Something Worth Fighting For (REWRITING)

Chapter Seventeen

I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t nervous to meet Archer’s family. But I had good reasons, one of which was the way they looked at me…Like I was different. Well, I am different but they don’t know that. We were all just standing in an awkward silence after Archer introduced me and I was starting to feel anxious. That was until one of the girls standing next to Zane, I think she was introduced as Lindsey, walked up to me and wrapped her small arms around me. I couldn’t help but smile at her. I quickly responded to her hug before she pulled back and looked at me with bright blue eyes.

“Hi River, I’m Lindsey. You’re pretty.” I let out a laugh and pulled her my side, already falling in love with the girl. The oldest one stuck her and out to me and I shook it. Before I could take it away she pulled me into a hug.

“I’m Hannah!”

“It’s nice to meet you.” She smiled and stepped back leaving only one more. He stood still with a look I couldn’t interpret. After what seemed like forever, he gave his hand.

“And I’m Zane, Archer’s Uncle.” I shook it before he pulled away and took a step back. He then turned to look at Archer.

“You did good son. She is ravishing.” Archer slowly put on a smile but it seemed forced. “May I speak with you inside? It won’t take long.”

Archer nodded and followed Zane up the steps and to the front door. As he passed me his hand grazed my back causing me to shiver. He looked over his shoulder and smirked at me before disappearing into the house. Now I was left with Hannah and Lindsey.

“So, how long have you been here?” Hannah asked me.

“A couple days.” She nodded and bit her lips, obviously noticing the awkwardness that filled the air. Almost on cue, a football came flying in the air and landed at our feet. Hannah picked it up and threw it back to a guy with impressive force. It was then that I realized how many people were actually here. There were shirtless men playing football on a huge field, girls braiding each other’s hair, people walking. Building were all around and the lanscape was breathtaking. It was like a town!

“Hey, come play!” A voice yelled from one of the sweaty men. I looked closer to see that it was Bryn, one of Archer's friends. Hannah turned to me with a fire in her eyes, obviously wanting to play.

“Do you want to?”

“Oh, I don’t know how to! But I will watch.” She frowned at me before grabbing my arm and dragging me the field.

“It’s so easy; you will pick it up in a second.” I decided it was best not to argue and just went along with it. When we got there I found that there was actually just as many women as there were guys. “So basically if someone throws you the ball, you run that way.” She explained as she pointed to a big metal thing.

“I really shouldn’t. You know, I’m not dressed for it and-“

“Oh come one you baby.” She mocked as she shoved me across a white line. Once we were all assigned teams a whistle blew giving the signal to start. At first I just stood there in shock at what was going on around me. I’ve seen football on the TV and I’m pretty sure that with all that protective gear they aren’t nearly this aggressive. People were slamming each other down with such force that I could hear the ground cracking. Full grown men were dog piling on women and they would pop up like nothing happened. People were getting thrown around like rag-dolls but yet they seemed fine. I couldn't't help but be in awe at Hannah. She had so much strength it was scary. She was practically untouchable! Even little Lindsey made a touch down or two.

I swallowed down all the fear and after a while started getting in to it. I didn’t make any touch downs but I sure was screaming a lot. My team was tied with the other and it was the last play. For some unknown reason, some asshole decided to pass the ball to little me, who was just standing there minding my own business.