His Only Savior | #Wattys2019

Chapter 24

Thirty seconds left on the clock, the score board reading seven to six.  Our lead.  It was the opposing team's ball, and they had managed to charge their way all the way down the field.  Sitting at fourth down and goal.  The crowd hanging by the edge of their seats, the anticipation building.  There were no time outs left and they decided to go all in.  When the ball hiked my breathing hitched as I watched Isaac break through their line; their quarterback hitting the ground hard as his body connected with the turf.

My body surged with adrenaline as I jumped into the air, our boys had done it.  They were bringing home the state championship title and I couldn't be prouder.  Watching Isaac play I could feel the joy he felt again.  His words from earlier rolled around my brain the whole bus ride and even creeped in throughtout the game. 

We lined up and thanked the opposing team for putting their whole heart into the game.  As we walked back over to join the coaches, I felt Isaac's eyes on me.  I found him in the crowd of players and smiled genuinely.

Sean pulled me from the moment, "That was amazing!"

"Sean you reek," I chuckled as I shoved him away.

"I think I smell pretty good considering," he hugged me again.

"Hey, can I ask you something before the celebration starts tonight at the hotel?"

"Duh!  What is it?"

"If I gave Isaac just one more chance would that make me stupid?"  My heart sank nervous for the answer he would give.  He was someone I could always trust to be honest even if it hurt him or I.

"I'm breaking bro code again by telling you this but fuck it.  Isaac called it off with Brittany because he wants you.  He didn't go into detail but said something happened last night that made him realize he shouldn't have pushed you away to begin with.  He said you were capable of protecting yourself even if that meant from him."  He shrugged, "Don't know what the hell that means but it felt sincere.  I think he really wants you back in his life."

"That all might be true, but do you think it would be stupid for me to let him back in?"

"I can't tell you that love, you have to follow your own instincts."  He smiled, "I'll see you on the bus."

I scanned the crowd again spotting Isaac talking with some of the other players as they headed for the lockers.  "Isaac!"

His head snapped around his eyes filled with enthusiasm as they found me.  "Em!"  He made his way over shoving his way through the crowd of bodies until he back tracked his way to me. He stopped right in front of me, his face only inches away.  "Did you think about what—"

I silenced his words by leaning in and allowing our lips to meet.  He tensed at the contact but quickly relaxed.  His hand found its way to my neck, gently caressing it eager to deepen the connection.  Using my hands, I tenderly created distance again.  My breathing uneven, the smile he wore contagious.  "If you hurt me or toss me to the side again, we are done."

"I won—"

"Let me finish.  Earlier you told me to tell you I didn't love you and I simply didn't answer.  I need you to understand, you have hurt me more than anyone in my life.  Something you promised to never do, and you did.  I know you love me but that means you have to choose me every day.  Because if you can't love me as passionately as I love you then this won't work.  Every risk assumed when being with you is worth it because I love you unconditionally and uncontrollably.  I wish I could hate you for the things you have done but I can't."

He reached out towards me again, his hands finding a place on either side of my face.  "I have always loved you as passionately.  I thought I was doing what was best for you, but last night you showed me having you in my corner is better than not having you at all.  My biggest mistake will always be pushing you away."