Under the Lights

Chapter 34: The Game

Chapter 34

Halftime found us down 14-28. It was awful. Absolutely awful. Our defense wasn’t pulling their weight…

My hip was killing me with every step that I took but I couldn’t let it show. I had another half of the game to play and I wasn’t going to throw it away for some silly little pain in my leg.

“Jason.” Brian nudged my shoulder, pointing down the hall as we approached the locker room. 

Carly was standing there, her arms crossed. 

“Coach can I-”

“Be quick.” Coach nodded as he walked into the locker room. 

I quickly jogged over to Carly, but slowed down from the pain in my leg.

“I messed up.” I said quickly before she could talk. “I freaked out this morning and didn’t know what to do.” 

Carly sighed, her face softening slightly. 

“Carly I just, it really hit me this morning that the next eighteen plus years of our lives are planned out for us. And that consists of bills and diapers and a kid. Don’t get me wrong I can’t wait to have a family with you but like, all of the responsibility just hit me this morning and I… Holy shit I don’t think I’m ready.” 

Carly stepped forwards, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. 

“I’m absolutely terrified.” She whispered, squeezing me tightly. 

I relaxed, pulling her into my arms. 

“I’m absolutely terrified of giving birth, of the first time we have to change a diaper ourselves, of where we’re going to be in a year, of how we’re going to afford everything… But we’re going to be together and that’s all that matters.” Carly said softly. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you where I was…” I whispered, kissing the side of her head. 

“I talked to Georgetown today.” Carly said softly, stepping back from me. 

I raised my eyebrows, scanning her face. 

“And?” I whispered. 

“Because this morning when I checked my email, I had an acceptance letter from UT.” Carly said, her face breaking into a grin. 

My eyes widened. 

“And I told Georgetown that I was going to have to retract my application.” Carly said, her face lighting up as I started smiling. 

“Today I planned this whole damn speech about how college ball was going to come second to a family and if you wanted, I’d apply to some colleges in DC.” I laughed, shaking my head. 

“Don’t you dare! Oh my gosh how awful would that be if we switched schools without telling the other person and ended up flipped.” Carly laughed. 

“But you’re really going to UT? Are you sure? Babe you don’t have to give up your dream for-”

“My dream changed when I met you, Jason Charleston. My dream is to have kids with my super hot future husband.” Carly said softly, stepping towards me. 

I pressed my lips against hers, a smile spreading on my face. 

“How’d you even get back here?” I laughed, pulling back. 

“I’m a Hamilton High student, we’re all allowed back here genius.” Carly laughed. “But look, you’ve got a game to win, and you really need to step up your game.”