Shooting for the goal

Courage

'Courage is not having the strength to go on, it is going on when you don't have the strength to continue.'

I read this quote aloud quietly to myself, it was stuck on my locker, obviously from Jorge. I fold the paper and shove it into my locker and shut it.

"Hey, you good?" Enrique asks from behind me.

"Si, estoy bien," I whisper.

"Okay well the boys and I are going to shoot. Wanna come?"

"Nah, I'm good, maybe next time," I say walking to my dusty truck. I hear a girl's laughter. I look over to see Madison getting touchy feely with Jorge, who seems to be uncomfortable. I see him signing for help. We made it up in the 7th grade to get away from people, we raise our hand above our head and shake it. Like waving, and touch our nose for a brief moment, as if were rubbing it. I know it's weird but that's what it is. I redirect my course and stroll over to Jorge.

"Hey! Jorge! What's up! Are you goin' with the boys to shoot goals?" I act as though Madison does not exist.

"Yeah I was just waitin' on you," he smiles taking one of my hands and pulls me into his arms. Madison huffs and stomps away.

"We good?" I ask my voice muffled by being smashed into Jorge's chest.

"Yeah," he says letting me go. "You going to the fields today?"

"No, I have a lot of homework," I lie and begin to walk away.

"Thanks for helping me with Madison!" he calls after me.

I walk through the front door and I'm greeted with a bark and my palms being licked. "Hey Miles! Who's a good boy, huh? You miss me?" I say as I play with his ears and he playfully nips at my fingers. I walk to the kitchen, there's a note on the counter.

Dusty,

I won't be home til later tonight. NO BOYS OVER! Feed Miles and clean up any messes you make! Love you!

Love, Dad

I leave the note on the counter and glance around in the fridge. I'll find something later. I walk into my room, the window is open like someone was trying to make a quick escape. The only person that dares to climb through my window is Jorge. I put down my backpack, Miles whines softly behind me. I search my room, nothing's out of place, but there's a foreign object sitting on my pillow. A bag, I pull out the tissue, inside sits a rose and some clothing. Confused I pull out the clothing, a strapless dress, blue. High-low and bejeweled on the chest. I look in the bag again, a paper folded neatly. With shaky hands I open it.

Dusty,

I thought this would look good on you. I know dresses aren't really your thing but please wear it. If not that's okay too. I hope you like it!!!

-Jorge :)

I smile it's not the first time Jorge got me something like this, but usually it's for a holiday. I hang the dress up and place the rose in a vase in my room. I lay on the bed looking up at the ceiling. The memories of my mother flooded my mind. Her beautiful smile, her hazel eyes staring at me. I stand up quickly and warm up some leftovers. My phone vibrates in my pocket.

Jorge: u sure u dont wanna come?

I smile

Dusty: yea im sure

Jorge: i can come get u

Dusty: nah thats ok

Jorge: ok :p

DING! I jump.

"Stupid microwave," I mutter under my breath. I take the food back to my room, I scoop food out of the dog food bag in my closet and dump it into Miles' bowl. After I eat I drift off to sleep.