Bloodshed.

8

Winter break was boring. Danny knew that James didn't want to see her but that didn't stop her from dropping up a rather large bag of gifts for the grieving boy, one she viewed as more of a brother then a friend.

Making her way back to the house after stopping by the gym was slow and peaceful. She stopped by a local coffee shop and bought three hot chocolates as well as a small thing of Christmas cookies. I payed and tip the older woman well while profusely thanking her for being open on a holiday.

The drive back was nice, my windows were cracked and the stereo was off. The harsh windchill made me feel alive. Pulling in to my apartment building I put on my hat and sunglasses, making sure to pull my coat tight as I walked up the stairs with the food in hand. I walked in at 6:05 and set everything in the kitchen as I wrapped Becky and Alyssa's gifts.

They made me promised to not get them anything but I did see two books and doubled checked that they hadn't read it. I put it on the coffee table since I didn't have a tree nor did I want one. I stepped outside to hastily smoke a single fag before returning to the warmth. By 6:30 the couple was up and moving. Thankful I had gotten them hot chocolate. By seven we were all seated around the coffee table and exchange the small amounts of gifts. The pair were both happy about their respective books and I was thankful they had each gotten me a pack of cigs. We share our thanks with each other before the pair splits off to call their respective family while I mindlessly scroll through Instagram.

The rest of the day bundled up under blankets watching movies before departing to get warm under the covers.

————

Senior night came rather quickly. Today was a big day for me. I would sign my commitment letter to the university of Colorado then I would step on the field for my last game as a high schooler. I showed up to school in black slacks, a black button down, a red skinny tie, and my black and red Nike SB Ishod Wairs. I finish the look with a small black watch and my gold chain.

Becky and Alyssa both wore jeans and a Colorado shirt as they arrived at my school during 6th period. At the start of 7th I walk into our gym and take my seat behind a sign with my name, sport, and committed college. I take the photos with the ram on my hat and with Danny Sanchez and then one with Alyssa and Becky.

After that I suit up for the last time in my black kit. Due to the long winter break my wound had sealed itself and my stitches had long been removed.

Stepping into the pitch for our senior night against our cross town rivals. Our JV and non-graduating players stand in a tunnel formation ending at a ballon archway. I'm the last senior to walk through. I'm given a bouquet of roses from Becky as the pair get on either side of me and walk me through the tunnel as they read out things that my teammates submitted to be said about me. During my walk I look into the stands to see James sitting in the front row with the same stupid sign from the last game and the whole senior team on the top row of the bleachers.

We take our photos before removing everything and taking our place on the field. Since the other team is taking a rather long while to join us on the field I call everyone into a huddle. "THIS IS THE LAST TIME SOME OF US ARE TAKING THE FIELD. WE CANT LEAVE ON A LOSS. IM NOT HERE FOR DISTRICTS SO LETS KICK ASS AND GET TOP SEED. NOW LETS WIN. WIN ON THREE. WIN ON THREE. ONE. . . TWO. . . THREE. . . . .WIN!" We split back into our natural positions as the other team finally takes the field much to the hatred of the center ref as it was a rather cold night in Ohio.

With it being a rivalry game we knew it was going to be chippy. By chippy I mean out right dangerous tackles which no one in their right mind would fly into. The first card is issued in the 7th minute in the form of a yellow. The west lake center mid tried to kill Sav. She had gone studs up into her knee. She went down in a heap clutching her knee but is able to climb back to her feet and walk it off.