Telegraph Ave (Author's Edition)

Chapter 31: Hasten

It's Tuesday morning, marking my second day of summer workouts. Jordan, Markus, and I were the first to arrive again, except this time Jordan drove in his own truck. The reason for Jordan driving in his own vehicle, is because Markus and I had no intentions on waiting that long to get home again, so we just repeated our routine from yesterday.

Speaking of yesterday, when my mom came home from work I informed her on how practice went. I had to provide her a whole short story, but after doing so she was so proud and giddy with anticipation. Even contemplated on taking a day off work, just to see me practice but we both knew she'd have to wait for the football games. Until that time comes to past, I desire to make sure she knows I'm doing everything to the best of my ability.

After dinner, I stayed up for quite some time-studying more plays than needed. I was hungry for the knowledge, allowing my mind to engulf me in a wormhole of vision. Probably could've stayed up all night, but rest was needed in a time like this.

I'm at practice now, coated in my own sweat as we're now on our water break. Earlier, the team and I managed to survive through another series of weight training. Today was leg day and we had squats, calf raises, deadlifts, and more abs. Yet, due to me having more strength than the average LB on my team, I had to lift with the bigger guys again. I only wish we could've done legs after field practice, for mine are now fragile as noodles. The turf is rigorous as kneel down on the sideline, watching my teammates jog across the field. The morning is soothing but our training is brutal, however I'm okay with that. As long as I'm fatigued I know I'm getting better.

"X."

I hear Markus's voice and I immediately leave my thoughts. "Yo?"

"You good fam." He grabs another bottle from one of the managers and takes a knee beside me. "I caught you staring into space for a minute."

"Yeah, I'm good bro. I was just thinking." I respond taking another sip, ultimately handing the bottle back to Asia. "Practice is getting hectic."

"Like I said, it's only the beginning." He squirts a shot of water in his mouth, as sweat poured down his cheek. "And, it only gets better from here."

"In a good way, or an exhausting way?"

He pauses, then looks me in the eye. "Yes."

Brrrrp!!!

A whistle blows from a distance, our attention are snatched by the alarming sound.

"Alignment!!!" Coach Floyd shouts from down field, and without delay our teammates became a stampede-running in the coach's direction

Rising back to our feet, Markus and I ran along with them down the sideline. But, before joining the rest of my teammates, I excluded myself in a private area. I walked as far as where there voices subsided with the breeze from Bay Area, taking a knee in the turf once again. I prayed before coming to practice but you can never pray to much, so I closed my eyes and allow the spirit to take hold of me.

Oh heavenly father, God, I beg of you to help me and my teammates perform at our highest level today at practice. I thank you for protecting us from all harm, and I pray that you continue to protect us from injuries and keep us from making any more errors. Proceed to have your righteous angels protect us in spiritual warfare and keep us protected under the blood of Jesus... And lead our minds from corruption.
I ask this in Jesus' name... Amen

Opening my eyes I stood to my feet, feeling the armor of God cling onto my soul. Straping my helmet together, I exhaled, perceiving no fear or doubt creep into the back of my conscious. Except, bravery enclosed me like the eye of a hurricane.