Run, run, run and touchdown! Panting, I threw my fists up into the air feeling proud of myself. The crowds of cheering people became louder as my team’s points went up and the bright floodlights lit up the huge green field. There was only a quarter left and it was now a tie. It was anyone’s game.
Realizing that the ref had called a short break, I decided to take off my helmet to air out my head. I did my famous hair flip and a few lovestruck girls began to squeal and stare at me with big eyes. Laughing, I walked to the back bench and sat down next to Luke
“Nice one,” he complimented before taking a sip out of his water bottle.
“Nice touchdown or nice hair flip?” I joke, still tired from scoring the touchdown.
He laughed and patted my back, “Xavier this is why we’re best friends.”
I stood up with a smile on my sweaty face, “You did pick some good plays though.”
“Well that’s because I’m the team’s quarterback,” Luke chuckled while fixing his hair by running his hand through it. He’s the most popular guy at school, of course he always has to look good, even while playing football.
“And he’s my boyfriend!” Lucy, the head cheerleader, chimed in while setting down her blue and white pom-poms next to Luke. Her blonde hair was tied up in a high ponytail.
“Hey Lucy!” Luke and I said at the same time. We all laughed before Luke stood up next to me to get ready to go back onto the field.
“Did you guys see Whitney’s cheers?” She asked with a look of disgust on her face.
“Nope. I wasn’t paying attention to you guys,” Luke replied while strapping his pads tighter.
“They sucked. I don’t even know why she’s on the squad. Plus she’s really ugly.” She stated as she fixed her pony tail.
“Oh,” I blurted out.
She gave Luke a hug and wished him good luck with a kiss on the cheek before heading back to her cheer squad.
“Whatever that was about, I don’t want to get involved,” I told Luke. We were both now standing on the field ready for the ref to call the game back on.
“Me neither,” he laughed, “but let’s focus on our game, alright? We have to win this!” He exclaimed
“Yeah! We can do this!” I yelled enthusiastically.
He smiled and started to walk to his position. I winked at few girls in the bleachers making them squeal once again. I smirked realizing what effect I had on girls.
As I walking down the field I over heard Lucy and Whitney’s conversation.
“Stop messing up. You’re so stupid!” Lucy spat
“I-I’m sorry.” Whitney whispered with tears forming in her eyes. I tried to pretend that I wasn’t listening so I bent down to fix my shoe.
“You better be,” she threatened, “right Xavier?” I could hear the sly smirk in her voice. How’d she know I was listening?
“Huh?” I tried to act confused.
“Tell Whitney to stop being a total flop.” Lucy scoffed, evident that she wanted me to agree with her.
“Oh um y-” I was interrupted by the referee’s whistle, signalling the game would be back on. I waved and ran off to my field position.
Why was Lucy acting like that? I remembered what Luke had told me, “Let’s focus on our game, alright?” We had to win tonight, it was the biggest game of the season. If my team won, there could be the chance of me earning a scholarship. The play had started and the opposing team had the ball. The cheerleaders, including Lucy and Whitney, began to cheer us on. I started to run, sweat slowing running down my neck, but Whitney immediately came to mind.
I wonder how she felt. She might not be the most popular girl at school or prettiest but she was nice. Lucy didn’t have any right to say anything mean like that to her. Zoning back in on the game I realized I just missed a tackle. I let the other team score a touchdown just because I was distracted. Luke came running up to me.
“What was that about?” he asked, sounding quite angry.
“I don’t know. I just sorta zoned out.” I replied, not wanting to start anything between Luke and I. We’ve been friends for years. I’m not going to let some stupid girl drama get in between us and our football.
“Well zone back in.” he retorts. I sighed and got ready for the next play.
The other team was winning and I could tell Luke wasn’t liking this. Walking back, I over heard Lucy and Whitney again.
“Listen Whitney, you shouldn’t even be on this team. You don’t know how to cheer plus you’re hideous.” Lucy hissed.
Whitney didn’t reply, tears were forming in her big brown eyes. I set my mind back onto the game and tried to forget what happened. The ref blew the whistle and the game was on. Instantly, my mind wandered to Whitney. Should I say something to Lucy? She was distracting me from my game and hurting Whitney. What would Luke think if I yelled at his girlfriend? My popularity level would obviously go down. Was it worth it? Realizing the ball was coming my way, I instantly cleared my thoughts.
I ran, using all my strength. I wasn’t going to let Luke or myself down. Just as I was about to tackle one of the opposing players, I saw Whitney through the corner of my eye. She was sitting on the bench crying. I lost sight of the ball, letting the other team score another touchdown
“Xavier, I don’t know what is wrong with you today but you better pull yourself together or else we’re going to lose!” Luke shouted now becoming furious.
“I need a timeout.” I abruptly replied.
“Fine.” Luke signaled a time out for me and the game stopped.
I slowly walked over to Lucy with Luke close behind me, confused. This is it. I’m going to go tell Lucy off whether Luke liked it or not. Yes, my popularity status might go down but it was worth it. If I could help make Whitney feel better, it was worth it. No one should ever feel they way Lucy made Whitney feel. Approaching Lucy, she gave me a weak smile, flashing her perfectly white teeth.
“What’s wrong Xavier?” she questioned, trying to sound cute. Pathetic.
“Listen Lucy. You shouldn’t be saying stuff like that to Whitney. How would you feel if I told you that you weren’t good enough to be on the team?” I yelled, trying to keep calm. Her mouth dropped open in awe. She wasn't expecting me to say that. I wasn’t even expecting myself to say that either.
Luke stayed quiet before shouting out. “What did you just say?”
Now or never I thought. “I said she needs to stop being rude and think about how others feel.” I replied, feeling the desire to shout louder.
“Really Xavier? You’re standing up for Whitney?” Luke spat, taking a step closer to me.
“Yeah I am and you should be to. Why does Lucy feel the need to always put others down?” I demand, realizing my friendship with Luke was now over. I looked over to Whitney and realized she was smiling. I smiled back feeling proud of myself.
All of a sudden, Luke pushed me back onto the floor. “What was that for?” I managed to murmur in disbelief.
“Don’t stand up for losers.” he informed me before walking away.
Whitney came running up to me, her brown curls bouncing behind her. “Are you okay?” she asked, her soft voice full of concern.
I laugh, “Yeah I’m fine. But are you okay?”
“Well I’m better but that’s only because of you.” Whitney said. “Now let’s get back on the field and show Luke who’s boss!” She grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet. She gave me a big hug and whispered, “Thank you,” into my ear. I grin, realizing it was definitely worth it.
