Growing up

Football accidents and old acquaintences

(2nd semester or something)
*Alex POV*
So over Christmas break Chad and I went to Nations and got second. Football has been going well. We're undefeated and the guys accept me as the quarter back and I'm great friends with them. Jailin came with me over thanksgiving break and met everyone. She was really happy. We've become great friends. Right now I'm taking a class that I absolutely dislike. The professor keeps on talking about evolution and just assigned us a project for it. I really have no clue what to do. I pull my phone out and call Chad.
C-hey sis. Having trouble in professor Martins class again
A-yeah he assigned an evolution project and I don't know what to do
C-what does he want you to do
A-he wants us to describe how we think man evolved
C-say from God but use scripture and other resources to back it up
A-but Chad I'm already doing bad in this class
C-then talk with the professor
A-ok bye love you
I hang up and see that I better get going to class. I grab my book bag and start walking. I get to class and I'm the first one.
"Ah miss. Graham. First one like always" he says
"I need to talk to you" I say
"Yes" he asks
"So the project I really don't feel comfortable doing this project. And I'm already failing this class because I don't like some of the things that are being taught" I say
"Listen Alex, I'm a Christian too. I don't like what I'm teaching but I have too. For your project though I will let you use Genesis and talk about how God created man" he says
"Thank you" I say
I head to my seat and others start coming in and taking their seats. I only have one class With Jailin and that's my one social studies class. When this class ends I continue through my stressful day with learning and getting homework. At the end of the day I go back to my dorm. I grab my bible then head to the library so I can get all my work done. I sit at a table in the back and grab my bible and open it to Genesis. I grab my pen or highlighter and start highlighting things.
"Ok look Chris it's one of those religious nerds" someone says
"Yeah and look what's she's reading. It's her law book that her so called creator made. I thought he died like oh wait he's not real" someone else says
"If he's not real then why does she have that book? maybe there's just voices in her head" someone says
People keep on coming to the table and making fun of me. I've heard it all before but today it just seems worse.
I grab my earbuds out and listen to music from my phone. An hour or two later I finish the project and most of the people left the library. I put my head in my arms and start crying softly.
"Miss. Graham are you alright" I hear professor Martin ask
"Yeah" I say
I wipe my tears and look at him. He sits down next to me and looks at me.
"What happened" he asks
"I was doing the project so I had my bible out and people started making fun of me. It has happened before but this was the worse it has happened" I say
"Don't let them get to you. The only person who can judge you is God. Don't let them get to you" he says
"That sounds like something my brother would say" I say
"Well they're wise words" he says
He gets up and finishes what he was doing then leaves. I pull out my other homework and get to work. By the time I'm done its already 5:45. I gather my stuff and go back to my dorm. I place my stuff on my desk and then there's a knock. I go over to the door and open it.
"Hey Alex" Aaron says
"Hey Aaron" I say
"Coach needs us. He wants us to have an extra practice" he says
"Ok I'll be there soon. Is it just me and you" I ask
"No it's me, you, Ryan, Brad, Tyler, Gavin, Spencer, Cole, and the defense." He says
(Aaron and Ryan are wide receivers, Brad is the center, Tyler and Gavin are running backs, Spencer and Cole are tight ends)
He leaves and I shut the door. I get ready for practice and grab my football bag then leave. I hurry to the girls locker room and finish getting ready. I get out there and I'm the last one. The captain of the team is the last one. Yeah I know I'm a freshman but I'm a co-captain with a senior.
"Alright guys and Alex do your laps then start stretching" Coach says
We start running and then go to the center of the field. We finish stretching and coach walks over.
"Ok we have the rose bowl coming up and we need to be ready. You are all our main starters" coach says
"Ok guys we're going to run a few plays. Alex you get to decide which ones. The Rose bowl is in two days. We practice today and tomorrow is with the whole team." Aaron says
Defense walks off and everyone else huddles around me.
"Alright we're going to do the tailgate blitz" I say
We break and get in position.
"Hike" I say
I get the ball and throw a long pass to Aaron. He catches it and gets a touchdown. We run a few more plays then coach ends practice. I'm about to leave when coach comes over to me.
"Hey coach" I say
"Hey" he says
"What do you need" I ask
"Alex just be careful in the game. They all know you're a good quarter back so they'll go after you" he says
"Don't worry coach. And if I do get hurt, knock on wood, we have James as the back up. He's pretty good" I say
"Yeah I know but you're really good too" coach says
"Coach will you please just have some faith in your team" I ask
"I do have faith in my team but" he starts
"No coach stop worrying. I won't talk to a worry wart. They bother me just like warts do" I say
"Ok have a good night Alex" he laughs
"Night" I say
I go to the locker room and change then head to my dorm I pull my phone out and send the guys a text.
Ale-who's coming to the game on Saturday? It's the rose bowl
Ch-I'm coming
J-I'll be there
Ca-sure
Ala-I can't the girls have something I have to go to. Sorry Alex
Ale-it's fine
I close the message app and my phone rings. I see the caller ID is Chad. I decline the call. I know he's going to ask what's wrong. A few minutes later Jailin comes in talking on the phone.
"Here it's for you" she says
A-hello
C-sis what's wrong. What happened in class
A-Chad you have Jailin your number
C-yes and this is one of the reasons why
A-oh well nothing bad happened in class it's just what happened while I was doing homework but I'm fine. Professor Martin talked with me
C-you sure you're ok
A-yes now I'll see you Saturday after the game
I hang up and give the phone back to Jailin. I change into pjs then get in bed.
"You sure you're ok" she asks
"People were making fun of me for believing in God. It's happened before but this time almost everyone who was in the library was doing something an the librarians were doing nothing about it" I say
"It will get better. Just pray" she says
I thank her and close my eyes thinking of today and the next couple of days. I'm glad that my roommate is also Christian. After an hour of just laying there I slowly drift off to sleep.
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(Saturday)
Today's the game. I wake bright and early and get dressed. Once I'm done my phone buzzes a couple times. I look at it and they're text from the guys.
Ala-have a good game and win
Ch-have fun I'll see you afterwards
Ca-love you have a great game kiddo
J-I want to sleep. Have a great game love.
Ale-thanks guys and Joey learn to go to bed earlier
J-I would but we were having a Disney marathon
Ale-without me rude
I put my phone in my poker and grab my bag. I hustle to the locker room and get my Football uniform on. I put my phone in my bag and grab my helmet and mouthguard. I go out to the field and I'm the first one surprisingly.
"Hey Alex. Why don you stretch while you wait for the team" coach says
I start stretching and the others come out. We finish stretching and run a few plays then head to the locker room. The only time I'm allowed in the guys locker room is during our before game talk, half time, and after game talk.
"Ok this team is also undefeated and rough. Defense you need to be strong and offense protect the person with the ball" Coach says
He talks for a little bit then finishes.
"Alright Alex and I are at the front of the pack. Lets go team" Aaron says
"Ok tigers lets go out there and win" I say
We put out helmets on and line up in the tunnel. Our team is announced and we run out breaking through the banner. We line up and do the national anthem. We run to the side lines then me, Aaron, and Toby- he's a part of the defense go to the middle for the coin flip. Penn state, the team we're playing loses the flip and we choose to receive. By half time we're winning 42-10. We go to the locker room and coach gives us our motivational speech as he calls it and we go back to the field. We kick it off to Penn state for the start of the second half. They quickly get four downs and we go back on the field.
"Ok guys QB sneak" I say
"Alex you're going to get hurt" Aaron says
"Coach told me QB sneak. I can't change the play" I say
"Ok" he says
"Wait Aaron can't you call timeout? We haven't used any" Cole says
Aaron calls timeout and coach comes out.
"Aaron why did you call timeout" he asks
"Don't you junk QB sneak is too risky? she'll get hurt" Aaron sys
"Ok fine do deep pass to Ryan" coach says
"Ok" I say
Coach runs off an we huddle back up.
"Alright you guys heard coach. Deep pass to Ryan" I say
We break from the huddle and get set.
"Aight. Hike" I say
I get the ball and as I throw it I get tackled. The play ends and my ankle is throbbing. Coach runs out.
"Alex you okay" he asks, "what happened"
"I threw the ball then was tackled. The guy landed on my ankle and stepped in it when he was getting up by accident" I say
The trainer runs out and checks it over some. Coach picks me up and carries me off the field.
"They're going to take you to the locker room so they can check you out better" he says
"Ok" I say
Someone comes over and puts me on a the back of a golf cart.
*Chad POV*
We're watching the game when Alex gets tackled. The guy gets off but Alex is still laying there.
"Get up Alex. Get up" I whisper
Alex still doesn't get up and the coach runs out on the field then the athletic trainer runs out. The coach picks Alex up and walks off the field with her. I get up from the stadium bleachers and go down underneath them. I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn around to see the other two.
"Chad she'll be fine" Caleb says
"They have it all under control" Joey says
"Are you Chad Graham" I hear someone ask
"Yeah" I say
"I'm Jimmy the athletic trainer. Your sister wants to see you and your friends" Jimmy says
We follow him to the locker room and to Alex.
"Hey sis" I say
"Hey Chad" she says
"So what happened" I ask
"I'm not fully sure. I think it's broken but I won't be full sure till we get x rays. We don't have an x ray machine here but she didn't want to go to the hospital till she saw you." Jimmy says
"Ok. Sis we'll meet you at the hospital" I say
"Ok. It just really hurts" she says
"I know. I was really worried" I say
"Will you tell Alan" she asks
"I will once I know for sure what's wrong" I say
She nods her head and me and the guys leave. We head to my car and get in. I pull out of the parking lot and start heading to the hospital but we get stuck in traffic.
"Ugh" I say
"Chill Chad. It will be alright. It takes a little for them to do x rays anyway" Joey says
"I know but I hate being stuck in traffic" I say
Finally an hour later we get to the hospital. We go inside and to the front desk.
"Alexandra Graham" I say
"Second floor room 113" the lady says
We thank her and get on the elevator. We get to the second floor and find her room. Caleb knocks on the door and a nurse opens it.
"Hi" she says
"Hi I'm her brother and these two are my friends" I say
"Come in. Alex broke her ankle and Fibula" the nurse says
We walk in the room to see a not so happy Alex.
"What's wrong sis" I ask
"Because I broke my ankle and fibula it will take longer to heal and I'm out for the rest of the season" she says
"Well you don't have to be so grouchy about it" I say
"Chad did you let Alan know yet" he asks
"Geesh we just got here" I say
"Go tell him" she says
I laugh to myself as I walk out to the hall.
*Alan POV*
The girls had something planned today but it sick and Brycie already made arrangements with Fallon. So her, Rowe, Chase, and Fallon are hanging out. I'm sitting in the couch watching Alex's game when she gets hurt. I'm not going to call Chad because I know he'll call me when he finds out what's wrong.
"Daddy" I hear AJ yell
I go upstairs and too her room.
"Yes" I ask
"I want to play" she says
"Are you feeling better" I ask
"Yes" she says
I go and take her temperature and see that she's fine. I let her go play. I go back down and continue watching the game. By the time the game ends my phone rings.
A-hey Chad what happened to Alex
C-how did you know
A-I was watching the game. The girls weren't feeling well
C-ok well she broke her ankle and fibula and is out for the season. She's really grouchy now that she found it out
A-ok I'll be there later in to visit. Brycie should be home soon
C-ok bye
*Alex POV*
Chad walks out and Joey looks like he's thinking.
"What are you thinking about Joey" I ask
"Well I'm trying to decide if I should root for Ohio State or Tennessee" he says
"Hello Tennessee" I say
"Hello I went to Ohio" he says
"I play for Tennessee you goon" I say
"Both of you stop arguing. It's simple. Root for whoever wins" Caleb says
"Do you know who won" I ask
"No but I'm sure you could call" Caleb say
"Ugh Joe can you grab my phone from my bag" I ask
He gives me my phone and I text coach.
A-who won
C-we did. How are you doing
A-ok. I'm out for the rest if the season
C-I heard busy worry about healing
I put my phone beside me and sit up some. Chad walks back in as he's putting his phone in his pocket.
"Alan said he'll come once Brycie gets home" he says
I move my leg a bit and wince in pain.
"You ok" Caleb asks
"Yeah I jut moved my leg and it hurt" I say
"Do you want me to go ask a nurse for pain killers" Caleb asks
"Yes please" I say
"Lets go Joseph you're coming with" Caleb says
They walk out and Chad sits in the chair near the bed.
"Tennessee won" I say
"That's good. How's the class going" he asks
"It's good. The teacher is also Christian so he knows what I'm going through because he doesn't want to teach the class" I say
"Ok" he says
"Chad can I finish my freshman year over the computer so I don't have to worry about stairs or anything since I'll be using crutches for almost the rest of the time" I ask
"I'll call the headmaster tonight and ask her" he says
The other two and a doctor walk in and Alan follows in behind them.
"Hey sweetie how are you feeling" Alan asks me
"Good it just hurts" I say
"Ok you are free to go. Just take ibuprofen or Tylenol if you're in any pain and elevate it every once in a while" the doctor says
Everyone leaves and I put my clothes on. I grab my crutches and go out.
"Can someone go get my bag" I ask
Alan goes and grabs my bag and we go to the front. Chad signs me out and we go to the parking lot.
"Who are you riding with" Alan asks
"Chad I'm riding with you and one of them is riding with Alan so I can sit in the back" I say
"I'll ride with Alan" Joey says
"You're the best JoeBro" I say
"I know I am" he says
"Alright lets just go" Caleb says
We get to Chad's car and I get in the back. Chad starts the car and drives home. We get home and Caleb opens the door for me. I grab my crutches and get out. We go inside and to the living room.
"Alex what happened I though you had a football game" Fallon says
"I did and during the third quarter I got tackled just after I threw the ball and broke my ankle and fibula" I say
"Oh ok. How did the game go though" she asks
"We won" I say
"That's good. Chad the girls and I are having a girls night. I'll be back later" she says
She leaves as Alan and Joey walk in the door.
"What are we going to do" Alan asks
"Mario kart" I say
"I'll play" Caleb says
"Sure why not" Alan agrees
"Joey play with us" I say
"Ok" he says
"I have to go make a phone call" Chad says
*Chad POV*
I walk away and pull my phone out. I call the coach for the college.
Co-hello
Ch-hi this is Chad Graham. Alex's brother. She was wondering if it was possible for her to do the rest of freshman year cyber
Co-I say go ahead. I'll have the admin office send an email with the information needed to register online
Ch-thank you have a nice evening
I hang up and go back to the living room.
"They said it was fine for you to do it cyberly" I say
"Thanks bubby" Alex says
"No problemo" I say
"Who's hungry" Alan asks
"I want food but I'm not hungry" Alex says
"Lets go everyone. We're going for dinner now get in Alan's van or Alex and I will leave without you" Joey says
"How do you expect to do that" Caleb asks
"Hey where's my keys" Alan asks
"Right here" Joey says
*Joey POV*
I hold the keys up an Alan looks over at me.
"How" Chad asks
"Magic" I say
"Lets go Joe" Alex says
We go outside and get in Alan's van. I lock the door.
"How's your leg" I ask
"It's good. It only hurts once in a while" I say
I feel my phone buzz so I pull it out.
Ch-unlock the van
Ca-we're hungry
A-Joseph Patrick Stamper
I hand my phone to Alex and she reads the texts.
"What should we do" she asks
"Um food of course. Where should we eat" I ask
I start the car and she decides on KFC. I drive off from the house and towards KFC. We get there and go inside. Alex's eyes directly go over to someone and her mouth widens in shock.
"Alex what's wrong" I ask
She crutches over to the person angry.
*Alex POV*
We walk inside and I see an old friend. I go over there and tap him on the shoulder. He turns around and he looks shocked.
"So I thought you said you were moving to Australia and staying there until after college" I say angrily
"Oh Alexandra" he says
"Shut up Michael. No one has ever called me Alexandra since you left me and it's not going to start now" I say
"What happened to your leg" he asks
"Football game now why did you lie to me" I ask
"Because I thought it was easier" he says
"What easier to leave girl who had you as her only friend. Leave the girl with all these problems only for her to get more" I yell
"Alex I'm sorry" he says
"You should be now shut up. I hope I never see your dumb jerk face show up again." I yell
I go out the door and sit on a bench. Joey walks out with food. He puts it in the van the sits down next to me. I lay my head on his shoulder and he wraps his arm around me.
"What's wrong baby sis" Joey asks
"He makes me so mad" I say
"Who was he" he asks
"He was one of my best friends and only friends. His name is Michael. I had a crush in him when I was younger but no one knew. I would tell him everything and he helped me. The one day he didn't come over to my house like always so I thought he was sick. Finally after a few weeks I went over to his house and found a note on the front door with my name. I read it and it said he went to Australia. I always thought I saw him random places but my mind kept telling me that he's in Australia. He left a month or two before my parents died." I say
Joey wipes my tears and I look at him.
"It will be okay baby sis. We all love you and don't care about your baggage. In fact I'm pretty sure Chad would do anything to take the weight off of you and put it on himself" Joey says
"Thanks Joe" I say
"No problem. Now why don't we go back and eat. We've been gone for almost a half hour and I'm sure Chad is going to rip my head off" he says
We get up and go to the van. We get in and Joey drives back home. We get there and go inside.
"What took you two so long" Alan asks
"We were trying to figure out where to stop and get food" Joey says
Caleb takes the food from Joey and puts it in the kitchen.
"You ok lil sis" Chad asks
"Yeah I am" I say
"You sure because it looks like you were crying" Chad says
"I'm fine Chad! I'm going to bed. Goodnight" I snap
"Alex you aren't going to be able to get up the stairs carefully" Joey says
"Will you carry me" I ask
He walks over and picks me up bridal style and carries me up to my room. He places me on my bed and turns to leave.
"Wait Joe when all the guys leave can you talk to Chad about what happened" I ask
"Of course. Good night baby sis" he says
He turns the light off and leaves. I lay down and drift off to sleep.
*Joey POV*
I go downstairs and to the kitchen. I put some food on a plate and heat it in the microwave. I take the plate from the microwave and join the guys in the living room.
"What's wrong with my sister, Joey" Chad asks
"I can't tell you at the moment" I say
"Why not" he asks
"Because Alex wants us to do it privately" I say
"Alright fine" Chad says
We hang out for a little then the guys leave. I take my plate to the kitchen then return to the living room. I sit down on the couch and face Chad.
"What happened" he asks
"She ran into an old friend" I say
"Who" he asks
"Michael" I say, "she got really mad at him. He lies to her about going to Australia. He was her only friend"
"I'm going to kill him" Chad growls
"Chad calm down. She's fine. I talked with her" I say
"She didn't look fine. She yelled at me. She only yells when she's upset or mad" he says
"Chad he 'left' a few months before your parents died. She's been through a lot in 6 years" I say
"Thanks Joe. I'll talk with her tomorrow" he sighs
"Call me if she won't talk or if something is wrong" I say
"Will do. Good night" he say
I leave and get in my car. I drive home and go inside. I go to my room get dressed an get in bed. I think about the past week and start to slowly fall asleep.
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Hey y'all! Hope you are having a great 2016. Keep reading all my stories and commenting. I love all types of feedback. If you are looking for a great book to read check out Lights of the Mind (A Criminal Minds and Anthem Lights Fan Fiction) by @xxBabyxxGirlxx. I don't watch criminal minds but it's still an awesome book and she's a great writer.
Megan😎