Since I was now on good terms with Ryder, I felt somewhat at peace when at school. We spoke to one another in physics quite a bit, and talked a little bit in our other classes.
Although, when on the sidelines that Friday night, he acted like I did not exist. However, I know for a fact it's because Ella was by him the entire time.
I'm not sure if it's just me, but he seems unhappy in the relationship. She just seems to bother him and they always get into little arguments.
But I shook that thought off because I needed to focus on Cooper who was playing well tonight. By the third quarter, he had gotten us six touchdowns, but the other team was also terrible, so what can one expect?
With only a few minutes left in the quarter, Cooper was trying to get his seventh. He was only 27 yards away from the end zone and I had just told him to go for the long pass.
The fans were loud as ever when he tried to juke around the defense, but one linebacker, who was rather aggressive, charged right at Cooper. I knew what the outcome would be before he was even tackled.
Cooper was brought down. He slammed into the ground. We could even hear the crash from the sidelines. The crowd gasped and went silent after there was no movement from Cooper.
"Ainsley, get James ready," said my dad as he pushed by me and onto the field.
Though I have not been too close with Cooper, I still felt bad for him. He has been working so hard, and based on the looks of that tackle, he won't be playing anytime soon.
As the paramedics rushed onto the field to tend to Cooper who had barely moved, I turned to Ryder. He sat next to Ella.
"Are you warm?" I asked.
His lips curved into a small smile and he leapt up from the bench.
"Thank you, Ainsley."
"Don't screw this up," I responded, but also with a smile.
A few moments later, Cooper had been taken off the field on a stretcher. He was conscious, which was good, but other than that, he did not look too great.
The crowd cheered as the players took the field for one final moment.
"James, I want to see a long pass. Watch out for the linebacker that just took out Cooper, by the way. I would hate to see you hurt," I said into my headset.
So, when the ball was snapped, Ryder began to run up and down the line of scrimmage which bought time for the receivers.
It seemed almost effortless as he did a spin-move around a defender and then completed a beautiful pass right to Carew who was already in the end zone.
Ella, who sat behind me, cheered loudly.
When Ryder jogged off the field, we shared small smiles and silent nods because he walked right up to Ella.
"Quarterback! That was amazing!" she exclaimed.
I could hear him chuckle. "That one was for you."
I glanced behind me to see his arms around her waist, and big smiles on their faces... maybe they are happier than I assumed.
-
When the end of the game came around, Ryder had scored two more touchdowns. The crowd was going absolutely wild for him as the team carried him off the field.
They set him down on the ground and Ella rushed up to him. I had to turn away as they shared a kiss.
"Um, how's Cooper?" I asked my dad as I tried to keep my tone even.
"A definite concussion... The medics were saying it was a serious one. He also dislocated his shoulder and messed up his knee. They took him to the hospital, but he's done for the season," my dad explained.
I frowned. Cooper had been a great addition for the team. He has a lot of talent too. Shame his season is over so soon.
"I guess James will have to do... hopefully he can play like how he did tonight for the rest of the season."
A while later, I was heading to the student parking lot. However, on my way out, someone called my name.
I stopped walking and let the person catch up to me. As I glanced up, I was completely shocked to see Ryder beside me.
"In a rush?" he questioned with a slight laugh.
I sighed and adjusted my jacket. "It's just been a long week. What's up?" I questioned as we began to walk once more.
"I just wanted to thank you for letting me play," he said with a smile. I could tell he was genuinely happy.
"It's not really my call, but of course. You played well," I responded.
"Thanks. So..."
It sounded as though he was going to say something else, but we had reached my car. I unlocked it and turned back to him with a raised eyebrow.
"Good night," he said quickly. "Drive safe, alright?"
I gave him a small, closed-mouth smile. "Good night."
Without another word, I climbed into my car.
Despite being on good terms with him, it still hurts to talk to him for whatever reason.
YOU ARE READING
You Belong With Me (A Sequel to "What Once Was")
Romance"Yeah, but this time we're seniors." -Rizzo Does one really think Ainsley and Ryder would not get a second chance? In this book, Ainsley moves back from LA, after learning it was not a good fit. Long story short, Cato is not the guy he seemed to be...