Blood Bath

Chapter 17

Colton had a good night's sleep and was ready for game day. Instead of having breakfast at home, He met the team at the high school kitchen for breakfast.

After a great meal, Coach Talbert and members of the Athletic Boosters talked about the upcoming game and the role of sports in the community. It as uplifting, but Colton felt even more pressure to win. He told Aden how he felt and Aden said he also felt the pressure, but suggested that it was normal in a situation like this.

"We've never been this close to becoming regional champs, as a team. I'm just surprised that we haven't felt more pressure with our other competitions," Aden told Colton.

"You're right. All we can do is our best. I hope it's enough."

Coach Talbert told the team members to gather their belongings and head out to the bus. "It will be long three hour drive to Pewamo-Westphalia High School and the game will start at one o'clock," he said. Everyone was shaking hands and Aden thanked the Boosters for the great pregame celebration.

As the team was enjoying their breakfast, Seth, Beth, and Lacie were finishing their breakfast at Main Street Cafe, in Pigeon.

"I'll get the bill, Seth insisted."

Lacie wanted to leave a tip, but Seth insisted that he would cover it.

As Seth went to pay the bill, Beth said, "He's generous with his money, but he doesn't show off about how much money his family has. Sometimes when we go out, he acts like he's spending his last dime."

"Yes, he's well grounded, just like Colton. I'm sure it's why they're such good friends," Lacie said as she put on her coat and scarf.

Lacie laughed, "Oh... look, Beth. He's buying a bag of cookies and doughnuts. Isn't that sweet?"

"Too sweet," Beth said. "He's not helping me watch my weight. Is he?"

Seth helped Beth with her coat and the trio walked out to the parking lot. Lacie insisted on sitting in the back seat, but Beth asked her to sit behind Seth so she could talk to her.

The Loon's school busses pulled into the parking lot of the Pewamo-Westphalia High School fifteen minutes before Seth. Lacie suggested he park close to the gate to the football field, but Seth said he wanted to park in the back lot.

"I don't want a ton of people walking by my car. Too tempting for someone to deface my baby." he said.

Seth did, however, drop the girls off at the gate before driving across the lot to his parking space. He opened the back of his Charger, and pulled out his professional video camera and tripod. Coach Talbert asked him to record tonight's game again.

When he returned to the gate, the three of them, found a seat in the upper bleachers, where Seth could get a good view of the entire field. There were two other people setting up video cameras near him. Three photographers, including two television stations, had their cameras on the sidelines of the football field.

Both teams were on the field doing warm up exercises, fans were filling the bleachers, the bands from both schools were taking their places, and school personnel were making sure everything was ready for the big game.

As Seth adjusted his camera, Beth and Lacie watched the teams practicing. Beth enjoyed sports and was on the Girls softball team last year.

"You should go out for a sport, Lacie. It's fun and it helps me keep my weight down," Beth said.

"I've never worried about my weight," Lacie replied.

"You're lucky," Beth said. "Everyone in my family is overweight. It's part genes and part farm eating. Dad always wants a huge breakfast and dinner, which is great if you're working hard on the farm. But with today's farm equipment, the work is not as physical as it was for our ancestors. If I don't watch what I eat I could be heavy. When I was in grade school I was the "fat girl". But with sports and by watching what I eat, I'm keeping my weight steady."