As Long As You Need

7-Friday Night Lights

The first football game of the season. Whoop. Whoop. Friday Night Lights.

Note the sarcasm.

I hate football games. No correction I hate football in general. Having a brother who was obsessed with football was already a lot but having him plus my dad and Noah. It was football all the time. 

Not only that but I was forced to go to every game. EVERY game. Honestly it wasn't bad at first, my brother has been playing football since he was 7. Him and Noah of course have always been on the same team.

After a while of attending games it gets boring. Especially when you're forced to be there because your brothers there. The only thing I looked forward to was watching #9 play aka Noah. Now that the two of us are well not speaking again, I have nothing to look forward to. 

I know Derrick is playing and although we went on a date I don't know him that well. Should I cheer for him? I mean duh he's on our home team, but I mean directly for him. Scream his name and shit. What's his jersey number again?

Getting ready for school today I decide to wear a jean skirt and a loose white crop top, I throw on my white vans and decide to loosely braid my hair pulling it to the side. 

I open my bedroom door the same time Noah is stepping out of Brady's room. We make eye contact. I want to say something but I can't. He looks like he wants to say something too but doesn't. We just stand there for what feels like forever. 

Clearing my throat I turn and walk towards the stairs. I hear him sigh as he follows me. We head to Brady's car, Noah gets in the front and I get in the back.

Brady and Noah talk about the game tonight as I scroll through my feed. I get a text from Delilah saying she isn't feeling well and won't be coming to school today. She also said Matt stayed to take care of her. Weird. Yesterday she texted me saying she was going to be late but never showed. 

We pull up at the school and I jump out of the car. 

My classes go by smoothly. Noah still isn't talking to me.

I get my food and begin to head towards my table. Even though Delilah and Matt aren't here I'll sit there and eat alone I don't care. Just as I get to my table I hear my name being called. 

I turn to see Derrick waving me over to his table.....my brothers table. 

"Come sit over here with us." Derrick says pointing at the empty spot between...of course...him and Noah. 

I sigh in frustration, the world really hates me today. I put my tray down and sit in between them. My brother sits opposite of us, Chelsea hanging off of his arm next to him. They're both glaring at me. Aww couple goals.

This is awkward. I can tell the only person who wants me here is Derrick. I begin picking at my soggy fish sticks. When I hear a whiny high pitched voice that makes me want to stab my ear drums with this plastic fork.

"Babeee does she have to sit with us? She's bringing the vibe down." Chelsea whines staring me down. 

I roll my eyes, "Awww life is so unfair for you." I mimic her whine and pout. She scowls at me. 

Some people around the table laugh. My brother kicks me under the table. Asshole. 

I kick him back.

"Don't be mean to my girlfriend. And she's right you are bringing the vibe down." Seriously can he not take her side just once? I know he doesn't want me sitting here. 

I think he forgets sometimes that I am older, by five minutes. 

"Maybe sitting over here was a bad idea." I mumble to Derrick. 

He shakes his head, "No they just have to get used to it." He places a hand on my thigh. 

This action doesn't go unnoticed by Noah as I watch him tense next to me. His eyes trained on Derricks hand on my thigh.

Just a few weeks ago that was his hand. 

"Are you coming to the game tonight?" Derrick asks me and I turn my attention to him.

I laugh, "Yeah my dad makes me since Brady is on the team."

Derrick nods a blush forms on his cheeks, "Uh I was wondering if you would wear my jersey tonight. You don't have to I get if you don't, but I would like you to."

I smile up at him, "I would love to."

***

Derrick gave me his jersey turns out his number is #24. 

I'm currently in my room getting dressed for the game. I put on a pair of jean shorts and throw on his jersey. I tie it in a knot on the back because it comes down to my mid thighs. I put on my high tops and fix my hair. 

I head down stairs where dad is waiting for me.

He eyes the jersey, "Now I know thats not Noah's number." 

"Why would I wear his number?" I ask giving him a puzzled look.

He shrugs his shoulders, "Figured the boy grew some balls and asked you out after that date you had with the other boy."

I shake my head, "Noah wouldn't he doesn't like me like that." my dad smiles.

"Just like you don't like him." My jaw drops. How did he?

He seems like he already expected my reaction, "Pumpkin the two of you are awful at keeping your eyes to yourselves. Plus I'm a dad I know everything." I laugh. 

Clearly not everything, cause if Noah really liked me he wouldn't have avoided me. 

We make it to the game and sit in the stands. Dad goes and gets food from the concession bringing back nachos and two cokes. 

The game starts and the boys pile out onto the field. Number 9 comes into view and as much as I want to I can't look away. 

As the game progresses I notice Noah isn't playing his best. Like I said I don't know much about his dad other than the fact that I get a bad feeling about him. I know that his dad does put a lot of pressure on him to play well and to play in college and eventually play professionally. 

So what if he's having an off game? Hopefully his dad doesn't say anything.

Well I shouldnt have thought that because the moment that thought made its way into my mind I hear Mr. Scotts voice. 

"I swear Mary that boys gonna get it when he gets home."

I turn my head to see Mr. Scott sitting there. He looks mad. Even I am scared. Mary, Noah's mom sits next to Mr. Scott. She looks sad. Probably because Noah isn't playing well.

Even though Noah wasn't at his best we still won. We head down to congratulate Brady but Noah informs us that he left with some of his other friends. The whole time Noah talks to my dad he doesn't even glance my way.

My father offers Noah to come with us to get food but he declines. I watch as he walks towards his parents. Once they are out of sight I get in the car with dad. He starts driving home when I receive a message on my phone.

Derrick: You looked cute in my jersey x

Me: :) You played well

I think he did. I didn't pay much attention to him. Hopefully he played well I mean he played well enough to win I guess. I really need to get my mind off Noah. 

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A/N  I think I saw my soulmate in target.

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Edited