Return to Me

Eight

Sophomore year arrived quickly and it's been about 13 months since my family moved to Seattle. It also seemed to be there year I started to rebel, and I had to admit it was kind of fun.

The homecoming dance is tomorrow night and I'm going with my boyfriend of three months, Tyler Ryan. He's a Junior--my parents weren't too excited about that; dad especially.

Currently, I'm sitting up in my room, texting my best friend, Emily. We're talking about the football game tonight and there's going to be a huge party afterwards at one of the football player's house.

EMILY: So are you thinking about actually going to the party?

ME: Of course! It's going to be so much fun!

EMILY: Tyler said he'd drive us then, right?

ME: Yes. He'll pick us up about a block down from my house so my parents won't suspect anything.

EMILY: Sounds perfect! Sneaking out--just thinking about it gives me an adrenaline rush! Though one thing crosses my mind.

ME: What?

EMILY: How are we going to get back up to your room?

ME: Already thought about it. I stashed a ladder behind the bushes by the balcony.

EMILY: Genius!

We kept texting for a few more minutes then Emily's mom dropped her off here for our sleepover and we started getting ready for the game.

Tyler would be picking us up around 7:30 then head over to the high school.

When the three of us get to the high school and finally find a place to park--the lot was crowded-Tyler grabbed my hand as we began to walk to the stands. The band was playing music and it had me anticipate the exciting night ahead. Emily and I glance over at each other and smile--so giddy--then let out a laugh.

"Marks, number 32, passes it to number 18, Hanson and he takes down the field toward the goal!" says the announcer.

The crowd is screaming and cheering with excitement. We're coming down to the last few moments of the game.

"But The Rangers are closing in on him! Hanson has no one to pass to! Hold it! There's Johnson, number 23, appearing out of nowhere--open! Hanson passes the ball!" the crowd suddenly goes dead silent in anticipation, waiting. "And he catches it! Johnson for the goal! Warrior win! Warriors win!"

The crowd erupts into a frenzy. My group of friends, along with hundreds of other people jump around in the cold, fall air, celebrating our win. Out on the football field, the football team is jumping up and down and dancing around as well.

Tyler holds me close, keeping us both warm, before leaning down to kiss me. His lips intoxicate me and I kiss him back, relishing in the moment.

Despite what I thought, that night turned out to be one of the best and worst nights I'd ever experience.

It was 11pm--Emily and I arrived back at my house after the game 45 minutes ago. On our way inside, we set the ladder up against my balcony, preparing for our escape within the next half hour.

We were still getting ready, my parents convinced were were doing the usual slumber party stuff--watching movies, eating popcorn, doing our nails--and assumed we'd be up late; which was partly true.