint or learn to read
This really isn't fair
We really couldn't care
Boys, it's all or none
This is not my idea
This isn't my idea
Of fun”

– “This is my Idea” from the Swan Princess

Chapter 3

            The third time I saw him, I was angry. The previous three weeks had not been very fun. He continued to taunt me about being a Packer, and I would shoot back retorts. We kept this up the whole time. Part of me knew he was just playing around with me, but I was too young to not take it personally. The following two years, I made sure to keep up with his football career. I was horrified at what I saw happening. I tried to deny it, but it was hard. Everyone in Minnesota could feel it even if it wasn’t spoken out loud. The possibility of a Super Bowl Victory for the Vikings was being threatened. The Packers were coming back… and it wasn’t hard to guess the reason why.

            This year, my brothers stayed inside the apartment building and watched through the windows. Brett was wearing normal clothes this time, but his cocky grin was still on his face. I think it had been put there permanently. I was even more annoyed with him this time than the previous. I just stood there glowering at him. Like always, he laughed at me.

            “Don’t look at me like that,” he said. “Can I help it if I’ve been gifted with amazing ability?”

            I rolled my eyes. “You’ve been gifted with a big head,” I muttered. By now, I had encountered guys like him at school. They were not the type of people I wanted to hang out with. They were just immature, unlike me. I was proud of the high compliments adults often gave me for being so grown-up for my age.

            Brett smirked. “Hey, it’s not gloating if it’s the truth. Look at the facts: I led the Packers to the playoffs for the first time since 1982 and the next year. We have not had back-to-back playoff years since we were in the Super Bowl run so long ago. We’re on the rise. And not to mention my personal accomplishments…”

            “One of them being a tie for the most interceptions thrown,” I said.

            Brett shrugged. “I’m a risk taker. That’s what happens.”

            I crossed my arms and frowned. “You shouldn’t have renewed your contract with the Packers.”

            Brett raised his eyebrows. “Do you know what I think? You’re afraid. Your team has never had to worry about us except for our divisional games. You’re afraid that there’s going to be a new NFC North champion team soon. And you’re afraid that, unlike you, we will actually be able to get to the Super Bowl and win it. We finish what we start.”

            I could feel my anger rising now. “You’ll regret this!” I growled. “The Vikings will destroy you!”

            Brett chuckled and shook his head. “The only reason I stay around you is for how amusing you are. You know I’m only humoring your aunt, right? I would never marry you.”

            I blinked rapidly at his sudden change in demeanor. He had never said anything like this to me before. Up until now, he was always joking and goofing off. I wasn’t sure I liked this change. I frowned. “What’s wrong with me?”