Page 122 of A Game as Old as Time

He really trusts me.

Sure, he trusted Gunner with this play, but this look meant more than that. He trusted him with so much more, and now Gunner finally understood.

“Well, Coach,” the other sideline was scrambling as the defense ran back on the field, “I’m really glad you didn’t listen to anyone else. I’m glad you took this job.”

Really glad.

“Go make it happen, Weston.” The final pat on the back sent Gunneronto the field. What had initially been a blistering surge of adrenaline had steadied to a warm tingle.

Moments.

As he finally settled by the ball, he scanned the sideline he had just come from. He found his sister, screaming and waving her pom poms with a joyous smile he had not seen on her face since their father had passed. He saw the student section cheering together with all the people from town, including Tony and Mr. Chen.

He found his mother, a large grin on her face as she clapped her hands together.

Family.

Finally, he found Hailey. She was staring directly at him, and he had that feeling in his stomach again.

We are all with you.

The referee’s whistle jerked Gunner’s attention back to the field. Ty and the rest of his teammates set into position and awaited his play.

“One more time, boys!” He started to signal the call with his hands. A head nod from each player meant they were ready to go.

Moments, Gunner.

He took one more deep breath and brought his hands to his mouth. He closed his eyes, expecting to see the image of his father.

And so will you.

Instead, his own words echoed in his head as Hailey’s face lit him up from within.

Back in August, he had no idea that the girl that ran past him would change his life forever. She would challenge him, make him see the monster he was becoming, and allow him to become the man that hisfather would have wanted him to be. He could finally feel what his coach was talking about. The strength that his father had seen.

I understand.

That strength brought a sense of calm and clarity as the entire stadium cheered around him. While this play may have been for the state championship, he already felt like he had won. The game was just that---a game. He had given everything he could, and whatever the result, he would wake up tomorrow and have another day. His life would go on, and when it did, he would have Hailey.

I finally understand.

He finally understood that feeling in his stomach.

This is the moment, Dad.

This feeling was different, and if he could’ve, he would have grabbed the PA announcer’s microphone and told everyone in the stadium.

I LOVE HAILEY BIANCHI!

“This is for the championship, Pioneer fans! Coach Bianchi is going to go for the win on this play. Weston calls out the cadence and looks over the defense. He takes the snap! Weston rolls to his right side. He has pressure from behind, but no one is open! Weston is going to be hit in the…NO! He spins away from Sampson and moves back to his left side. He is now being chased by Bishop! Weston is going to throw one into the endzone! He has Green backpedaling to the pylon. Andy Green extends his arms and…”

Chapter 22

“I can’t believe we pulled it off!” Tyquan ran up and hugged Hailey.

We sure did!

“Seriously! It was amazing!” Tyquan continued. Andy and Emilio joined in, wrapping her up before JT embraced the entire group.

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