Marry Me

Chapter Four

As I sit in Mrs. Nixon's English class, I think about what Lexie is doing right now.

Mrs. Nixon is handing tests back, when she gets to me, she smiles, "Another one, Mr. Hoffman."

I turn over my paper to see an A+. I knew my grades had to be good to get a scholarship, but I didn't realize that they were this good. I guess I was so focused on football that I never payed attention to my grades that much.

Jason sits behind me, "Wow Graham, another A? Who are you cheating off of."

"Quiet Mr. Williams, you should learn from your friend." Mrs. Nixon tells him as she puts his test on his desk. It reads C- and Jason actually smiles at that grade.

Now that, I do remember. Jason always excelled at football, but when it came to school, he was below average and was okay with that.

I'm so lost in thought that I don't feel Jason kicking my chair until the third or forth time he actually does it, "Graham, look to your right," he whispers. I do what he says and see Shelby Brooklyn, my ultimate high school crush, well before Lexie of course. She's smiling at me and waves when she sees me looking.

I wave back to her. She winks at me. At that time, I used to think she was so pretty and popular. Now I knew that she was never my type. She had braces and dyed bleached blonde hair. She also wore too much makeup that exaggerated her brown eyes. Most guys would be in heaven at my age because this girl was actually really pretty, but after seeing Lexie, I knew that I would never look at a girl the same way.

After class, she walked over to me. She wore a pair of cut off shorts that were so small, they barely counted as shorts and a tight crop top that read, Panthers Cheerleader. Everyone loved the cheerleaders.

"So, Graham, right?" She touches my arm. I try to hide my grimace.

"Yeah, it's Graham." I say, not making eye contact with her as I put my folder and pencil in my backpack.

"Do you want to meet up after the football game? I heard you're starting tonight and I just want to let you know that I'm having a party after the game and you can use it as a way to celebrate." Shelby says.

"I'm sorry, I have work tonight. Maybe some other time?" I ask, but I don't really mean it.

She removes her hand, almost shocked that someone like me would reject her like that. "O-okay, ill see you around."

She leaves before I can say anything else. Whatever, as soon as this stupid game is over, I can see Lexie again, hopefully.

. . . . . . . . . . .

When I run out into the field with the team, I remember this feeling. It was amazing. I remembered why I loved football so much. The bright lights, the crowd cheering, the exhilarating sensation of just being with hundreds of people, and the bond of a team because of one ball and two end lines makes me feel a high. I love this feeling.

When we are done with warmups, the refs blow their whistles for team captains and the rest of the team jogs to the sidelines. As the coach gives his pep-talk when the captains come back, one of which is my brother, I look to the crowd at the one spot that I always counted on Lexie being. Of course she's not there because we didn't meet yet, but I can't help but think about all that I have to look forward to.

"Hoffman," my coach says. I direct my attention back to Coach Simmons.

"Yes sir," my brother says.

"Not you," Coach tells him, "You," he points to me, "Do you want to play tonight, or stare off into space because I can't deal with anyone who has distractions tonight. This game makes or breaks up going to the playoffs."