The Sanders Sides

19 - The Affair

The bleachers vibrated with the rhythmic thump of the marching band's drums, the cheers of the crowd a constant hum in Timothy's ears. He scanned the field, searching for Patton in the swirling sea of blue and gold jerseys. Today was the big game - Patton's team was finally facing their rivals, and Timothy wouldn't have missed it for the world.

His gaze landed on Patton, a wide smile plastered on his face as he dodged his opponent for the soccer ball. Timothy chuckled, a warmth spreading through him at Patton's infectious enthusiasm. Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Hey there, handsome," a sultry voice purred beside him.

Timothy turned to find Lauren, the head cheerleader, leaning against the railing, her crimson uniform practically glowing under the stadium lights. Her dark hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, accentuating the sharp angles of her jawline and the dazzling white smile gracing her lips. He felt a jolt of surprise; Lauren, usually surrounded by a gaggle of her fellow cheerleaders, was never one to approach him directly.

"Hi, Lauren," Timothy stammered, suddenly hyperaware of the worn jeans and faded t-shirt he wore in stark contrast to the coordinated spirit wear of the other spectators. "What's up?"

Lauren's smile widened, revealing a dimple in her left cheek. "Just cheering on the team, same as you." She brushed a stray strand of hair out of her eyes, the movement sending a subtle message Timothy couldn't quite ignore. "You seem... enthusiastic." Her voice was laced with a playful challenge.

Heat crept up Timothy's neck. He felt an unfamiliar fluttering in his stomach, something akin to the nervousness he used to experience before a big presentation. "Yeah, Patton's on the team," he explained, hoping his voice didn't crack.

"Patton, huh?" Lauren's brow quirked slightly. "Your... boyfriend?"

Timothy swallowed hard. "Yeah, that's right." He felt a pang of something that might have been guilt, but it was quickly overshadowed by the unexpected thrill of Lauren's attention.

"Well, tell him good luck from me," Lauren said, her eyes locking with his for a beat longer than necessary. "He looks like he could use all the cheering he can get."

Then, with a wink that sent a shiver down Timothy's spine, she turned and rejoined her teammates, their synchronized cheers erupting once more.

Timothy watched her go, a strange mix of emotions churning inside him. The attention, the subtle flirtation, it was heady and entirely unexpected. Yet, amidst the fluttering butterflies, a voice in the back of his mind reminded him of Patton's bright smile across the field, of their shared dreams and whispered promises.

He shook his head, forcing himself to focus on the game. Patton deserved his undivided cheering, his unwavering support. Regardless of the butterflies Lauren had caused, Timothy knew who his heart belonged to. Hopefully, the rest of the afternoon wouldn't bring any more unexpected moments of temptation. He couldn't afford to get distracted, not when Patton was counting on him.

With a deep breath, Timothy focused back on the game, the cheers for Patton rising to a crescendo as he intercepted a pass, his feet carrying him towards the end zone. The butterflies in his stomach were forgotten, replaced by a surge of pride and a silent declaration of unwavering loyalty. He might not have the charm of a seasoned flirt, but he had something far more valuable – a genuine connection with Patton. And for now, that was all that mattered.

The final whistle blew, the triumphant roar of the crowd nearly deafening. Patton's team had pulled off a stunning victory, a wide grin plastered across his face as he celebrated with his teammates. Timothy, his voice hoarse from cheering, watched from the stands, a mixture of relief and a strange sense of unease washing over him.