Disclaimer: I don't own FNL.

Thank You once again to JohnGreenGirl for Beta reading my story.

Have Fun Reading, Everybody Else! :D

Rocky Road – Chapter 3

"Tim, you can't mess around this year. You need to start taking your life seriously."

"Yeah, Yeah," Tim moaned. Tired of hearing the same old sentiment from his best friend. He stared at the marks on the hallway floor ahead. Why bother? He wasn't going to college. He'd probably never leave Dillon. That was Jason's dream.

"Are you coming?" Jason tilted his head towards the weights room.

Tim hesitated, spotting Taylor up ahead by the coaches' office. She was sat cross legged on the floor reading. She wore skate shoes and skinny leg jeans as usual. Her straightened long blonde hair billowing around her face.

Ignoring Jason, Tim walked towards her. "Tim!"

"I'll meet you in class." He waved his friend aside, focused on Taylor.

Tim stood a few metres from her, remaining unnoticed. He couldn't help but wonder what was so interesting about that book? His whole life he'd yet to find a book worth reading. The faint sounds of whatever she was listening to were barely audible. Taylor looked peaceful in her own little world. A lot better than when he'd last seen her.

Tim leant on the wall beside her, casting a shadow on her page. She looked up from her book and removed an earbud. Her music echoed in the silent surroundings before her hand encased it.

"Hey," he drawled.

"Oh... Hi," Julie breathed giving him a half smile.

Tim pointed to her T-shirt. "Sum 41?"

She glanced down following his finger line. "It's a band... The coach should be back soon, he left a while ago."

"I wasn't looking for him."

"Oh…Okay." She went back to reading her book.

It seemed as though Taylor wanted him to leave. Yesterday she'd melted into his embrace. Tim hoped head games were not in his future. He'd had enough of them to last a lifetime. He wanted to make sure she was okay but didn't know how to ease into it.

"What are you doing down here outside his office?"

"Reading. Old habit I guess. It's quiet, so I don't get distracted... well it was." She giggled at her own quip.

She was starting to soften. "Am I a distraction?"

The first bell rang and Taylor closed her book placing it in her backpack. She stood and put her headphones in her pocket. "I told Lois I'd meet her before dance class."

Tim watched her rush down the hall, eagerly fleeing his presence. He decided cornering her at lunch would be the best plan of attack. She wouldn't be able to use the excuse of class, to run from him again.

Julie's eyes roamed the cafeteria. The room was buzzing with chatter. Lois's loud slurps on her straw drew her attention back towards their table. Over her friend's shoulder she spotted the number 33 emblazoned on a hoodie.

Tim stood holding his lunch tray with one hand, waiting to use the vending machine behind a much shorter and gawkier Nicholas. Julie hoped Nicholas was having a better day. She had seen two Panther's players tormenting him outside of class this morning. His timid nature and lisp made him an easy target for cold hearted meatheads.

Nicholas hit his hand on the machine repeatedly then hung his head. She watched him turn around and speak to Tim. Nicholas straightened his glasses smiling up at Tim after he took the money handed to him.

Julie was surprised Tim even acknowledged Nicholas. He had helped him despite the negative effect it had on his cool factor. Tim had helped her too when she needed it.

Tim Riggins, he was your stereotypical jock. Wasn't he? Perfect Body. No brains. A Lothario. He was the reason she had a rule about dating football players.

Tim was headed her way. As he neared, dread filled her stomach remembering his attempt to strike up a conversation this morning. He was definitely a distraction, no question. Now she needed to decide if he was a welcome one.

Tim didn't wait for an invitation, sitting himself down next to her friend.

"Lois, I take it? I'm Tim."

"I know." She beamed, her eyes bugging out at Julie.

Julie smirked as Lois tried to contain her excitement. She'd always had a crush on Tim. The students nearby and his Panther's teammates were staring.

Matt felt Landry tap him on the arm and point across the cafeteria. Matt saw Lois and Julie eating with Tim.

"Looky here, seems Tim's got himself a new target. Didn't take him long," Smash joked, elbowing Matt.

"Good luck, he's not Julie's type," Matt uttered bitterly. He lowered his drink down onto the table a little harder than necessary.

Smash laughed, his pearly white teeth on display. "I think you'll find he's every girl's type... for a night."

Tim unwrapped his vending machine chocolate bar. "What are you doing?"

"I'm eating my lunch. I thought you were smart?"

"You don't eat here Tim, the team's over there. People are looking." Julie discretely glanced around the cafeteria.

"Don't be rude," Lois scolded, narrowing her eyes in Julie's direction.

"If I want to eat here I will. It's a free country last time I checked."

"Tim!"

"Taylor!" he mimicked. They locked eyes in silence. What was he up to?

"I… ah… just remembered I need to go to the Library. I'll catch up with you in English," Lois said standing up and pushing her seat back in place. Julie did not want to be left alone with Tim.

"Wait up Lois! I need to get a book too."

"Tell me what it is, I can get it for you?" Julie face-palmed, Lois couldn't be that clueless.

"She doesn't really need a book." Tim answered, winking at Lois. Julie watched Lois swoon and exhaled loudly waving her friend away.

Tim sat there dipping his hot chips in sauce like everything was normal. Like him and her having lunch together made perfect sense.

Julie cringed inwardly remembering the inner most thoughts she'd shared with him. If she stalled long enough, Tim might give up and move on to another girl. She picked at her fingernails but he remained at the table. Maybe that was wishful thinking. "Sorry for the other day, I'm fine now… Really, everything's great. You can go join your friends."

Tim laughed, picking up his hamburger and taking a mouthful. She watched him chew. She was uUnsure of how their conversation would play out.

"That needs a bit more practice if you want people to believe it. I'm fine now… really, everything's great," Tim deadpanned. "See I've been saying it for years. I'm a pro."

That wasn't a joke, he was serious. He'd been unhappy for years! Julie had heard that Tim's parents weren't around anymore. It must be hard knowing they didn't care enough to stick around, that you don't matter to them. You're not worth their time. He was good at hiding his feelings for the most part. The only red flags were his excessive drinking and reckless behaviour.

"I don't want to talk, especially not here," she whispered.

"Believe me, I know. I'm just eating my lunch." Tim smirked.

Julie conceded defeat and let herself relax in his presence. She ate her lunch comforted knowing she wasn't alone, he was miserable too.

When he had held her in his arms she'd felt safe like nothing bad was going to happen. She wondered if he knew the calming effect he had on her? Maybe that was why Tyra stayed with him, when he was sleeping around?

Minutes drifted by and Tim remained oblivious to her inner musings.

"Onto her next player already. Damn the girl moves fast."

"She's not a virgin anymore. Probably never was, the slut."

Julie looked up to see Vanessa and Brittany, Lauren's friends, cackling obnoxiously after their loud remarks. Julie did not want to start a screaming match or cat fight in the middle of the cafeteria, so she kept quiet. All daddies' money in the world couldn't buy class or a brain.

Tim wasn't quite so calm, jumping to his feet, grabbing one of the girls by the arm. "Say it again?" he challenged. Brittany looked down at Julie with a devious smirk.

"Tim," Julie begged touching his arm across the table, "stop!" He let go of Brittany taking in the hushed whispers around them and sat back down.

"You shouldn't let them say that about you," he griped.

"Like I care what they think... they're idiots." Tim grinned in response. "It's true."

"I'm not disagreeing, it's nice to hear someone else say it."

Julie chewed on a snow pea, tired of living in Dillon.

"Everyone in this town feels like they have the right to tell me their opinion. How dare I break up with the quarterback when the season's about to start? Like it matters... I can't fight everyone." Tim placed his hand over hers, softly stroking his thumb against the back of her palm. Julie's eyes were drawn to their hands on the table. His soft touch. He had the hand of a man, not a boy, weathered by scars.

"Tim."

Julie jumped at the intrusion and edged her hand out from under his. Warmth filled her chest when she saw Tim frown as their hands separated.

"Street." Tim grunted, keeping his eyes on her. She fought her body's desire to feel his touch again, sipping on her drink instead.

"I didn't know you two were friends," Jason pried.

Tim sprawled out on his chair. "We're talking."

"I bet." Jason's tone of voice showcased his contempt. "Are you coming to sit with the team?"

"Why? So, you can lecture me? I've heard it all before."

"It's one of my favourite pastimes. Don't take it away from me." Julie smiled at his sarcasm. "This… you're asking for trouble."

Tim rolled his eyes at Jason's overreaction and took his time to answer. "We're eating lunch relax. I'll talk to you later."

"Tim-"

"I said I'll talk to you later," his voice stern as he glared at Jason.

"Fine!" Jason looked at Julie pointedly. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Tim resumed eating his hamburger and Julie grinned at his nonchalance. "Jason seems worried. Should I be?"

"Don't you trust me?" he garbled with a mouth full of food.

"Said the wolf to little red riding hood."

Trust and Tim Riggins in the same sentence. Could she trust him? Something had changed between them this past week. He had involved himself in her life. His touches, they made her feel alive, like her old self. She wondered if he had felt it too? Tomorrow he would probably go back to finding her invisible.

Julie pulled out her book and read. Her thoughts were too depressing. He was a welcome distraction and if he moved on she'd be alone again.

The bell soon rang for class. She didn't make a move to leave. "Class, Taylor," Tim said, nodding in the direction of the hallway.

"I'm waiting for them to go first. I don't want to deal with questions about this right now." Tim looked at her confused. Julie smirked. "You've lived here all your life. You of all people know how this town works."

"I don't care what people say."

"Yes, you do."

"Do you think you know me?" She smiled at his use of her words.

"Not as well as I thought I did." She was beginning to see why her Dad and Jason never gave up on him.

Once the other students had vacated the cafeteria, she stood up. They walked over to the bin. Tim held the lid open for her while she tipped her rubbish in and emptied his tray next.

Julie placed her hand on his chest and leant up planting a soft kiss on his cheek. He gazed down at her, the corner of his mouth quirking up. "Thanks for looking out for me."

"No problem," he whispered back, gently resting his hand on her hip.

"I... um... I guess I'll see you around." Tim nodded in reply. She felt his strong hand fall away from her body, instantly missing his warm touch.

"I thought I missed you in the crowd. Are you the last person to leave?" Lois was waiting outside the cafeteria the whole time, unbelievable.

"Tim's still in there."

"Is he?" Lois smiled, waggling her eyebrows.

"Get your mind out of the gutter."

"Tell me everything! How did I not know you two were hanging out?"

Julie wanted her private life, to stay that, private.

"We're not, he was checking up on me. I totally embarrassed myself at the community pool and cried in front of him."

"You cried?" Lois cringed.

"A lot's happening at the moment. You know, changing at home and with school... and he kept picking at me till I broke."

"I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. It'll be okay. By next week Tim will have forgotten everything." Lois said. Julie felt Lois's arms wrap around her in a big side hug.

"I'm over it anyway." Julie hated lying but she hated being vulnerable even more.

"If you ever need me, I'm here." Julie smiled and opened the door to class.

At football practice after school, Tim was greeted by Jason. "Glad to see you bothered to show up and you're on time."

"Is this coach or friend Six I'm talking to? I can't keep track."

"Maybe you should stay sober, then it would be easier to follow." Tim laughed, Jason always made him laugh. He was a straight shooter.

"Riggins get over here!" Tthe new coach yelled.

During wind sprints Tim could see Seven glancing his way, no doubt wanting to ask what was going on between him and Taylor. Maybe she was right and he was about to be hit with 20 questions.

Matt appeared alongside Tim. "How come you had lunch with Julie?"

"Felt like it." Here we go.

"You know Julie's dating that lifeguard?"

"She was... She's not anymore," Tim grinned, knowing what it would imply.

"Oh... Are you two-"

"Nope." Tim picked up his pace wanting to get away from Seven.

"I'm with Lauren now," he yelled to Tim's retreating figure.

"I know," Tim smirked over his shoulder. Evidently, Seven wasn't over Taylor.

With each minute spent on the field, Tim felt more ill. A hangover and the heat combined had caused him to miss several blocks.

"Better not start this again Rigg," Smash yelled, shaking his head.

"33 give me laps and run the stairs till I tell you to stop. You understand?!" The new coach must have noticed he wasn't exactly clear headed. Punishing Tim by pushing him harder than anyone else out there.

"Yes, Coach." Tim felt lightheaded but ploughed on, wanting to save face in front of his teammates. He passed Jason, barely able to make out his figure amongst the sweat beading over his eyelids. Tim's legs began to give way as he swayed unsteadily.

"Tim!" he heard Jason call, his hearing drifting in and out before his world went black.

Tim opened his eyes to find Matt and Smash standing over him. He heard Smashes voice, "Wake up, brother."

"Tim, can you hear me? Are you alright?" Tim focused on Jason's concerned face. A cool breeze was now present. Jason placed a cold towel on Tim's forehead.

"Go sit on the bench, you're no good to us today. Where is 33's replacement?" Coach groaned.

This old codger could care less about him. Tim was pissed after pushing himself to the extreme for nothing. He wasn't going to get this guy's approval and he no longer wanted it. Tim stood up and stormed off towards the locker room.

"Get back here, I told you to bench it! Don't think you're playing this week." The threat only carried weight if Tim cared. He could live without football.

Julie was lying on her bed in vain trying to read in vain. Her mind kept drifting back to her lunch with Tim Riggins. She huffed in surrender closing the book and placing it on the bedside table. Her phone buzzed. It was a message from Tyra.

Hey sorry it's been so long. Anythin new wit u?

Word must have spread that she had lunch with Tim. Landry would have told her.

No same old. Matt & I split but u probably heard.

I did u okay?

Yeah it's a bit weird seeing him with Lauren already

Guys are pigs wat more can I say. Speakin of pigs I heard u & Tim had lunch.

"Here we go, the reason she actually texted me, nothing for weeks," Julie muttered to herself.

We didn't have lunch. I barely know him

So ur not hanging out?

No

Okay if that's ur story

It is cause that's the truth

Landry thought maybe u 2 were datin

Landry needs 2 mind his own business

Calm down just asking

I know. I'll c u at school

Her mother paused by her door. "You still up?" They were the first words she had said to her all day.

Julie sat up on her bed and rubbed her temples. "I'm going to shower."

Her mother walked away without another word. Julie turned her phone off, no longer wanting to deal with anyone. She lifted her pillow retrieving her pyjamas and headed for the shower.

In her dreams, the water always washed away all of her problems.