The Senior (College Years 4)

I’d say our feelings for each other are even stronger.

“He has, huh,” I finally say, my heart in my throat when the Boise kicker walks onto the field. “Oh God, they’re going to try for a field goal?”

“They held them off. They couldn’t run it in,” Jake says, scooting closer to me. “Even if they make it, Bulldogs will still lead.”

“By only a point,” I mutter.

“Yeah, and then they have the ball.” He slings his arm around my shoulders and squeezes me. “Have some faith, baby sister. They could score again.”

“God, I hope so.” I watch, my face contorted into a wince as I wait for that ball to sail into the air.

The kicker sends it careening toward the goal posts, and at the last second it veers right.

The kick was no good.

We all start jumping up and down, cheering. The Boise offense slinks off the field, the kicker’s head bent and I can feel his disappointment.

Whoops. Too bad. All I can do is scream and tackle hug my brother, who lifts me off my feet and sends me swinging as he spins me around.

“Jacob, put your sister down,” Mom says.

“Haven’t heard that in a while,” Jake says, laughing as he sets me on my feet. He glances over at her. “Come on, Mom. We’re just having fun.”

“She’s still recovering.”

“No, I’m not,” I protest. “I feel fine.”

Mom sends me a skeptical look. “Really? It’s only been a few weeks.”

“Yeah, and I’m good, Mom. Really.”

I know she’s just worried about me, but the hovering is making me crazy. They’re all hovering. Mom, Dad. My friends. At first my boyfriend was all over me too, but when I reassured him that I was feeling stronger, he could only whistle in admiration and tell me that I’m his hero.

Me. I’m Eli Bennett’s hero. What a concept.

“As long as you’re sure.” I can hear the doubt in my mother’s voice.

“I’m sure,” I say firmly, sending everyone a look when they all seem to glance over at me at the same time. “Seriously, you guys. I appreciate your concern, but it’s been a couple of weeks. I’m okay. Really.”

There’s a roar from the stands and we all refocus on the field. The Bulldog offense is out there, just breaking out of a huddle as they go into position. My gaze finds the number one jersey and I whisper good luck to Eli in my mind, hoping he can hear me.

Clearly, I’ve lost it. Now I think I can communicate with Eli through thought only.

I didn’t need to wish him good luck. Every throw he makes is a good one—with the exception of the time he couldn’t seem to get rid of the ball, so he threw it away before he ended up getting sacked.

But it’s the last ball he throws that is true perfection. It lands in Tony’s hands and he tucks it against his body, speeding toward the end zone. We’ve all gone completely still, watching as he dodges one defensive player. Then another. Literally spins out of the hold of yet another until he’s cruising into the end zone and scoring a touchdown.

“That’s my man!” Hayden screams as she jumps up and down.

We’re all screaming, my gaze stuck on Eli as he runs toward Tony and they bump chests. The kicker scores the extra point and there’s only a few seconds on the clock. Boise goes back onto the field and go through the motions, but the game is finished.

The Bulldogs just won the Mountain West Conference Championship.

I’m anxious as we all make our way onto the field. I don’t know if we’re all going to get out there, but I’m determined to find Eli and I know my friends feel the same. Hayden and Gracie are ahead of me and they both dash out onto the field in search of their boyfriends.

I do the same, running around like a lost person, scanning the area for Eli. I’ve left my parents behind, and my brother, until I’m all by myself, spinning in a small circle, anxiety making my heart race as I try to spot my man.

Ah, there he is. He’s talking to a female reporter, clutching his helmet in his hand, the smile on his face adorable as he speaks into her mic. Slowly I approach them, not wanting to interrupt or disturb them. But the moment Eli lifts his head and his gaze finds mine, he’s done.