Deviant

Chapter 20~ Jokes

The score was 45-34 by the end of the first half, us pulling ahead. As I retreated to the sidelines, I grabbed a water bottle from the bench and squirted it between the grid, rejoicing in the hydration.

I set the bottle down and reached beneath the face mask, attempting to wipe the sweat off.

During the entire game, I completely avoided taking off my helmet. I didn't feel comfortable enough to despite my good standing.

I had made 2 of the 5 touchdowns. Despite my evident success during those 2 plays, the emcee announced my name each time as if it were a mistake. This conjured even more confusion from the spectators as they looked at me even closely, trying to break down the mystery of my feminine name.

There's no way they would believe that there was a girl on the football team, especially not a full-contact player. We haven't even made it public with the school yet, so the idea seemed far fetched and ridiculous.

Everyone scrambled to create some kind of explanation for what they couldn't fathom.

I sighed and slumped into my seat, watching as the half time performance by the band blared on.

We were making good plays, so I shouldn't be down on myself. In addition to my touchdowns, Seth rushed a total of 30 yards for two; Lee Edwards (our running back) practically sprinted 20 years for another; and Adrian Gingham caught a short snap for the last.

Our kicker, Trevor Gates, helped us get the 7th for each plus an 3, making 45.

I got up to stretch and glanced over at Zach and Kat. Kat's back was towards me as she talked to Becca. Zach seemed to be arguing with Derek as Morgan laughed with JJ.

Curiously, I sauntered over towards them.

"What's going on?" I asked them, a playful smile spreading on my face.

Derek leaned back, an amused look on his face. "This friend of yours thinks that Matt Forte makes a better running back than wide receiver."

Zach made a pft sound. "I don't think, I know. Come on now Derek, the only reason they made him do a little of both this year is 'cause Marshall's gone and Jeffery's out. Chances aren't, Cutler's so blind he'd probably still think Forte's a running back and my even consider him a target. Besides, it would make much more sense to just fling it towards a linebacker donning a yellow-green jersey."

Morgan howled and slapped JJ on the back. "You know it's true too. Lord save Chicago from another embarrassment."

I grinned and shook my head. Because of our close proximity to Chicago, we were avid Bear fans. The only thing they would discuss was the sucky season they seemed to be caught up in year to year.

Derek was seething. "If they're sticking with Jay, then he must be doing something right. Matt's been doing great as a receiver and it's really saying something about his talent if he could do both."

"There's no doubt that he's good-great even. Maybe the best. But that doesn't change the fact that he's a better running back. The stats are laid out in front of you, dude. There's no denying he's an iron-cut charger."

"'Ight, man. Whatever you say." He said sarcastically, laying back.

I shook my head and Zach grinned. He knew he was right.

"Yo, Nat. You're doing great. Keep it up and it's a sure fire win." JJ said, raising his Pepsi can and nodding his head towards me.

I shrugged. "Let's not jinx anything." I smiled but it faltered, forming an exasperated frown.

Kat saw my expression and eyed me, mouthing "What's wrong."

I shook my head and looked towards the field as the band began retreating.