A/N: So I decided to end my other FNL story and start this one! I hope you guys like it!!
Every time the name Tim Riggins was brought up into conversation; it usually meant trouble. Everyone in Dillon, Texas knew his history. Many people overlooked it because he was one of the star football players and in Dillon that meant a lot. He played fullback alongside his best friend, Jason Street, who was the star quarterback. They were determined to go to state their senior year, but things changed once Jason became injured, and would later be told he was paralyzed, in the first game of the season.
Tim wasn't able to take it very well and resorted to drinking more than he already did. Without Street on the team, football just wasn't the same. That all changed though when Coach Taylor came into town. The football team was suffering due to the loss of their quarterback, but Eric Taylor was determined to change things around for the team.
During his first day of practice, Tim showed up hung over, but still went out and did his thing. Coach was real impressed with his skills but could see Tim needed some extra encouragement. Coach had been told of his history but overlooked what people said. He was determined to help this kid no matter what it took.
Weeks had gone by before Coach made up his mind to pull Tim aside after practice. "Hey Riggins, I need to see you in my office," Coach yelled.
Tim followed him there but assumed the worst. He figured the coach was tired of his performance on the field lately, so this talk was probably going to be his last. He was surprised though when he walked into his office to find Coach sitting down with a smile on his face.
"Riggins, you're probably wondering why I asked you in here. I'll get to that, I promise. First off, I wanna ask you if there are problems outside of school. Maybe at home? I know you live with your brother, but from what I hear he's hardly ever there," Coach began.
"Well I pretty much live on my own, sir. My brother, Billy, works all the time. I know you probably know all about my family, so I won't go into that," Tim stated.
"I was wanted to know if your performance on the field has anything to do with Street's paralysis," Coach asked.
Tim was shocked by the question because hardly anyone put the two things together. People around Dillon just assumed he was being his usual self, but in reality he was worried about his friend. "Coach, I have to be honest here and say yea. Ever since Street got hurt I haven't been able to play like I used to. Football just isn't what it used to be without him. Every time I go out on that field I keep looking for him thinking he's just going to come running up, but he never does," Tim confessed.
"Son, I'm going to be straight with you. What happened to Street was a pretty awful thing, but that doesn't mean you have to give up football too. I mean because I'm sure Street wouldn't want you to. Instead you should look at it as you're playing for both of you guys. As far as your living situation, I'll make a deal with you. I talked it over with my wife and we have an extra room in our house. You could stay with us as long as you work hard and keep up your grades," Coach exclaimed.
"I couldn't do that sir. I would be imposing on your family," Tim said looking down towards his feet.
"Well like I said my wife has already agreed to it. I see potential in you son and I know that you could be a great player if you really tried," Coach said.
"Thank you sir, I promise to not disappoint you. You are the first person besides Street that is able to look past my family's history and I appreciate it," Tim confided.
"My only requirement is that you limit your drinking and never come to practice hung over again," Coach said sternly.
"You have my word sir," Tim responded.
Over the next few weeks, Tim had made a lot of changes in his life. He had been living with the Taylors now for two weeks and had practically stopped drinking. He studied everyday after practice and would help around the house when needed. He graciously did chores that were not asked of him but were appreciated just the same. Tami and Eric were extremely impressed with the new version of Tim.
It was now Thursday and they were all sitting down for dinner. "Well Tim, are you ready for tomorrow's game?" Tami asked.
"Yes ma'am," he replied with a smile, "we're going to crush those guys!"
Eric laughed before saying, "That's one way to look at things!"
Julie just sat there without saying a word. A part of her was jealous of how much attention Tim got from her own parents. If Tim made a good grade, he was praised for his hard work. Julie barely got a 'good job honey', but she understood why they showed him so much attention now. As she had got to know Tim the past couple of weeks, she had got to see the person her parents saw. She got to see the version of Tim that very few got to see.
"So honey, what are you doing after the game?" Tami asked looking over at her daughter.
"Well there's a party that I really wanted to go to," she answered.
"Who will be at this party?" Eric said in a fatherly tone.
"Everyone I guess. I mean a lot of the football players and cheerleaders will be there, plus some other students from my school," Julie replied knowing she had a lot of convincing to do before they would allow her to go.
"Tim, are you going to go?" Eric wondered.
"Yea, but I probably wasn't going to stay to long because I was going to go hang out with Street afterwards before coming back here," Tim said before adding, "but I'll bring Jules if she doesn't care to tag along with me."
Julie smiled over at him knowing he knew how her parents were on her sometimes. She looked over at her father and could see him trying to think on it, so she said, "Yea dad. Then I will have a ride home as well."
"Alright, you can go to the party, but you aren't allowed to drink," Eric stated.
Julie was so happy that she jumped out of her chair before running over to her dad and giving him a hug.
