Just Sh*t: A New York City Story

Chapter 45: Fantasy Meets Reality

Before Judah was fired from being head coach of the kids' football team, Jackson found himself unexpectedly stepping in for one game while Judah attended a movie premiere. It was the perfect storm; the team was deep into the fantasy football season, and the stakes were higher than ever.

Jackson, a football wizard in his own right, wasted no time in asserting his authority. Before the game, he gathered the kids around him, playbook in hand. "Alright, listen up! We're breaking from the old playbook today. I've got a new game plan!" He pulled out a thick, at least 300-page playbook he had developed over the past week. The kids stared at him wide-eyed.

"When did you make this?" one of the kids asked, genuinely curious.

"Last week," Jackson said calmly. "I've been working day and night, sometimes neglecting my job but it's fine." He looked them in the eyes. "Trust me, you're going to love it and pick it up quick. You'll be fine."

Despite their initial hesitance, the kids quickly adapted to his fast-paced instructions. As they practiced the new plays, they stumbled a bit at first, but it wasn't long before they started hitting their marks with precision. Jackson's innovative strategies soon had them feeling confident and energized.

The team they were up against was one of the most competitive in the league, but Jackson's new playbook seemed to throw them off balance. The kids executed plays flawlessly, embarrassing the head coach of the opposing team, who was visibly frustrated on the sidelines, throwing his clipboard a couple times and seemingly pulling out his hair.

As the game progressed, the parents watched with bated breath, some even cheering from the sidelines. Mike, one of the dads, approached Jackson during a timeout. "Hey, is David going to get more playtime? I'm just a few points behind Lisa this week," he asked, a hint of desperation in his voice.

"Don't worry about it. I've got you covered," Jackson assured him, confidence radiating from his stance. Just as he finished speaking, David broke through the line, sprinting toward the end zone and scoring a touchdown.

"Let's go!!" Mike shouted, pumping his fist in triumph. He turned to gloat toward Lisa, who was approaching Jackson with an urgent look.

"Jackson, if you don't give Tommy the ball—" Lisa began, but Jackson cut her off.

"Relax, Lisa. He's getting it the next drive," Jackson replied, locking eyes with her. "While I love to kick both of your asses, I want to keep things close. If he doesn't score, you can fire me." The intensity of his gaze left no room for argument.

Despite the friendly rivalry, Jackson kept his word. Tommy was the next one to shine, catching a 26-yard pass that led to another score. Lisa cheered, but Mike's face fell as his hopes took a hit. To add to the drama, Tommy turned to find his dad, only to realize his father had left to cool off in the parking lot alone.

After the game, the parents surrounded Jackson, expressing their gratitude. "You were incredible! Thank you for stepping in," they gushed, a few of them joking, "We might have to do something to make Judah sick just to have you back!"

But after Judah was fired, weeks went by, Mike stood in as head coach, giving David the ball as many times as possible and the entire league, the real league included, began to implode. As Judah's absence lingered, the parents quietly reached out to Jackson, their enthusiasm now tinged with regret. "We really wish we hadn't pushed you guys out," Mike said, his tone somber. "We'd love for you to coach full-time."

Jackson shrugged, considering the offer. "I appreciate it, but I think I'm okay. I don't want to step on anyone's toes."

And just like that, with the excitement of the season fading, Jackson And just like that, with the excitement of the season fading, Jackson made his decision to remain as a player in the fantasy league but leave the coaching behind, knowing that the dynamics had shifted for good. He felt a mix of satisfaction and disappointment—satisfaction from the thrill of coaching and connecting with the kids, but disappointment at how quickly the parents' priorities had shifted to their fantasy teams instead of fostering a positive environment for the players.

As the season progressed without him as coach, Jackson kept a close eye on the games, feeling a bittersweet nostalgia for the camaraderie he had experienced with the team. While he enjoyed being part of the fantasy league, he couldn't shake the feeling that the true spirit of youth sports was getting lost in the shuffle of stats and points.

In the end, Jackson realized that while he might not be the coach anymore, he could still be a supportive presence in the kids' lives. He decided to volunteer at practices when he could, offering tips and cheering them on from the sidelines. He found a way to balance the fun of the game with the competitive edge the parents craved, helping to nurture a love for football that would hopefully outlast the fleeting fantasy season.