rivals in the sheets

chapter one

[a/n: time and place you started this book?]

The sound of the whistle resonated through the air, and Ethan Emmerson dropped to his knees.

It didn't surprise him that the Eagles lost, it surprised him that it was up to him for most part.

The people on the bleachers watched as their team made its way to the bench, called there by Coach Langdon. "Boys, you lost."

Yeah, no shit. I think we can tell, said Ethan to himself, but didn't dream of saying it out loud. Instead, he just nodded and lowered his gaze. He was prepared to accept defeat, even if it tasted bitter.

"But you can learn from your mistakes and do better next time. I know you can because I see you play almost every day and today definitely wasn't your best," he added, looking directly at Ethan.

Ethan knew better than to snap back with a snarky comment, but he was sure making some in his head.

Fraser nudged Ethan's side. "What's up?"

"Nothing, why?" That was a lie. Every game they played with the Lions, he became nervous because he was so afraid of losing. But because of his stress, he played worse than usual and the game normally resulted in the Eagles losing.

"You're not playing like you usually do, and I'm guessing you didn't hurt yourself. So something has to be wrong, or you would play like you usually do."

Ethan just laughed a little at Fraser's remark. It was strange that the others didn't notice him biting his nails nervously before every Eagles vs. Lions game, but he was sure that they wouldn't stay blind for much longer.

"I'm fine, really." He paused for a second, realizing that he didn't sound very convincing. "Just tired, that's all," he quickly added, then turned towards the bleachers, seeing his best friend standing at the bottom.

"There's a party at my house later, in case you want to come over," added Fraser, picking up his duffel bag. "Just show up whenever."

"Sure, I'll come over," answered Ethan before walking away.

Joshua stood at the bottom next to the bleachers, a smile perked on his face. "I predicted this."

"You always say we're gonna lose, so the fact that you got it right this once isn't proof of you being some sort of prophet."

Joshua laughed. "I never said I'm a prophet, I'm just saying I have some sort of sixth sense because I guessed that you would lose. And guessed so correctly."

Ethan shook his head and laughed. His best friend always knew how to cheer him up after a loss like that or a particularly bad day. "Your prediction is gonna be wrong the next time around, because I'm winning. The Eagles are winning."

"The next normal game, or the next game against the Lions?" asked Joshua, crossing his hands on his chest. "Because I think that you can definitely win the first one, but I am definitely not so sure for the second one."

What Joshua said was the truth. They had games almost every week and the Eagles won almost every single one of them, but it was a completely different story when it came to the Lions.

It just seemed impossible for Ethan to win those games, or even play half-decently.

"Ava was looking for you, by the way. And then while you were on the field, she was looking at you," said Joshua, chuckling lightly at the end. "I think it's best you go see her before she bullies me into forcing you to do it."

"I don't know, Joshua. I know what she wants."

"I know that, Ethan, I just don't want to be caught in the middle of your relationship drama any longer. Even if that relationship is long over."