Chapter 29
The week could not have been moving along any slower. I don't know if it was because I was excited that my first university game was coming up on Saturday or that Gramma was stopping by, but time was still.
It was Thursday night and the team was having dinner together. What I didn't know what about the "Thursday night dinner before the home opener" was much like the traditional rookie icebreaker: a lot of liquor. When we voted for a Mexican theme night I should have known there would be tequila. While the food was being served, Sammy, the assistant captain, stood up to say a few words.
"On behalf of the vets, I would just like to officially welcome the rookies to the team!" She began, everyone applauded and cheered.
"I would also like to take this time to congratulate everyone on making it through the pre season training. We all know what a pain in the ass that can be. And in closing, my co-captains and I would like to present the up and coming star prize. This prize goes to the junior player who, throughout preseason, has shown dedication, determination and is looking to be a valuable player. This preseason winner is...Roooooook!" She boomed through the south pub. Everyone stood up and was clapping. I couldn't believe it. Lauren elbowed me in the side and pointed to Sammy who waving me up beside her. I straightened my shirt and headed up. I was feeling confident as I walked up and shook Sam's hand.
"Now!" She continued, "As we all know, Cardinal Lacrosse is a big fan of tradition. Therefore," she paused, looking around for something. I started to get a little nervous. It couldn't be any worse than last time, I think to myself while looking at the entire team. A little bottle began making its way around the table leaving a trail of giggles behind it. I look at Lauren who had a big grin on her face. She winked at me, although I wasn't too sure what that meant. As the soda-sized bottle came around, Sammy bent down to grab it.
"As a cardinal, we all represent the majestic creature that begins its journey in the skies," said Sam, peering out onto the 'open abyss'. She was far too long winded. I needed to know what I was in for.
"Jamie here, like the cardinal, will need her strength for the upcoming season. And like a true cardinal, must dine on the leanest of proteins. We would like to offer you, Jamie, a meal fit for any cardinal creature," and with that she pulled out the bottle.
"This bottle," she held it up, "for those of you who don't know, is filled with the richest tequila. "
This doesn't seem all that bad, I think to myself, just a shot of tequila. That's when I saw it.
"Not only is this the best tequila, it is home to what keeps the cardinals strong! And we want you at your strongest for Saturday!" Sammy explained, looking me with the biggest smirk. She cracked the top and handed it to me. Swimming around the bottom was a worm.
Oh no, I think to myself.
"The worm is the key ingredient to any cardinal diet," said Sam.
"Is it? Is it really?" I ask with a raised eyebrow and small smirk back.
"It is!" She answers, finally breaking her spokesperson persona with a laugh. "Legend also has it, that whenever the recipient of the award has failed to complete the honour, the team not only looses its first game but struggles throughout the entire season."
"Perfect," I mumble, watching the worm seemingly stare back at me. As I was working up the courage to make this happen, I heard the door open to the street and in walked, Santana. She looked around before spotting me at the head of our table with Sam. I saw the smile grow on her face as she smiled and gave me a thumbs up. I smiled and took a deep breath, hearing the low rumbles of the chant starting.
"Cards, cards, cards..." It started getting louder and faster. I raised the bottle to my lips, with more glance at San, I let the contents empty into my mouth. I didn't stop, not wanting to feel the worm. The entire bar was watching now and erupted into cheers as I slammed the empty bottle onto the table and let out a wild cheer. Sam wrapped her arm around my shoulders and announced a good season, holding the completely empty bottle. When she was done, she leaned down and whispered in my ear.
"You chewed that worm up right?" She asked.
My smile instantly faded.
"Cause I've heard it can come back on ya".
"What?" I asked, as she danced away.
After getting a high five and the odd bum slap from most of the team. I went to the bar for a glass of water. I was starting to feel like the worm was crawling up my throat. I downed the glass and felt an arm wrap around my waist.
"It was hard to keep that from you," Lauren said with a laugh.
"I'm sure it was," I said with a grin, instantly forgetting my fears.
"Want a drink?" She asked.
"Uh, sure," I said, obviously beginning to feel the tequila, "just give me a sec."
She nodded and headed off to the dance floor. I headed off to find San.
"Hey!" I hear from behind me.
"Hi," I feel the smile instantly creep to my face.
"I thought I was going to miss it!" She said over the music.
"Oh you knew?" I asked, a little shocked.
"Yeah, Lauren text me," she explained, "she said it was kind of a big deal and thought that you might want me here. Do you?"
"Of course," I said, leaning in for a hug, "means a lot that you came."
"Wouldn't miss it," she said, placing a kiss on my neck. Over her shoulder I saw Lauren and Sam watching. They smiled and Sam gave me a double thumbs up. I laughed.
"Want to dance?" I asked Santana.
"Sure, I just need a stop at the restroom," she answered.
"Okay, see you out there," I said.
I watched her head to the other side of the bar. When I turned, Lauren was there with two drinks.
"Thanks," I said, accepting the bottle.
"I hope that was okay," she said taking a sip of hers.
"Yeah, it's good. How did you know," I asked, leaning my back against the bar.
"You talk in your sleep," she said, her gaze on the dance floor.
"Really?" I replied, looking at her.
"Yeah, a lot actually. Always about the same person," she said, looking at me.
"Sorry, I should have told you," I admitted.
"Love is love. Sometimes you can't help how it turns out," she explains,
"Plus, you're too young for me anyways."
I laughed. "Yeah? Two years too young?"
She laughed.
"Yeah. But should this go sour in a year or two, you know where I live. And play for that matter," she said with a wink.
"Thanks Doc." We clinked bottles and she headed over to the rest of the team.
"Ready?" Asked Santana.
"Always," I answered.
It was finally here, the morning of the big day. I was awoken early by my alarm for a light, early morning practice. The team was stoked for our first game against Kentucky. The energy was electric and everyone could feel it. We did a quick jog, followed by our key plays and ended with a light scrimmage. By the time Coach sent us for showers, it was almost lunch. I was going to be late. I had to meet my Gramma at the main building.
"Hey!"
I stood up from collecting my things to see Lauren.
"Hey! How's it going?" I ask.
"Good," she answered, "I haven't seen you since Thursday. How were you feeling when you got up?"
"Oh," I laugh, "not as bad as last time, thanks. Santana made me drink a gallon of water before bed."
"Hmm...So, can I ask? Since we're definitely in the friend zone, how'd that go?"
"How'd what go?" I ask, giving her a look.
"You know, you and San? You official yet?" Lauren asked, winking.
"What? No. No, no, she just broke up with Brittany. She needs time to find herself, that stuff, you know how it is."
"Look Rookie. I've seen enough girls come and go living with Sam, but I've never seen a girl look at Sammy, the way Santana looks at you," she explained.
"How do you know that? You barely know her. You've text her once," I argue.
"Dude, she came running to the bar Thursday night. When you weren't by her side, her eyes were always looking and finding you."
"Okay, now you just sound like a creep," I said, smirking.
She pushed my shoulder, laughing.
"It wasn't like she was trying to hide it," she stated.
I picked up my bag and swung it over my head onto my shoulder.
"So you're saying she's over Brittany already," I asked, not completely sure.
"I'm saying, you don't get big rewards, if you don't take big risks," she said, matter of fact.
"Easy Spider-Man," I said with a chuckle.
"I'm just saying, obviously you like and care for this girl. Don't miss your chance."
"What if I blow my only chance though?" I ask.
"Isn't she worth the risk?" She asked walking away from me.
I looked at my watch.
"Crap," I mumbled and took off running towards the main building.
Almost an hour later, I returned to my house.
"San? You home?" I called out, kicking off my sneakers and throwing my keys onto the table.
"I think Gramma forgot she was coming today. The guys at the front said-"
As I came around the corner, sitting at the breakfast bar, was Santana...with Gramma.
"Hey Gramma," I said, leaning down to give her a kiss on the cheek and a hug.
"How'd you find the place?"
"Oh Princess, you know I can be very resourceful. Just hollered out a bit and I met this pretty little thing."
We both looked at San. I don't know if I was blushing at my Gramma's comment or my Gramma's nickname for me.
"I was just heading home from a Cards meeting," she said, taking a sip of her tea she had made herself and Gramma.
"We've just been chatting a little, seeing as how you were late...again," Gramma said, "Santana's been showing me your yearbook from last year. Good to see you're finding some girls your age."
"I know Gram," I said, rolling my eyes and grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.
"I'm going to go grab a shower," I say, looking between the two women.
"You know Santana, when Jamie used to live back in town, she'd be running around town after all the boys. It's a good thing she's hitting for that other team, I'd probably be knee deep in grand-babies," Gramma said, raising her hand to her mouth as if I couldn't hear. I almost spit my water out.
"Gramma!" I said, coughing the fluid out of my lungs, " you must be hungry, why don't we go get lunch?"
"Don't be silly dear, Santana said she was going to make me some fancy sandwich, what did ya'll call it? A poonini?" She asked, searching for the word.
My mouth dropped open; did my Gramma just say what I think she said? Santana was laughing uncontrollably.
"It's a panini, Mrs. Ellis," Santana said helpfully.
"Oh right, I can't keep up with you kids and your slang words these days," said Gramma.
"Let me just run and grab a hair tie and wash up before I start lunch," said Santana, squeezing my shoulder and smiling as she headed upstairs.
"She's a cute one Jamie," Gramma said over her glasses, once she thought Santana was out range.
"Oh Gramma, I've missed you," I said, giving her another hug, "I'm just going to run and jump in the shower before lunch."
I ran up the stairs hoping to catch Santana before she came back down.
"San?" I said, poking my head into her room.
"Hey," she answered, coming out of her bathroom pulling down a fresh t-shirt. I caught just a glimpse of her lean, tanned stomach before the shirt hid it from view.
"I just wanted to say thanks for showing her here for me," I said, focusing on why I was standing there.
"No problem, she's a sweet lady," she said smiling.
"Well, let me apologize now for any inappropriateness that may follow. Gramma likes to speak her mind," I warned.
"I'm sure I'll be able to handle it," she said, standing in front of me now, pulling her hair into a pony.
"Princess eh?" She said with a smirk.
I laughed, feeling my cheeks go red again.
"It was a joke when I was young and it just kind of stuck," I said, awkwardly.
"It's cute," she said with that trademark grin and eyebrow.
"Anyways, you don't have to make lunch, I can grab something," I assured her.
"No, don't worry. We should eat something healthy before tonight anyway."
"Okay."
"So, she thinks I'm cute? Does that mean she likes me?" San asked making her way down the stairs.
"She forgets her hearing range and ours differ," I whispered after her.
After lunch, Gramma and I took a little stroll in the park.
"So, how are you liking it here?" She asked, getting right to the point.
"I can't complain. The school is giving me a huge opportunity to follow my dreams," I reply.
"Well, don't get too caught up that you forget to enjoy it. Have you met many new people?" She continued with her questions.
"Oh yeah, the team is huge and everyone on it is amazing. They treat everyone like family. It's hard to feel lonely," I assure her.
"Yet you are," she said, sitting on a bench near the creek.
"What do you mean? I'm too busy to be lonely. I barely have a second to myself," I say, laughing it off.
"I'm talking about love Jam. I can see it in your eyes, like you're missing something," she went on.
"No Gram, I've made some really good friends. I'm good."
"Is Santana a friend?" She asked.
"Of course, she's my best friend," I answered.
"How did you two meet?"
"Um," I started, "I kind of hit her in the face with a lacrosse ball not long after I started in Lima."
Gramma laughed.
"Well, that's quite the way to begin a love story," she said.
"Who said anything about a love story?" I said questioningly.
"Oh please, I may be old but I can still see the way you look at her," she insisted, "how could you not look at her? Whew wee!"
"Gramma!" I said, not being able to hold back my laugh.
We continued our walk through the park before heading back and both having a nap in front of the television.
I was sitting in our locker room waiting for our Coach to come in. It was the quietest I had ever heard the team. It was making me more nervous, even Sammy was in the zone. Coach had pulled me aside during the scrimmage this morning and told me I was in the starting line up. My legs started shaking; I turned up the music in my headphones. I was in the beat when I felt someone nudge me. I looked up to find Sammy and Lauren.
"Hey guys," I said, pulling my ear buds out.
"Hey Rook! You nervous?" Asked Sammy.
"Um...little bit," I admitted, "I feel like there's something to prove tonight."
They both smiled and looked at each other. Sam grabbed my shoulder.
"There is," she said, grinning and walking away.
My smile faded and I tried to say something but had nothing.
"She's kidding," Lauren whispered, taking a seat next to me, "holy, would you relax. It's just a game."
"Yeah, easy for you to say," I reply, "what if they don't like me? What if the game they saw I was just lucky?"
"You need to relax. We've seen you in practice. You've got this," she said, reminding me.
"Look, listen to this and zone everything else out. It's helps me," she said, giving me her iPod.
"Thanks," I say, turning her playlist up. The first thing I hear are crashing waves. I sit back and try to place the song. That's all that ever comes though, just more waves. I peak open an eye to see if this was a joke but Lauren is back in her spot, eyes closed, tapping a foot to my iPod. I settle back and let myself go; before I know it, I'm almost asleep. I feel amazing and just in time for Coach to come in and pump us back up. After a quick pep talk, we're running out onto the field as the announcer is screaming "Cardinals". We toss the ball around for a few seconds while the refs get ready. I spot Gramma; she gives me a quick wave with her new foam finger. I laugh and return her wave with a raise of my stick. As I'm heading back to our bench, I catch San out of the corner of my eye. She gives me a quick wink and a cheer and turns back to the audience.
The ref blows his whistle signaling the beginning of the game. My adrenaline starts flowing. We line up for the face off. Sammy takes it, she wins it's throwing the ball back to Lauren, who takes off running. An opposing player quickly stops her. Lauren breaks and pivots whipping the ball back to Sammy. Sammy snatches it up and keeps running; I'm right with her. She runs wide and throws me the ball, as fast as it is in my pocket, the ball is flying back to Sammy who flings it past their goalie. I ran at Sammy and jumped on her back, screaming as the rest of the team catches up to us, doing the same.
The crowd is loving the game. I caught Gramma screaming and dancing with the students who crowded beside her. The cheerleaders were in the middle of one of their big routines, when the play had moved in front of them. I bolting up the sideline with the ball, I had an attacker coming up my side. Eventually, she catches up to me, swings her stick trying to snag the ball. I wait for her to try again and use my shoulder to knock her off balance. She tumbles to the ground managing to take me with her. When I stop rolling, I realize I have someone trapping my legs. I sit up finding Santana sprawled on top of me.
She rolls to the side and finds my face.
"So much for not tripping tonight," she says, smiling at me.
"Sorry, I was aiming for someone else," I tease, standing and reaching a hand out to help her up.
"Better not have been," she replies with a wink.
I watch her as she skips back to her position.
"Really?" I call after her.
Sammy grabs my shoulder, pulling me back to the game.
The teams were evenly matched, with four and half minutes left in the fourth quarter when it started raining. The score was tied at 4-4. Out of nowhere, the opposing team darted from their end carrying the ball. We all started after her. She was fast but Lauren was right behind her. In a blink of an eye, Lauren was sliding across the field as she tackled the girl down. Instantly, a penalty was called, along with a penalty shot. Two thirty remains in the game as Lauren starts her penalty, taking a seat on the sideline and wiping the grass from her. The opposing player lines up for her shot. Our goalie, strong and steady, looks right at her. The player starts in, picking up speed. She deekes to the right, pulls back to the left and snaps a shot off her backhand. Diving, our goalie, reaches for the ball and at the last second hits it out of play. What a save! The crowd is going crazy! We race down the field to celebrate with our tender.
Moments later, the game is back in motion. The opposing team in possession, they're handling the ball easily, as we try to kill the penalty. They throw it one too many times back and forth and I jump between, intercepting the ball. I take off running with Sammy by my side. Twenty two seconds remain, Sammy pulls ahead of me and I toss her the ball. A large girl steps in front of her and Sam finds Lauren back in from the penalty. Lauren's running hot up the side, she cuts to the middle, a big shot. Their goalie saves it letting out a huge rebound. I find it, raise my stick, let the ball go...top corner, over the goalies right shoulder!
My team surrounds me, cheering and screaming! We line up for one more face off, seven seconds left. The ref places the ball and Sammy wins it. She flips it back to Lauren who handles it. The buzzer blows and Lauren throw me the ball.
"Game winner! You're going to want to keep that," she says, giving me a high five.
"Told you, you're kind of a big deal."
"Thanks," I said.
Sammy jumps on me.
"So, we kind of make a good duo! We should do this more often," she yells, slapping my helmet.
"Sounds good to me!"
As we shake hands with the other team, I realize the rain has picked up. Before I head into the change room, I find my Gramma.
"Jamie! What a game! That was terrific!" She exclaimed.
"Thanks Gramma, I'm glad you came," I said, beyond happy.
I brought her down to the field and found our water boy; he had offered to drive my Gramma home in the team golf cart. She hopped in, however not before commenting on the cuteness of the young volunteer. I ran inside to meet the team. Coach gave us a run down of the game and congratulated us on our first win before heading to her office. We celebrated for a bit before changing, showering and heading home. As I stepped out of the locker room into the rain, I saw a soggy, shadowy figure. As I got closer, I recognized those legs.
"Hey miss, do you know it's raining outside?" I asked, already feeling the rain through my clothes.
"I thought I'd walk you home," answered my favorite cheerleader. I saw her smiling against the bright stadium lights.
"Are you crazy? You're getting soaked! Here take this," I said offering her my team warm up jacket, not that it would help. She wrapped it around her shoulders.
"You're right," she said, wiping at the rain on her cheeks, "I am crazy."
"I know," I agree, grabbing her hand, "let's go home and get out of the rain."
I started walking but felt her hand pull me back. I stopped and looked back at her.
"I'm not crazy for standing in the rain," she shouted over the drops.
"I disagree," I called back.
"I'm crazy for not seeing the most amazing thing right in front of me this whole time," she said, the rain falling onto her soft skin. She moved closer to me, never letting go of my hand.
"I'm crazy for not admitting my feelings when I realized them," she continued, wiping a raindrop from my face.
"And I'm crazy for not waiting in the rain a million times before this," she said, her dark brown eyes finding mine.
"Why would you wait in the rain?" I ask, softly.
"To do this," she whispered, and with that she leaned in covering my lips with hers. Her arms reaching around me and pulled me closer. I reach up and touch her cheek, as her tongue slides across my bottom lip. I hold onto her afraid that this is a dream and she won't be there when I open my eyes. I can feel her hands on my back and hear the rain bouncing off the ground around us. She pulls back, not letting go of me.
"I've wanted to do that for so long," she says.
"Me too," I admit.
