The Story of Us

Nathaniel Morgan

*A/N* Dedicated to Lucas. Not a day goes past when I don't miss my best friend. Picking up a football reminds me of him in every way. We'll always be the boys of fall.*

It felt like I was having a panic attack. There was a tightening sensation in my chest right over my heart and my breath came in short gasps. I wasn't asthmatic and didn't have heart problems so that must be what was happening.

Why am I having a panic attack? Coach decided it would be better if he released the news that there would be a tribute to my father before the game. Levi and Gentry were on either side of me, trying to get me breathing regularly again.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

Fuck.

“Why?” I demanded, angrier than anything else. Nobody asked for my permission and my mother was in no stable state to give it. Levi glanced at Gentry for a split second before looking at me.

“Uh, the principal thought it would be a good idea–” I rose at his words, livid.

“Where the fuck is he?” I growled, fist clenched and shaking with rage. This was a big fucking game and he had the audacity to pull a stunt like this? My eye twitched with agitation. Principal Shutters was gonna fucking get what he deserves.

Everybody was dressed, the game started in an hour. They all paused in the middle of their pre-game rituals to watch me in my anger. I threw the locker room door open so hard it banged off of the opposite wall and started to shut again. A couple cheerleaders nearby jumped. Levi and Gentry were still behind me.

It wasn't hard to find Shutters. He was in the broadcasting booth with all our stat people and radio broadcaster.

“Shutters.” I barked. Mr. Shutters turned and flinched when he saw me standing in the doorway, Levi and Gentry standing behind me threateningly.

“Y-yes, Morgan?” I advanced on the principal slowly.

“Why was I not informed of the tribute to my father happening before the game?” I asked, my voice scarily calm. Shutters glanced out of the window and down on the stands.

“Because I felt he deserved recognition.” He said equally as calm.

“You can't do that without my permission!” Shutters raised a dark eyebrow.

“I can't?” He politely inquired.

“No! This is a big game and I don't want to be reminded of him everywhere I look!” Shutters rolled his eyes. Levi and Gentry grabbed hold of the back of my uniform to prevent me from jumping on the principal and pounding his face in.

“C'mon.” Gentry pulled me out of the booth, breathing heavily himself. So I wasn't the only one who hated the principal.

Coach's talk before the game was about leaders and representation.

“Anybody can be a leader when things are goin' good. What I love to see is the people who step up when the goin's tough. All of you men have stood tall behind Morgan and I can't be more proud of y'all. If you win this game you will never be forgotten by your school.

“Be proud to wear those uniforms! I want to see emotion out of every single one of y'all tonight. You're representing this school, so be be proud you're standing here in those uniforms! This is your night, make it happen! Morgan's father isn't ever going to see him play again. Play your best game from here on out for your fathers. I never got to see my son play. Play your damn hearts out! Two claps if you're ready to play your hearts out tonight. One two.” We clapped on command.