Lion Eyes

by Casey Peeler

  Checking my phone, I see that I need to hurry to get to the field house on time. As I open the door and walk into the locker room, everyone turns and stares. While that is nothing new, it is game day and I want them to feel like we’re on the same team. When I start to dress out, Coach demands our attention.

  “Today starts a new year in Blue Ridge football. It’s one that will demand we play as a team. We are one on that field today, and will put our differences aside as we represent our school at the highest degree possible. No one player is any better or different than the others. We are here to play as one. Does everyone understand that?”

  “Yes, sir,” resonates throughout the room and I fall into line with the others.

  “TD, you’re starting,” he says and then calls out the rest of the first string. “All in,” he says as we take a knee and pray as one. I pray a little harder that they aren’t about to hang me out to dry. As we make our way out of the field house and into the stadium, I can feel the vibration of the bleachers moving and the fans cheering. In this moment I realize that it doesn’t matter where I’m playing as long as I’m in the game. Looking around, I notice that every guy on the team is the same. We have one common goal and that’s to win, and that’s exactly what I plan to do today. With the toss of a coin and the blow of a whistle, I go to work.

  Rilla

  “If you don’t hurry up, we’re going to miss the kickoff!” Laney exclaims as she tries to graciously speed walk to the gate. I can’t help but giggle at her excitement. We show our student IDs, head through the gate and make our way to the student section. It’s a sea of blue and gold. We find our spot just as opening kickoff happens in three…two…one. Blue Ridge is on the receiving end, and I hold my breath as the ball’s caught and run back to our fifty-yard line. That’s a pretty good position, and now it’s time to see what Tyke is made of.

  As the offense takes the field, I spot him easily. Heck, he’s wearing number one on his jersey but the aura around him is like “look at me.” It makes me want to vomit. Laney elbows me when they get in position, and I elbow her right back. With the call of the play and the snap of the ball, I’m caught off guard when the entire offensive line doesn’t block at all. Are you kidding me? What kind of team is this? That’s when I can’t believe what’s happening in front of me. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he knew that was going to happen. He takes a step back, spots an opening, and takes off toward the end zone. I stand there in shock. There is no way. It’s as if he is unstoppable as the opposing team does their best to stop him with no luck. When he enters the end zone, he doesn’t gloat. Instead, he hands the ball off to the official and runs to the sidelines without a word. I’m shocked that there is little emotion from him. I honestly expected an end zone celebration or at least showboating with his teammates. That’s when he looks over his shoulder into the student section and his eyes meet mine. Damn, I’ve been spotted. It’s like he knew where to look. I hope he doesn’t think I’m here because he asked.

  Tyke

  You’ve got to be kidding me. I thought they were finally accepting me as their leader. I said an extra prayer and everything. I’ll be damned if they think acting like I’m a one-man show is going to stop me. So I did what the amazing TD Jamison does. I didn’t want to be what everyone expected. I wanted to be more, but I can promise that when we take the field and we huddle, I’m about to lay it out for them or they can put someone else in and pray they win the game.

  Our defense holds them with no problem. I get ready to take the field when Coach calls me. “TD, take charge,” he says and I nod before running onto the field like I own it.

  “Now y’all listen up,” I start as we huddle up. “You are going to hold that line while I throw that ball downfield. Ya got me?” I hear a mumble, and I lose it. I grab my center’s mask and pull his face to mine. “Listen, asshat. Your job is to protect me. I’ll do mine all day long with or without you.” Letting go of his helmet, I look everyone in the eyes and demand respect. I call the play and the huddle breaks.

  Lining up, I know this will set the stage for the rest of the game. When the ball is snapped, bodies clash before me. They hold the line while I look downfield and spy my wide receiver. I zone in and throw. I watch as the ball falls effortlessly into his hands as he is taken down by the defense. First down. For the remainder of the game, we’re on fire. Everything seems to go as planned and when the clock winds down to end the game, Blue Ridge has taken the first victory of the season. We shake hands with our opponents and then head toward the locker room.

  As we remove our uniforms, Coach comes in and we give him our full attention. “Good game today. Jamison, way to lead the team. Bullock and Odom, way to block. I saw teamwork out there today. Let’s keep this up through next week.”

  After showering and throwing on my clothes, I grab my bag and walk out of the field house with a few of the guys.

  “Hey, there’s a party off campus tonight. You in, TD?” Bullock asks.

  “Hell yeah,” I say as John and I start to head toward our room. It’s time to get this pregame on, but first I’ve got to get some food.

  Rilla

  Walking back from the game, I see people are still tailgating in the parking lot. I find that humorous since this is a “dry” campus. I guess even on game day certain rules are overlooked. A group of people calls us over and, against my better judgment, I let Laney pull me along right into the crowd.

  As we approach, they hand us each a Solo cup. I take a sniff before pretending to drink it. I don’t know who this guy is and what the hell is in here. When he realizes what I’m doing, he takes it from my hands and takes a big gulp.

  Winking, he says, “Nothin’ to worry ‘bout, sweetheart.”

  “Oh thanks,” I say as I lift my cup and take a swig to not be so rude. Dang, that’s actually pretty good.

  “I’m Jacob. This is Mason, Tyler, Jessica, Lilly, and Bryson.”

  “Nice to meet ya. I’m RJ, and this is Laney.”

  Maybe this college thing isn’t so bad. I went from not wanting to be here, to attending a game and watching arrogant Tyke show that he cares on the field, to standing here with some soccer dude that thinks I’m into him. Looking in Laney’s direction, I see that she’s the one that’s totally swooning over the soccer playboy. I step out of the way and make friends with the others. Jessica and Lilly are sweet and a little drunk. They have made me giggle several times, but when I hear Bryson yell, “Good game, TD,” I stop laughing and hold my breath.

  Tyke is walking toward the dorms and people are congratulating him and the other guys on their win. I try to divert my eyes, but he looks at me and winks. I give a brief smile, but nothing more. I pretend that it’s no big deal until I hear Lilly and Jessica swooning.

  “Oh my gosh, Lil, did you see that? He so winked at us. He’s, like, so freaking hot. I heard he’s single. What I wouldn’t give to have a moment or two with his fine ass.” They both giggle, and it pisses me off, but why? That’s when my filter vanishes.

  “Seriously? Is he just like a guy on your list? He’s not that fabulous, ya know? Just cause he can score on the field doesn’t mean he’s good in the sack or even a decent person.”

  “Dang, who got your panties in a wad?” Lilly asks.

  “Look, I just don’t get it. He’s just a guy, and it’s like every girl around here thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread. Get over it. He’s not that special.”

  “Oh who are you kidding, RJ? You want him as bad as the rest of us,” Jessica states, and that’s when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

  “What was that? You want me, RJ?” Tyke asks with a smirk.

  “In your dreams,” I say with fire in my voice.

  “Suit yourself, but you know dreams can become your reality. So, just curious, are you coming to the party tonight?”

  “Hell no,” I state, taking another sip of liquid courage because even if Laney begs, it’s not happening.

  “Alright, well
I’ll see ya in the morning,” he says as he turns and catches up with the other guys.

  Jessica and Lilly stare straight through me. “How in this world does he know you?” they ask, demanding an answer. I shrug my shoulders and keep my lips sealed as I look over at Laney. I can tell she’s nowhere ready to leave. Maybe I should go visit Daddy and let her have some fun. I walk toward her and Jacob. “Hey Laney, I’m out,” I say and she gives me the evil eye.

  “Nope, you’re not. You said you were going with me tonight, and you’re not bailing on me now.”

  “Change of plans,” I say and she excuses herself from Jacob. We walk away from everyone else and she lights into me.

  “What the heck is your problem? You said you’d have fun tonight. It was like you had a great time at the game once I got you there. And you’ve been having fun here, but then he walks up or better yet those two start talking about how hot he is and you go off the deep end. Girl, you either need to take an anger management class or get a piece cause this hot-and-cold mess is wearing me out.”

  “I don’t know what happened, but I’m not going to that party if he’s going to be there. I already have to deal with him in the morning. It’s like he’s trying to be nice or something. We all know he’s not.”

  “Says who? Do you believe everything you read on social media or in the papers? Who’s to say they haven’t made him out to be who they want him to be? Undoubtedly, he likes you for some crazy reason. Maybe you should give him the benefit of the doubt. Just a thought. Quit acting like you don’t like the attention he’s giving you. I know you don’t like him because he’s a dang quarterback, but I have no idea why. Most girls would kill to be you right about now.” I want to say something, but I know better. As much as I don’t want to admit it, she’s right. I’m not one to argue with the truth, but that doesn’t mean I have to respond to it either.

  Laney just looks at me and, when she realizes I’m not going to reply, she rolls her eyes and walks back to Jacob. I stand there for a second and then she looks in my direction. It’s like she’s silently begging me not to have a care in the world tonight. Exhaling, I walk toward her and ask Jacob for another cupful. I think the only way I’m making it through this night is if I’m three sheets to the wind.

  Chapter 8

  Tyke

  Well, that was interesting to say the least. I’ve got two girls ogling me with their eyes and drooling while RJ has brought out the claws. I swear, I was only asking a question. It wasn’t like I was asking her to cut off an arm or something. Maybe she’s not what I thought she was. Maybe she does really hate me, but I have a hard time believing that when we’re together each morning. It’s like something is holding her back, and I have a feeling it’s the one thing that I love more than anything else in this world: football.

  “Hey, wasn’t that the girl running this morning?” John asks as I catch up with the guys.

  “Yeah.”

  “You’re such an ass. You let me run off at the mouth and you knew who she was. Some friend you are,” he says with a laugh.

  “She’s freaking hot, there’s no denying that.”

  We grab a bite to eat in the cafeteria before getting ready to head to the party. From what we’ve heard everyone will be there tonight. Every victory I’ve had has always concluded with a party, but something about today’s game has me wanting to celebrate completely sober. That’s a first for me. In fact, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t drink post-victory, but I guess there’s a first time for everything.

  John pulls the vodka from his closet and, as always, asks if I want a shot. I guess he doesn’t want me to feel left out. I shake my head “no.” I’m not sure what tonight holds, but I know that all eyes will be on the star quarterback, and I won’t have anything blurring my vision.

  John throws back a few shots along with the other guys while I turn up the music, and after about an hour we head toward the party.

  Rilla

  I’m not sure how long we stand out there, but I think I’m about three cups in when we finally walk to the party. The alcohol has made me loosen up and able to enjoy this full college experience. As we exit campus and head south, we turn on a road halfway between campus and the river. We follow the road and I notice that it’s a dead end. It looks strangely familiar.

  Walking up to the old worn-out white house that looks like it’s barely holding itself up, I realize where I am. It’s one of my daddy’s rental houses, and I’ve been here a million times over the years fixing things after one of these parties. Guess that takes on a whole new meaning and possibly some explaining in the morning.

  Walking inside we’re met with the smell of beer, sweat, and leftover food. It reeks in here. Yuck! It’s obvious guys live here. I look around to see some couples making out on the couch while other people are standing wherever they can find space. Everyone is downing beers, laughing, dancing, and having a great time. I start to wonder if I’ve been missing out, and a little liquid courage starts to invade my mind. Might as well have fun tonight. See what the fuss is all about.

  Laney and I follow Jacob to the back porch, where there is a keg and several coolers. He opens one up and tosses each of us a beer. I pop the top and take a drink. Before long, it’s empty and I’m going back for more. We hang out back with a few people and make new friends. I even get a little friendly with one of the basketball guys named Josh, I think.

  As “Gold,” by Kiiara comes through the speakers, Laney grabs my hands and leads me to a group of girls dancing in the main room of the house. This music isn’t really my cup of tea. Let’s face it, I’m more of a country kind of girl. I take a moment and try to forget that people are watching. I begin to sway my hips to the beat, and before long I’m lost in the song. What I don’t recall is when the arms wrapped around my waist. They are strong and I like how they make me feel like I’m the only girl in the world. Thoughts of Tyke enter my mind. What in the world? I glance over my shoulder and see that it’s Josh. Thank goodness. I smile at him and we continue to get a little friendlier on the makeshift dance floor.

  Tyke

  When I arrive at the party, I feel her before I see her, but I’m not prepared for what I see. She is bumping and grinding on that prick from the basketball team. I’ve seen him around and he’s not a gentleman, that’s for sure. She looks as if she’s had way too much to drink, which surprises me. I didn’t think she was the partying kind, but then again who am I to judge? I stand back and watch from a distance. I pretend to have a good time, talk about the game, check out a few girls, but my eyes never leave her because I have this strange feeling that I need to protect her even though that’s not my job.

  John hollers at me to come outside for a minute, and I do reluctantly. I can’t believe my eyes when I see RJ’s roommate Laney doing a keg stand. Seriously, that’s why he called me out here? I hang out there a few minutes, and when he tries to get me to do one, I excuse myself.

  When I return they aren’t dancing any more. I see them in the corner getting way too close. She’s laughing then he whispers something to her and she shakes her head no. He gives her some puppy face and she still doesn’t agree. She playfully pushes his chest, and it rubs me the wrong way. Something doesn’t feel right, so I walk a little closer and listen.

  “Come on, RJ. You can’t dance like that all night and leave me like this. It won’t take long I promise. Your friend will never miss you.”

  RJ tells him no, but he proceeds to push further, taking her hand and guiding it to his dick. I’m not having it one bit.

  “She said no, dipshit,” I say as I look him in the eye, challenging him to try something else. She looks at me like she’s ready to kill me, but I don’t care. He looks back to her and goes in for a kiss. That piece of shit. I lose it. I pull him from her and when he comes at me, I turn and punch him in the jaw. He takes a step back and notices the scene around us. He must want some more because he comes at me again and I lay it on him once more. He takes a step back, bumping
against the couch. When he loses his balance, he falls over it backwards. The entire room erupts, but the look on RJ’s face is not one I expected. Actually, I did. I knew she’d be mad. That’s kind of her thing with me. She’s pissed and when I start to open my mouth she unloads.

  “Who the hell do you think you are? You can’t just walk in here and hit people.” I don’t listen to her. Instead, I pick her up, toss her over my shoulder kicking and screaming, and walk out of the house. I don’t stop once we are outside. I walk down the road toward campus, and when we get to an open field only lit by the night sky, I pause and ask, “You done throwing that temper tantrum? I’m not sure how much more of a beating my back can take.” I don’t want her storming off in the middle of nowhere.

  “What the hell is your problem?” she screams, and I’m sure anyone within a mile radius heard her. “You are not my keeper. You do not control me, and you sure as hell aren’t my knight in shining armor. I could have handled myself back there, but nooooo, you had to go and be the hero. Now what you gonna do? Parade around campus saying you saved me from the big bad basketball player?”

  I start to laugh not because she’s funny, but because she’s so dang cute when she’s mad. Man, if she’d have stuck out her tongue at me like a four-year-old that would have been perfect. It pisses her off and when she looks like she’s about to run her mouth again, I don’t give her the option. I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her to me. She’s in complete shock as her eyes meet mine. I slide my hand behind her neck, and kiss the hell out of her.

  Rilla

  Holy hell. My world is spinning and I can’t think. This is not happening, but oh how good it feels. His lips are on mine and they are damn near perfect. I don’t want them, but yet I do. Oh dear heavens, what is going on? My hands reach for his chest, and I want to know if the body is what everyone says. My only problem is that once my hands touch him, I don’t want to let him go. His body is perfectly chiseled and I can’t pull away. My world has been rocked just like that rock-hard torso in front of me. My mind is reeling, and I’m trying to pull out of this situation, but I can’t. My body has betrayed me, and I use everything within my soul to pull away. He looks into my eyes and I know that they hold more than I bargained for. He’s not the big bad guy that he pretends to be, he’s more… so much more. Touchdown, Tyke.