Disclaimer: I don't own FNL.
Authors Note: This is my first story I've ever posted. I am new to writing so bear with me, while I'm learning. It seemed fitting it was an FNL fic as Tulie were the reason I discovered fanfic :D
The horizontal line in my stories will signify a change in scene or point of view.
Big thanks to JohnGreenGirl for Beta reading this chapter.
Rocky Road – Chapter 1
This summer sucked. Hell, life sucked! Chink. Another empty beer can shot out towards the horizon. Billy was acting like… well his usual self. The new coach was an even bigger asshole than Billy. Jason was never around but he had his own problems.
Tim gulped down the last drop of beer before tossing the can onto the ground. Chink. This year was going to suck! Tim didn't want to wake up tomorrow, let alone start a new school year. He wanted to wallow in self-pity, passing time in a haze seeking oblivion.
As darkness, loomed Tim thought it best to pack it in. He drove away from the cliffs, headed to the pep rally. There was always spiked punch at school events. He wanted more of a buzz then he already had. A flashing red light appeared on his fuel gauge. Tim pulled into the next petrol station, squinting as the bright lights invaded his sight.
He opened his wallet and regretted buying those cartons of beer a few hours earlier. He checked the ash tray of his truck. With loose change, he had enough to get him home. Tim stepped out onto the pavement as a blonde began cleaning the windscreen on the maroon car up ahead. A white van had followed Tim into the station and now sat alongside the maroon car.
Tim wondered how he was going to get more money, Billy didn't have any. Fuel poured into his truck with each passing second as Tim tried to keep his focus on the rising price gauge. Familiar laughter drew his attention. Tim searched for the source. The blonde was none other than Julie Taylor. Tim eyed her outfit noticing how it accentuated certain god given assets. She was talking to a scrawny dark-haired male who had been driving the van.
"Have you ever cleaned this before?" Julie said to her friend Lois, sarcastically pointing to the flecks of grime on the windscreen.
"You shouldn't be complaining! I'm your ride. You can't get your licence yet remember?"
"Yeah, Yeah. Don't remind me... I'll clean it while you pay."
"That's why I put up with you," Lois said, a smile tugging at her lips while she grabbed her purse.
Julie stepped out of the car and closed the door behind her. She removed the squeegee from the bucket of water and ran it across the windscreen. She heard the rumble of Tim Riggins's truck, it wasn't hard to miss, much like the player himself.
Julie let her hair drape further forward shadowing her face. Studiously not looking in his direction. They'd never said two words to each other this past year, even at her parent's awkward dinner with Tim's brother Billy.
Julie heard the crank of a handbrake being pulled followed by a car door. A quick glance revealed her crush, fellow lifeguard The Swede. Julie clasped the squeegee tighter, intensely focused on the task of erasing grime. The desire to flee was present: she could simply climb back into Lois's car and avoid him.
Why did he have to come into this fuel station? She wasn't prepared to see him! She didn't have any lines or topics prepared!
She was grateful, at least, that she wasn't with her parents or in her comfy sweat pants. He'd only caught her cleaning her friend's ratty old car. Julie froze in place as his footsteps neared. She had to say something or he'd think she was weird.
"So, have you made it a point of stalking me or something?" Julie sassed, struggling to keep her bundles of nerves under control.
The Swede cockily smiled at her and sauntered closer to the car.
"No, it's a lucky coincidence though. What are you doin?" he asked sitting on the wheel arch.
Wasn't it obvious?
"I'm debugging my friend's windshield." Julie turned around, placing the squeegee back in the water bucket. Her face felt impossibly hot in his presence and she hoped he couldn't tell.
"No, I mean tonight. What are you all dressed up for?" he queried, pointing at her outfit.
"Oh, um it's the big Panther pep rally," she replied fidgeting with her bracelet. His head tilted back and a boisterous laugh escaped his lips. She joined him, affected by his easy-going manner. Julie caught Tim observing them from the corner of her eye.
"Oh yeah... oh man...that sounds like fun," he said, his voice dripping in sarcasm.
"Yeah… you have no idea." Her tone was equally sarcastic as their eyes met. It was refreshing to have someone in her life who didn't care about football. He had other interests, like music that she knew of.
"I'm sure I don't. You know what… why don't you hop in? I'll take you in the most majestic vehicle on earth."
Was The Swede flirting with her? Julie couldn't take her eyes off his silly grin. She heard Tim snort and saw him trying to contain his smirk. Why was Tim so amused?
"Um..." Julie hesitated. Technically she was still dating Matt. They hadn't hung out in a while. Things weren't the same between them.
"Come on," his eyes were begging, "really, I'll give you a ride."
What was she afraid of? Her heart pounded in her chest, screaming yes, but her pesky brain was slamming the breaks.
She whispered, "Okay, I just gotta go tell my friend Lois though."
"Yeah," he smiled in victory, strolling back to his car to fill it up with fuel. Julie slipped Tim a curious glance as she went to find Lois in the store. What was taking her so long? You'd never guess she ate like there was no tomorrow. Her figure didn't disclose a diet of anything but sweets.
Tim scrutinized the 'majestic vehicle' on his way to pay, snickering to himself. That guy had no game!
He was hit with a strong aroma as he passed the driver's window. Was that pot? He glowered at The Swede, this dropkick expected Julie Taylor to take a ride with him. He'd been sitting in his van too long. There was no way Taylor would go anywhere with him…she wasn't that kind of girl.
There was something about him that Tim couldn't place. How does Taylor know him?
He's not someone Coach would approve of hanging around his daughter. Tim remembered how unsettled coach would get around Seven, who was pretty mild mannered, to be fair.
Tim exited the shop as the guy walked in. The only time Tim saw Julie outside of school and football was at the local community pool. That's where he'd seen him.
"You work at the pool, right?"
"Sup, name's The Swede," he pointed his index finger at Tim, "I've seen you there... with a string of different girls. Enjoy being on the team while you can. After high school I don't think you'll be as sought after."
Tim couldn't help but notice the distain in his voice, "You got a problem with me?"
The Swede laughed and raised his hands in innocence, "Nope, not you. High school in general, football, this town... Isn't your pep rally on tonight? Better run along, you don't want to be late."
Tim fought every fibre of his being that was screaming at him to teach this kid a lesson. He took the high road and shoved past The Swede. That was Tim's high road; he wasn't a saint.
This guy wasn't worth the hassle if any of the Dillon coaching staff heard he was brawling. Tim got enough satisfaction from the slight gasp of air that escaped his mouth when their shoulders met.
Tim opened his car door and threw his wallet on the bench seat beside two unopened cans of beer. In the store, he could see Julie and her brunette friend walking towards the exit. The shop doors moved aside to allow them through. They had plastic bags bursting with candy in tow. He smirked at their innocence before sighing with longing and a hint of sadness.
"Licorice Cats…" Tim's blood ran cold at the site of his once favourite childhood snack visible against the stretched transparent bag. He forced his eyes away from the pair, drawing a long breath. Memories assaulted him, rendering him unable to focus on the black carpet at his feet.
"Licorice Cats?"
"Please Dad..." Tim begged jumping up and down.
"Why don't you ask your mother when we get home?" His deep mocking laughter sending chills down Tim's spine. "But wait.. she's not there. She left because of you. That's right, all that fighting between you and Billy is what drove her away."
"I'm... I'm sorry I didn't..." Sorrow closed up his throat as he fought back tears.
"Shut up! You're pathetic!" His father ripped the packet of sweets from his grip to put them back on the shelf when he hesitated. Tim watched his father lick his lips and take them to the counter. They walked through the shop door headed for the car.
"You see these?" He said, holding them up for his son.
Tim nodded excitedly, holding out a hand, grateful his dad softened and bought them. He watched the Licorice Cats get tossed into a nearby bin. Tim lowered his hand and looked up at his father, frowning.
His lower lip quivered at the sight of his father's scowling face.
"You don't deserve them. You never will. All you do is bother everyone... Can I have this?... Can I get that?" A finger aggressively poked Tim's undeveloped chest. "No-one cares what you want! It's about time you learnt that, boy."
Tim touched his chest; it was like it happened yesterday. He could feel the phantom pain of his father's finger paling in comparison to his words, which cut deep, straight to the heart.
Tim opened a can of beer, sculling half the liquid in a desperate attempt to quell the voice in his head. Childhood memories, those he could definitely do without.
He started his truck and drove towards the roadway, pressing the brakes while he glanced back in his rear-view mirror. Tim did a double take, at a loss for words. Julie was climbing into The Swede's van. He remembered Matt asking around for her at a party the past weekend. Seven was always flying solo lately or with that Albino kid, Landry.
Julie wanted to get to know him, make small talk, but she couldn't bring herself to start a conversation. It was an uncomfortable silence all the way. Music echoed through the carpark as the so called popular kids attending the pep rally were getting drunk, laughing amongst themselves. It was so cliché. Julie didn't want to be a part of that world anymore. She never wanted to date the quarterback of a football team.
"Well, hey, it was nice seeing you again," his forced smile slipping.
"Yeah, thanks for the ride." Julie observed his chapped lips, wondering why he'd offered to drive her. Had she just messed up her shot with him by keeping her lips sealed? Flashing lights from the pep rally were reflecting in his eyes.
"Next time you wanna-"
Julie's lips moved softly across his and he wasn't pushing her away. She leant back and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"You can call me some time?" she said, smiling, as she stepped out of his van. Julie didn't look back, hearing his van fade into the distance. She'd finally worked up the courage to make a move, seize the moment. Her summer lifeguard duty was coming to an end soon and they wouldn't be in each other's lives anymore otherwise.
Amongst the crowd she spotted Matt and her mood plummeted. She needed to tell him how she felt. They couldn't keep going on like this. Matt met her gaze when she was close, his expression giving nothing away.
"Hey, I'm sorry, did I miss the show?"
"It doesn't matter. It's the Smash show anyway." Julie sat down near Matt, but not too close.
"Look, I think we really need to talk." He stiffened and lowered his head.
"Okay, talk..." Hostility was seeping into his voice. Matt was angry and it was her fault. She'd been giving him lame excuses all summer.
"I just think that maybe we've changed or something." He looked up at her, his expression softening. He knew what was coming.
This was horrible. How do you dump someone that you care about but don't love anymore?
"The point is… it's me… it's not you, you didn't do anything," Julie said.
Matt blinked his eyes closed for longer than necessary. "I know I didn't do anything... I know it's not me... I know it's The Swede-"
"No, it's not The swede!" She said, her voice breaking as she begged for his understanding.
She knew Matt was tired of their situation, what they had become.
"How about...just be honest with me," he said avoiding her gaze. She felt her eyes filling with tears. "Just tell me the truth."
He sat waiting while Julie struggled to find the right words. "It's just... it's The Swede. It's my parents. It's me feeling trapped. It's me turning into my mom. It's just... I don't know, nothing seems right anymore and I really need some space."
Matt surged up from his chair, tossing aside a piece of grass he had been twirling between his fingers. He stormed off without another word or backward glance. Julie watched his retreating figure, anxiety snaking through her.
Matt Saracen was going to become nothing but a memory and she wasn't sure how that made her feel. She didn't love him anymore. He deserved to find someone who did. He was hurting now but she knew in the long run it was for the best.
"Whoa, easy Matty!" Smash yelled to Matt as he shoved past him. Unable to hold it in any longer, Julie felt her first tear of many roll down her cheek.
Jason watched Tim's beer spill onto his hand as his QB replacement bumped into him. Tim and Jason shared a curious look as they watched Matt enter the carpark.
"What was that about?" Tim shrugged disinterested, wiping his wet hand on his jeans.
Jason turned around and saw Julie sitting alone by the pool crying. What just happened? Jason looked to Tim for answers but his eyes were on a redhead wearing a barely their skirt. God, Tim can't keep up one conversation.
"I'm going to check on her."
Jason wheeled himself over to Julie.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
"Huh?" Julie jerked her head up, quickly wiping away her tears. "Yeah, sorry, I'm just gonna go."
Jason moved in front of Julie blocking her escape path, forcing her to sit back down.
"You don't have to leave. I mean, I've seen lots of girl's cry... you know I'm friends with Riggins." Julie let out a small chuckle. Jason had always been her dad's favourite player to coach. She recalled too many dinners growing up listening to her father sing his praises.
"Obviously something happened with Saracen?"
Julie saw Tim in the distance peering at her over the top of Jason's shoulder. She floundered in embarrassment and hardened her expression. Jason frowned and turned his head to see what she was looking at. Tim promptly averted his gaze, knowing he had been caught.
"I don't really want to talk about it..." Julie bitterly laughed, not wanting Jason to spread the news. "But in this town, who am I kidding… I'm sure you'll hear about it soon enough… Matt and I... we broke up."
Jason offered her a sympathetic nod, reaching out to squeeze her leg with his hand. If anyone knew how painful a split could be it was him. Julie had heard the rumours about Lyla and Tim. She couldn't imagine how she would have handled that situation. Jason, he was strong. He couldn't be broken. Julie shrank back to wipe away another tear with her jacket sleeve.
"Thanks for checking on me. I'm gonna go find Lois and get a ride home... Can you tell my dad if you see him?"
"Sure. Believe me everything will work itself out. You'll see," he said warmly. Julie threw him a half-hearted smile.
Jason waved bye to Julie and wheeled himself back over to Tim who was now fixated on a nearby buxom blonde. Jason cleared his throat then rolled his eyes hoping Tim would notice.
Tim did, grinning down at him seconds later.
"Well, what was that about?" He asked, tipping his head towards where Julie had been.
"Seven and her split up." Jason was met with silence, Tim choosing to sip his beer instead.
Moments later Tim added, "Not worth spilling my beer over."
Jason shook his head at his friend's cavalier attitude. Oddly Tim didn't seem that surprised.
The hot Texan sun beamed down upon Tim as he basked under its rays. The local community pool was the only way to survive Texas's scorching temperatures. This Saturday in particular, bikini clad girls were everywhere. Tim floated on a lounger as several nameless girls tried to get his attention. He could care less, all of his attention was on Julie Taylor and The Swede over by the canteen. The pair stood alone, deep in conversation, her face lighting up in laughter every so often. Weren't they meant to be life-guarding? What if he needed rescuing? Tim noticed the not so subtle caresses on Taylor's arm from The Swede.
The night of the pep rally, Tim had seen them kiss in the carpark. They didn't know there were any witnesses and Tim didn't tell a soul. He hadn't pictured her as the cheating type. He understood when she split with Matt the same night. Taylor knew it was over, she just hadn't told him yet, but judging by Matt's mood that night he knew what was coming. Tim was beginning to wonder if she was interested in this guy, the doobie head.
"Nah, Taylor's too good for him." He closed his eyes, pushing the unsettling thought away. Tim rested back against the lounger, tilting his hat lower.
After a few hours of drifting around the pool, Tim decided to head home and watch a game. He changed back into his jeans in the showers at the pool. Tim was headed for his car when he saw The Swede smoking a joint by the fence. A group of young girls walked past and giggled approvingly as The Swede exhaled a large plume of smoke. He nodded in their direction, sporting a wide grin. Tim couldn't ignore this clown any longer. He stalked towards him, standing in his personal space.
"You again? No offense man but I'm busy," The Swede said angling himself away from Tim.
"Stay away from Taylor," Tim commanded.
"Taylor?"
"Julie, the lifeguard!"
The Swede laughed, "You bet Sherriff, Yes Sir." His voice was insincere as he took another hit on his joint, blowing the smoke in Tim's face.
Tim smacked it out of his hand and pushed him back against the fence. "I said stay away from her, got it?"
"Easy, geez. Not to brag but she's like putty in my hands. You ever had a virgin?... I'm about too-."
"Shut it! She'd never go near you if she was herself, so back off!"
"Tim, isn't it?... You're in high school-"
"So is she don't forget!" His condescension was grating on Tim's last nerve. "A guy your age hanging around school girls trying to get some tail...you're a desperate creep."
Tim grabbed The Swede by the scruff of his shirt and slammed him harder against the fence.
"We both know I could kick your ass… in fact, I think I'd enjoy it. So, don't tempt me. This is my only warning. Keep your hands off her."
The Swede remained silent, not disputing his words, pinned in place by the fullback's elbow. Tim waited until his message was received before he loosened his grip. He directed a menacing grin towards The Swede and ruffled his hair.
What a little bitch.