Chapter six

Pain shot up my legs to my head, but I couldn't even see my body. I tried to hold out my hands in front of me, but I couldn't see them. Around me shadows played against the light of nothingness. I started hearing voices but couldn't make anything out of the words. The pain started to disappear I sigh with relief. The voices started to get clearer but still couldn't make out the sounds. A light pressure on my shoulder told me someone was touching me, but I couldn't see who my body suddenly felt heavier and now I couldn't even move. A voice whispering in my ear "watch out for the red moon." the voice I couldn't recognize I couldn't tell if it was even male or female with sudden force, I started plunging everything started spinning around.

" Michael time to wake up sleepy head, Michael!" I opened my eyes and the dream I was just having started to disappear, the words said to me faded to nothing and for a few seconds I felt like I needed to know what that voice said to, I felt it was very important. "I see your eyes open Michael; get up, gotta get ready for school." I groan as Alyssa gets off my bed and heads towards the door, "You better hurry up breakfast is already getting cold. It has been a month since my father passed away. Everything is almost back to normal except of course it’s still missing my father. I sigh and get up and go to the bathroom I had lost a little weight but still I had chubby stomach and small man boobs. I would say training bra size I smile at my own joke. I flex my arms and see my muscle definition with a little fat. Not too bad Michael, my legs are pure muscle, no fat there. My eyes are piercing and nice to look at, at least I think so. I started the shower, the water hitting the marble walls, the heat of the water started to fog up the mirrors in the bathroom, the temperature was rising, and it felt good. I took of my boxers and got into the shower. The water hit me and I sucked in a breath as the heat of the water touched my body after I cleaned myself I stood in the shower and let the water run down my back and relaxed taking a nice hot shower feels so good and I didn't want to get out. Someone started to knock on the door. Did I lock the door oh shit I didn't I hope they don't try coming into the bathroom. "I'm almost done!" I cried out and turned off the shower. The whole bathroom was in a haze of perspiration and water droplets all on the marble and mirrors. I looked in the mirror and saw a very blurred version of me. I took a hand and wiped at the mirror and smeared the water and my face was clearer. " Michael! Don’t make me come in there! Hurry up!" It was Mandy, she was already here, that means everyone was waiting for me. "I'm sorry Mandy I will be down in a couple minutes." I hear her sigh through the door, "Alright hurry up we are waiting for you." "Ok." I hurried up and dry myself and put on my uniform which was hanging up on the rack on the door.

The uniform smelled like laundry detergent. I open the door to my room. I saw dirty clothes on the floor and felt a little embarrassed that both Alyssa and Mandy saw them. I had a desk in the corner of the room. It was solid oak and old, books littered the desk. I went over to the desk and picked up an old notebook. I opened it up to the last entry titled Together. I started to read it "When we are together nothing else can matter, When we are apart it is my heart that starts to part, every day brings more to us, us few who are a lot, through the hard times of life and those other strife's, together we are one and many, apart we aren't but pieces of a whole, a grain in a pool, together we are, together we can go far, together always together I pray to not part." "Wow Michael that was very pretty." I realized I was reading out loud and Alyssa heard me. I turned quickly towards her my cheeks burning with the embarrassment of being heard. Alyssa leaned on my doorway legs crossed with a smile on her face. "Um I um I didn't know you were in the doorway. She moves off the doorway and walks towards me. I clutch my notebook to my chest. She stops right in front of me I can smell her breath, it smelled like orange juice and grape jam. "So, Michael who was that about, you might as well tell me. I will keep bugging you about it till you do." Horrified that she wanted to know what it was about, I started to stutter. She watches me stutter "Alright just tell me Michael, I liked it a lot don't be afraid or embarrassed. I sigh because I figured I was as embarrassed as I could get so it didn't matter. "It is about Mandy, Jessica, Dan, you and me. Us as a group and I feel we are becoming even closer." She looks at me with a strange look on her face, her eyes wide then softens her lips showing a slight smile. Suddenly she gives me a hug and kisses me on my cheek, her soft lips on my cheek for just that second felt like an eternity that I never wanted it to end. "That was really beautiful Michael." She turns around and walks out of the room, my eyes following her out. It took me a couple of minutes to compose myself and walked out of my bedroom and headed downstairs.

The kitchen was full of laughter, Dan had a straw up his nose and made weird noises which got everyone laughing, and mother rolled her eyes and smiled. This is what I wrote that poem about you could just feel the love in the room. Dad, can you see this, can you feel our love, I really hope so. They say that tragedy can grow people who are already closer and now I know it does. A chair was open next to Alyssa. I sit down "Man Dan you are a dork ya know." Dan looks at me smiling at the straws still in his nose. The look just made me burst out laughing at him. "Alright Dan no more straws for you, mom make sure to hide them from now on." My mom nodded her head trying to act seriously to my suggestion but couldn't hold it for long before she started to laugh, which got everyone laughing. After our laughing session was over it was time to go to school. Dan put his arm around me and pulled me ahead of the girls. We talked about school and what we were having for lunch today hoping it wasn't mystery meat. Dan talked about the very important football game tonight. I told him he would crush them. He said of course with a huge smile on his face. Jessica was talking about how she went to church Sunday and how it was boring. Alyssa and Mandy asking her questions like who was there and what did the priest talk about. Dan and I were dragged into it as well. Before we knew it we were at school.

Dan looked out the window in his second period thinking about the game tonight. His team was going against one of the best football high schools in the state. His team is supposed to lose big. Though it would be only their first loss it pisses me off. I swear I will make sure we win somehow even if I must do everything. I started imagining running for three hundred yards and intercepting balls and taking it into the end zone. After the game I’m gonna go with the team to eat at the local pizza restaurant. Then go to my father’s, I really hope he won't be drunk tonight. I shake off that feeling and think more positively. The school day finally ends, and I was heading to the locker room for pregame warm ups. I got dressed and slammed my padded shoulders in the locker tested the durability of my pads. I carry my helmet in my right hand and step out onto the practice field. I started jogging towards my teammates that were already out there. Coach sees me "Dan get your ass here time for some running drills to loosen you up!" "Coming coach!" time to show coach how much I have worked on my spinning and my quick steps. Three sets of four downs later I was nice and warmed up and happy only once did Jake the DT take me down, he gave me a hive five "Man Dan you are one tough cookie to take down." I laugh and we walk to the rest of the team.

The team was in line ready to go out onto the field. You could feel the excitement in the cramped hall. The coach's up front talking about their game plan. My heart was beating so very fast. I started jumping in place trying to relax my muscles and calm myself down. I saw others doing the same thing. The coach turns towards, "alright boys lets kick some major ass and show these guys what happens when they come to our house!" We all yell as the assistant coach's open the doors leading to the field. We all barrel out of there. The crowd overpowered us, the sun was setting and the lights on the field were on, to our right the stands were crowded. It just excited me and made me nervous at the same time. I tried to recognize the faces of my friends but couldn't. I shrugged it off, I knew they were there they went to every game home or away cheering for me. A smile crept up my face. We started doing stretches, the scoreboard on the opposite side was counting down the time till kickoff; less than five minutes.

We had won the toss of the coin, and I was getting ready to receive the kickoff. John was my main blocker, and he gave me the thumbs up and a large grin on his face. He turns back around and I can hear the crowd getting louder then I watch as their kicker kicks the ball. I watch as the ball moves a little over to my right and back at the fifteen. Man, he can kick for a high school student. I catch the ball and tuck it into the pocket of my arm and start running. I follow John till he blocks up one of the players I side step them and run to about the twenty six and came across the first defender, I roll to my left and left him behind me at the thirty I suddenly get hit on the side and fall down at the thirty two. Not bad, now let's shove it down their throat with my run game.

Eight minutes left in the fourth; the score seventeen to ten them. We have the ball at our own forty-five. Damn even though I have one hundred- and fifty-yards rushing, only one touchdown. I will score and tie this game. Fatigue started to grip my body; I will not let myself get slower! Danny, our quarterback sets our fullback into motion to the right side and hikes it after three steps. I rushed to meet the QB grabbed the ball from his hands and tuck it into position. I sprint diagonally to the right following my FB. He blocks the linebacker and I rush past him and start running at full speed the free safety rushes towards me. I sidestep to my left and spin right away. His hands brush against my jersey. I started running down the sideline. One last defender; the cornerback, I think. I stiff arm him as he grabs my arm trying to take me down with him. With all my strength I pull my hand back and twist towards the sideline trying to watch my footing and not go out of bounds. I feel him lose his grip and I rush down to the twenty, the fifteen, the ten, the ten, the five, touchdown! "Ahhhh!! Yeah, baby wooh!" I thrust my hands in the air the crowd was screaming I see my team flying down the field towards me. I point my finger at them and then slam my hand to my chest. My team slams into me and we all go down onto the field. The score was tied with only seven minutes left.

Only one minute left in the game; score still tied at seventeen. They had the ball at the fifty-yard line and only needed to get it to our thirty and kick a field goal. I am getting so frustrated that they pass and always seem to get the first down no matter what on this drive. First and ten; they throw it to their tight end for twelve yards. It's first and ten at the thirty-eight can't let them get eight yards. They run the ball to get stuffed for a loss of a yard. Second down they pass to their wide receiver, and he can hold onto the ball. I'm in the middle linebacker position. The play on third down and eleven for us was QB contain and cover two. I was to follow the eyes of the QB. The offense was running slants and our defensive end rushed to the QB. He saw it and turned to my left I stepped towards his body aim and he threw it I ran toward the ball; the wide receiver slanting towards the ball and me. I jump reaching out for the ball. I feel the pigskin through my gloves and hold onto it catching it. Interception! Time to end this game thirteen seconds on the clock; I land on my feet and sprint towards the left side of the sideline. The offence was still confused about what just happened and the crowd wasn't helping them. I got passed them all and the QB desperately tried to catch me, forty, thirty, twenty, ten...Touchdown!!!! I stopped stunned at what just happened. I look towards the crowd and see Michael, Alyssa, Jessica and Mandy jumping up and down with joy. I grin at them and point my finger towards them and then close my fist to my heart. They see it and do the same back to me. Suddenly I was tackled from behind my teammates yelling out loud slamming their helmet against mine, shoulder thumps; I loved it all. I looked at the clock it read zeros; stunned that the game was over that we had won. The joy I felt at that moment couldn't be described. It filled me up to almost bursting. My team lifted me up and suddenly the crowd was also there along the team. It's just like in the movies I thought, like my best dream come true.

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After everything cooled down, I met up with Michael and the girls. I told them that I was going out with the team then I could stop by Mike's house afterwards if everyone was going to be there. Since it was a Friday night they had no problems with it.

My team showed up at the pizza place together in two separate vans. The whole time on the way there they talked about what a crazy game it was and how I was deserved the player of the game. I got red, because I was embarrassed. At the pizza place I sat with John and Jake, and we bullshitted about how we are going to state and winning. After a couple of hours we piled back into the van and drove back to school and I walked to Michael's house.

As I walked over to Michael's house thoughts of the game came back to me and I just couldn't believe how blessed I was. I am a freshman in high school! For crying out loud. The game winning touchdown flashed back, and I remember looking over at the stands and watching my friends jumping up and down with joy. A smile for the memory came into view. I think that's the first time since Michael's father died that everyone was so happy. I think that's what makes me the happiest, knowing that what I did in a game could bring such joy. Thunder rolled and startled me out of my thoughts, I looked up into the sky and lightning struck. A cold shiver rolled down my body; I shook it off. A storm is coming. I gotta hurry and get to Michael's before it hits; it's gonna be a big storm. The temperature drops and the hair on my arms stand straight up. Yes, I must hurry and beat this storm.

I walked into Michael's house and thunder clapped loudly. I heard the girls scream in unison. "Hey, it's just thunder." In a low ominous voice "And me!" I tried showing a scary face but they all just busted out laughing at me. I frowned "hey my scary face isn't supposed to be funny." A crack of a smile formed upon my frown. "Yeah so scary Dan it scares me when normal; let alone when its suppose to be scary." "Yeah Dan!" Alyssa blustered during her laughing spree. I grin big and wide and start laughing with them as I head towards Michael and grab him into a bear hug; then lift him up. Heavy boy Michael; a flicker of worry for his health crossed my mind then it was gone drowned out by Michael's complaining and laughter.

We talked then about the game and how proud of me they were. How they always knew I was gifted in sports. Michael was talking about how when I did great in sports, he felt like he was there with me doing it too. Tears threatened to cloud my eyes but I put on a smile and joked it off. Alyssa was always sitting next to Michael, her deep blue eyes dancing with laughter as she looked between me and Michael. Her dimples make her smile almost angelic. Jessica sitting on the other side of Michael with quite laughter in her chocolate eyes. She has become part of the group; no, the family of friends. She puts her arms around Michael laughing at his joke at my expense. I look over at Alyssa and see a sting of jealousy that quickly disappeared. Mandy nudges my side at the joke. I look over at her wearing a red T-shirt which makes her eyes change into a bright brown color which she rolled for my benefit. It felt good having her around again, we all had missed her so much when she had left. I put my arms around her and drew her into the cup of my arms; "I'm so glad you came back; I mean look how they treat me." She playfully pushes me away "What do you think I would be taking your side or something." I rolled my eyes "you know you love me." "So makes no difference I love Alyssa and Michael just as much and Jessica there nearly as much already." She winks at me. I feign pain "Ugh that hurts my feelings." "More like your pride." Michael burst out laughing and we all joined in.

I left about an hour later. The storm at a lull for the moment lightning in both directions one storm leaving another one coming this way. I see my house off the streetlamp illuminating the white house. almost ominous looking. I started to get a bad feeling about going inside as if maybe I should head back to Michael's though I knew he was going to bed and might already be sleeping for all I knew. I shook it off, nothing’s gonna bring down my day tonight. My dad is probably sleeping off the booze he most likely drank all day today. I walked into my father's house; it was empty, he wasn't home yet. Great, he is at the bar again. I look over at the clock which read twelve thirty. The bars will close in thirty minutes. I go over to the kitchen which is adjacent to the living room and open the fridge. Milk, beer, cheese. I close the fridge and open the freezer; a bottle of vodka slides out and I barely caught it in time. I put the long neck bottle back into the freezer and found nothing of interest. I close the freezer and hear the front door open. I look over at the clock twelve fifty. He is home earlier than I expected.

I turn towards the front door and watch as a five-foot eleven balding unshaved faced man in his late thirties shambled into the house. He closes the door and squints at me trying to focus his eyes. "Hello dad." He grunts and clumsily takes off his boots. "I thought you were supposed to be here tonight almost forgot." "Figures dad." He frowned at me and his head turned to the side. His shirt he wore was stained with probably alcohol and puke. I could smell the beer and something strong wafting off him. "Don't you look at me like that boy." I ignored him "I had a game tonight we won I had the winning touchdown." "So what, it’s high school Dan who cares." Blood rushed to my face; anger and hurt trembled out of my voice "You suppose to care dad, I mean aren't I your son?" "Don't you get mad at me boy like as if I ever wanted you or anything." Tears threatened to run. I turned away from him and started to walk towards the stairs. "Hey, get me a beer boy." I stopped, anger returning "get your own beer you drunk!" I see a quick movement in the corner of my eyes then hear a loud smack followed with my head suddenly twisting to the side. I felt a trickle of something warm and wet trickling down my nose then the pain in a rush when I realized that I had been hit. Tears ran down my face mixing with my blood. I felt like in a horrible dream I turned towards my father. He had a crooked smile on his face like he took great pleasure in hurting me. The stench of alcohol on his breath almost made me gag and sent my head swooning again. "Looks like I gotta teach ya respect boy." and this time I saw it coming his hand open slapped my face threw me back and down the sting of it ringing in my ear. Dots entered my vision I tried backing up on my rump eyes blinking trying to focus. "Please dad don't hit me anymore." I managed to cry out. My father chortles out a laugh "Stop boy I hardly even started!"

He came towards me again surprisingly fast I put my arms up covering my face as he tried to slap me again. My arm felt suddenly heavy; numb from the slap. I hear my father growl with anger "Put your arms down boy I need to teach you some manners." Fear started to engulf me, tears streaming down my face my mind trying to focus; in all the panic all I could think about is that my father was going to kill me. He came again this time his fist was closed. I started to blubber incoherently with a dark smile on my father's face. The hit came, hitting me my left jaw, I felt my teeth rattle and I bit my tongue. I tasted the metallic in my mouth, blood. My eyes rolled around pure fear engulfed me. I caught a glimpse of the phone on the nightstand, a couple feet in front of me. I looked over at my father, he was clutching his fist cursing at it. He walks towards the fridge, now Dan hurry. I crawl as fast as I could towards the phone; I grab it and call the first number I could think of Michael. One ring, two rings, three rings panic started to come over me "Please Mike answer the phone, please!" "Hello?" A sleepy voice answers the phone. "Thank God Michael help me, my dad is..." "Boy who the fuck are you talking to; now you've done it!" "Dan? What's going on?" I felt the fist connect to my temple and felt my bladder release as darkness enveloped me. Last thought was hoping that Michael called the cops.

Michael hears a loud smack then the phone goes dead; the dial tone sounding more ominous by the second. I jumped up to throw on a pair of pants panic and a cold sense of dread chasing after me as I hurled myself down the stairs. I quickly put on my shoes and opened the door, slamming it shut behind me. I started running to Dan's father’s house; praying I get there before it was too late. thunder and lightning crashing against the sky; rain pouring down on and around me. I reached the front door of the house and opened it as thunder crackled very loud; it sounded like the devil laughing. What I saw stopped me dead; Dan on the ground he looked dead or unconscious, his father squatting over him slapping him repeatedly. tears of anger rushed down my face; I rushed towards his father, a primal growl escaping my mouth as I threw myself at him. I fell on top of him, the progression of my movement took him off his son and I just started punching him in the face. I recognized that my hand really started to hurt but I ignored it not caring about something so small. I started yelling at him, calling him a bastard and telling him how much I hated him for what he has done. my tears mixed with his blood; I stopped only when he stopped trying to block my punches.

The anger suddenly left me; a feeling of pure tiredness came over me I rolled off of him. Perhaps a minute lapsed while I hit him at the time it felt like forever. I crawl to Dan; "Dan man please wake up!" his face was bloated swollen; blood mattered all over his face his nose still seeping with it. "urghhhh!" He sighed, his eyes rolling. "Dan! Thank God, Dan." reprieve flooded through me tears of relief landing on his bruised bloody face; "Hang on man I'll get you some help!" I reached up to the phone still laying right next him. I grabbed it and set it back in the receiver picked it up and listened for the dial tone then dialed nine, one, one. A female voice answer asking me to state my emergency.

When I got through telling her where I was and what happened she kept me on the line till the medics and police showed up. They put Dan and his father on stretchers and in an ambulance. The police asked me questions. They asked why I didn't call the police right away and what happened. I answered them truthfully. Then I panicked and was half asleep when Dan called me, when I heard the smack of his father hitting him. I went into detail about what I saw and did. They allowed me to call my mom. She showed up a couple of minutes later. We were allowed to go home about an hour later. I barely was able to crawl up the stairs and out of my pants into bed. As soon as I hit the pillow, I was asleep.