“How do you mean?”
“I mean, what did you do differently then compared to now?”
“Nothing. I just picked up a football and threw. I never had to think about it.”
“Maybe that’s your problem. You’re so worried, you’re over thinking it.”
I gaze blankly at Laney. Over thinking it? Is that possible? “I never thought of it like that.”
“Well this night is all about new perspective, right?”
“I guess.” I nuzzle her neck and nip at her skin.
My Lemon is smart, sassy, and now psychoanalytic. I hit the jackpot with this one.
Chapter Nine
I hold the football in my hands as the dawn peeks out from the behind the horizon.
It’s Monday morning. Laney and I spent the entire weekend together making up for lost time. I don’t think seven days a week, twenty-four seven would be enough time to spend with Laney. The girl has me hooked, and there’s no place I’d rather be. Except maybe on a football field. Preferably with Laney. Naked.
I roll the ball between my palms and inhale the smell of early morning. Everything is peaceful. Everything is quiet. I stare at the tire swing as pink light casts its luminescent glow.
Maybe you’re over thinking it. Maybe she’s right.
I close my eyes. What do I have to lose? Placing my fingers between the laces, I just let go; tossing the ball at the tire. I send every dream, every hope, and every expectation spiraling through the air. I open my eyes just in time to see the football pass through the hole. Something inside me lifts, then cracks. I pick up another football and throw again, sending it straight through the hole. Tears actually prick my eyes. I throw pass after pass, the way I once had. Almost every attempt hitting the target. I wipe my eyes after the bin is empty. “Yes!” I scream as loud as I can. The heaviness I’ve been carrying around the past few months now seems like nothing more than a weightless cloud. It feels like I just won a war.
I walk back into my house like I’m on air. My mother is standing at the kitchen counter. Her eyes are bright and brimming with tears, she must have been watching. She hugs me. “Kam, I want you to know, whether you play football or not, I love you. I never thought to tell you that because I thought you already knew. But now I’m making it perfectly clear. I proud of you for who you are, not what you can do.”
I hug her tighter. “Thanks, Mom.” I adore this woman. I don’t know what I would do without her. Oh, right, laundry, according to Laney.
My mom lets go and holds my face in her hands. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” I respond, and she releases me.
“I gotta get to school.”
“Picking up Laney?” my mom asks slyly as she opens the refrigerator.
“Yup,” I smirk, and walk out of the room.
***
Laney and I drive to school quietly while Justin Timberlake sings about it not being a bad thing to fall in love. At the moment, I’m inclined to agree. I squeeze her hand and glance over at the city girl whose presence, when we first met, felt like sudden impact. And stil
l does in a way.
I pull into the packed parking lot. Everyone is hanging out, not sweating first period. The last week of school the vibe is laid back. Finals are done, sports are over, and summer break is about to begin. You can feel the excitement in the air.
“Ready for your last week as a high school student?” Laney smiles at me.
I look at the brick building I’ve spent the last four years in. Lots of memories, lots of fun, some regrets.
“Yeah, I think I am,” I smile back.
Laney opens the door, but I snatch her hand. “One thing, though.”
“Oh? What’s that?”