New Dawn

Homecoming

AS WE PULLED UP TO THE FOOTBALL FIELD, MY MOM turned and smiled at me, "You can call me if you need anything. Me or your father will be there in a heartbeat."

"I know Mom. Thank you." Swinging the door open, I leapt out of the seat and landed firmly on my feet. "I love you."

"I love you too sweetie. Have fun."

"Will do." I replied before closing the door.

Approaching the gate, I discovered that the football game had already begun and it was almost half time. A hint of guilt tugged at my heart. I had promised Nahuel I would be there to cheer him on for his game. Instantly, I scoured the field for him, his number was forty four. He was easy to spot, he was running back and forth along the line of his team. It was a beautiful sight to see. The way his body moved when he ran was so elegant, so graceful, which made it impossible not to admire. I grinned as I passed through the gate and headed toward the bleachers in search of Eli.

Most of the freshman had gathered in an area beside the bleachers and none of them were watching the game. I was happy

to find Eli in the bleachers and away from the crowd. She had brought Brady. They sat near the top of the bleachers in the student section. There was something intense about the way they stared into one another's eyes. Brady looked at Eli as if there were no other person in this world – as if she was the reason he took each breath. A sickly feeling crept into the pit of my stomach – I was jealous of Eli. I shook off the feeling and headed toward the twitter– pated couple.

"Hey Eli. Hey Brady."

Eli spun around in her seat as if she was startled, "Oh. Hey there Lydia. I didn't think you were coming?"

"I accidentally fell asleep for the longest time." I made an upset face and sat beside her. "I feel so bad, I don't know why I was so tired."

Eli looked at me skeptically and inched away with the slightest movement, "I'm happy you at least made it. Brady and I were actually just talking about you."

I giggled nervously, "All good I hope?"

Brady chimed in at that point, "Of course. Eli never has anything bad to say about you."

I smiled and turned to Eli skeptically, "What did you tell him?"

"I was just explaining the relationship you and Nahuel have."

I frowned, "You mean the non existent relationship? He is way out of my league and I'm sure asking me to homecoming was a bet."

Brady narrowed his eyes at me, "You are crazy N...Lydia."

"Crazy? Maybe. But not wrong."

Both Brady and Eli rolled their eyes at me.

Eli was the one to speak, "After the dance Brady is having me and some of his friends over. Wanna come?"

My heart fluttered at the idea, "I would love that but I have a feeling that Nahuel isn't invited..."

Eli looked at Brady who looked at his feet.

Brady took a deep breath, "He can come too. I don't know the guy so I have no problem with him. I can't make a judgment yet." His eyes never left the bleacher in front of him.

"Okay, well I'll see what Nahuel's plans are."

The rest of the game, our conversations were short and spread apart but there was never an awkward moment. It felt natural to be around Brady and, Eli was one of my favorite friends. As the end of the game neared, Eli, Brady, and myself climbed down the bleachers and searched for Marisa to figure out the plan for getting ready.