Nerd // l.h [au] (re-writing)

Chapter 34 ~ "On a Roll with First Downs"

Avalon's P.O.V

Tension filled the air as the football team took the field. It was the first week of December, which meant it was time for the District Championship game, which we'd surprisingly made it to. We were playing the Lansing Prep Ramblers, also known as the best team on this side of the state and the dirtiest playing team in the district.

A lot happened in the two weeks leading up to this game. I literally ran into Luke again in the hallway, which was the most awkward thing in my life, lots of guys started hitting on me, which was the second most awkward thing in my life, and most importantly, I got accepted into the University of Southern California: Los Angeles which was my dream school. I was leaving on August 13, so I had a little less than a year until my life officially began.

"I still can't believe you got your nose pierced," Scarlett mumbled from beside me. "And a tattoo. Who even are you?

"Oh come on. They both look good and you know it," I responded, not taking my eyes off of the game as Calum punted off to the other team. The game was officially underway.

In all of my years in guard and only missing two football games, one to going out of town, I'd never seen a more intense game. The hits were hard, the throws long, and the rushes stretched. I was on the edge of my seat at the half, the score shockingly being tied at 21 for both teams.

Just like normally, the band performed during halftime, and I found myself missing Luke being on that sideline.

I missed him in general. I missed his hand in mine and his unwavering support for me. I missed how he made my stomach explode with fireworks and how he could make me feel on top of the world with a simple smile. I missed him.

But when I took the time to think about it, the breakup was for the best. After we graduated, he'd be busy playing college football and eventually getting into the NFL and I'd be in Los Angeles for college then straight to my own dream afterward. The breakup saved us from getting our hearts broken in the future.

That didn't mean I regretted it any less.

The marching band, like every other football game, had the third quarter off. We'd use that time to use the restroom, get some food and drinks at the concession stand, or just socialize with friends. Once the clock hit zero for this quarter, we were expected to be ready to play our stands tunes, or in the guard's case, dance along to them.

Instead of going to do anything else, as soon as we'd performed, I went right back to the stands to watch the game. It was a real nail biter and I found myself not wanting to take my eyes off of it. So, I reached the top row of the bleachers, placed my ear warmers on my head and my hand warmers in my gloves, wrapped myself in my jelly bean blanket to become a blanket burrito, and continued to watch the game in a hypnotic silence, even when the other girls eventually joined me.

--------

It was the fourth quarter and we were up 28-21. With that, it seemed inevitable we'd win the district championship, but that didn't mean the Ramblers didn't try to stop us. They kept playing dirtier and dirtier, and it was to the point that I was surprised they hadn't been called out on it by the refs or our coach.

I was freezing, so I stayed glued to the bleacher as I observed the game, my blanket securely wrapped around my body. I was huddled against Scarlett, both of us trying to steal part of each other's warmth. Who held football games in December?

I watched as Luke rushed the ball and a pile of padded players landed on top of him. He was playing amazingly and to the best of his ability, just like normally, and today it really paid off; he was responsible for three of our four touchdowns. If he kept playing like that, he would get picked up by college scouts in no time. I was so proud of him.