what was i made for, walker

033. homecoming

"You know guys, the homecoming sandwich station did not used to feel so involved." Stella says, walking out of storage with a box full of little boxes.

"It's probably because you're just used to doing the eating part. The prep takes a little longer." Geri says.

"Well, in her defense, the eating part is the best part." Cordell says.

"Okay, so while we're on topic of HC..." August says.

""HC"?" Janie whispers, sharing a look with her sister.

"After two years, it's kinda tiring feeling like you're living in your sister's shadow." August says.

"They're big shoes to fill, I know." Stella mockingly sympathizes.

"Okay, yeah, point is, it's my junior year, and I feel like I'm ready to show everybody who August Walker really is." August says.

"Show everyone or show those boneheads who are always unironically going live on Insta. Brick and Scout?" Stella asks.

"Brody and Scooter." August corrects. "Yeah, uh, and it's not just about them, Stella. It's about me, which is why I need your help, dad. So, basically, we're-- we're playing Holy Word tomorrow."

"No way. Tomorrow. Wow. That takes me back." Cordell says.

"Yeah, nobody cares." Janie tells him.

"Yeah, so it got me thinking..." August starts.

"So, we were down with four minutes left in the fourth quarter." Cordell says.

"Still not caring." Janie comments.

"And I look over, I see Hoyt hauling downfield and I just throw a perfect spiral. Bam, touchdown! The rest is history." Cordell says.

"Oh, it's a slightly revisionist history there, buddy." Geri comments. "If Hoyt hadn't have gotten that pick-six on the next drive, you would have never won."

"Yeah, yeah. My point was that we won the game and it brought us glory." Cordell says.

"Yeah, right, right. So, um, you know, like, of the afternoon of the big game, they have this, like, alum-student flag football thing." August says.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Cordell nods.

"Seniors versus juniors with alumni on their teams?"

"Sure, yeah, I remember that. The winners get a skip day, right?"

"Yeah, so, I mean, you know, since we actually have a shot at beating Holy Word for the first time, since, you know, you were playing in the Dark Ages..."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hey!" Cordell objects.

"Wow!" Geri exclaims as Stella and Janie laugh.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. No offense." August says. "Maybe you could play with the juniors, you know, give the guys some good vibes. It'd help me out. What do you say?"

"Love to, buddy. Hey, listen, Captain James is giving us an assignment, and I'm not sure what it's going to be, but if I can be there tomorrow, I will be there tomorrow. I just can't promise." Cordell tells him.

"This is gonna be awesome." August smiles.

+++

Janie is sitting on the porch and has the cat held in her arms as she pets her, the cat relaxed.

"Hey." Cordell walks up to the house.

"Look. She lets me hold her now." Janie grins.

"That-- that's great, honey." Cordell forces a small smile. "Listen, uh..." He starts to walk closer, but the cat hisses at him. "Whoa." He steps back. "Okay. Um... I-I still don't know if you should be holding it. I-I mean, we don't know what kind of--"