Friday Night Midnights

Everyone but You

That morning was no better than the previous night. In fact, it was probably worse. All mom talked about was Kaylie's court date. Multiple times she mentioned how it would be easier if dad was still here. When she went upstairs to call a lawyer, I knew I had to get out of the house. Joel and Aaron always went to church Sunday morning. My family wasn't much of the churchy type since dad died, so, my Sunday mornings were made for sleeping in. Usually. Today, I was up with the sun. Instead of texting Joel, I grabbed my shoes and ran out the door. I could hear Kaylie call after me, but I just kept running. I'd be home eventually. I ran to Hermann Field without knowing that was where I was headed. Rather than stepping out onto the field, I went to the stands and sat at center. Couldn't tell you how long I sat there. Staring. I was woken from my daydreaming when I heard an engine pull into the parking lot. I looked over just in time to see the truck's door swing open and my neighbour step out. She was my age and we went to the same school but we never really talked. Said 'hi' occasionally, but that was about it. She saw me sitting and started to walk over. "Hey Ryder." she called out. "Hey Rebecca." I responded. Rebecca sat next to me in the stands and without me saying anything, seemed to understand all I wanted was silence. We sat there staring at the field. Me wondering what the hell she was doing here. As she got up to leave, I spoke for the first time since her arrival. "Why'd you sit here?"

"Cause it seemed like you needed a friend, Ryder. That's it." She walked away without saying another word and a couple seconds later, I heard her truck leaving the lot.

As I was about to leave the field, I heard a buzz from my phone I forgot I brought. As I pulled it out of my pocket, I saw Aaron was calling. I answered to the sound of him talking to someone. "Aaron?"

"Ryder! Where the hell are you?"

"Hermann"

"Alright. Stay there. We'll be there in 2." I guess I was now staying here.

I heard them pull up. Made no effort to greet them. "Ryder!" Aaron yelled out. So, now they can't find me.

"You blind? He's right there!" Joel responded.

"Where?"

"In the stands dumb ass."

"Why the hell is he sittin in the stands?"

"Cause there was no one to catch the ball." I responded.

As they ran up the stands practically breaking the benches, I saw their confused faces become clearer. "Why'd you come find me?" I asked as they got closer.

"Your mom called looking for ya." Aaron answered.

"Is Kaylie ok?" I asked

"I don't know man. Your mom just asked where you are."

"Fine. I gotta go." I pushed my way past them.

"Ryder. What's your problem?" Joel asked. I knew that was coming.

"Kaylie has a court date and this morning was worse than last night. I slept outside. I had to get out of that damn house."

"How bout you stay at mine tonight." Aaron commented.

"Thanks man but I can't. Gotta be home for mom." I ran down the stands and out onto the road to begin the run back home.

"RYDER! WHERE THE HELL DID YOU GO?" I was greeted by my mother at the door.

"I went to Herrmann. I needed to get out of the house and clear my head. How's Kaylie?"

"She's fine. Now just help me clean up the kitchen."

"RYDER!" Now Heidi's yelling at me. Great. Can there be any less estrogen in this house.

"WHAT!" I yell back.

"Oh hi. I just didn't know if it was you that was home. ALSO, Coach called. Said he wants to talk about next week's game. Something about Martinez and who's going in first. I don't know. He wants you to call him back."

"Shit. Heidi. Martinez won't step on that damn field unless I break my neck and am lying in a hospital bed." I ran upstairs grabbing the home phone on the way up to call Coach back.

As I'm listening to the line ring, I text Joel and Aaron about Martinez.

Me: Coach called saying he's playing Martinez next week

Aaron: Shit bro

Joel: Tell him none of us are playing if that happens

Me: You guys are gonna play if it does but it's not gonna happen

Joel: If he's in, we're done. No championships

Me: I know. I gotta convince coach

"Hill. Was wondering when you'd call me back."

"Sorry Coach. I met Aaron and Joel at Herrmann."

"No need for that. Wanted to talk to you about next week's game."

"I know Coach. Don't put Martinez in."

He started laughing. Guess I sounded a little desperate.

"I was never going to put him in. Just wanted you to call me back. Fast. Can you get Joel and Aaron off my back now?"

"Sure," I chuckled. "Thanks Coach. What'd you wanna talk about?" I quickly texted Joel and Aaron.

Me: Guys. Stop yellin at coach. Martinez isn't playing.

Aaron: K cool

Joel: Ya sorry bro

"Well, I'm gonna be switching up positions for a game. Wanna try something out."

"Okay... Who are you switching?" I ask cautiously. Other coaches have done this before and it's never ended with a win.

"Everyone but you."

I sit there in shock. "Everyone?" I manage to cough out.

"Everyone. Gonna need your help getting everyone ready for the game. See you at practice Hill."

"Ya. See you Coach."

I hang up dumbstruck. Why the hell is he switching everyone. What does Coach see. Maybe he's going crazy.

Me: Coach is switching every one up for the game

Joel: What do you mean

Me: Everyone but me is playing a different position

Aaron: WHAT THE FUCKING HELL

Joel: You serious? He can't do that. We'll lose

Me: Coachs decision. Just play your asses off in practice. Got it?

Joel: Ya ya

Aaron: HE KNOWS WE'LL LOSE RIGHT???

Me: Aaron. Chill.

Aaron: I'm calling coach.

Me: You call, I'll beat your ass

Aaron: Fine. We still on for later today?

Me: Ya see you guys at Herrmann

I agree with Aaron. What the hell is Coach doing.