Page 51 of A Pretty Fixation

The cheers resume as the players emerge for thematch’s second half.

It’s way more exciting than the first. AlstonCollege comes out super aggressive, scoring within minutes to tie the match.

“No!” Everyone groans in the stands.

Every player seems amplified, both teams havingcontrol of the ball around the same percentage of the time. There are severalattempts but no successful shot at a goal.

We sit at the edge of the bench, eager for ourschool to score.

The officials add three extra minutes of gameplay.

A shootout seems imminent until Caleb breaks awaywith the ball, driving it towards the opponent’s side.

Green jerseys chase after him. He evades a neartackle and speeds around the player, taking a powerful shot down the middle.

I clench Scarlett’s hand.

The ball flies over the goalkeeper’s head, missesthe tips of his fingers by inches, and crosses into the net.

Exhilaration rushes the stands like a tidal wave.

“Goal!” Everyone leaps to their feet and wavessigns, towels, and anything they have that represents our college.

Scarlett gives me double high-fives.

The crowd stands for the remaining minute. Theorgan in my chest thumps hard with anticipation.

Perhaps Caleb won’t get the third goal.

But right in the final seconds, he lines up apowerful kick, sending the ball through the cluster and into the net.

Roars erupt.

The final whistle blows.

Oh my god. Three goals for my first kiss.

He fucking did it.

The team celebrates in the middle of the field.Their coach and other officials join them.

Still shouting with delight, fans bustle down thebenches to the sideline.

Supporters of Alston College make for the exitafter handshakes, looking miserable over the loss. Players hang their heads indefeat as they depart with their coach.

We reach the bottom of the stands and linger inplace. I’m nervous to see Caleb. Is he going to kiss me here?

I spot him with a man and woman around my parents’age and a boy that looks a few years younger than us.

His adopted family. They’re so visibly proud whilecelebrating with him.

“Want to congratulate him?” Scarlett checks.

I pick at my shorts, a fuzzy mess inside. “Um,I’ll just text him later.”

“Sure?” she confirms.

“Yeah. Let’s go.” Part of me is running before hefinds me.

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