Down the road of memories

You know I want you

Noah POV

I knew it was a mistake to let Lee plan my bachelor party. He didn't want to give me any information on what he planned to do but to pack a suitcase for me for 4 days and join him at LAX on Thursday evening.

We were joined at baggage check by Tuppen, Elliott and Jon Fletcher, my old high school football teammates and Josh and Ben two of my work colleagues.
-So, since you spent part of your life on the East Coast, Noah" Lee said, patting me on the back. "We're going back to Boston to celebrate the end of your single life.

In my head, I always thought of Boston and Harvard as what kept me away from Elle all those years. I have often thought during the last year of the six years I spent without her as lost, wasted years. But... it looks like thanks to Lee, maybe I'll be able to relive the good times I had there. That's the feeling I had when I arrived at Logan Airport and saw Greg, Dan and Brian, my old college football teammates, as well as Caleb, Steve and Dakota, Chloe's boys.
-I never thought you would end up getting married before me when I saw you at my engagement party last year, Flynn!" Greg said to me, giving me a brotherly pat on the back.
-Why waste any more time," I said, shrugging my shoulders. "How is planning the wedding with Abby?
-Next February! Abby wants to have a winter wedding. It's going to go so quickly when you think about it." he answered me.

It was great to see all these guys and update me on what's going on in their lives. First stop of our weekend, baseball game at Fenway Park. Anyone who has lived in Boston for even a short time knows that Bostonians have a special attachment to their baseball team. My friends and I were fans throughout our studies. Every time I came to Fenway, I was reminded of the day Elle and I came to watch a game together. I had begun to dream of what our life together could be like if she came to study in Boston. I had a hard time accepting that this would never happen. But I am grateful for those friends who kept me going during this time. The game was closed and the Red Sox ended up winning.

At the end of the game, Lee held me back by saying :
-Wait Noah! I have a revenge to have." he said, taking a selfie with me with the Fenway in full view.

Lee : A little revenge for the afternoon you spent, 8 years ago, sending me pictures of you and Noah at Fenway. ⚾😜
Elle : 🖕

I couldn't help but laugh at the juvenile interaction of these two even 3000 miles apart.

The next day, Lee took us to Harvard football stadium where we were greeted by my former coach.
-Flynn, it's really a pleasure to see you again!
-Thanks Coach Walker! How is your team doing this year?" I said to him, squeezing his hand.
-Ah, these young people! They are not as disciplined as you were. Would you be willing to teach them a good lesson?

All the guys with me were interested in the challenge! Once changed into Harvard-colored uniforms ordered by Lee for the occasion, we started the game. It was still a challenge because these young boys train more than us and are younger.... I saw Greg on a few occasions struggling to keep up with these young people. The game was close 21-20 for the youngsters with 1 minute on the clock. I grabbed the ball before stepping back to pass. I saw my brother clear in the end zone before passing him a pass. He jumped into the air to catch the pass as the siren sounded.
-We won the game on these young people!" cried Greg.

The guys, especially Lee, were euphoric to have won. I was given the game ball by the current quarterback of the team.
-There you go, Master Flynn! Coach Walker says you were one of his best quarterbacks. I hope to be like you!" he told me.

I took a few minutes to think about old Noah Flynn, heartbroken and trying to find a reason. And at that moment, years later I understood :
-I tried for years to find my worth in football! But the value of a person is not in success and victories. Do your best, kid, and never stop having fun playing!" I said, patting him on the back.
-Yeah ! Can I take a photo with you?
-Why not !" I said, gesturing to Lee.