Every Little Thing

Championship and Parents...yay

With each passing day, it was easy to tell that Lily was getting more and more determined, and honestly, I wasn't sure how to react to it. I wanted to give in so badly, but at the same time, I had far too much on my mind with the impending argument. It's the day before the Championship game, and my parents are due back today. My aunt is getting more irritated and worked up by the minute, while I'm simply indifferent at this point. Lily said she would be there for me if needed, but I really don't want to subject her to my family drama.

As I sat on my couch at the end of the school day, I just watched my aunt pace around the living room, whisper ranting to herself. "Do I really need to be here for this?" I questioned, feeling uneasy about the whole thing. Jace, Amy, and Lily were sending me texts constantly letting me know that they would be over in a heartbeat if I needed it. I also had planned to stay at Jace's house for a guys night and as a sort of escape.

Vivian looked at me with narrowed eyes and nodded. "Yes. This is about you, nephew. So you need to be here." She stated firmly. One thing about my aunt, much like my dad, you don't want to piss her off. They both had firey personalities, and they got it from their moms. Granted, they weren't related at she's my mom's sister, the two are so alike you would swear that they were the actual siblings. Sighing, I leaned my head back, knowing it was best not to argue. Just as I was starting to relax, I heard the front door open. Looking back, I saw my parents walking in with big grins on their faces. "Where's our boy?!" My dad called out in his booming voice. "In here." I called back in a bored tone, waving my hand up from the couch so they could see me.

"Not going to come greet your parents?" My mother chimed in a sweet tone as they made their way over to the living room. "Vivian? Why are you here?" My dad, Robert, questioned. Vivian shot daggers at her brother-in-law, her irritation growing. "Because Rob, we need to have a talk." She stated sternly, crossing her arms over her chest. "What about?" My mom, Anna, questioned as she sat down next to me. "Oh, I don't know, maybe the fact that your son got shot and you two didn't immediately come back?" Viv stated scornfully, glaring at both my parents.

"Vivian, you know we couldn't miss those meetings. Both companies want our security software. They were important." My dad stated in a casual tone, sitting in one of the recliners. "Important? How about your sons life, is that not important?" Viv shot back, getting pissed at this point. "Of course it is, but he is fine. And we knew he had people here to take care of him." My mother responded with a roll of her eyes. I raised a brow at her, feeling a pang of hurt in my heart. "Are you serious?!" Viv shouted, making me shake my head. "Enough." I nearly snapped, standing from my seat. This clearly wasn't going to get anywhere. My parents clearly wouldn't take accountability for their bull shit.

Walking up to my aunt as she was about to protest, I placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a look that told her to drop it. "It's fine." I stated bitterly, not sparing my parents a glance. "The business is important. Who am I to take them away from it?" I questioned, trying to ease my aunts anger with gentle eyes. "See? He understands." My dad stated with a big smile and arrogant tone. "Sure do." I quipped and stuffed my hands in my pockets. "Drive me to Jace's, Viv?" I questioned, just wanting to get out of this house. "Yeah." She stated with a clipped voice, grabbing her purse off the coffee table.

"Wait? Are you not staying here tonight?" My mom asked, looking a little hurt. "Nope. Jace and I are going to carbo load and prep for the game tomorrow." I informed her as I made my way to the door. "I'm sure you understand." I added a sly smirk on my face. "We were going to take you to dinner." Dad added, looking a little annoyed now. "Sorry. Got plans that I really can't change." I shot back before walking out of the house to my aunts car. "Why did you stop me?" Viv questioned as we got into her car.

"They aren't worth the trouble, honestly. It was clear they don't see how they we're in the wrong. So don't worry about it." I stated with a shrug as she took off down the road. "Besides, they'll get theirs later in life." My tone was soft, but the underlying vindictiveness was evident. "You're still saving money, right?" Viv asked me, giving me a warey glance. I nodded and leaned the seat back. "Yes, Aunty. All the profit I make from selling my art is in a savings account my parents can't touch. And I've been saving every receipt, so they can't claim it's theirs.

This was something Viv and I had come up with when it became evident that my parents had changed for the worse. I had always been gifted in art and had been drawing/painting since I was around five. She gave me all the supplies I needed at first, no strings attached, and I went to work making my own money at fifteen. I owe so much to her in that aspect. Viv taught me to be independent and gave me a solid start saving for college. I understand her wanting to help me, having no kids of her own. She sees me as not just her nephew but her kid as well. At least that's where our relationship went after she pretty much took over raising me.

As she pulled into Jace's driveway, I smiled over at her and leaned over to give her a hug, rubbing her back a little as I did so. "Thanks, Aunty, for always being there for me." I stated with a light smile. "Of course, Caleb." She sighed out, making it easy to tell that she was still irritated. "See you tomorrow." I chuckled out before getting out of the car and headed inside for a night of spaghetti and video games.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The game was close, and the team was starting to get exhausted. We were ahead by three, and there was one minute left in the game. The other team had the ball and were dangerously close to the endzone. Being first down, it made sense to go for the touch down and go for the kick as a last resort. The air around us felt thick with tension, and everyone on the team knew we either had to force a fumble or intercept. Jace and I couldn't sit still as the ball was snapped, nearly holding our breath as the quarterback moved back, looking for an open receiver.

Out of nowhere, Kole broke through the line and was on their QB like white on rice from his blind spot. Jace grabbed my jersey at my shoulder as Kole knocked the ball from his hands before he hit the ground. Alex picked it up quickly, having been right behind Kole. The crowed and the team erupted as Alex took off down the field, sprinting as fast as he could. "Go!" Jace and I yelled in unison as we rushed down the sideline with the team, following Alex. Two of the other team's offensive tackles were gaining on him, my heart almost stopping as one of them reached for Alex.

Alex, however, quickened his pace and the guy stumbled, falling to the ground. Everyone on the team erupted in incoherent shouting as Alex dove into the endzone, and we knew the game was ours at that point.

I felt Jace grab me around my waist and pick me up, shouting about how we did it, that we had won. All I could do was laugh and try not to fall over as he set me down. With the final few seconds of the game, we got our field goal, and the final buzzer rang out as the ball soared through the goal posts. We did it, we played the perfect season. Now, all the seniors on the team had to worry about was if the college scouts took notice. I, however, had a much more complicated situation to deal with. Turning I looked back at Lily, who was jogging towards me. I really need to decide if I should believe her or not...