Cruel Me

Chapter 32: Latch

Fourth down.

We needed a touchdown to win.

I will not fucking lose in someone else's turf.

"This is our last shot," deadpanned Alfie, looking at each one of us.

Frisco looked up at the night sky in concern.

"It's just a little rain, dude," I told him.

"Yeah, I know," he nodded, but I could still see that he was uneasy.

"What's up?"

"Tonight just feels off is all."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

He shook his head. "Probably nothing."

"Frisco," called Alfie in the huddle, "you up for it?"

Frisco blinked, taken aback at the sudden attention from everyone.

"Sorry, what?"

I cocked my head a little, my eyes narrowing as I studied him. He didn't look like he was in any condition to play. He seemed pretty out of it.

"Dude, c'mon," sighed Alfie. "Keep your head in the game."

"I'll just make a run for it," I said, turning to my best friend.

He raised an eyebrow at me. "You sure?"

"It's only about forty yards," piped up Parker. "He can do it."

All eyes were on him.

"Too soon to kiss ass, bro," said Kurt, shaking his head.

The rest of the team snickered.

It already had been a few weeks actually. But Kurt and Alfie still couldn't let it go. Kurt was just prissy 'cause he didn't get his fun that night at the party.

While Alfie, on the other hand . . . Well, once you're on his bad side, you're stuck there. Don't get me wrong. That doesn't entirely mean he's out to get you. It simply means you're dead to him. Forever.

"Oz," he emphasized. "You sure about this, man?"

I looked him in the eye. "Just give me the ball, and I'll take care of the rest."

"Your call." He took a deep breath and turned to the team. "Alright, you heard the man. Cover him – especially you," he added, pointing to Parker. "That clear?"

Parker nodded determinedly.

"Now, let's win this game and get out of this goddamn boring town!"

"'Chargers' on three!" I shouted. "One – two – three –"

"CHARGERS!"

We scattered and took our positions on the field.

"Got your back, man."

I sighed, straightened up, and faced Parker.

"Don't push it."

He groaned and nodded. "It's just –"

I shot him a look, and that made him shut up. Thank God. At the sound of the whistle, I crouched back down.

Game time.

"Hut!"

As soon as Alfie passed me the ball, I took off running. I went as fast as my legs could take it. Parker did his job in paving the path for me, blocking some dickfaces along the way.