Tackled

Chapter 12

I woke up the next morning and looked at the clock on my nightstand. It was after eight. I must have over slept. Why didn't my alarm go off? 

I quickly got dressed in record time and ran down the stairs and into the kitchen. William was sitting there on a kitchen stool, drinking his coffee and reading the sports section of the paper. "Hey sis, you and Nick made it in the paper."

"Why are you not freaking out or yelling at me right now? I over slept. I'm late for school." I've never been late to school before, never. I've always been on time for everything.

"I know. I was the one that turned your alarm off."

"Why would you do something like that?"

"Because you were passed out in the car before we even left the school parking lot last night. Nick even carried you upstairs and you still didn't wake up. I thought you could use the extra sleep. And especially since Mr.Smith called this morning asking to speak to a little miss Adeline Collins."

"What did he say? What did you tell him?" Suddenly interested in the conversation at hand.

"He wanted to meet with you and Nick over lunch next Saturday, at Pizza Sam's on campus, something about a football scholarship. But since you were still sleeping, I told him that you'll have to get back to him but I'm sure she'd love that."

"That's amazing Willy!"

"I know right. I should be your sports agent."

"Not that, about the scholarship. And besides, I'm not going pro."

"You don't know that."

"Yes I do. I want to start a family soon after college."

"I know you do. I was just kidding. Come on, get your things. I'm taking you to school this morning."

I walked towards the front door and grabbed my bags. "Do mom and dad know?"

"Yeah. They trusted my judgement and went along with it."

"About the scholarship stupid."

"Oh. They were super happy for you. Especially since Nick was joining you."

"You don't know that for sure."

"Of course I do little sis. I see the way he looks at you. The way he cares for you on and off the field. There's no way he won't go with you."

"Okay changing the subject. So what did the paper say about Nick and me anyways?"

"Take a look for yourself little sis." Then he set the paper in my lap and started to pull out of the driveway. "Read it for yourself." I looked down at the sports section and read the headline.

"Duo bound for Alma."

"Yup. Pretty good so far huh?"

I chuckled to myself and smiled down at the paper. "Yeah." Then I continued to read aloud. "Last night the Whales had their second win of the season. Their secret? A duo consisting of Nick King and Adeline Collins. The two have been playing together since the third grade. 'These two have shared a connection since they were kids.' the school trainer, Jackie Greer commented. 'The way Nick and Adeline connect, communicate, work together, and trust one another, has continued to amaze me. I've been watching them play since they were in the third grade, and it's amazing what they have accomplished together.' their coach commented." I paused and looked up at William who was listening to me read. "Wow!"

"Keep reading."

"Nick King made a very bold move when running after one of the other team's players and jumping in front of him, all to protect his female teammate Miss Adeline Collins from being tackled. However, Adeline did get tackled later in the game. In the fourth quarter, after receiving the pass from King, she was taken down right after the catch. When she didn't get up right away, King, the schools' trainer, and their coach all rushed to her side. She was advised that it wouldn't be safe to go back in for the remaining two minutes of the half. But she didn't listen, and insisted on playing anyways. It was clear that everyone was apprehensive, but they took the chance anyway. Adeline Collins' teammates protected her with their lives as she got the hand-off from Nick, and scored the final touchdown of the night. But what truly amazes everyone, is not just the connection and love she has with the team, but the connection she shares with Nick King.  The way King and Collins work together, trust, and care for one another is what people love to watch both on and off the field. Both players have a bright future ahead and a forever bond with one another. Both athletes have a scholarship offer to play football together at Alma College. We can't wait to see what happens for this football duo." I looked up at William who was now smiling from ear to ear. "This is amazing Willy."