Part 2

I peeked into the room and saw my dad and Ashley lying asleep on the couch which the TV blaring some sappy opera program. I smiled at the sight, it was very bittersweet to watch.

Early that next year, my Dad stepped into my room one night, closing the door behind him. I knew this meant I was in for one of his famous, man to man talks. He sat on the edge of the bed, thinking carefully before he spoke.

"Son, I want you to be the first to know. I am going to ask Ashley to marry me.", he confessed.

"I think that's great, Dad. I like her a lot.", I quickly replied.

He went on to tell me that later that year, after the season would be over, they would be married. She would move in here with us, we would all be together. I was happy for my Dad, he had been alone for most of his life. And I really think he loved my mom, long before her family had so brutally beat him down. Now at last, he would be happy.

I continued on my brutal training regiment, once again working out with the team in position drills, then off to the gym later for several hours. I was going to be a junior this season and I was determined to start on the defensive line this year. I was now six foot , six inches tall and weighed almost two hundred seventy five pounds. After three days of positions drills, my strength, speed and size were the talk of the school. Going one on one against our offensive lineman, I dominated every one of them, including the seniors. Word quickly reached the local news station reporter who covered prep sports. He did a two minute segment on me one Thursday night during the sports segment of the news. I was a celebrity the next day at school, everyone slapping my back, making jokes about my nervous comments to the reporter.

As a junior, I was required to take European History, a course that was taught by Ashley. I knew that I was going to be singled out in her class, making sure everyone knew I was not going to get a free ride, just because she was dating my Dad. Thankfully I was able to get a desk in the very back of the class, almost out of her view. I was a very good student, I rarely had to study, I really was just able to remember the things I needed to get by. By now, I was the talk of the school, and as the local newspaper called me, probably the biggest defensive blue chip prospect to come from this state in years. I had never dated any girls from our school, in fact I rarely had time for anything social. But sitting right in front of me, in the same row, was a very pretty red head named Courtney. She was one of the "in-crowd", the small group of students who seemed to be the center of attention, the ones who ran the school. I had never spoken to her directly, in fact we ran in completely different crowds. As she sat down in the desk in front of me, I couldn't help but notice her. She had pulled her hair back into a pony tail, off of her neck. She was wearing tight jeans and a tee shirt, showing off her figure. But what I really noticed the most was how good she smelled. She reminded me of baby powder, clean and fresh.

It was difficult to concentrate on class, I found my mind wandering. Soon the bell rang and I was off to practice again.

The season started with a huge game against our cross town rivals Westwood High. They were predominately a passing team, their quarterback a three year starter, now being recruited by several colleges. The game was pivotal, a loss this early, would be devastating to our playoff hopes. This would be my first game as a starter, I had been waiting on this for three years. By the time I took the field for the first time that night, I was oblivious to everything and everyone around me. I had one goal for the night, to make the superstar's evening a living hell. It took just three plays for me to introduce myself to their elite quarterback. It was third and eleven, a sure passing down. I rushed a straight on bull rush and over powered the left tackle, moving quickly around his left shoulder. As I cleared his body, I had a clean shot at the quarterback as he stepped up in the pocket to throw. He never saw me, he never heard me. I hit him in full stride, wrapping my arms around his back, driving him to the ground. I never saw it but I heard someone screaming the ball was loose. When I got up and looked over my shoulder, we had recovered a fumble. The roar of the crowd was deafening, I was being slapped in the helmet by my teammates.

Four quarters later we had a 21-7 victory, we were off on the right foot. I had a decent game finishing with eight tackles and two sacks, one causing a fumble. The newspaper was very kind to me the next morning, calling me the anchor of a very stellar defense. I stayed at home all that Sunday, soaking my sore, stiff body in the tub. The next morning at school, moral was high after the big win on Friday night.

Even Ashley gave me recognition before class that morning, the class applauding loudly. Courtney turned during the applause and told me what a great game I played, that she enjoyed watching me play. I thanked her and class resumed.

We won our next two games by large margins, the teams were not even in our class. I continued to add up huge numbers in both tackles and sacks, in fact as the papers were saying, it was my defense. We were preparing for our fourth game of the season, when one night at dinner, Ashley addressed me.

"Brian, I am really impressed with your play so far. If you continue to play this well and your grades remain as they are, you will get several good offers for college.", she stated, "Any idea where you would like to go ?"

"Not really, Miss Thompson, I want to wait and see who offers what.", I replied.

By now she knew better then to object to me not calling her Ashley or Ash. It had been months now, she was still Miss Thompson to me. She smiled every time I called her by her formal name.

"That makes sense to me. By the way, I know someone else who is quite impressed with you at school. In fact, she kind of hinted that she wishes you would ask her out.", Ashley stated.

"One of the girls in school told you they wanted me to ask them for a date ?", I asked, quite puzzled.

"Yep", she quickly replied, winking at my Dad, "I guess they figure I have some stroke in this family."

My Dad bust out laughing, calling Ashley an evil female who was looking out for one of her own. She smiled that beautiful smile back at him, the one that could melt an iceberg. He quickly turned to me informing me that I was on my own, and once again laughed out loud.

"So Brian, you interested in a date ?", she asked smiling.

"It depends on who its with", I responded.

"Well she is very cute, very smart and I know she likes you.", Ashley told me, "And she sits very close to you in my class."

"Courtney ?", I quickly asked.

"You got it big boy.", Ashley giggled.

I sat there for a while looking at Ashley, trying to figure out if she was telling the truth. From the look on her face she appeared to be very sincere. She went on to tell me, Courtney had confided in her after class one day after everyone had left the room. She had asked Ashley if I was dating anyone. She said several of the girls in school were wondering, as they never saw me out at any of the local hot spots. Ashley told her no, that she had never known me to date anyone, my mind was only on athletics. It was apparent to Ashley that Courtney, or possibly someone Courtney was close to had interests in my social life.

I thought about it most of the week, but my mind as always was on the upcoming game that Friday night. Once again we were playing a local school that was highly regarded, a certain playoff contender. As always, it was another must win game. I was sitting in history class that morning listening to Ashley talk about Napoleon but my mind was miles away, thinking about tonight's game. Even the short skirt Ashley was wearing had no effect on my concentration, although it was killing most of the other boys in the room. As class ended, I was gathering my books, placing them in my back pack when Courtney turned to me.

"Hey Brian, what are you doing tonight, after the game.", she asked quietly.

"Nothing, just going home.", I replied.

"Well, a friend of mine is having a party at her house, um....if you want to....I mean...would you like to come ?", she stuttered nervously.

"Oh, I don't know Courtney, I'm not much of a party guy.", I said quietly.

"Yea, I kind of figured that, it's ok, no big deal. Just thought I would ask.", she replied.

She appeared to be somewhat disappointed, as she turned to walk away. I thought quickly, maybe she is asking for herself and not a friend as Ashley had suggested. I reached out and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hey Courtney, you going to the game tonight ?", I asked.

"Of course, the whole school is going to be there silly.", she giggled.

"Ok, then. Let's see what happens, I will find you after the game ok ?", I asked.

"That would be great.", she quickly replied.

As we entered the opposing team's field, we were loudly told by the home crowd we were not welcomed. By this time, I had learned to ignore the crowd, however it was always nicer to play in your house. We started the game well, scoring on our first possession to take a 7-0 lead. We held them defensively for their first three possessions, not allowing a first down. Late in the second quarter, our offense fumbled the ball on our own twenty one yard line. With less them two minutes to play, they were near our goal line. They moved down inside our three yard line, with less then thirty seconds to go in the half. As they came out of the huddle, I thought I recognized this formation from the game films. They usually ran some of a trap play to my side out of this formation. I decided to take an inside move, gambling that the play was designed to go between the guard and the tackle. As the ball was snapped the guard pulled from his gap, allowing me a clean shot at the running back. He saw me hit the hole, and side stepped to my right. I lunged for him, wrapping my arms around his leg as I fell to the grass. Just as I hit the ground, another player was blocked into me, causing me to lose my grip, freeing the runner. He bolted around the corner, scoring easily, tying the game. As I headed to the locker room, I was disgusted with myself, I should have made that tackle.

My Dad gave us his usual halftime pep talk, urging us to give a better effort in the second half. I don't think I heard a word of it, my mind was still on that missed tackle. Great players make great plays, and I just blew one. I was determined to make up for it in the second half.

The second half started much like the first, mistakes by both sides, squandering opportunities to score. We caught a break on a punt and pinned them deep in their own territory at the nine yard line. Our inside linebacker challenged us in the huddle to step up and turn this game around. We stopped two successive running plays for no gain, they were facing a third and ten. The defensive coach signaled in Twin Switch, Power Left Smash, one of my favorite plays. It basically meant, I would switch from lining up over the left tackle, moving to our left to face their right tackle. The right tackle was usually the slower of the two lineman giving me a really good chance at breaking through. In addition, the outside line backer on my side would blitz inside, making the right tackle choose which of us he wanted to try and block. The play went off perfectly, I came off the ball a half step late as I was taught. The linebacker shot the gap drawing my man's attention. As he crossed to his left and picked up our backer, I accelerated around the corner. The quarterback never had a chance to look downfield. He covered up just as I slammed into him, shoulder first. I drove him back into the end zone causing him to fumble the ball, deep into the end zone. As I tried to quickly regain my feet, I saw one of our players fall on the ball, scoring a touchdown.

We jumped ahead 14-7 and never relinquished the lead. The game ended 28-7, we were now 4-0 on the year. As players were milling around on the field talking, some giving interviews, I looked for Courtney. I finally saw her up in the front row, in the left hand corner of the stadium. I ran over to her and looked up over the railing.

"Hey Brian. You were awesome tonight. Great hit in the end zone.", she said.

"Thanks Courtney, it was a good win for us.", I replied.

"You want to go to the party ?", she asked.

"Yea, I need to let off some steam. Can you wait till I shower and change ?", I replied.

"I sure can. I'll meet you in the parking lot.", she giggled.

I rushed into the locker room, grabbing my things, jumping into the shower. I quickly washed and got dressed, packing my equipment into my bags. I grabbed all my gear and headed to the office. My Dad and the other assistant coaches were milling around, reliving the game.

"Hey Dad. Can I borrow the truck?", I asked.

"Where you going Brian.", he replied.

One thing about my Dad. You never got off easy with him. He wanted you to know he was always on top of things. He could give you that thousand yard stare, the one that let you know he was dead serious.

"I guess, I kind of have a date.", I laughed.

"Oh a date. Well guys, what do you think, has he earned a date tonight ?", he said, looking at the other coaches.

They all laughed as my Dad threw me his truck keys. He told me Ashley was just outside and he would catch a ride with her. He also told me to think responsibly, that one wrong decision could change my life. I quickly headed out of the door racing to the parking lot. As I came out of the stadium, I saw Ashley was talking to Courtney in the parking lot.

"Hey hotshot, great game. You were awesome as always.", Ashley grinned, kissing me on the cheek.

"Thanks Miss Thompson. Oh by the way, Dad said he needs a ride home. He gave me the keys to the truck.", I replied.

"Sure. You kids have a good time. Don't hurry home handsome, but do be safe and careful, both of you.", Ashley finished.

We walked over to my Dad's truck, I threw my gear in the back and drove off. The party was not far from my house, maybe ten blocks at the most. I recognized most of the people from school, although there were a few strangers who I knew did not go to school with us. We followed the crowd out to the back of the house, most were gathered around the large pool area. A few people had gotten into the pool, but most were just sitting or standing around talking. I noticed that a few were drinking, a couple of bottles of whiskey and vodka were on one of the patio tables. I had always been told that alcohol was strictly forbidden, especially for an athlete. We found a couple of chairs near the pool that were empty, we settled in. People were running around the pool, laughing, cutting up, having a great time. Courtney and I talked about various things, pausing every now and then to speak to whomever walked up to us. Mostly everyone was really in a good mood following the win, some were getting in too good of a mood. A small group of five girls and six guys were becoming increasingly rowdy, the liquor taking it's effect. I looked at my watch, it was almost one in the morning.

"What time do you have to be home, Courtney ?", I asked.

"No time really, my parents trust me.", she replied, softly.

Courtney and I had been drinking Coke all night, neither of us said a word about the alcohol. As what usually happens when guys drink, they started arguing loudly. One thing led to another, someone said something they should not have, a fight broke out. One guy immediately got the best of the other and had him pinned down on the ground, punching him repeatedly. It was apparent quickly, the poor guy on the ground was defenseless, this had to be stopped. I looked around and saw a lot of people cheering on the fight, the rest just standing there watching. I decided to step in and stop it.

I rushed over to the two guys, pulling the one on top, off of the other one. I released him and stepped in between him and the guy on the ground. He immediately squared up on me, clenching his fists.

"What the fuck is your problem dude ?", he asked in an angry tone.

"Nothing. The fight is over, you win. Let it go.", I replied, very calmly.

"It's over , when I say it's over, so fuck off.", he shot back, stepping towards me.

"It's over now. Sit down or go home.", I responded.

He stood there for a few seconds, then I think he realized just how big I was . He mumbled something to me, turned and walked away. I reached down and helped the other guy up, he was a mess. I took him inside, wrapped some ice in a rag, handing it to him. I walked back out and found Courtney.

"I'm ready to go, how about you ?", I asked.

"Yea me too, I have had enough.", she said with disgust.

We left quickly and drove to her house. I got out walking her to the door. She told me other then the fight, she had a good time, she hoped I did as well. She leaned up slightly and gave me a very quick, soft kiss on the lips and opened the door, stepping inside. I left, went straight home and got into bed.

Three

We won our next four games easily, our defense dominating all of our opponents. We held all four teams scoreless while creating several turnovers. My dad was beginning to get calls from recruiters, trying to see what college I might be interested in attending. He basically kept all options open, telling them it would be ultimately be my decision, although he would have some guidance in the selection. Courtney and I dated several times over the next few weeks, going to movies, out to eat, parties, things like that. I was beginning to look forward to spending time with her, she was great to be around, she could really make me laugh. She took my mind off of football, at least for a short time, and for that I was grateful. We had made out few times, the kissing becoming somewhat passionate, but it never went beyond that. My Dad always told me to respect a lady at all times, let her tell you when the time is right.

We had our homecoming game next week, followed by the annual dance. I knew Courtney was looking forward to it, she had mentioned it several times. I made plans to meet her at the dance, as most of the players did with their dates. By the time the game ended, we got cleaned up and dressed, it would be after ten o'clock.

The game was a blowout, by halftime we had a 28-0 lead. We scored twice more in the third quarter, extending the lead. Most of the starters were pulled out and the underclassmen given a chance to play. I was kind of disappointed, I was having a great game, I was only three tackles short of a school record. But I understood, everyone wants to play. I sat on the end of the bench quietly watching the rest of the game. As soon as it was over, I raced to the locker room, showered and changed, took off for the dance.

I arrived about twenty minutes later, entered the gym and scanned the crowd for Courtney. I saw her near the back wall talking to several girls near the ladies room. She looked up in my direction, saw me and waved. She rushed over to me, throwing her arms around me.

"Brian, what a game, you were incredible. I only saw the first half though.", she said, apologizing.

"It's ok, I got benched in the second half anyway.", I laughed.

She apologized profusely again and we turned around to together and walked to the parking lot where the truck was waiting.

* I hoped you liked this! Please leave a comment and vote! Thanks for reading the whole Part!