Because of Haven Beach

10 | effervescent

effervescent (adj.)

vivacious and enthusiastic

* * *

AT the tail end of the fourth quarter, the score was twenty-four to twenty-seven, and the Hawks were losing. We just needed one touchdown to win, but the other team had possession of the ball.

The odds weren't in our favor.

Suddenly, one of our linebackers made an interception, gaining the Hawks the ball. Spectators buzzing in anticipation, the game halted as the defense and offense swapped positions.

The whistle blew again, and I watched someone hike the ball to Eli. One of the players on the other team charged at him, with the clear intention of making a tackle.

I subconsciously held my breath as Eli pivoted around the guy, only releasing it when he got away unscathed.

Just when I thought Eli was out of the woods, another defensive player approached him from behind. Eli saw him at the last moment, and launched the ball down the field to Ethan before stepping out of the way.

Many of the players on the field froze in their spots. The cheerleaders ceased their screaming, and the stands were virtually silent as we collectively watched the ball soar through the air.

Even though I was a fair distance away, I could distinctly see the ball slowly twisting and gliding through the air. It was like someone had pressed a slow-motion button.

Time seemed to speed up as the ball approached Ethan. He jumped up, snatched the ball, and took off towards the end zone.

The other team ran after him, but he was too fast to be stopped.

Ethan spiked the ball in the end zone, prompting the effervescent crowd to go wild.

We all jumped to our feet and screamed at the top of our lungs, getting caught up in the euphoria of the moment. The cheerleaders started a new cheer but were barely heard over our deafening screams.

I watched as Eli and Ben obnoxiously headbutted each other. Their helmets caused them to ricochet and tumble to the ground. A few of the other guys on their team started a pig-pile in the end zone. A few of the cheerleaders even released cans of Silly String and confetti into the stands.

It was astounding to see how much this game mattered to both the athletes and fans.

After emptying her can of confetti, Aubrey made a beeline to Ethan. She launched herself at him, and they started French kissing in the middle of the field.

"C'mon," Delaney yelled over the din, "Let's go down there."

I followed closely behind her as she pushed through the crowd like a pro. We leaped over the fence to meet up with a sweat-drenched Eli and Ben.

I crinkled my nose at the stench; it was a nauseating combination of grass, dirt, and teenage boy musk.

Swiveling my head to avoid the smell, Aubrey and Ethan re-entered my field of vision. They were still standing smack in the middle of the field, sucking each other's faces off like a stereotypical football player-cheerleader couple.

I felt a distinct pang of envy in my chest. They looked so in love with each other. I was happy for them, but deep down, I yearned for a connection just like it.

I wanted someone to share life with. Someone to celebrate wins and losses with. Someone to snuggle and hold close. Maybe it was too good to be true—great loves like theirs were one in a million, like finding an M&M inside a Skittles package.