Playing the Game

Chapter 1: And So It Begins

Chapter 1

"One more time!" My dad yelled, his voice echoing extensively around the empty football stadium.

I shot him a glare, resting my hands on top of my hair that was drenched in sweat.

"Dad, come on." I let out a soft laugh. "You're joking."

"I don't see you moving!" He yelled, leaning back in the bleachers that he was sitting in.

My eyes scanned over Coach Turner and I took a deep breath, squatting low before sprinting down the field again.

Because it wasn't enough for me to show up to a Sunday afternoon practice after already running three miles this morning... Nope. It was preposterous to think I'd have better things to do with my time.

I reached the end of the far end zone, digging my cleat into the turf as I spun around on my right foot. Bending my head forwards to gain more momentum, I booked it back down the field, a pit of nausea forming in my stomach as I tried not to breath too extensively.

I stood back up to my full height as I sailed across the end zone, my heart thumping in my ears and my lunch threatening to make an appearance again.

"Am I done?" I called up to my dad, holding up my hand to shield my head from the sun.

"You're never done, McKinley!" Coach Turner called with a laugh as he stood up.

"I mean for now, Coach." I recovered, wiping sweat off of my forehead.

"You're good. I'll see you at home for dinner! I've got business to take care of." My dad called back to me, following Coach Turner up to the box office above the stands.

I sighed, peeling off my t-shirt as I walked over to my bag.

Dad was the president of the boosters. He lived and breathed football, practically unable to leave behind his glory days from the eighties when he played for this high school.

That was pretty much the last time Jefferson had any sort of success with football. Until my grade came along, they sucked.

Everyone thinks it's my McKinley genes. My grandpa played in the NFL, my dad played in the NFL for a season until he busted his back, and now there's me.

I sprayed my water into my mouth, swishing it around as I sprayed more of it over my head.

Shaking out my hair, I stuffed my sweaty t-shirt into my football bag.

My dad and Coach Turner were already in the box office, paying no more attention to me.

My heart rate had already returned to normal as I headed out of the extravagant stadium towards the parking lot.

As I walked towards my truck, the principal came out of the school talking to a girl and her parents.

My eyes were instantly drawn to the girl. She was exquisite.

With ridiculously curly red hair and a face full of freckles, she looked nothing like either of her parents. Her parents were both extremely pale and boring, but this girl was gorgeous and intriguing, with something more in her than what you saw in girls around here.

"Charlie!" Principal Jones called, his face breaking into a smile that was only matched when he spoke of our football program.

"Shit." I muttered under my breath, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder as I walked over to the Principal.

"Good afternoon, sir." I gave him a smile with a nod of my head. "It's out of regular office hours, isn't it?"

"I'm just showing the Von Battons around our facilities." Principal Jones smiled, his face falling for a split second as he took in my appearance.

The parents looked absolutely appalled at the sight of a half dressed, sweaty boy.

Welcome to Texas public school.

"This is Elizabeth Von Batton, she's starting school here tomorrow. She's a senior as well. They're from New Jersey." Principal Rogers explained.

"Nice to meet you." I smiled, giving a slight wave. "Charlie McKinley." I held out my hand.

Elizabeth just looked at it, wrinkling her nose before taking a slight step back. She tucked her hair behind her ear, glancing up at her father uncertainly.

I pulled back my hand after a half second, my cheeks flaming red with embarrassment.

Damn.

"This is Charlie, our All-American Quarterback." Principal Rogers had that proud look about his face again, as if he had anything to do with my success. "We have an excellent athletics program here, especially our football program."

"Go Jackrabbits." I gave a little fist pump. "But hey, I've got to get home and help with Sunday Dinner. See you tomorrow, Principal Rogers."

I didn't look at the girl again as I turned to walk towards my truck.

What kind of girl doesn't shake your hand when you introduce yourself?

Maybe she was just one of those shy things that doesn't talk to anyone.

A smirk crossed my face as I tossed my bag into the bed of my truck.

Maybe that could be my next goal.

With looks like that, she was a real catch. And it's a little extra that she seems so against me.

I'd so take this up with the guys later. Maybe make a little money on it.

My face was in a full blown grin as I started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot.

This week just got a hell of a lot more interesting. 

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New story ;) enjoy! - E xx