Page 115 of Finding Fate

The guy hesitated, tightening a shoelace that was fine. “I don’t know, man.”

“Look, I’m not asking you to fall in love with her or anything, just to escort her during the ceremony. I’m sure she’d be really thankful,” Jet added, hoping the guy didn’t take that last part too seriously. He really doubted Emma would be thankful enough for anything he just implied.

The insinuation worked, the remaining resolve leaving the Hispanic’s eyes as he took in the meaning behind Jet’s words. “Alright. I guess it couldn’t hurt.” Jet clapped his friend on the back in thanks as the coach came in, calling the team over.

His pep talk brought out a rush of excitement in the entire team, and it only intensified out on the field as the Sharks played the best game of the season. The crowd, an enormous sea of red and black, roared with enthusiasm at each touchdown made.

Jet played with forceful intensity. The knowledge that this was the last time he would play out on this field empowered him as he proceeded to block some of the opposing team’s larger players, thriving as fullback and cornerback in turn. Each tackling blow sent adrenaline coursing through his veins, psyching him up for the next play.

As the first half came to a close, Jet followed the team off the field to down some water and towel off some of the sweat he had produced, despite the chill in the air. He tossed a clean towel over to his friend that would be joining him with the homecoming court in a matter of minutes, not wanting his girlfriend’s wrath if he didn’t attempt to clean up.

Ready, the two tired but jazzed football players made their way down the track to the waiting court. Even though they were no longer playing, Jet could still smell the bitter, strong, grassy scent of the field. It was invigorating. He couldn’t wait to get back out there again, make some of those Bulldogs eat some dirt.

But he forced himself to push those thoughts aside. Now was the time to focus on Annie. He could see the shimmering gold from her dress beneath the stadium lights as they approached and smiled widely at his stunning girlfriend when he caught her eye.

She beamed back, clearly excited to see him close by, but he noticed her smile falter slightly when she caught sight of whom he was with. He just grinned wider. He never promised they would be thrilled about the guy he got.

* * *

Annie was glad when halftime arrived. She couldn’t wait to get this embarrassing spectacle over with. Not to mention that Emma and Beverly had been driving her damn near crazy for over an hour now. It would be so much easier to stand having to sit with the two once someone had been crowned queen and Emma got her escort.

No matter how many times she had tried deterring Emma, she couldn’t stop bringing up the subject. Annie hoped the guys would come through, not wanting to deal with her friend’s disappointment if they failed or just grabbed someone random for the job.

So when she saw Jet headed towards them with Hector by his side, she had to work hard to hide the fact that she was less than thrilled with her boyfriend. Did he think this was some kind of joke? She could tell he sure as hell found it amusing by the way he was grinning at her. He knew very well that Emma would never have asked Hector, and Annie knew her friend would complain whether she won the crown or not. She groaned at the prospect, wondering what her boyfriend had been thinking.

They waited for the band to finish the upbeat, drum heavy song that the dance team used to position themselves into a decorative path before the homecoming court filed out in couples. When a softer song started, the clarinets and flutes tinkling the melody, they began.

Beverly stepped out first with her date to take her place on the field. Emma was up next, and Annie watched in surprise as she took Hector’s arm with a grateful smile.

Before she knew it, it was her turn. Jet held out his arm, and she took it anxiously. She did not want to do this, but it was definitely too late to back out now. Jet waited patiently for her, and when she assured him she was ready with a nod of her head, they stepped out on the field to take their place in the procession.

She had only taken two wobbly steps before her patience was lost, her heels detrimentally unstable on the grassy field. She tugged Jet’s arm softly, letting him know to pause and wait so she could pull off the hazardous, bronze heels, imagining her sister’s frustrated groan. The entire crowd laughed at the act, and Annie returned Jet’s laughing smile to let him know she was now ready to continue, barefoot, and heels in hand.

The ceremony went rather quickly, and Annie cheered with gusto, meaning every single word of enthusiastic congratulations she sent Emma’s way when it was announced that she had won. Emma squealed with delight as she accepted the crown and turned to embrace Hector in a fervent hug none of them had expected.

Hector awkwardly returned it, a surprised, yet pleased grin on his face, and Annie couldn’t help but smile as she realized Jet and Tucker did have a purpose other than humor behind their escort choice. Her displeasure with them immediately evaporated. If Emma was so okay with it, there was no reason to let it bother her.

The rest of the game passed with even greater excitement than the first half as the Sharks continued to pound the Bulldogs into defeat. Annie screamed her encouragements down to the team and cheered with proud enthusiasm each time Jet slammed an opponent into the ground. He was fantastic, and anxious for their night together, she couldn’t help but think how he’d never looked hotter in his uniform.

The game ended with a final score of fifty-six to fourteen, and the stands erupted into yells and applause of joy at the Sharks’ impressive game. The players left the field in jubilation, and a state of euphoria took over the atmosphere. It was the perfect Homecoming game and ending for the seniors’ final season.

---