Ben Simmons: When Two Worlds Become One

Reuniting With My Brothers

Rolling over, I felt confused for a few seconds. The all white room looked unfamiliar to my barely awake eyes, as they've gotten used to the gray walls of my house in Philadelphia. Oh right.

The sunlight beamed in and the birds outside were chirping. For some reason, ever since I hit 7 months, I cannot sleep past 6am...it's hell. No matter how long I closed my eyes or how many sheep I counted, I would never fall back asleep. Groaning, I pulled myself out of bed and walked downstairs to the banging of pots and pans and the sound of my parent's voices. 

"Well, look who's up," my dad said smiling. "How'd you sleep?" My dad continued flipping pancakes but closely listened for my response. "Alright, I guess," I drifted off, hoping they couldn't tell I was somewhat depressed and wouldn't 20 question me about it. My mom walked over to the stool I was sitting on and wrapped her arm around me, "It'll get easier, I promise." I pray she is right, because right now, I can't even remember what happy feels like. 

"Say, princess why don't you come to practice with me today?" My dad suggested while handing me a plate of food. Part of me really wanted to just lay in bed and watch Netflix all day while starting my own pity party, but the team was doing really well this year, and I missed football. "Sounds great."

I pulled one of my extra large navy Cowboys sweatshirts over my stomach and somehow managed to slip on boots. Man, I am not going to miss having a basketball sized stomach. I looked over at my nightstand, where my engagement ring sat glimmering in the sunlight. Then I walked out and closed the bedroom door. 

As we pulled into the facilities, my heart felt content. Football has always been my love and passion. All of my life, I looked forward to having a profession where I could work for my grandfather and hopefully better our team (which, considering I gave the green light to heavily pursue Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott, I think I did a good job). 

Walking onto the practice field, I looked around and took it all in. Without a doubt, our facilities were the best in the NFL. "Sara!" I looked over to see Coach Garrett walking way way. "To what do we owe the pleasure?" He asked while giving me a friendly hug. Coach has become like a second father to me over the years. "Just missed the team." Wow, what a lie. "And how is this little one?" He said, nodding towards my bump. "Amazing. Just about three weeks out now." Just then, we turned as we heard the sound of cleats against concrete. My aesthetic. All of the boys walked up the stairs and towards the field. 

"Sara!!!!" I heard and then saw #88 sprint towards me. Oh Dez. The NFL speed helped him reach me quite fast, and he nearly tackled me in a hug. "Why you been a stranger girl?" He asked. "I'm back now," I said, keeping it short. "Well that's good. No one deserves to live in Philadelphia." He said, causing me and the guy who had now gathered around to laugh. 

I walked over and hugged Tony, one of my best friends in the world, and he kissed my forehead. "If you need anything, just let me know." With that, he ran off to the quarterback coach. Coming back to Dallas may be the best thing that could have happened. While in Philadelphia, I was so worried about keeping Ben interested in me, that I forgot how many people truly care for me.

Coach Garrett blew his whistle, and the boys lined up. Time to get to work.

Throughout practice, I went back and forth from the position groups, analyzing who we have and what we might need next year. "It's a damn good team," my dad said as I walked over and coach blew the final whistle to end practice. "There's a lot of good here, dad." I don't want to get overly excited and focus on anything more than the week ahead, but I hope we can bring a championship back to Dallas. It's been far too long and the fans have always been loyal, even when the team was, for lack of better words, struggling. The team deserves this, but more importantly, the fans deserve this. "So, you ready to get back to work?" My dad asked. I couldn't help but chuckle. "I think I'm going to focus on being a mom first, but I would love to maybe be a special advisor?" I gave him my most convincing smile, hoping he would agree. "You're about to be the most expensive 'special advisor' known to man," he agreed. 

I made my way to the car as my dad wrapped up his long conversation with Coach Garrett. "Hey...Sara," I heard from behind me, but I couldn't put a finger on the voice. I turned around to see Ezekiel Elliott. "Oh, hi Zeke." I had no idea what in the world he wanted; we met in Columbus but haven't spoken since then. "Listen, I know the pull you have around here with who your family drafts, and I just want to thank you for putting a good word in for me. This has been the best experience of my life and I know you were a huge part in it." "Awh, you are so welcome. But don't thank me. I report the truth, so you must have impressed me." He smiled and I couldn't help but appreciate how nice he was. "So, um, how about I repay you with dinner? If you don't mind." 

To be fair, I know I should say no. I am just getting out of a serious relationship, I have a baby due very soon kicking in my stomach, and I don't need any distractions, but hey, how more fucked up could my life get? "I'd love to, I'm free tomorrow." "Good. I can't wait." Turning around, I couldn't help but smile. Maybe part of me had feelings for Zeke, or maybe I just really looked forward to a good meal. 

After twenty minutes of sitting alone in the car, and blasting Christmas music, my dad finally joined me. "Did I see you talking to Zeke?" Oh no, way too soon to tell my father I am going to dinner with one of his players. "Just to thank me." He nodded and started the car. "Well that's nice." 

My dad does this thing when there's more he wants to say, a change in tone, and I immediately picked up on it. "Dad, what are you not telling me?" 

"Your mother and I invited Johnny over for dinner tonight." Oh no. No no no. If there was anyone I didn't need to be around right now, it's Johnny. He started so much drama in my life and knows just how to work me. Not to mention he's a crazy drug addict and alcoholic. "What the hell! Why would you do that?" "We just think it'd be good for you to have a friend right now, someone we trust." "Really dad? You trust someone that has thrown his life away to illegal substances and broke my heart?" "Sara, you need to look at this from a more mature perspective," He said as we pulled into the driveway. "He'll be here at six. You have until then to prepare yourself."

Brilliant. The most untrusting man in the world, the most irresponsible and stupid guy who singlehandedly made out with me knowing I had a fiancé is back and my parents support it. This couldn't possibly go wrong. I hope you sense my sarcasm. 

Two hours until my doom arrives.