Page 63 of A Game as Old as Time

“Ty.” Gunner made a point of lowering his voice. “You think my dad only cared about winning football games?” He tried to move closer, but Ty pulled away. “You knew my dad better than that. And you know that he would never want you to think like that.” Gunner stepped closer to his friend. “Ty, you were not just another player that he coached.”

His best friend was still refusing to turn toward him, causing Gunner to hesitate before continuing.

“Do you remember that time when we were little when I was throwing rocks down by Mr. Chen’s hardware store?” Ty nodded slowly. “I launched one---” Gunner stopped, laughing at the image in his head. “I launched one right into the front window.” Ty chuckled hesitantly. “Weran straight home, man. I mean, we took off at a full sprint. But when we got back to my place, my dad was waiting for us outside. Mr. Chen had called him, and we knew that he had already told him.”

Gunner sniffed, a bit of tightness returning to his chest as he remembered his dad’s face.

“Before I could even say anything, though, you immediately jumped in. You told him that it was both of us. You told him thatWEwere throwing rocks. ThatWEboth hit the window.”

Ty half turned; only the side of his face was visible.

“Man, my dad…” Gunner was finally able to draw near his friend. “After that day, my dad looked at you like a son. Like you were my brother. It’s always been us, Ty, and I’m sorry if I forgot that.”

There, I said it.

Gunner had been feeling the tension between them for weeks and knew it was finally time to address it. Ty had wanted to be there for him when he was hurting, and he had shut him out. He had been selfish, but even more, he had been a terrible friend. Gunner had been so absorbed in himself that he had missed the fact that his best friend was hurting, too.

“But I can’t do this without you, man.” Ty still hadn’t said anything. He was simply peering into the blue sky. “I need us. I need Tyquan Carter. I can’t do this by myself. I tried that already, and I…failed.”

Students got into their cars across the parking lot. Their slamming doors were unnaturally loud in the silence.

“You know,” Ty finally lowered his eyes back to Gunner, “you should leave the speeches for the field.” He yanked open the car door, got in, and started the engine.

“Ty?” Gunner begged through the window.

“You’re starting to sound a lot like our new coach, G.” Ty snapped the car into drive. “Maybe you should figure yourself out before you start giving advice.”

Jeez.

The car peeled away. Gunner exhaled, gently rubbing the back of his head as he watched his best friend squeal around the corner.

Maybe he’s right.

Chapter 12

“Well, folks, it has been smooth sailing the last few weeks against lesser competition that has led to a three-game win streak. However, the Pioneers are in a tough one tonight against the Racers of Maple Grove High. As we go into half-time, the score is tied 14-14…”

**********

“I’m thirsty.” Juliana stood up and pointed to Hailey. “Want to come?”

Hailey continued to stare, waiting for her to complete the sentence.

What? Where?

She glanced over at Bridgette, who seemed fixated on the field.

“Well?” Juliana asked, laughing.

Oh, right!

She was still adjusting to the central Pennsylvania accent, which often left her confused.

“Yes, sorry! I’ll go with you.” Hailey smirked as Juliana shot her a condescending smile.

“I’ll watch your purse, Hailey,” said Bridgette helpfully. “Can you grab me one? I’ll save your spots and wait for Brad to get back.” She was keyed in on the band’s half-time performance.

Maybe we are OK?

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