Page 39 of Brutal Days

“You’re not living with Cole?” It seemed odd that she wouldn’t.

“Not until third year. The rest of the guys have to live in the football house, and Cole needs to be with them. We’re getting a place for all of us after that.”

“Okay, and thanks.” I didn’t commit to dorming with her, though I wanted to. Things felt too up in the air.And who knows?I might have to be very careful about staying far away from Damon next year if things imploded. It seemed like they inevitably would.

* * *

Home, the glow from my laptop’s screen taunted me, and I scrubbed my hands over my face before setting in front of it. I had an article to write, and I was torn for the first time since covering guys’ sports of any kind. I still hated athletes, but I couldn’t deny how intense the game had been or the unmistakable talent on the field.

I had to stay true to my journalistic integrity no matter how resistant I was to feeding the guys’ overinflated egos. I glanced up to the side of Gia’s house just beyond my open window. There wasn’t much to see since it was dark, but I wondered what she was up to. Things had deteriorated between us, and I had no clue how to fix it. I wouldn’t write the post to try appeasing her. It was time I reported the cold, hard facts.

And for some reason, that settled my churning stomach. I rested my fingers over the well-worn keys missing some of the letters from overuse or my nails scraping the paint off and got to work.

Hidden Valley Academy Eagle Eye Blog

A Blowout Win

by Sky McCormick

HVA Eagles’ 67 to 19 blowout win against archnemesis HVP Tigers showcased the sheer talent of the home team. Despite taking the field with the loss of Cole Savage, Thane University starting tight end, the combination of our remaining star players, Phoenix Bennett (QB), Damon Savage (RB), and Shane Bennett (RB), solidified what an unstoppable force they are on the field.

A myriad of events came together, including a blocked punt by special teams player McKenna, an interception by Shane Bennett, and consistent short runs by Jackson (TE) that added to the points scored. Was it just the starters who pulled off this stellar victory against our rivals? No. Quarterback Phoenix Bennet threw for a record nine touchdowns, utilizing the second-string players in the final quarter with a seven-yard gain by Montgomery (TE) that resulted in a touchdown. Our defensive linemen Tillman and Vickers demonstrated quickness and power as they stopped runs and rushed the Tigers’ QB. The facts remain that our Eagles’ varsity team played hard and played to win.

What does this mean for future games? If the Eagles continue on this path, another title is likely within their grasp.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

DAMON

#Landslide

Skylar had come to the game, and it was all I could think about after. We had crushed our opponents on the field by a landslide. Her presence had pushed me to be faster, better, and unstoppable to the point that she couldn’t ignore me and post a slandering piece, like last time.

Phoenix’s arm had been on fire, and he’d thrown six touchdown passes to me, Shane, and Brad, our tight end. The crowd had been intense with every hard-won QB tackle, touchdown, and field goal.

I was hoping for a one-on-one interview, but Sky had left before I came out of the locker room.

I was wired—and so glad I didn’t have to deal with Gia and her nonstop chatter. I’d talked Shane and Phoenix into going to the gym, the hole-in-the-wall one, not ours at my house. The less I was home, the better.

“Did you see Julie Fisher?” Phoenix added weight to a bar then situated himself on the bench. “Jeff broke up with her, and she’s on the prowl.”

“You gonna hit that?” Shane dropped the weights he’d been squatting. “She’ll probably be at that party on Saturday before our fight, and Tracey wants to go there first.”

“I thought maybe tonight, after we work out. Julie’s a fun chick. I could probably text her on my way home.”

“Fun how? I only vaguely know who she is.” I finished my reps and sat on the bench, still restless.

Phoenix put the weights back on the racks. “She’s up for anything when she’s not dating someone and doesn’t take herself too seriously.”

“You may want to watch out for Jessica.” Shane removed his weight belt from his waist. “Tracey said she’s furious you’re dating that Gia chick.”

“You know what’s up with that.” I didn’t want to say anything specific since we were in a public gym.

“Yeah, but she doesn’t,” Phoenix answered. “And Tracey’s a bitch. I bet she’s egging Jess on.”

“What’s your problem?” Shane growled. “Stop saying shit about my girlfriend.”

“Whatever, I’m heading out.” Phoenix texted as he went toward the exit. “Later.”

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