Flag on the Play

by Sherrie Henry

  Cody looked over to the clock. “I’m so sorry, I lost track of time. I can call my mom.”

  “Maybe he could stay over?” Liam hardly knew the words that came out of his mouth.

  “I don’t know—”

  “It’s not a school night, and I’d like to finish our game, if that’s okay.” Liam felt a little hopeful and nervous at the same time.

  Liam’s dad looked over at Liam’s mom. “What do you think, Sarah?”

  Sarah smiled. “I think it’ll be okay. I’m thinking Liam should have a bit more freedom anyway. He’s sixteen now. He can determine when he goes to bed. As long as he gets up on time, of course. You two enjoy the game. Try not to stay up too late. Your father and I expect you for breakfast at eight.”

  “Of course, Mom.”

  “Cody, please make sure it’s okay for you to stay. Otherwise we can take you home.”

  Cody pulled out his cell phone and got permission from his mother. “I’m good to go. Thank you for letting me stay over.”

  “You are very welcome. I’ll set some extra pillows and blankets on your bed. Good night.” Liam’s mom went up the stairs with his dad.

  “Thanks, Mom, Dad,” Liam called out to them, then focused back to Cody. They continued their game for about fifteen minutes, until Liam didn’t hear any other noise coming from upstairs. “I had no idea they’d go for that. I’ve had sleepovers before, but it was always a group.”

  Cody shrugged. “I think they expect us to stay up all night playing this game. Do they really give you a bedtime?”

  “Well, before tonight, it was kinda understood I’d be in bed by ten.” Liam raised his eyebrows. “Was kinda surprised to hear that from Mom. Maybe they won’t be as strict anymore now that I’m sixteen.”

  “Maybe.”

  Liam felt Cody’s fingers on the back of his hand. Their fingers intertwined and for the first time in his life, Liam was holding hands with someone other than his parents. “Your hand feels warm.”

  “Not too sweaty, I hope.”

  “Nope, perfect.”

  “I’m glad. First times are supposed to be memorable.”

  It was then Liam noticed how close Cody was sitting. How close Cody’s face was to his. How close his lips were—and then he felt a slight pressure on his own lips. Just a peck, just enough to be an actual kiss. Then Cody came back into focus.

  “You okay?”

  Liam felt absolutely stunned. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, feelings.

  “Liam?”

  Liam came around as Cody shook his shoulder. “Wha…?”

  “You okay? I didn’t mean to push, but I thought for your birthday—”

  “This is the best birthday ever.”

  “The kiss….”

  “The kiss was awesome.”

  Cody gave him a huge grin. “Glad you liked it.”

  THEY FINISHED the game, then decided to head to bed. There wasn’t room for both of them on the bed, and really, Liam didn’t want to take any chances in case either of his parents came in unexpectedly. He pulled his sleeping bag out of the closet.

  “It’s not the Ritz as they say, but it should do.”

  “I’ve camped out with less. Between the sleeping bag and the blankets, I’ll be fine.” Cody sat down on the bed.

  Liam rolled out the sleeping bag and laid the blankets on top of it. “I’ve been camping a couple of times. But it was in log cabins with cots.”

  “Totally not the same.”

  “Maybe we could go camping someday.”

  “Not much time left this year. It’s already getting in the fifties on some nights.”

  “Maybe next summer?”

  Cody cocked his head. “If I’m able to come back, sure.”

  It hit Liam like a ton of bricks. Cody was only going to be here until the new year, maybe just a tad longer, then he was headed back home, leaving Liam. After just a few days, Liam had become attached to Cody.

  “I didn’t mean to depress you.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “You got this look of utter sadness. I’m sorry.”

  “Nothing to be sorry about. You don’t have control over where you live or how long you’ll stay there.”

  “Well, I don’t want to upset you.”

  Liam sat down next to Cody. “It’s just, I like having someone I can really be myself with.”

  “I get that. You’re pretty much alone here, even with the possibility of other gay people.”

  “Yeah, no one can be themselves. It’s like everyone has to pretend to be these perfect people with no flaws. It’s tiring keeping up the façade.”

  “It’s only for a couple more years. Once you get to college, you’ll be in an entirely new atmosphere. You won’t have to hide.”

  Liam sighed. “Two years. At our age, that’s a lifetime.”

  Cody turned on the bed. “Come here.”

  Liam turned to face Cody. “What?”

  Cody put his arms around Liam, pulling him into a hug. They stayed that way for long minutes. Liam finally pulled back. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For accepting me as I am. For giving me some great firsts to remember. For giving me hope about myself and helping me realize I’m not an abomination.”

  Cody furrowed his brow. “They really call gay people abominations?”

  “Among other things.”

  “Damn.”

  “And they believe we are. Damned.”

  BOTH BOYS fell asleep fairly quickly, sleeping soundly through the night. Light broke through the curtains, waking Liam. He cracked an eye open, noting it was seven thirty in the morning. He leaned over the bed to check on Cody, sleeping on the floor. He reached down and patted Cody’s shoulder.

  “Hey.”

  Cody blinked a few times, wiping his hand over his face. “Hey.”

  “Sleep okay?”

  “Yeah, like a baby.”

  “I wonder why we have that expression. From my experience with my sister, babies don’t sleep all that well.”

  “I think it has to do with not having to care about anything, like babies. They don’t have a care in the world other than being fed and their diaper changed.”

  “Well, I felt like I didn’t have a care in the world after last night. It was a great birthday party.”

  Cody sat up and knelt next to Liam’s bed. “Your parents up yet?”

  Liam listened for a moment. “I don’t hear them.”

  “Good.” Cody leaned in to kiss Liam. This time the kiss lasted a little longer than the first.

  Liam licked his lips after Cody pulled back. “Wow.”

  “Fantastic!”

  Liam smiled. “You like saying that.”

  “It’s from my favorite TV show, Doctor Who.”

  “Never saw it.”

  Cody gave a fake gasp. “Oh no. We must remedy that. As I’ve stayed over here, you will have to stay over at my place. We’ll have a Doctor Who marathon.”

  “What’s it about?”

  Cody got up to sit on the bed. “Liam, my boy, you are in for a treat.”

  AFTER BREAKFAST, Liam’s dad took Cody home. Liam wanted one more kiss, but it was not to be as his parents never left them alone once they came down the stairs.

  “That Cody seems like a nice young man, with the exception of that hair. Where in the world did he get the idea to color it? It’s unnatural.” Liam’s mom picked up the dishes from the kitchen table.

  “He saw it in a movie.”

  “Probably one of those trashy films Hollywood puts out these days.”

  “It was a movie based on a comic book. I don’t think it was trashy. Mindless fun.”

  “Well, at least you have the knowledge of what a good movie is. The classics from a bygone era.” She kissed him on the top of his head. “You ready for the lawn?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Liam knew better than to let on he had seen the movie Cody based his hair on. Best to let Mom think he had onl
y watched her beloved musicals. He got up from the table, then headed to the garage, ready to tackle the lawn. At least this chore would be gone in a few weeks, once the first frost hit.

  Chapter Four

  THE FIRST game of the season was upon them. Liam went through his stretching routine, making sure to concentrate on his quads and hamstrings. The morning was cooler than usual for a September Saturday, and he definitely didn’t want to cramp up. The clouds and slight drizzle didn’t help either.

  They were playing their county rival and hoping for a repeat of a win from last year. Liam’s school had only lost seven players to graduation the past year, so they had a pretty good chance, especially with Cody and his quick legs and sticky hands. Liam leaned against the bench to stretch out his calves as he noticed Cody practicing on the field. Pass after pass, some great spirals, some pretty wobbly, and he caught them all. Liam had a great feeling about this game, heck, about the entire season. Wouldn’t it be cool to actually make the playoffs for their division this year?

  The referee blew his whistle and the teams took their sides. The captains met in midfield for the coin toss, and Liam’s team won, opting to kick off first. The game was on. He put on his helmet and placed the ball on the kicking tee. He took two and a half steps back to the right, his eyes focusing on the ball. He looked up at the stands to the waving flags, taking into consideration the direction the wind was blowing. Taking a deep breath, he ran toward the ball, kicking it precisely along the laces. The ball sailed over midfield and well into the other team’s territory, a perfect forty-nine yards, two over his average. Yes, this was going to be a good game indeed.

  Halftime saw the score seventeen to seven in favor of Liam’s team, the mighty Cardinals. Everyone was elated in the locker room, even though they were dripping sweat and covered in mud. The sun had come out with a vengeance, creating high humidity, but no one seemed to care. High fives went all around. It gave him an excuse to touch Cody, if only for a back slap and fist bump. Cody was responsible for one of their touchdowns and had moved them into position for their second. Coach blew his whistle, and Liam plopped down next to Cody. Damn, even when all muddy and sweaty, with his lavender hair looking like an old-lady gray, he still looked sexy.

  “Simmer down there, girls. We haven’t won yet. Still got two more quarters to get through. Don’t get cocky on me.” Coach Walker tapped his clipboard. “We got lucky on seven of those points, otherwise it’d be a three-point game instead of ten. So keep your mind in the game.”

  Liam’s thigh kept touching Cody’s, and the sensation, even through their respective skintight pants, became more than a distraction for him. Coach kept talking, but all Liam could think about was the heat being exchanged between the two of them. He risked a glance at Cody, who matched his gaze and gave him a wink. Liam quickly looked away, grateful everyone else seemed to be mesmerized by Coach’s words. He hoped the heat he felt creeping up his cheeks would be taken as a reaction to the high temperatures. He turned his attention back to what the coach was saying.

  “Now, go out there and play ball!”

  The entire team stood up, waving their helmets and chanting. Liam followed suit, confident no one observed his and Cody’s interactions. They headed back out onto the field.

  The second half didn’t go quite as well as the first, but Liam’s team ended up pulling out a squeaker, winning thirty to twenty-seven with a final-few-seconds field goal. The locker room was more rambunctious than ever with trash talk and water bottles thrown across the room. Liam knew his mother would be appalled at the language, but he reveled in the victory along with his teammates. He felt a hand give him a playful slap on the back.

  “Awesome game, huh, Liam?”

  Liam turned to see Cody grinning from ear to ear.

  “Great way to start the season, for sure.”

  “Some of the guys are heading over to the diner. You coming?”

  Liam chewed his lower lip. “I’ll have to ask my parents.”

  “Cool. Hope to see you there.” Cody gave Liam a little tap on the back of the head.

  Liam absentmindedly rubbed the spot Cody had hit as he contemplated how to approach his parents.

  “IT’S AWFULLY late. And tomorrow’s church, you know.” Liam’s mom plucked some lint off his t-shirt.

  “Sarah, we agreed to loosen the apron strings a little, remember?” Liam’s dad put his arm around her waist.

  “I know, I know, it’s just so hard. He’s growing up so fast. Soon he’ll want to go out on dates. You know, do ‘couple’ things.”

  Liam tried not to flinch at the dating comment. His heart fell as he realized he could never live up to what his mom and dad wanted. He stood up a little straighter. “Can I please go?”

  “I suppose so. Just so hard to let my baby go, you know?” His mom gave him a hug. She drew back and smoothed his hair back. “It was just yesterday you were holding my hand to cross the street.”

  “Mom!”

  “Well, it’s true!” She opened her purse and handed him a ten-dollar bill. “Will this cover what you want?”

  Liam nodded and pocketed the bill. “I’m just going to get my usual, burger and shake. That leaves plenty for a tip.”

  “That’s my boy, always thinking of others. Proud of you, son.” Liam’s dad gave him a playful punch in the arm.

  “You’ll call when you want to be picked up?”

  “Unless someone gives me a ride, if that’s okay? The diner’s only eight blocks from home.” Liam’s heart sped up a little, hoping he might be able to get a ride from Cody.

  “I suppose so. But buckle up and make sure they stay under the speed limit. No texting and driving. And be home by ten.”

  “Aw, ten? Eleven, please? I promise I’ll be up for church with bells on.”

  His mom shook her head. “Ten.”

  “Why don’t we compromise, ten thirty. I think that sounds fair, right, hon?” His dad gave him a wink.

  His mom shrugged. “Okay, ten thirty. But not a moment later.”

  Liam hugged her. “Of course. Ten thirty on the dot. Thank you.”

  “And you’ll call us if any drugs or alcohol show up, right?”

  “Mom! We’re going to a diner, not a rave.”

  Liam’s dad put his hands on Sarah’s shoulders. “We agreed to give him some more freedom. I trust his judgment.”

  “As do I. I’m just being a mother.” She leaned in and gave Liam a peck on the cheek. “Have a good time.”

  “I will!” Liam waved to his parents as he headed toward where the team had gathered.

  THE DINER was packed by the time the team arrived. The high fives that started in the locker room continued as the team shuffled in. Liam was secretly pleased he was able to sit at the same table with Cody. Not like they’d do anything here, but it was nice to be in the same vicinity as him.

  “Whatcha boys want?” The waitress tapped her order pad with her pen.

  “Busy enough for ya, uh, Sally?” Cody eyed her nametag as he put down his menu.

  “Crazy like this after every game. You’re the new guy in town. Cool hair.”

  “Thanks.”

  “So whatcha want?”

  “A vanilla shake and an order of chili cheese fries, please.”

  Sally wrote it down. “Next?”

  Liam closed his menu. “Chocolate shake and double cheeseburger, ketchup and pickle.”

  “Don’t you get that every time you’re here?”

  Liam shrugged.

  “How about you two?” Sally pointed to the other two guys in the booth and, after taking their orders, said, “Back in a few with the drinks.”

  Matt, who sat across from Cody, tapped Cody’s hand and leaned forward. “You hot for Sally or what? She is smokin’!”

  Cody rolled his eyes. “Why would you say that?”

  “You called her by name and made small talk.”

  “I was being polite. Puh-leeze, she’s like what, twenty?”

  “
Nineteen. She graduated with my brother. You’re seventeen, not out of the realm of possibility.”

  Jacob, who sat next to Cody, slugged Cody’s shoulder. “Come on, ask her out. You know you want to.”

  “What is it with you guys? Everyone is into everyone else’s love life around here?”

  “Pretty much,” Matt and Jacob answered in unison.

  “Liam, what do you think?”

  Liam looked at Cody, hoping his discomfort wasn’t that noticeable. “Think?”

  “Should I ask Sally out?” He gave Liam a very slight wink.

  “If you like her, why not?”

  “Maybe I will.”

  All four boys piped down as Sally came back with their drinks. “Here you go, boys. Enjoy. And congrats on the game.”

  Their talk turned to their next game and all gossip about Sally was forgotten. Except by Liam. He really wondered if Cody would ask her out. Cody had said he planned only to date girls while he was here.

  AFTER THREE hours of sitting, talking, eating, and telling rude jokes, it got to be just after ten. Liam looked around and noticed a couple of guys had left already, so he wouldn’t be the first one to leave.

  “I’d better go call for a ride. Time to head home.”

  Cody slurped down the last of his third vanilla shake. “Wait, I can drive you. No sense dragging your parents out of bed.”

  “You sure? You don’t want to stick around and talk to Sally?” Liam hoped his voice dripped sarcasm and not jealousy.

  Cody tilted his head in Sally’s direction. “Looks like Evan’s making a move on her. Maybe another time.”

  “Okay. Let’s go.” Liam shrugged his hoodie on and headed out the door.

  The air was still and smelled like rain. A flash of lightning streaked in the distance.

  “Gonna rain tonight.” Liam pulled his hood up over his head.

  “Yeah. Might be a great storm.”

  “Great storm?”

  “I love thunderstorms. Love watching them. Mom says it’s the best time to create potions. Infuses energy into them.”

  Liam shook his head. “Don’t know if I could get used to stuff like that.”