Melanie

Four

So, just after dinner, the silence was louder than I had imagined. Sitting right next to Jake and Melanie at the table made me feel uneasy. I was gazing at everyone, but also at the ceiling. It was just too awkward for Jake, Melanie, and me. Vivian and Jonah agreed to have a chat regarding me and my prospects after college. Melanie gave her brother a death gaze. I felt that this was not the place for me to be, and I should have never been here.

Vivian told me I would have a glorious future since I was one of the best football players of all time after we talked about my future prospects. I was smiling a little, but it faded because of Jake. Dad was the greatest football player of all time, yet he got drafted into the NFL but never made it. So, after marrying mom, dad's life was turned upside down. He was quite pleased, but suddenly, he became someone he never imagined himself to be. He lost himself as his mother tried everything on him, but it didn't work out.

"You seemed like your future is arriving, like your dream is coming true," Vivian sneered at me.

"Thank you for being so supportive, Miss Quinones; I simply can not comprehend what my life is like," I remarked. Jake remained silent and proceeded to eat his food. Because their mother was a full Latina and their father was white, their food was wonderful and full of flavor.

"Dax, that's really sweet of you," Vivian said, grabbing a handkerchief to wipe her lips. Jonah sat there still eating, but he was having a good time with it. Jonah was delighted to be a member of a new family after proposing to Vivian. They'd been together for three years, and I hadn't seen Vivian this happy since her ex-husband died. Vivian looked absolutely stunning now. After meeting Jonah, she discovered herself. Jonah was the light and the reason Vivian got through her worst moments.

"Thank you for this wonderful dinner; let's call it a night," I remarked to everyone. They were all watching me. I rose, took the plate and fork, and carried them to the kitchen to wash the dishes. After that, I went home because it had been a long and unexpected day for me as well.

Few days had passed, and today marked the start of the football team's and cheerleaders' first home season. I had been working and studying as hard as I should have been. I'd been seeing Melanie for a while, but we hadn't spoken since supper with the Quinones family. Also, Mom informed me she had passed the exam and would graduate with her PhD nursing degree later in December. I couldn't be more proud of her commitment. She motivated me to work hard, and I wanted to prove to the world that I could do so.

I was getting ready first thing in the morning, packing my brace and other items because this was officially my last first home of the season. College was nearing, and I had heard that coaches from several universities would watch my game to see if they were interested in me. I entirely focused my thoughts on Harvard, and I hoped the Harvard coach would be present.

Mom was preparing breakfast, as she called my name. I grabbed my sports bag and took it from the bedroom to the dining room with me. I kissed her on the forehead for my mother, who had never been more excited about her upcoming graduation in a few months. "Today is your day; you'll be the next Jalen Hurts," mom remarked.

"Mom, everyone is saying that to me because I have some of his skills and abilities, but I am not the quarterback. "I'm more like Austin Ames from the Disney classic Cinderella or Spencer James from All American," I stated. She then laughed at me.

"Son, you're more like Spencer James and Jalen Hurts," mom said, her cheeks glowing with a smile.

"What are you attempting to convey in any case?" I asked. I was examining what Mom had prepared. She was preparing the most delicious strawberry and vanilla crepes. That was one of Dad's all-time favorite breakfast dishes. Mom prepared it flawlessly.