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“Come on, man, school’s out, we’re free! Have a beer with us.” Johnson is already partway gone and not looking to take no for an answer from me.
“Sorry, buddy, you have one for me. I have training camp in a few days, I can’t be drinking.” It’s the same speech I’ve given about ten times tonight. Everyone wants to party with me one last time. Which is cool, but it’s wearing thin.
“Mr. Bigshot College Guy now, you can’t even drink with us common folk, huh,” Ericson mumbles as he takes another swig of whatever he has in his hip flask. He was hoping for a spot on a college team, but the offer never came. Since it was announced I was offered a scholarship, he has been acting totally different around me. It’s like Coach said, jealousy is an evil emotion.
“Never, I’ll always be your smartass captain who you will tell stories on how bad you stank up the bus every road trip.” Which brings a cheer from the boys and enough distraction for me to move away from the conversation and the pressure to drink. This party should be the highlight of my year, and the same time last year, I would have been right in the middle of the drink fest with girls hanging all around.
Tonight’s different.
I’m tired of the same old repetition, and although my body is still here, my mind is already moving on, with thoughts of what training camp will bring. The excitement of leaving home and becoming my own person, without having to answer to Mom and Dad. Or see the disappointment on their face every time football is brought up in conversation. I’m sure if they thought they could get away with it, they would have told me I had to turn down the scholarship. All I got was a simple congratulations from them both and they then moved on with work.
I know they love me, but I admit it does hurt a little—or maybe a lot. I’m sure they see me as a disappointment, while in other households, I would be the king of the family.
I walk toward Xavier where he’s standing talking to Nat at the side of the bonfire, away from the crowd.
“Hey, you two, what are you up to?” Their conversation stops, and the way both of them look at me, I can see they’re arguing about something.
“Whoa, okay, I’ve interrupted a twin thing, haven’t I?”
“No,” Xavier says.
“Yes,” Nat growls.
“Right, so that helps to clarify it. Should I leave?”
“No.” Xavier is calm.
“Yes.” Nat is still not happy and just glares at him.
“Well, I’m so glad I asked.” I think I should bow out of this, but before I turn to leave, Xavier is talking again.
“Nat wants to leave already, but Mom and Dad aren’t home to pick her up, I’ve had too much to drink so I can’t drive, and there is no fucking way I’m letting her walk home on her own.”
Her frustration is oozing from her as she throws her hands in the air. “Pretty sure I get to make my own decisions. I seem to remember being exactly the same age as you.” Her hands are now firmly on her hips and her shoulders are back, giving her the fighting stance that I have seen many times before. She might be a little shorter than both Xavier and me, and people think a whole lot quieter, but they are so wrong. The real Natalie is strong and determined.
“Technically, I am your older brother, so it’s my job to look after you.” Putting his hand on her shoulder, I think he is very brave to touch her when she’s like this.
“Oh my God! Five minutes, that’s it. A whole five minutes older. I swear I want to kill you right now for being so smug. I love you, but you are the biggest pain in the ass.”
“Again, the job of the big brother.”
I feel like I’ve got front-row seats at a press conference for two boxers before the big bout, both sparring with words before the fists fly.
“Easy solution. I haven’t drunk anything, so I’ll take Nat home.” I almost want to duck in case any fists fly my way.
“Perfect.” Xavier looks at me, relieved.
“No, thanks.” She can’t even look at me when she says it.
“Why not?” Xavier reasons. “At least we know you’ll be safe, and Jordan will never try to flirt with you. Come on, Nat, then I know you’ll get home and I won’t have to worry. Please.” Xavier tries fluttering his eyes at her in a joking way.
The indecision in her eyes shows how torn she is.
Part of her wants desperately to get out of here, parties have never been her scene, but the other part of her is scared to be alone with me.
I hold my hand up in a solemn vow. “I promise to be on my best behavior and continue to play the big-brother role all the way home. Just so you can continue with that scowl that’s on your face. It kind of suits you.”
She throws her hands in the air again, and I know I’ve got her.
