The Gridiron Princess

Chapter 3: The Start of the Season

It was Friday night and the very first game of the season, so I got out of bed and put on my jersey and then headed off to school. I went to my first class and saw Luke in there and once I sat down he turned around and said, "You look good in your jersey."

I smiled and said, "Thanks." The day went by fast and before I knew it we were about to play our first game of the season. I was so excited, but nervous at the same time. The game was about to start and the coach told me the plan and I ran it, but the guy missed it. That was how most of the game went. We didn't even score a touchdown.

After the game Luke came up to me and asked, "Hey, do you want to go out to eat?"

"Yeah I guess. Where are we going?"

"To the same place as the other day."

"Okay." I said as I went to his car.

We made it to the diner and everyone was there and they were laughing like we had won, but we didn't. I looked over at Luke and asked, "Why is everyone so happy? I mean we lost."

"Oh, we always come here after a game."

I didn't know what to say to that, so I just walked in and ordered some food. We sat by ourselves at first, but then he's friends came over and sat down. While they were talking I just sat down and then they left and Luke got up with them and said, "I'll be right back I promise." I just nodded and then shook my head as I got up from the booth and walked outside. He must have saw because he came chasing after me saying, "Chelsea, wait up!" Once he caught up with me he asked, "Why did you leave?"

"Oh I don't know. I mean it has nothing to do with us losing tonight and everyone celebrating like we won. I mean don't y'all care about football anymore. This whole party thing just isn't me unless we actually win a game this season."

He looked speechless at first, but he grabbed my wrist and said, "Come on there's somewhere I need to take you."

I got in his car and he drove off. The whole ride was silent and when we finally stopped I looked over and asked him, "Where are we?"

"This is where my brother died. You know that picture of the five boys that use to be on the team; they were all seniors. We had just won the biggest game- the championship game- and they all went to a party and on their way home they were nailed by a huge truck and the whole town was devastated. We all use to be pretty big in football and the fans were amazing, but after that faithful night all of that went away. Now you see why I don't care anymore. To be honest I have no idea why I'm still playing."

He looked like he was about to cry, so I took his hands in mine and said, "Luke, I had no idea. I'm sorry I said those things to you. It means a lot that you told me that, but there's one thing I don't understand is why don't you love the game like you did before your brother's death?"

"I really don't know. I guess since it was a brotherly thing and since he's gone it kind a feels like it's a only a half now."

"Luke, you know your brother wouldn't want you to give up football because he died. Look I think that instead of you playing just for you, I think you should play for the both of you and your brother and make him proud."

He finally turned to me and looked me in the eyes still holding my hands and smiled as he said, "Thanks." He started leaning in like he was about to kiss me and I did the same and once our lips connected it felt like magic.

We finally separated and I smile and said, "Your welcome." We then noticed it was getting late, so he decided to take me home.

Before I got out of his car I told him, "Thanks for telling me everything."

"No thanks for listening to me."

"No problem. I had a great time tonight." I said smiling.

I got out of his car and walked to my house and then my mom came up to me with the phone in her hand and said, "Chelsea it's your father. He wants to talk to you."

I grabbed the phone excitingly and said, "Daddy, I miss you so much."

"Hey sweetie. I miss you, too. So how is the new school treating you?"

"It's good. I made the football team as the starting quarterback and I met a guy."

"That's my girl!"

"Yeah we had our first game today."

"How did that go?"

"We lost."

"Oh well that's too bad. You'll get them next time."

I heard a siren in the background, so I asked, "Dad, what is that?"

"I'm so sorry sweetie, but I have to go. I love you."

"I love you, too." Then hung up the phone. I went to bed and fell asleep within seconds.

The next morning came and while I was eating breakfest when the door bell rang and all I remember was hearing my mom scream. That's when I walked out from the kitchen to the door and I saw the most shocking surprise ever. I started crying and ran up to my room saying, "It can't be true. No it can't be true."

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So tell me what you think of the new chapter, so comment and vote. Also tell me what you think has everyone so upset?

Song: Happy Ending by Mike Stud

Picture: Josh Hutcherson as Collin