It was a hot and sunny afternoon in Silverado West. Bella smiled as sweat dripped off her forehead. It was the second quarter of a game and the Bulldogs were in great standing to win. The farther it got into the game, the more pumped she got. She loved all the payoff her training made come game day. She adjusted her bulky helmet to get a clear view around her. Scanning the field for all her teammates, defenses, for a clear shot, she saw a familiar face. Her eyes brightened, it was Zach.

She knew she and her team were playing the Cobras, but she thought Zach wasn't going to make it until the end of the game. Though, she was too happy to see him to ask why he was here. He ran across the field in his football uniform, and got into position. The play they were on, had Zach right in front of her. They looked at each other and smiled. "Hut, hut, hike!" Bella yelled. The game carried through, and the Bulldogs beat the Cobras, 26-20. Zach caught Bella in the field as she was leaving and said cheerfully,

"Hey you! Congrats on the win, you killed us out there!"

"Thanks! I try," she replied, laughing.

"No problem." He paused for a moment, and looked up at the sky, as if he was worried about something. He continued, "But I guess I should probably come up with some better compliments because I bet you hear that stuff all the time," he said, brushing me with his shoulder as we walked down the field.

"Well no, I don't Zach. Besides my best friends, I don't get many compliments anymore. After about about a month, it just became kinda expected for me to do well y'know?" she asked.

"Ah don't worry about it Bella, you're awesome. It doesn't take everyone chanting your name to know that."

"Yeah, I guess."

Despite his efforts though, she couldn't help but feel that something was wrong. She should've been happy with that answer, but it made her seem full of herself. Oh I know, I'm the best, everyone bow down to the queen of football, Bella. She didn't realize it was happening at first, but she was growing more and more uneasy at the reality of it. Every comment like that, made it easier and easier to see that she was more focused on the glory she got from winning, than living out her dream. That's how she saw it anyway. She was trying to get back to just enjoying the game, but she couldn't help herself. Football was her passion, but she was having a lot of trouble figuring out where she stood amongst the football world. She was going down what seemed to be an endless spiral, and wasn't sure how to cope with all the stress. The only thing that she knew would keep her steady was Zach. He always made her feel better, but deep down, she knew none of it was real. And by the second, made her feel even more hopeless. Even still, trying to cover up all the problems she'd just went through in her head, she replied,

"Thanks Zach. You're right, I am amazing. Must burn huh? She sighed and added, You wish you were me."

"Okay, I wouldn't go that far," he replied, rolling his eyes. "But you really did light that whole field up Bella, you always do," he told her. "One of the reasons I'm so lucky that you're my friend, is 'cause the truth is, none of the other guys are as good a player as you. It's cool to have someone to look up to and learn from. Thank you."

She had tried to keep everything to herself. She'd tried to overcome this empty feeling so many times. But she couldn't help it. In an instant, her smile faded, and the happy, cheerful girl he was talking to, wasn't there anymore.

"Well...that's great. I'm glad I've had an impact on how well you play. But Zach, something's been bugging me, and I'm wondering, is that all that I'm good for? I'm just good at football, that's why people like me, and nothing else?" She asked him shakily, trying not to sound too desperate.

Even if everyone else only thought of her as a legendary football star, and not someone who's even capable of having feelings like these, it was important to her that he didn't. Obviously, she wanted to be so much more to him than she was letting on.

Zach blinked in disbelief, he had no idea what to say. He thought he was giving her a compliment, but It meant something entirely different to Bella. She was upset because Zach had called her a friend. She hated that word coming from him. Every conversation they ever had, quickly turned after he called her that awful word. It sucks, because they'd had some really good conversations, but she couldn't take it. It meant that she was just a friend he could look to for field tricks. It left her with a bad taste in her mouth. She had finally had enough, and Zach was taking too long to answer, so she left, as this wasn't the first time he'd said something like this to her.

"Hold on. Bella, what's-"

Bella had already walked away before Zach could finish. Stupid boy, she thought. She stormed into the locker room to change, and went right back out to meet her mom, and head home. She sped across the parking lot, her mom already at the car, hoping to avoid as many people as possible. But someone behind her aggressively patted her on the shoulder.

Before she even looked to see who, she asked politely, "Mom, can you go wait in the car?"

"Sure honey, do what you need to do," she said, opening the car door.

Bella swiftly turned around.

"What?" she snapped.

It was Sophie, standing there in her cheerleader outfit, with her arms crossed.

"Excuse you?" she said, with an intent look on her face.

"Sorry Sophie, I didn't mean to."

"Aw Bells, you look so worn out," she said, changing her tone.

"I am. I really am."

"I'm so sorry."

In an instant, Sophie had changed back to her normal…blunt self, and said,

"Well, that's the end of the wallowing portion. Mama, you got issues," she said. "Zach's looking for you, and apparently you ran away from him earlier. He's coming over. Don't run this time," she demanded through gritted teeth.

Bella was reluctant, but the fire in Sophie's eyes, made even the most stubborn person crumble. She bit her lip, not wanting to respond.

"You're not getting out of this," she added.

She knew it. Sophie would handcuff her to the darn gate if she had to. But...no matter how mad she was, there was a part of her that wanted to work things out with him, that wanted to fix things, that still liked him.

"Fine, but I'll expect you and Pepper to leave."

"How'd you know Pepper was with me?"

"You're asking because...?"

"Okay, okay, we're best friends, blah, blah, blah, never mind. Go wait over there for Zach," she said pointing by the fence. "Good luck!"

Sophie and Pepper had left like she had asked. Pepper blinked a bunch and gave her a "reassuring" thumbs up through her car window. And so, Bella was left all on her own sitting on the side walk. After waiting a minute, she heard footsteps behind her as someone approached her, and sat down.

"Bella?" Zach said.

"What?" She shot at him. "Couldn't you have just texted me what you wanted to say, or maybe, I dunno, come talk to me yourself?"

Zach stared at her, all disoriented.

"My point is," Bella said, "you didn't need to send Sophie."

"Huh? I didn't send Sophie. I've hardly said two words to her." He went on, "Well anyway, she and Pepper both came up to me when I came out of the bathroom. They said to go to the front parking lot because you needed to talk to me."

"Ugh Sophie! They must've just seen what happened," she explained.

Bella paused for a minute.

She scoffed and said, "Still, it really doesn't matter. You can leave. I don't need this."

"Why? What do you mean?" Zach asked.

"It's just, I think I've put up with you long enough," she replied bitterly.

"Bella, stop with the games. Seriously, it's probably just a misunderstanding. Tell me!" he told her.

"Ugh, it's not rocket science. I thought, if I stuck around long enough, you'd finally understand. You've known me forever Zach. Do I really have to explain why, and embarrass myself even more?"

"Maybe, considering I've been very clear that I don't know what the problem is," he said, starting to become annoyed. "What's embarrassing?"

"Well, maybe," Bella said mocking him, "maybe I don't want to see you. Maybe I don't wanna be around someone that makes me hurt like this. It's exhausting! You have your head underwater, all the time, and you don't hear me!" she said with tears in her eyes.

He really didn't get it. Obviously she had something against him. Clearly! He just had to allow himself to see it. Bella's a tough girl. She doesn't just get angry and cry over anything. Especially not at something petty. It's gotta be deeper than that right? The more he thought, the more he realized. No wonder, he thought to himself. Now it was like, everything hit him all at once. Every single time the conversation ended with Bella's sad eyes, every single time he was left confused, he knew why now. It was because she was crushing on him, and he was a dumb boy who couldn't give it the time of day. Now that he knew, he was relived. He was really glad she wasn't actually mad at him. After all, he had feelings for her too all this time. He just couldn't seem to find the right moment. Taking a new approach to try and calm her down, he said,

"It's not because you're mad though, is it?" Walking a few steps forward.

"Does it matter?"

"Of course, it does! Just tell me what you wanna tell me, and maybe we'll clear some things up. I would really like to hear this part from you, not from me. It would mean a lot more."

"Haven't I said enough already? You know what? Alright! Fine! I like you Zach! How long have you known? It took me begging for you to get it, and practically getting down on my knees? Ugh, ego much?" She yelled at him.

"I don't have an ego Bella, now you're the one not paying attention."

He leaned his body forward, and pulled her in for a hug. She put her arms around him and immediately became less tense. Bella had always loved Zach's hugs, his hoodie smelt like pumpkin spice, and of course, Zach loved Bella's hugs just the same. Bella pulled back, looking noticeably less upset.

"Y'know, I thought I was pretty obvious too," Zach told her.

"What do you mean?" Bella asked, as she scrunched her nose.

"I like you too Bella, and I know that you've wanted to hear that for so long. I'm so sorry."

"Really, you really do?" She asked in shock, raising her eyebrows. "Okay, well, then what was your reason for not telling?" She asked, with her hands on her hips.

"The same reason you didn't tell me. I mean, you were yelling at me a lot, so I thought that I should've kept my mouth shut."

"Alright, fair enough. I was just so frustrated, because I really didn't expect anything to come of this. I literally didn't expect to hear any of this," she told him, still stunned.

"But, you did. So, you can relax now, I promise. I feel the same way, really. You're beautiful, tough, kind, caring, and you can do anything you set your mind to. You're amazing, and honestly, who wouldn't like you? Yeah you're a superstar quarterback, but you're an even better person Bella."

Bella looked into his deep, green eyes as he was talking about her, and saw a sparkle in them she'd never seen before.

"That's the truth Bella. I've never met anyone like you."

"Aw Zach! That means the world to me. Well, just making sure, how do I know you're not just saying that to make me feel better?"

"If I were, you'd know. I'm not very good at lying, makes me uncomfortable."

He gazes in my eyes, slowly takes a strand of hair away from my face, and places it behind my ear. He cups my cheek with his left hand, and puts the other around my waist. He rubs my cheek with his thumb and says,

"I've wanted to tell you."

"It was worth the wait though."

Bella put her hand on the back of Zach's head, and brushed his hair with her fingers. Smiling, she drew him in closer and their noses touched. Zach wrapped his arms around her waist, leaned in, and gently pecked her on her lips.

"That's it?" she asked, grinning.

She chuckled, put her hands softly on his face, stood on her tippy-toes, and met her lips with his. The kiss was nice and sweet, perfect for them. Zach pulled away blushing, and said playfully,

"Ha, I needed that. Especially after losing the game."

"Oh yeah, I won that too didn't I? Lucky me I suppose," she said, giggling.

"Um, hey Zach?" she asked, with a crooked smile.

"Yeah?"

"Does uh...does this mean-that uh...that we're-" she stammered, nervously twirling her hair.

Wow, he thought to himself. He never thought she could get this frazzled. And over him? Trying to help her out, he cut her off and said, "Yes Bella. I would love for you to be my girlfriend, only uh...if you want-if you forgive me. I mean uh-I would completely understand if you didn't-you don't have to-" he stuttered, scratching the back of his head.

Wow, she thought to herself. In a million years, she never would've thought that Zach Barnes could get this flustered. To help him release some nervous energy, she interrupted and said, "Yes I'll be your girlfriend, and I forgive you Zach."

He sighed, as a look of relief washed over his face. Bella looked over Zach's shoulder, as she heard her mom honk her horn.

"My mom's been waiting forever! Wanna go get some ice cream?"

"Sound great! My treat. Cookie dough, gummy worms, and rainbow sprinkles right?"

"Yeah. How'd you remember that?"

"He chuckled and said, "I just remembered the day that I met you. You came in to the ice cream shop, roasted my team, and stood there next to me, waiting to place your order of cookie dough ice cream, gummy worms, and rainbow sprinkles on the top. He then sighed and said, "And well, I'm really lucky you did. Cause now I...can't imagine my life without you.

Bella was speechless, and the only thing she could do, was jump into his arms as tears ran down her cheeks.

After a minute, she let go and looked at Zach as they stood there. Bella then started walking towards her car, and Zach followed.

And so, they walked away hand in hand from the sidewalk, and neither one of them could stop smiling. But why would they want to? At this moment in time, everything was perfect for Zella. Zach pulled out her chair for her, and Bella rested her head on Zach's shoulder. They shared everything together, and made each other so happy. This just goes to show, that no matter how badly the night started off for them, they were together in the end, and that was what mattered.