Coach couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His quarterback had single-handedly dispatched 3 defensive linebackers and pulled off a near impossible throw with relative ease. A tingle ran down his spine. And just like him, everyone else watched in amazement as Andrew performed these acts of extreme athleticism with composure and moderate simplicity.
In a complete turn of events, the shoe was now on the other foot. In exactly identical circumstances everyone now awaited to see if Josh would receive the ball. Unlike the prior situation, Josh was wide open. There was not going to be a miraculous interception, this time, no phenomenal switch in possession or optimistically inspiring fumble. This was it. The time ran down as Josh caught the ball in the end zone. He collapsed, exhausted and overcome with uncontrollable laughter. The announcer exploded onto the speaker.
“TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN! JOSH PARKER FOR THE TOUCHDOWN. THAT’S IT! WHITTAKER FALLS HAVE DONE IT. THEY’VE WON THE COLLEGE STATE FINALS!”
The home fans invaded the pitch in a wave of hysteria. Every student, teacher and spectator devoted to the spirit of Whittaker Falls had left their seats and were heading straight for the field..
Adam froze at the breath-taking sight. A history-making moment that he was now a part of, had him bewildered as to what to do with himself.
“Come on bro, what are you waiting for? We won. Let's go and meet the boys,” said Jaime.
Adam came to his senses and rushed out of his seat, following behind him towards the field.
The crowds got heavier and denser as they neared to the Warriors location. There was hardly any room to move as the green grass was besieged by gold and black bodies. Coach Stevens had already been a target of victory and was running up and down the touchline covered in ice bucket water. His usual tepid demeanour was a mere memory now, as he embraced his colleagues and basked in the joys of triumph.. The football team rushed towards the end zone too. Josh and Andrew were hoisted up into the air as heroes to a chorus of 'warriors'.
“I told you man, I told you. It would happen just like this,” proclaimed Josh as he and Andrew were elevated into the air.
Andrew laughed as they both relished in the moment. Now with an overhead view, he scanned for his friends to join in the celebration. His eyes spotted Jaime and he signalled to be let down. Wrestling through the crowd, he met them half way..
“Woooooooo we did it! We actually fucking did it!” Shouted Andrew.
“Well done bro,” said Jaime, “When I saw those 3 linebackers break through I shit myself man. I didn’t think you’d get the throw off.”
They clasped each other like brothers, both filled with solace and elation. Andrew then turned to Adam.
“So you glad you came now?” He punched him in jest.
“Man, it was…” He paused and searched his emotions for a word that could sum up what he had just witnessed.
“Unimaginably phenomenal.”
Jaime and Andrew both looked at Adam peculiarly then laughed.
“Small words dude, small words.” said Andrew as they fist pumped and commemorated the win. The chaotic roars of adoration were abruptly silenced through, as a voice cut through the air via a megaphone..
“Ummm, Can I have everyone's attention, please? Attention please.” The crowd slowly came to a hush. Andrew, Jaime and Adam looked up to find Josh on the shoulders of one of their team mates; bullhorn in hand..
“First of all, I just wanna say, thank you to everyone that came out tonight.” The crowd replied in a shout of acknowledgement and respect. He waved them down in temperament and continued.
“And as gratitude, we will be throwing a party at the Alpha Gamma House!” Aggression and intensity rose up from his voice as he worked the crowd up again..
“And you are all invited! Let’s celebrate warrior style!” He concluded his speech with an infectious cry. “WARRIORS! WARRIORS!”
The crowd followed him, crazed and frenzied; intoxicated on the liquor of victory. Everyone was jumping and fist-pumping the air! Horns were blowing and confetti rained down from the sky, accompanied by the breath-taking display of fireworks which now filled the atmosphere. The huge procession began to move as the nights celebrations had only just begun. Andrew broke away from his friends and frantically searched the crowd.. He brushed and guided himself through bodies, undaunted and determined. Suddenly, a voice surpassed the overpowering background noise and made its way to his ears..
“Robertson. Over here!”
He turned to see a soaking wet figure of a man, with an expression of jubilee on his face.
Coach beckoned him over. Battling his way back through the mob, he headed towards him but as he got closer, he realised his leader was not alone. A gladdened smile crept across his face.
“This young lady was looking for you. I thought you’d wanna know.” Coach winked at him.
“Err, thanks coach." Said Andrew, slightly embarrassed but grateful.
“Good game, soldier.” Coach patted him on the shoulder.
“I’ll let you two catch up and I’ll debrief you later.”
Andrew saluted him as he walked away leaving him and Louise alone..
She patted him on the chest.
“So how does it feel to be champ?” she asked.
He looked at her in admiration and took her hand from his chest. Holding it, he laughed.
“It feels good. It feels real good!”
“Ya know I was praying for you out there on that last play.” She joked.
“Oh really?” Andrew smiled then paused. “To be honest, I didn’t even think you’d come.”
She clutched his hand and ebbed closer towards him. “You know I wasn’t gonna miss you play. I know it’s important to you and you mean a lot to me.” She stroked his head with her free hand.
An ambient silence fell upon them.. They were now stood face to face-only an eyelash distance apart.. Lost in each other’s passion-filled eyes. Andrew slowly edged his head forward. She gripped his waist to reciprocate his advances. They leant in simultaneously. However, their moment of mutual infatuation was thwarted by the ever so impromptu voice of Josh.
“Yo, AR.” He shouted in their direction..
Both of them turned around to face him.
“You guys coming or what?”
Andrew’s head dropped in disappointment but he smiled at Louise and yelled back.
“In a minute man, gimme a sec!”
He hugged her tightly and as they broke apart he asked, “Are you coming tonight?”
She didn’t look too keen and her response wasn’t one that favoured a positive attendance.
“Mmm I dunno. I’ll see how I feel later. Maybe I'll make an appearance...”
“Ok, well let me know. It would be nice to see you tonight.” He slowly backed away from her, their hands still connected as they parted. Both looked at one another with similar expressions as their arms began to pull on each other the further they separated. Neither one wanted to let go. Andrew’s hand slowly slipped free and he jogged over to meet josh.
“Way to kill the moment there bro.”
Josh looked at him dumbfounded then shrugged and played off his bad timing like nothing happened. They headed back to the locker room and discussed the last play between themselves.
“Brooo, I don't even know how you made that throw...but man! We fucking killed it!” Josh jumped up and down with excitement.
“Hey, it wasn’t all me man, you owe yourself some gratitude. Good catch out there.” Andrew patted him on the chest.
“You think the scouts saw it?” Replied Josh.
“Come on bro, who didn't see it?. Wouldn’t surprise me if you’re playing pro ball next year.” Andrew reassured him.
Josh looked at him, his hopes uplifted by his comrade’s words. He felt his dreams of going pro were closer than ever now. They arrived at the locker room doors. Josh looked at Andrew and they both smiled.
“You ready for this?” He asked.
“Let's do it
!” Said Andrew as they burst through the doors. The entire team was already in there waiting for them, already in fits of celebration. Their presence was automatically felt and the euphoric mood escalated in measure. Rushing the doorway, fellow warriors greeted their captain and game-winning receiver.. The war cry of the warriors could be heard echoing down the halls as the whole squad danced and shouted in unison. This lasted for a few minutes until finally the team was brought under control by the authoritative voice of Coach Stevens.
“Now now boys! Settle down. Settle down.” He gestured for calm.
“Today was somewhat nerve racking. You played a fine game of football out there tonight and each and every one of you boys should be proud of yourselves.”
The team fired up in agreement with their coach’s words and shouts of accord rung out in the locker room.
“I came into this university with the goal to make a difference. Leave my mark on this campus’ legacy. Now, I’m not gonna lie to ya, there was times I thought this is it, it’s over. We played the best game we could play. And, I'm sure many of you'll felt this way too.”
A humbling silence now fell on the room, as each player took heed of their coach’s inspiring words.
“But...you also reminded me why I took this job in the first place. Because you never gave up. You played with all the heart and soul you possessed right until the very end. That is what made you champions, whether we held the trophy at the end or not. I am proud to be your coach. I am proud to be your chief. Do not forget this day men and do not forget your brothers standing beside you. For today, we are no longer just a team anymore. We are Warriors. We are Champions. We are Kings!”
The whole squad was once again riled up into a frenzy of jubilee as their leader’s words ignited a fire in them. Amidst the celebrations, coach gestured to Andrew to come over and have a word with him. They slipped into his office quietly, unknown to everyone.
Coach patted him on the shoulder. “Boy, you really had me going there for a second, you really did.”
Andrew grinned as coach continued praising him.
“You played a terrific game out there tonight Andrew. I’m proud and honoured to have you as my quarterback.” He extended his hand in a gesture of respect. Andrew looked down in amazement and nervously but rewardingly shook his hand.
“Thanks coach, it means a lot me.”
As they relinquished the hand-shake, coach looked at him, puzzled. Andrew picked up on it and questioned him.
“Is there anything else coach? Can I go?
Coach fell silent, deep in thought. Andrew waited anxiously for a reply.
“Before you go Andrew, answer me one thing.” Said coach inquisitively.
“Oh, ok coach what is it?”
“How does a quarterback single-handedly destroy 3 linebackers and make a throw of nearly 250 feet without breaking a sweat?”
Coach Stevens’ eyes were fixed intently on Andrew. His gaze felt like it was fire, burning into the very mind of Andrew...searching for a solution.
Caught off guard by this question Andrew stalled for a moment. His mind began to rack itself, trying to pull together an answer. He cautiously responded.
“I-I just got caught up in the moment I guess coach...like you said, I played with every inch of my heart. When you're in the position I'm in, the pressure can either make or break you I guess!”
Coach wasn't buying it. His expression was doubtful, but he pandered to Andrew's reply.
“You guess huh?” His tone was a questionable one. After a few moments of awkward silence, he eased off the issue and put Andrew at rest.
“Ok. Well, it’s definitely something this college will remember you for.”
Andrew sighed with relief.
“Dismissed soldier.”
Andrew left the office and slowly closed the door behind him. He rejoined his teammates and left Coach alone with his thoughts.
Coach slowly paced around his desk. Questions plagued his mind.
He made those linebackers look like ragdolls. And there is no way he could have made that throw. No way! I mean, he can’t be on steroids, I’d see the signs, I’d know.
He paused then sat down by his desk. Reaching into the top draw, he pulled out a bible. Holding it in his hands for a few moments, Slowly rolling his fingers over the cover with a look of imminent concern; he reached inside and pulled out a picture. It was an old photo; judging by its condition, and was taken way back in his glory days of service. He was present in it alongside a very statuesque, dark skinned man. Considering his size, the man in the photo made him look like a dwarf in comparison. They were side by side and arm in arm, both with smiles on their faces. He looked at the picture with pleasurable contemplation. Reminiscing of long times passed. A grin crept across his face but then a look of burden took over. As he held the picture, his thoughts crept in again.
Is it happening already? Just like you said it would?
He deeply sighed and folded the photo back up and placed it back in the bible.
Then closed the cover.
With one hand rested on it and his thoughts focused on the aged snapshot he muttered the words to himself,
“I won’t let you down, old friend.”
CHAPTER 5
“Let’s get this party started!” Screaming over the microphone, the DJ amped up the volume. A euphoric cry of recreational enjoyment rang out as students danced and basked in their home victory. The festivities were now in full swing as bodies crowded the Alpha Gamma frat house. People were spread out all over, from the kitchen to the front lawn. Not a hand in sight was empty, as red cups filled with alcohol could be seen littered all over the residence. Students from all over the campus could be seen interacting with each other, shouting in tone as they tried to overpower the rhythmical background sound of a heavy baseline.
The Warriors hadn’t arrived yet. Their presence was heavily anticipated as this was a party held in their honour. There was high spirits and the mood was set for a good night of celebration and jubilation. A grand finale for a season of well-played football.
After the events of the finals, Adam found himself in the confinements of his dorm room. He was sat on the edge of his bed, leaning forward and contemplating over a text on his phone.
‘You coming tonight?’
He read it over and over and wrestled with the idea for a while. He was nervous and scared. This was an environment he wasn’t familiar with. Thoughts and scenarios ran through his mind as he weighed up the pros and cons of his situation. It was his first party ever and he didn’t know how to socialise and this worried him. On the other hand, he had new friends that genuinely seemed to like him, so he wasn’t alone. After deliberating for a couple of moments, he took a deep breath and reluctantly replied to the text message.
‘OK.’
His reply was quickly answered with; 'Cool I'll be round in an hour to come get you.'
Adam looked at the message and knew it was too late to change his mind. Part of him was still weary but another side of him was proud of the step he had just made. It was time for him to step out of his comfort zone and the mundane disappointing cycle he was in.
An hour and a bit had passed. As time grew closer, his behaviour became more erratic. His palms became sweatier and a slight tremor rippled through his demeanour. He looked at himself in a mirror and tried to take deep breathes and calm himself. However, this method was interrupted by the vibration of his phone.
‘I’m here bro.’
He read the text with a gulp in his throat. Taking one last breathe of self-reassurance he turned the lights off in his room, locked the door and made his way downstairs.
He was greeted by the sight of a modified black Land Rover Defender. The driver seat window lowered slowly. The warming green eyes of Jaime emerged. He looked Adam up and down.
“Bro, you really coming to the party dressed like that?” His face looked puzzled and disgusted.
“What’s wrong with my outfit?” Pleade
d Adam, holding his shirt and admiring his garments.
“What’s right with it man?” Jaime laughed. “Get in. Let’s get you fixed up properly.”
Adam walked around to the passenger’s side and got in. “Fixed up?” He asked cautiously. Jaime looked at him and smiled.
“Trust me, I got you.”
They drove back to Jaime’s accommodation. Jaime entered his bedroom and turned the light on. Adam was pleasantly surprised and almost confused at the sight that was before him. Jaime’s room was littered with books about the government and conspiracies. Posters on his wall had connotations of religion mixed with science. He had scribblings of notes about UFO’s and secret societies pinned against a wall as part of a brainstorm he had created. Adam was shocked but impressed. He had never thought Jaime would be into that stuff. Stuff he was into.
Whilst Adam observed his surroundings, Jaime rummaged through his wardrobe, searching intently for something. The wardrobe didn’t produce results so he moved on and checked underneath his bed. He got deeper and deeper until half his body was immersed. The noise of boxes could be heard shuffling until finally an exclamation of affirmation came from below the mattress.
“Yes!”
Jaime carefully backed out from beneath his bed, dragging a box out with him. He ripped through the brown tape that was keeping it securely shut and kicked the box over to Adams feet.
“Try these on bro, some of these should fit you.”
Adam, now in a world of his own, hadn’t even noticed the box or Jaime even speaking to him. His eyes were glued to the wall of intricate details and meticulous diagrams of Jaime’s findings. Jaime looked at him and grinned. He could tell the inventiveness of his room had Adam halted in thought. He broke his concentration.
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