For The Love Of The Game

LACEY'S POV

Lacey finished the final touches on her make up. She leaned back to look at herself in her vanity mirror. She was satisfied with what she saw. She gave herself a small smile, but even she knew it looked strained. She was nervous. Glancing at the clock on her night stand told her that Aaron would be there at anytime to pick her up. Today was Saturday, and tonight was the night that Aaron was going to break the difficult news to his dad about Rockhill. Lacey let out a breath she didn't even know she'd been holding. She knew that it was going to be a tough night, and that it probably wouldn't end well. But even though she was nervous she couldn't even imagine how Aaron must feel right now. She replayed the last few days in her head.

Ever since his amazing performance at his game Aaron acted down the rest of the week. And she knew why, everyday that passed meant another day that was closer to him 'breaking his dad's dream' as Aaron put it. Lacey felt bad for Aaron. She knew that this was going to be hard but it had to be done. It seemed that there was only one bright spot that had happened, and it was last night. Aaron had decided to come over to Lacey's after school. She knew that he was stressed and there really wasn't a whole lot she could do. As they snuggled on the couch together Aaron's cell phone went off. He picked it up and looked at Lacey.

"Who is it?" she asked him.

"The Rockhill coach."

Lacey muted the college football game they had been watching and sat up. "Well, answer it!"

Aaron answered his phone and put it on speaker for Lacey to hear as well. The coach, who Lacey learned his name to be Norm Stewart, called to give Aaron some details about his offer. "Well son I just wanted to call and give you my offer for your scholarship. Like I said before I would LOVE to have you come down and play for me next year. So I want to offer you a full scholarship. We'll cover your books, meals, and on campus living. And your tuition of course."

Lacey couldn't help the smile that came to her face. Aaron was just offered a full ride to go to the college of his choice. It was all falling into place. She looked up at Aaron who's jaw was basically dragging on the floor. "Say something," Lacey whispered to him. Aaron closed his mouth. He tried to speak but nothing was coming out.

"Are you there?" asked Coach Stewart.

"Uh...yeah I'm here. Wow, I really don't know what to say Coach. That's amazing! I can't tell you how grateful I am." Aaron finally stammered.

"Well you deserve it. From what I saw you are one heck of a player. So we can agree on the full scholarship?"

"Yeah of course!" Aaron said smiling.

"Great! Now when would you like to meet up to sign the paper work?"

With that question it seemed like a weight had been placed on Aaron. A frown took the place of his smile, and Lacey watched as the wrinkles appeared on his forehead. She knew what he was thinking. There was no way that he could sign ANY paperwork until he talked to his dad. He had to get UCLA out of the picture before he could make his dream a reality. "Well coach. I need to tell my parents about all of this. Is there anyway that I could call you sometime this week to let you know?"

"Of course! Of course! You have my number. Call anytime. I look forward to hearing back from you!"

"Thank you so much for everything agin!" Aaron said. Lacey heard the click from the other line knowing that the coach had hung up.

Lacey leapt into Aaron's arms. "Congrats! A full ride, that's amazing!" she said hugging his neck. She felt him squeeze her back.

"Thanks Lace. This wouldn't be happening if it weren't for you," he said softly in her ear.