Chapter 9

All persons, names, places, descriptions, and events are purely fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons, names, places, descriptions, or events is totally accidental and a pure coincidence.

This is a love story and at this time, limited sexual activity, but that will change with time.

This story is the sole creation of its author and thus he retains full publication rights. Please email me to post it on a site other than Nifty. Email me at: andygaywriter@yahoo.com. Thanks! You can also join my Yahoo Group which has just started by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/andygaywriter16

Breakfast was a barrage of questions from my father. Kole had already sat down when I joined him. I knew this was going to suck because my dad would already have Vanessa and I married with two kids and our dog -- even though I hate dogs.

I never stopped piling the food on, "Oh, it was okay. I was really tired though so it was kinda hard to have fun."

"Dad, of course I did," I sighed. "She totally understood and danced with about every guy in the school while I rested. I danced enough though. You know I don't dance."

"Why not? I need to know if I should prepare your mother for a girl being around here more often."

"What girl?" my brother Mike said as he walked into the kitchen, grabbing a plate.

"Fine, I just don't see why you can't take her to a movie or something, that's all I'm saying."

"Mr. Godfrey, I saw them together, they're not a good match, trust me," Kole said.

My dad signed, "I'll take your word for it Kole. But try to find this boy a girl."

And that was it. Thank goodness for Kole stepping in.

Kole and I cleaned up after our celebration party for winning our first playoff game and now we had the semi-finals next weekend. It was also thanksgiving break, so it was going to be relaxing and yet stressful week ahead.

The game was hardly on my radar. Jake was. I hadn't heard from him since I had last emailed him and that was over two weeks ago. I had been pretty down about that. I also hadn't been able to chat with Neal either. I was beginning to feel alone again this Saturday. I decided I would check and see if he was signed on...and to my great fortune, he was!

Qbstud9: Hey man, nice game this weekend. Looks like we're brewing a re-match! J

Express958: Yeah man, look out...I may actually beat you this time! I only have one more chance.

Qbstud9: I hope you do make it there man. It'd be fun to play again. It was a great game last time. Going head to head when we're both at the top of our games -- oh baby!

Express958: No kidding man. I'm excited. I'm finally enjoying myself on the field for the first time in a long time.

Express958: Oh, not really...nothing I really want to talk about anyway. Everyone will know soon enough I think.

Express958: Well, I'm not going to talk about the football thing...seriously, just know I'm enjoying myself and once the season is over we can talk about why I smile on the field now. But, the thing that's bothering me is my online profile thingy I told you about awhile ago.

Express958: Well, someone finally emailed me about it a few weeks ago and he's a freshman in high school and he sounded really cool and like he was interested in me and all... Well, I emailed him back like two weeks ago, but I haven't heard from him at all!

Qbstud9: Good point. Maybe give it just a little bit more time? Maybe he just got busy. I'd say like another week, and then send another email? Just be like, `hey man, I haven't heard from you...just seeing if you were okay?' or something like that...

Qbstud9: Don't sweat it dude. I know everything will turn out okay for you. You're too good a guy to have bad things happen to you. I just wish I knew of a gay guy so you could have a boyfriend. Then we could double-date!

Qbstud9: Andrew! No, I am not. I meant with me and Kelly! Haha...you're so funny. Sorry -- I probably shouldn't have laughed.

Express958: Why are you so cool with me being gay? I mean, you're a football stud and all -- how can you be okay with this?

Qbstud9: Because I live in the real world. I can see that this is hard for you. You are who you are. Also, I did a research paper on the gay movement last year...I know more than you think.

Qbstud9: No biggie. Hey man -- sorry to jet, but I gotta get caught up on my homework...take care and good luck this weekend! And Happy Thanksgiving!

Express958: Hey, good luck to you too and Happy Turkey Day to you too! Thanks again!

Practice on Sunday went really well. After talking with Neal, I felt a little bit better about Jake. Mostly, I felt good about football. The season was winding down and at most, we had two games left and that in itself was enough for me to enjoy the last moments I was having on the field.

We had practice on Monday and Tuesday night like usual, then coach had us practice without pads on Wednesday morning, and then sent us off for our Thanksgiving break.

Thanksgiving was okay. That's all I can say. I hadn't seen most of my family since that little outburst I had during our Labor Day picnic. So, it was nice to see them when I wasn't losing my mind. Just before my family arrived, I checked my email one last time.

I immediately saw what I was looking for. "New Message from Jake" was on my screen. YEA!

Andrew -- I am soooooo sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Life around here has just been crazy. Not only is the football team still in the playoffs, but about two weeks ago my grandma died, so I've been really busy with that. I know that's no excuse, but I just couldn't find time or the energy to write. So, I'm sorry and I hope you can forgive me.

My whole family was close to her, but my brother and me especially, so it's been rough. We've been spending a lot of time together, both talking through some things...so...enough about that, otherwise I'm sure I'll start crying again.

I hope you're not mad at me. I do wanna be friends with you...cause I really need one. My brother is awesome and all, but someone who totally understands what I'm going through -- ya know?

I guess I'll tell you a little bit more about myself. I love Green Day, AC-DC, System of a Down, Rob Thomas, and of course Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban baby! I love Seinfeld and Friends, King of Queens (cause Kevin James is the shit), as is George Lopez (his son is cute). My favorite movie of all time would have to be...Field of Dreams. I know, kinda weird, but there is a huge story behind that and I can tell you that later...

I hope your season is going well and not over yet. Again -- I am so sorry about leaving you hanging like that. Have a Happy Thanksgiving & I hope to hear from you soon.

Well, how can I not love life? Hehe...I'm such a stud, I know! My Jake had written me back! I was already falling for the guy and we hardly knew each other.

Just as I was about to hit `reply' my family started arriving, so I quickly logged off and went to start the day from hell.

My cousin Paul was nice and didn't push my buttons like that last time. We did talk about our seasons and how he was doing and how we were looking forward to a re-match.

All through dinner, all I could think about was what Jake was doing at that very moment and how I wished we could be together. I couldn't wait for the day to be over so I could write him back. But, that moment never came. I got too busy, then tired and then it was time for Friday and football to be at the front of my mind and the king of my world.

We returned to the field for a practice on Friday morning before being sent home to get ready so we could travel that afternoon for our game on Saturday. After practice, I got home and packed up my clothes and travel necessities, then went back to the school.

I made small talk with my teammates before boarding the bus. We had a ton of fun on the ride, talking about school, our holiday, our Christmas plans, the New Year's parties and of course, the upcoming game.

Friday night was a ton of fun. In fact, it was the most fun I had had in a long time. We started a game of poker in our room, had a movie going in another, and watched football in another. I suck at cards; so needless to say, I wasn't in my room long. I went and watched a little of the football game, then moved on to the movie room.

Guess what was on?!?! Field of Dreams! I honestly had never really sat and watched it, because I thought the idea of it was kind of stupid. But since Jake loved it, I wanted to see what it was all about. I joined the movie when Kevin Costner was on the road with James Earl Jones and they pick up the young kid (who by the way is cute as well!) and they make it back to the field where he gets to play. I stayed for the rest of the movie. Right when it was over, I went to the hotel lobby to reply to Jake's email...I had to.

Thanks for writing me back...you'd had me worried and sad. First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your grandma...I wish I could have known her. But, I'm here if you ever need to talk.

We're actually at a hotel right now, the eve before the semi-final game. I'm not even nervous or worried. We have a game plan that I know will work and I haven't felt this healthy or locked in, ever!

We just watched Field of Dreams in one of the rooms and while I didn't see the whole thing, I want to now! I loved what I saw.

I guess I will tell you some of my favs as well. I love Switchfoot...they are my absolute favorite band. Guster is also cool. My friend Nick got me hooked on them. Chesney and Urban are cool. Green Day is okay...hehe. I don't get to watch much television, but when I do, I like to watch Seinfeld and Friends as well, but also Everwood and One Tree Hill (the boys are hot!) I love to eat spaghetti (or any pasta) and chicken...those are my favs.

Okay, it's curfew time, so I gosta go buddy. Please don't take two weeks to write back this time.

Pre-game warm-ups went great. I felt like I was hitting every throw and that my legs were fresh and my mind clear. It was an interesting feeling to say the least.

I was doing my pre-game routine and I just stopped, mid-throw and looked around. I could hear the crowd humming, the players all warming up and the music playing. It was the first time I had ever taken time to look around and actually `feel' my environment. I looked back at my receiver and yelled, "Boy, its game time!"

And off we were. The game started at a frenetic pace. It was amazing. In the first half, 55 were points scored combined. We were down 24-31, but we we're worried in the locker room. Usually our halftimes are full of yelling and arguing about who needs to fix what, but this one wasn't like that.

The second half started really slow. I couldn't believe it. It was like two totally different games. The first half, it was almost like the defenses weren't even on the field and now it was as if the offenses weren't there. At the end of the third quarter, we were losing 24-34; ten points and twelve minutes. Not a good situation.

With nine minutes to go, we got the ball back at our own five...95 yards from where we needed to be. But, we gutted it out. We were on our own 31, when Kole lined up in the right slot and he appeared to be uncovered. It was a play designed to go to my left receiver on a quick out, but I made a quick change at the line and sent Kole on a go route. I made my complete five-step drop and stepped into my throw, heaving a deep ball and Kole ran right underneath it and was tackled at our opponents' 25 yard line. Over the next three plays, we only gained seven yards, so we sent the field goal unit to get three points. Thankfully, our kicker nailed it and we were only losing 27-34, just a touchdown.

Our defense forced a three-and-out and we got the ball back at our own 27 with only six minutes left to go. This was it...this was what I had been working my whole life for; for this moment. The crowd was going nuts, our bench was all standing up and I had a smile on my face.

I jogged to the huddle, knelt down and gave my orders to the troops. "Alright guys, this is it. This is what we've worked for; this is for the two-a-days. Don't try to be the hero, catch the ball, block and run...that's all we need. We've got time, so let's use it." I called the play and broke the huddle and looked into Kole's eyes...it was our time to shine. Right now.

We ran a few plays and we were moving the chains pretty effectively. We had a second down on our own 49 yard line and the play that we called was designed specifically for Kole up the middle. I took the snap, but they brought a blitz that I hadn't seen coming. I had to make a quick throw and hope Kole made it there in time...but in the process of getting hit, my hand was hit by someone's helmet and I heard a cracking noise and felt all kinds of pain.

By the time I got up, I looked at my hand and could tell I had messed up the pinkie of my throwing hand. I got up and jogged to the sideline holding my hand and showed the trainer. He told me to look away and as he did, I felt the most pain I had ever felt in my life.

Meanwhile, they had sent my backup quarterback onto the field to run the team while I was on the sideline. No way had I come this far to not be able to finish my goal. I yelled at the trainer, "Do what you have to do, but get me back out on the field!"

I ran back to the coach and said, "I'm ready, you can put me back in...let me win it coach."

We converted the fourth down and ran three more plays before it was third down and seven from the twelve. I could barely feel my hand from the pain I was in, but I was going to leave everything on the field. On this night, it was me versus myself.

I took the last snap, dropped back and threw the hardest pass of my life to the outside. I didn't even look to see who it was. Then I saw the numbers `89', Kevin...my wonderful homophobic friend who I had tried to beat up a month before.

But he fought hard and made his way to the end zone. I could not believe it. Then I looked back at coach and he put two fingers up, signaling we were going to go for two. The play he called was simple, "Seven." It was taken from Super Bowl 32, when John Elway ran the naked bootleg into the end zone for a touchdown. We ran it flawlessly and I think Elway would have been proud.

We won the game, 35-34. Now it was on to the state championship to face Neal's team, the Jaguars next weekend.

Summary: It was short but it needed to be, especially after Chapter 8 and the emotional drain that put on Andy. Now, he's made it to the finals, the last game of his season. Something has him happy on the football field, but what can it be? Is Neal really just being nice or does he have an ulterior motive for being okay with Andy being gay? His day is being himself again but how much longer can Andy take it? Especially since he can't love the person he wants to. Big things coming...we still don't know where Jake lives, if Rob will be visiting for the holidays, how the championship turns out, how Andy's hand is...oh baby!

Personal Note: I'm sorry to those who have written me and I haven't written back. Please know that I do read them all and I thank you so much for your comments. They keep me writing. There are now three chapters remaining in this season and all will come out before the end of the year.

Feel free to email me at andygaywriter@yahoo.com and I'm doing my best to reply as quickly as I can...but know that I do read EVERY email that is sent to me and I take them all to heart. I love you guys!