Your Time

Chapter 39

{November 2029}

It was Adam's senior night. Carrie and Harrison stood on either side of him as they began to walk on the field. He carried a football while his mom carried a bouquet of flowers, and his dad carried the balloons.

"Next is senior wide receiver Adam Ford. He is accompanied by his mother Carrie and father Harrison. Adam has been a starter all four years. Throughout his career, he broke several school records, such as the longest reception, most receiving yards in a single season, and most receiving yards in a career. Adam plans to take his career to the collegiate level, as he has agreed to attend Clemson university on a full scholarship. His favorite memory was when coach Corey flipped over a fence at state playoffs. Adam Ford."

Everyone applauded as he took his spot next to the other seniors. After everyone had been honored, the boys and their parents all stood together for a picture. Then Joanne came over for a picture with him.

She was wearing Adam's away jersey with her blond hair pulled back in a bun. "You seriously picked when Corey fell over the fence as your favorite memory? What about when you caught that 100 yard touchdown pass?"

"Corey falling over the fence was hilarious," he told her.

Last season, the head coach fell over a fence after running back to his car to get the playbook. The game was just starting when he ran back. As he ran back, he tried to jump the fence to get back into the field, but ended up falling over it.

"Well I gotta get going," he told her, kissing her gently. "Love you."

"Love you too. Kick some ass."

"I will."

And with that, he ran off to join the huddle. Joanne followed Carrie and Harrison to the bleachers where the kids awaited them. "Mom!" They all screamed at once.

"Whoa, one at a time."

"Can I go find Jordan?"

"Yes."

"Can I go get some food?" Ben asked.

"Yes."

"And can I go sit with my friends?" Billie asked.

"Yes."

After all the kids ran off with their friends, that left Harrison, Carrie, and Joanne. She was currently showing Carrie Adam's senior night present. It was a jar full of football shaped chocolate with little notes, which were highlights from his career. Carrie would have to admit, Joanne was the nicest girl for Adam. The two of them were so sweet together, and they never fought at all. Joanne became a common sight in the house, and to Carrie, she felt like a third daughter.

A whistle was blown and the game began. One of Adam's teammates ran the opening kickoff out to their 30 yard line. Then Adam and the offense ran out.

The past few years, Adam became unstoppable. He'd easily get around cornerbacks, and with his speed, they wouldn't be able to catch him. He also was very good at reading the defense. That being, he'd be able to tell how the defenders were set up, then call out to the quarterback to call a new play. And it worked.

The first play of the game was a run play. Their offense didn't gain much. It was second and 8. They tried the run play again to no avail. This time, there was some bickering going on between Adam and the opposing cornerback. Carrie knew by the way he was shaking his head.

On third down, the coach finally called a pass play. Once the ball was snapped back to the quarterback, Adam shot down the field but suddenly turned and stopped. The throw then hit him right in the chest. He secured the ball just as Harrison always showed him, tucked up against his body, guarded by his forearm. He gained five more yards before he was brought down by the cornerback.

When he sat up, the cornerback shoved him a tiny bit. It was enough the refs didn't see. Meanwhile, Carrie kept hoping he wouldn't do something stupid and escalate it, in turn, getting himself in trouble. He didn't. Adam simply shook his head before jogging back to the huddle.

The following play was a pass as well. Adam ran straight before cutting back to his left to run a slant. The ball was thrown to him. But it was out of reach. As he ran, Adam dove, tipping the ball towards him with his right hand, and hugging it against his chest as he fell. He must not of dropped it when he fell, since the referee called it a clean catch.

Everyone cheered as he stood up and jogged the ball to the referee. The offense was then moved up 25 yards. They were now on the opposing teams 30 yard line. The next pass was thrown to Adam as well, and he was brought down by the same cornerback he'd been bickering with earlier.

Something must've been said between the two, because when Adam got back up, the defender shoved him. He played it off, falling to the turf after the shove. That drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that allowed his team to move up 15 yards. The next play was another pass to Adam, which he ran in for a touchdown.

•••

Towards the end of the fourth quarter, Adam's team was up 21-10. They were once again on offense, as they were most of the game. There was just under two minutes left on the clock. To run out the clock, his coach was calling all run plays. Adam simply had to block for the running back.

The bickering that had been going on all game, was really starting to pick up. The other player must've been saying stuff since Adam was not one to pick fights in a game.

Something definitely was said, because Adam shook his head. Then the defender punched him. It didn't work out so much for the defender, since Adam was wearing a helmet. But that gave him equal opportunity to fight back. When the other guy tried to punch him again, Adam took it, letting the referees see who started it.

As they refs came running and blowing their whistles, the opposing player tried to punch Adam again. This time, Adam caught his wrist and delivered a swift uppercut under his helmet. The other player fell to the turf as the crowed cheered.

After knocking out his man, Adam walked towards the sidelines as the referees sorted everything out. He wasn't penalized, but the other player was.

There was one more play before time ran out. They had won 21-10 on senior night. Adam met up with his family after the game.

"You really popped him good," Harrison told him.

Adam laughed. "I did get him good."

Joanne, who was also on the yearbook staff at school, photographed sports events. And she'd gotten a picture of Adam punching the other player.

"You should put that in the yearbook," he teased, as they walked out to their cars.