Friday arrives, first varsity game of the season, I know I probably won't get much playing time but I'm going to show out as much as I can when the chance comes. My grandpa walks into my room while I'm putting my shoes on and fist bumps me
"Alright Jay, tonight's the night, they put you in you better show them why you deserve to be starting"
"Alright grandpa I will, I'll see you at the game tonight"
I head to school and I see Nicole walk up to me and gives me a hug
"Jay!!!"
"Oh what's up Nicole"
"I wanted to ask you something"
"What's up?"
"You think you could ask your coach if you can get one of your jerseys so I can wear it at the game tonight?"
"I'll ask but I can't promise anything"
"Ok good, I'll see you in the fifth period hopefully with the jersey"
She walks off and I head to the coaches office.
"Hey coach Will?"
"Sanchez, what can I do for you?"
"You thinks it's cool if I can borrow my away jersey?"
"What for?"
"A girl I know wants to wear it"
"Aww shiiiiiiit, already it's only been a few days into the year"
"You already know me coach"
"I see you kid"
He goes and grabs the white away #52 jersey.
I whisper to myself
"I'm wearing 52… not bad"
He tosses the jersey to me
"Make sure you get this back to me no later than Monday"
"I got you coach.. see you later"
"Alright kid, also be ready to get a couple snaps tonight"
"I'll be ready don't worry"
He nods as I head off to class. The rest of the day drags on until it's time for fifth period. I walk in and Nicole is already there
"Here you go"
"You got it! I can't wait to wear this tonight"
"I'll be sure to look for you in the crowd"
She smiles and then class starts, more boring school work until the final bell rings. I walk to the film room and relax until it's time to get ready. I put on my pads, cleats, put on eyeblack and finally my gloves and get ready to head out onto the field with the team. I get to the field and see the crowd, the lights and the other team, Pacific High School. I just think to myself
"Man… never thought I'd see this again"
After stretching and the pregame stuff I head to the sideline and look for my family in the crowd, everyone is here like always, then I see Nicole wave at me wearing my jersey, I wave back and then turn my attention to the game. A few minutes into the game we're on defense, Pacific's first offensive play of the game is a run play, they only gain a few yards but then one of our guys is hurt…. The senior that starts ahead of me. The trainer is out checking on him when coach calls me
"Sanchez!!!"
"Yeah coach.."
"You're going in for Harris"
"He's going to be alright right?"
"Trainer said Harris felt a pop in his knee, it's not looking good. you're the next man up"
"Yes sir"
I snap my fingers three times and time stops again
"Buddy?"
"I'm here Jay"
"I'm going in…"
"Yeah I heard, you ready"
"I'm scared… I don't know why but I am"
"You got this Jay… don't worry about it, just have fun"
Buddy disappears and time resumes, I look to the crowd and I see my family looking at me giving me looks of encouragement. I run out onto the field and join the defense.
"Alright Jay time to see what you got" Sean says as he calls the defense
I head to my spot and get in position, closing my eyes and take a deep breath
"I can do this…"
The ball is snapped and I take off, speed rushing around the tackle easily as I take down the quarterback for a sack. I stand up and hear the roar of the crowd, all I can do is just raise my arms and look towards the crowd as my teammates slap my helmet. I get back to the huddle and think to myself
"Oh yeah, I can do this shit alright"
The game continues and I get better as the game goes on, racking up tackles and a few more sacks until I'm pulled out the game in the fourth quarter with a big lead. I take off my helmet when I head to the sideline and look at my family as they cheer, also seeing Nicole yelling and cheering for me. The game ends and I head back to the locker room and change. I walk out and my family is waiting for with Nicole also there, my brother runs up to me and daps me up then my grandpa speaks up
"Now you showed them why you should've been starting, now it's time to get the attention of everyone else"
Nicole then runs up and hugs me
"Oh everyone this is my friend Nicole, Nicole this is my family"
They both wave at each other, my family walks ahead as Nicole stays next to me
"I didn't know you were that good"
"Yeah… neither did I"
"So… you want to hang out tomorrow?"
"Really?"
"Yeah why not it'll be fun"
"I'll text you tonight after I talk to my parents"
"Alright, I'll text you Jay"
"Alright, see you"
I catch up with my family and head home, taking a shower and head to bed. I lay in bed and think It's only been a week and this new life is already getting crazy, if this keeps up it's going to be a tough choice come graduation night.