That Pivotal Moment

Chapter 5

Hayden

I remembered feeling more nervous than I should have the night of the bonfire. All I could think about was the possibility of seeing Gabby there. Hell, I didn't care if she spilled boiling water on me as long as she acknowledged me in some way. What the hell was wrong with me?

I felt like I was a thirteen-year-old girl about to meet her favorite member of a boy band. Not good. Maybe she wouldn't even be there. She most likely wouldn't be there if Alex wasn't. There was a mandatory practice this morning and Alex didn't show up. It didn't seem like him to miss it. I tried to call his house when I got his number from coach, but no one answered. I've been trying to ignore the reason for my sudden interest in Alex's life, telling myself it's because of football and not a certain soda pouring-edgy brunette.

I glanced around my bedroom, taking in the sports trophies and medals lining my shelves and walls. I've never noticed how consumed my life was by football until now. No, not football. Consumed by my father. Trying to mold me into what he wanted to be himself. I couldn't recall a single time where he asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. What my dreams were.

He always told me what they were. Why didn't I notice this before? Why now, the start of my senior year with a possible full ride through college and the NFL, did I start thinking differently?

I glanced at the clock on my wall and it was almost six o'clock. I grabbed my keys and headed downstairs, hoping my dad didn't stop me. I haven't spoken to him since the night before and I didn't want to. We would just get into a heated argument and I didn't feel like dealing with that. I didn't want to deal with anything at all.

It didn't take long to get to the bonfire party. It was held at a local park on a lake that was used mostly for bonfires, picnics and after hours make-out sessions. The Virginia weather this time of year was starting to cool down. The days were still rather warm but tonight it was cooler, which I was grateful for.

Most of the school and the whole football team was there already. I made my way to the team to check and see if Alex was there and ask what happened this morning. What I was not expecting was to see him being held upside down by Roy and another player drinking out of a keg.

What the FUCK? I grabbed Alex's legs and stood him upright before shoving Roy. "What the hell are you doing!"

Roy looked around innocently and shrugged. "Just welcoming Alex here to the team. That's what you want isn't it?"

I pulled Alex aside and lowered my voice. "What are you thinking getting involved with these guys? Why weren't you at practice?"

Alex looked confused before he answered. "Practice? cllllooouldn't bake it."

Fucking great. He was hammered. "Dammit, Alex. Where's Gabby?"

He closed his eyes hard as if trying to concentrate. "Ummmm....Went for a stalk?"

I led him to a tree stump and sat him down. "I'm going to get Gabby. Wait here."

I walked towards the direction people usually took when they wanted to go for a walk. I passed by students as they kissed, laughed, and drank. I made it all the way to the river and there was no sign of her.

I ran my hands through my hair in frustration before I heard her voice. "Looking for me, Golden Boy?"

I turned and saw her leaning against a tree. Cigarette in one hand, and beer in another. She was wearing dark denim jeans, a thin black shirt with a jean jacket, and her hair in a ponytail. She was breathtaking.

I stepped towards her. "What are you doing out here?"

She didn't answer as she pushed herself off the tree and stumbled towards me.