I've seen you fight. I've seen you not quit. Can you give me a great effort and just a little bit more. Can you be perfect?


The stadium lights lit up the field like a star lit up the sky. Every player was illuminated as was their every every movie. Permian was done by twelve and they need this win to maintain their first place standing. Coach Gaines let out a deep breath before speaking to his team in the locker room. "The entire dreams of a town rest upon your shoulders." He looked around at the room to see the faces of the boys look disappointed. "You may never matter again in your life as much as you do right now." Gaines watched as Mike Winchell and a few other boys stood. Soon the whole team was on their feet and waiting for Gaines next words. "Now let's go win us a foot ball game!" The boys cheered in agreement and headed back out to the field, warming up before the third quarter.

Out of the corner of his eye, Don saw Bethany waving her pompoms and he turned towards her. She waved her pompom and smiled widely at Don. He waved back and ran over to the sideline so the quarter could start. Before Don knew it, it was time for the offensive line to go in. On their third down, Mike passed to the open space where Don was and Don ran it in for touchdown. He ran off the field and saw his dad nodding in approval. Finally, maybe his dad wouldn't be so angry after a game.

"Nice one, boys!" Gaines patted Winchell on the back as they ran off field. "Those are the kind of plays I wanna see!"

Don and Mike grinned and sat on the bench. It seemed as if this game was never going to end. There were three minutes left in the last quarter and Dallas had the ball. Permian was still down by three, they just needed to stop them here. Dallas's quarterback threw to his open man and they scored. The game was over and Permian lost. They're perfect season would now be marred with this game.

"To the locker room boys." Gaines shook his head and led them the way. Once they were in the locker room, the boys sat down and waited for Coach to say something. "You played a hell of a game boys. It's only one game. We can still overcome this and go to state. You're dismissed." He nodded curtly and headed to his office. Don and Mike made eye contact and Don shrugged, there wasn't anything he could do about any of if.


Bethany met Don outside the locker room. She had changed into a t-shirt and some sweats. The look on his face told her it was going to be a long car ride home with his father.

"Hey." He offered a small smile as he greeted her. He took her hand and led her out to the parking lot where they saw his dad.

"Maybe I should get a ride home from Mike." Bethany looked up at him with a worried expression.

"Nah, he'll be fine." Don shook his head and laced his fingers with hers. "Where's your ring?" He looked at their joined hands.

"I left it in the car so I wouldn't lose it." She bit her lip as they got closer to the car.

"Took you long enough to get out her." Charles rolled his eyes and got in the back seat.

Don sighed and slid into the drivers seat as Bethany got into the passenger.

"At least you didn't drop the ball this time." Charlie scoffed as Don drove out of the parking lot. Bethany looked to Don and pressed her lips tightly together to keep from saying anything "Maybe your coach should teach you how to play like men instead of a bunch of girls." Charles angrily said. As they were driving down the street to Don's house, a big crash made Bethany jump in her seat.

"What the hell was that?" Don slammed on the breaks and turned around to face his father. He noticed the broken window and widened his eyes. "What the hell dad?"

"I wanted some fresh air." Charlie shrugged as he looked out the window. He sighed and toyed with something in his hand. Don looked at his fingers and noticed the object was a ring, Bethany's ring.

"Dad, why the hell do you have Bethany's ring?" Don asked angrily. Bethany turned around in her seat and widened her eyes.

"Mr. Bilingsley, do you mind if I have that back?" She bit her lower lip and held out her palm for him to place it in.

"You are two are too young to be getting married." Charles shook his head disapprovingly.

"Shut the hell up, dad." Don grit his teeth, trying to contain himself. He felt better when Bethany gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"The two of you don't know anything." Charlie threw the ring out the window and onto the side of the road.

"Dad! What the hell is your problem?" Don scrambled out of the car and ran to the where he heard the ring hit the ground. "What the fuck is wrong with you?" He got on his knees and began to search for the ring. Bethany quickly got out of the car and rushed to Don's side. "I... I can't find it." Don whispered, feeling defeated.

"Hey. I don't need a ring to marry you." Bethany smiled and pulled him to his feet. Charlie got out of the car laid on the hood of the car, lighting up a cigarette.

"Y'all are just a bunch of idiots." Charlie exhaled the smoke.

"Can you just shut the hell up and get in the fucking car?" Don asked and made his way to his dead.

"Or what? You gonna hit me again? Because you didn't leave one mark on my face." Charlie stood up so he and Don were almost eye to eye. "You play football like a girl and you hit like girl."

"I'm not even gonna bother with you anymore." Don shook his head and walked away in disgust. "Let's go home, Bethany." He sighed and went to the drivers side of the car.

"Alright." Bethany got in the passengers seat and watched Charlie get in the back seat.