Small Town Boy

Chapter 25

I'd thought I'd been nervous before the season's first game. That was eclipsed when Owen was injured and I became the starting quarterback. But now, those nerves were worse than ever. I should have felt calm. We weren't supposed to be here. It would have been a successful season if we'd made it here without losing Owen, so in reality, this was a bonus. Still, the feeling remained.

The team sat in the locker room, which was much nicer than the one at our school, listening to the last of Coach Hudson's remarks. I fidgeted with the hem of my jersey, trying to distract myself from the blood that was pumping through my veins with some intensity. Parker sat, as usual, next to me, breathing in and out slowly, eyes fixed on Coach Hudson. Despite his calm exterior, I knew even he was nervous. I glanced around the room. Apart from Coach Hudson, it was dead still and silent. Across from me, Aiden leaned forward, trying to get a better view while a few spots down Jasper adjusted his socks. 

Soon enough, Coach Hudson finished up, and all that was left was the game. One by one we got up and made our final preparations. 

"I can't believe this is happening," Ben remarked as he pulled his helmet from his bag before tucking it under his arm.

"I know," I agreed, taking a deep breath. 

"I'm actually glad I'm not starting." He sighed. "I'm shaking so much I'd probably just drop the ball straight away." 

"Yeah, well, I don't get that option." I shrugged. "But honestly, it's better being out there able to do something than waiting on the side and having to hope that someone else does the right thing." 

"You can say that because you're actually good enough to do the right thing." He replied. 

"Well, we'll see." I sighed. 

"You boys ready?" Parker asked. 

"Yeah," I answered.

"Of course." Ben lied. "Actually, have you seen Mateo? He was here while Coach was talking but I can't see him now." 

"I don't know where he is," Parker shrugged. "But he better be back soon. They're doing some proper announcement thing before we go out." 

"Where who is?" Owen asked, having come over to us from where he stood before.

"Mateo," Parker replied. 

"He probably went to have a shit. Pre-game nerves I'd guess." He answered, a grin adorning his face. 

"Or he's lost something." Parker grinned. "The kid has been getting less organized every week." 

"Maybe." Owen shrugged. "Mine guess is funnier though." 

"Are you coming out with us?" Parker asked. 

"Nah, I'm not playing, so I won't do that, it feels wrong." Owen sighed.

"Fair enough." Parker nodded. "I don't think the team would care." 

"Yeah, well, I don't either, but I think I'd look pretty stupid doing it in a sweatshirt and track pants." 

"You're not wrong there." Parker agreed. 

"Alright, I'm going to make sure everyone else is ready, I'll see you boys on the sideline. Good luck, you'll all do great." Owen grinned. 

"Thanks, man," Parker replied. Ben and I nodded in acknowledgment. 

"I'm going to find Mateo," Ben said before he turned and walked away.

"It's just you and me now buddy." Parker grinned, elbowing me inside.

"Ouch!" I complained, reflexively twisting my body away from him. Parker rolled his eyes.