Tentative Steps

They resolved to test Jackson's leg the next night, after Tommy's game.

During the game, Jackson was there, along with the rest of the family, giving support to Tommy and Dad.

Whilst the Woods family came away victorious, Tommy saw the field more through Special Teams rather than with the offence.

Tommy's one highlight—if it could even be considered such—did come on a touchdown play, but one that was scored by another player. However, that player wouldn't have had such an easy time running in the touchdown without Tommy's great block.

Even without getting much playing time, Tommy was all smiles during the cramped car ride back home.

'Hell of a block you made back there, Tommy.' Dad said. 'You keep nailing those fundamentals and one-percenters, and you'll find yourself moving up the depth chart in no time.'

'I know, Dad. It helps that I have such a great coach to beat those fundamentals into me all the time.'

Dad chuckled. 'Thanks, kid. It's easy to be a great coach when I have such a great student.'

'I'm so proud of both my boys.' Mom leaned over, pecking her husband on the cheek, then reached back, squeezing Tommy's cheek.

'They need to give Tommy the ball! Big bro's the best!' Chrissy said.

Tommy ruffled her hair, laughing as he thanked her for being his number one fan.

Jackson, meanwhile, sat in silence, crammed into the backseat next to Tommy, who took up the majority of it. His silence was due to his contemplation of the difference between college and high school, and just how vast the gap must truly be.

Tommy had been a star just a year ago, one of the best players in the state, if not THE best TE. He'd willed his team to the State Championship in his Senior year, and they were so close to winning it all, only JUST coming up short.

But now, not even a full year later, he was riding the bench in college. It didn't seem like he was being treated unfairly just because Dad was part of the coaching staff either. Jackson couldn't wrap his head around it.

'Mm, now, you know what would make this weekend perfect? Dad asked.

'Cake?!' Chrissy exclaimed.

'Hahaha, well that too, but I'll settle for sitting back and watching the Cardinals win tonight.'

'You'll have to tell us if they do. Me and Jack are gonna head to the park,' Tommy said.

'The park?' Mom sounded surprised.

'Shouldn't you BOTH be resting? What with Jack's bad leg, and you after your game, even if you didn't see that many plays.'

'We'll be fine, Dad, promise. I've still got plenty of energy, and I won't let Jack do anything too straining.'

When they stopped at a set of traffic lights, Dad looked back at his sons. He looked them over long and hard, but, satisfied, turned back to the road. 'Very well. I trust you boys won't push yourselves too hard, just don't stay out late.'

'We won't, don't worry.'

'Yeah, we'll be back before the game ends, it shouldn't take that long,' Jackson said.

'Can I come too?' Chrissy asked.

'Absolutely not,' Mom said. 'And you boys better wear your coats. It's getting cold these days.'

Tommy and Jackson shared an eye roll. 'Yes, Mom,' they said.

'I saw that.' She giggled.

After they got home, Tommy showered quickly. During dinner, the boys wolfed down their food and left the dinner table early. At the door—now both wearing jackets—Tommy stopped Jackson. 'Leave those crutches here.'

Jackson didn't argue, more than happy to leave them resting against the wall next to the front door. As they left for the park, all they brought with them was a solitary football.

They didn't see anyone else as they pulled up at the park. The flowers were receding and dying in the autumn. A lot of dark, orange-brown leaves were still barely clinging to the trees, though the ground surrounding the trunks was carpeted with fallen leaves. There was the odd overhead lamp near sets of benches, and the gravel footpaths were bordered by dim LED lights, but Tommy led Jackson away from the main paths and into a wide clearing, illuminated only by the crescent moonlight.

'Don't worry about not having your crutches,' Tommy said, flipping the ball in his hands. 'We won't be doing anything too strenuous, just testing the waters, but even if it's too much for you, I'll just carry you back to the car.'

'Oh yeah, that'd be great.'

Tommy laughed. 'It's not like anyone's around to see it.'

'Uh-huh, yeah, I bet some camera will just pop up at the perfect time to catch you carrying me over your shoulder though.'

Tommy laughed more. 'Alright, seriously, enough worrying about that, just do your stretches and whatever.'

Jackson settled onto the ground, beginning to stretch, focusing on his legs. Tommy, meanwhile, breathed in the quiet, cool atmosphere. The park smelled like mulch and the leather he held in his hands. He slipped off his jacket and tossed it aside. It wasn't that cold yet, and they'd warm up anyway.

When Jackson was done with his stretches, he popped up to his feet.

'Ready?' Tommy asked.

Jackson nodded.

'Good, first. I want you to jump. Doesn't have to be as high, just a comfortable jump.'

Jackson's brow furrowed for a second as he readied himself, but then he gave a half-hearted jump. Even so, he still winced on takeoff, and again when he landed.

'Still hurts, huh? Okay, try again. A little higher this time,' Tommy said.

Jackson did so without hesitation, and this time, Tommy lobbed the ball over so it reached Jackson at the apex of his jump. The ball was a bit above his head, but Jackson's hands shot towards it. He bobbled but caught and controlled it as he landed.

'Reflexes are still there, though are you letting your hands get rusty?'

'I'm not! I just wasn't expecting that.'

Tommy laughed, then held his hands out, asking for the ball back. Jackson tossed it over. 'Come on,' Tommy said. He started walking back, and Jackson followed. They tossed the ball back and forth, slowly circling the clearing.

As they went, Jackson had a question. 'Don't you get frustrated when you don't get much playing time? At least not proper playing time anyway.'

Tommy disrupted the rhythm they'd built up, holding onto the ball as he pondered the question. 'What is proper playing time? I mean, sure, I'd love to be the starter, but Special Teams is important too, somebody's gotta do it, and as long as I can help the team win, no matter what way that is, I'm happy.'

He tossed the ball back finally.

'But, having said that. Yes, I do get a bit frustrated. I know my time will come and I'm just a freshman right now so I shouldn't expect much, but still, it's frustrating having to sit on the bench. It won't do me any good wallowing in self-pity or getting angry about it though, so for now, I just have to make the most out of every opportunity I am given.'

'I'm sure they'll see how awesome you are and start drawing up plays for you soon.'

'Hahaha, thanks, lil bro.'

They continued around the park, the only sound the soft crunch of the ground underfoot, the "thmp" of every catch, and the distant rumble of cars driving through the city.

'Do you feel like it's your fault the Titans might be down a man if Nick can't play?'

This time Jackson was the one who held onto the ball. However, he stayed silent instead of answering the question.

'Ah, sorry, forget I asked, it was a dumb question anyway,' Tommy said. 'How's your leg feeling?'

'Just walking like this isn't too bad.'

'You wanna try some running, then?'

Jackson nodded, tossing the ball back. Tommy set it down by his jacket, and Jackson dumped his jacket down too.

They jogged around the park, keeping within the same area of the clearing, and staying at a slow, comfortable pace. After a few minutes, Tommy turned to Jackson.

'How's this?'

'It's not bad, a bit of a dull ache, but that's it.'

They transitioned to side skips, and it was much the same, even running backwards, there was only a dull ache, but it was manageable, though they hadn't pushed the pace at all.

'Hm, alright, going in a straight line, you seem to be fine right? How about, you give me a Deep Cross? We'll say, half speed, but game speed through the cut, sound good?'

'You got it.' Jackson took his position and took a few deep breaths. On Tommy's signal, he jogged forward for about ten yards, then he cut towards his right with a sudden burst of speed. He pulled up short after the rapid shift in direction, and slowly lowered to the ground. He massaged his leg as he sat there.

Tommy hurried over. 'Shit, you okay?'

'Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, was just… that went from an ache to a stab.'

Tommy cursed under his breath. 'Looks like you still can't shift around on it too much. But hey, you're getting better. One step closer to recovering.'

Jackson looked up at Tommy, Tommy's smile did little to cheer him up. 'I won't be playing this weekend then, will I?'

Tommy's shoulders sank. 'No, I don't think you're ready for that. But it's okay. You can't rush these things.' He helped Jackson back onto his feet, patting his back. 'We'll keep trying though, and we'll keep strengthening that leg. For now, you just need to have faith in your team. They'll get through this next game, you just need to be ready to jump in and help them win State when you're healed up.'

'You're right. And… I mean, even if Nick can't make it next week, maybe we'll forfeit? I bet the others could use the rest as well, and I think we'll still be qualified for Regionals either way.'

'Hm, we'll see, but yeah, you're right; it's just this last game, then you're on to Regionals. Another step closer to that State Championship.'

The two recovered their belongings and then made their way back towards Tommy's car.

They made it home in time to catch the end of the Cardinals' game, which capped off an otherwise great weekend on a down note as the Cardinals fell short of a victory.

Jackson wasn't too troubled by this. Something else kept him lying awake in bed that night—would he be ready in time for Regionals? There wouldn't be any second chances after the final game of the season. Regionals was do or die. A loss wouldn't just be another tally in a column, it'd mean the end of the Titans' season, and it'd mean Jackson might not make it back in time at all this year.