Chapter 3 (Edited)

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Two weeks later - Homecoming Football game day. I'm excited for the game tonight and the dance tomrrow. I'm upset though because Liam, my older brother, is missing the game tonight. As the school day moves closer to the game the more I'm trying to stay focused on the game. By the end of the day I'm just in a funk but I'm trying.

Vladimir is at my locker at the end of the day and I feel a little better. I lean up and kiss him on the mouth and he kisses me back with such passion it amazes me. We've been together for two weeks now and it's been great. He's had dinner at my house four times now and I've been to his three times. I met his dad, Viktor, who was born and raised in Russia. His mom, Maria, was born and raised here in Wyoming. His three younger siblings, Anatoly, Alexei and Anastasiya. I love his family. Vladimir said he's going to teach me Russian.

I pull back from him. "Hi," I breath out.

"Hi." He pecks me on the lips. "When do you have to meet up with the team?"

"5 p.m. We have time to grab dinner if you'd like?"

"Of course I'd love too. Where?"

I smirk. "Subway." We both love Subway.

The beginning of halftime began we were up 45 to 7. Mr. Morris, the announcer for our home games and he's also the Drama teacher; came on the speakers. I figure it was to announce the Homecoming court.

Instead he says, "Will the family of Lollan O'Brien go to the middle of the field?" I turn to look at my family in the stands and they look as confused as me. I waited until they were with me and we went to the middle of the field.

We turn to face the announcers box. Mr. Morris says, "I believe that your family is missing a member. Am I correct?" We look at Mama and Mom before we all nod. "The oldest, Liam, who I believe is currently serving in th Marines over in Iraq." People in the crowd from the home and visitor sides clap. "If the O'Brien family will look toward our endzone please." We turn to see Liam in his uniform. Mama and Mom instantly start bawling along with my sisters as we meet Liam and hug him. Lochlan and I cry once we hug Liam.

The Homecoming court was announced. Of the six couples for the Seniors, Lochlan and I were two of the six. Surprisingly, I won Homecoming King and Gloria won Homecoming Queen. I also walked out with Gloria.

During the last five minutes of the fourth quarter, I was hit by an opposing player that caused me to see black spots and the wind knocked out of my lungs. When he finally got off of me it took me a minute to get up. Coach came out and helped me off the field and made me sit on the bench. The game ended with a final score of 56 to 14.

After having a meeting with coach in the locker room, I left to find my family, Gloria and Vladimir outside the field.

Vladimir hugs me tight when I come up to him. "What did the E.M.T. say?" Mom asks.

Vladimir doesn't loosen his grip. I turn my head on his chest to face them. "Just had the wind knocked out of me that's all." They nod.

I look over at Liam with a huge smile. "How come you didn't mention that you were coming home?"

Liam gave me a wicked grin. "More fun this way."

We went out to dinner for Liam's welcome home even if it's only for two weeks R&R. He's got another two years on his tour. Gloria went home after the game but I insisted that Vladimir came with.

***I'm going to end this chapter here on a happy note.***


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