Mutual Hatred - Love Game (35 page)

"But it's a
party
," said Mrs. Sinclair. "Everyone's going to be at this one!"

"Mom, you sound like Taryn. Can we just go home? I just want to crawl into bed and sleep the entire weekend," said Shelley.

"But-" protested Mrs. Sinclair.

"But nothing," Mr. Sinclair said quickly. "Can't you see how tired she is, Claudia? Let her go home. I'd rather have her safe at home than know that she's going to one of those notorious high school parties with alcohol and sexual predators-I mean, boys-lurking around."

Shelley laughed. "Thanks, daddy."

"Fine, but you're not sleeping the entire weekend," huffed Mrs. Sinclair. "You've got to make an appearance at the football end of the season banquet tomorrow, agreed?"

"I wouldn't miss it for anything. Daddy, do you mind carrying me to the car? I don't think I can handle the walk."

- - - - -

"Speech! Speech!" chanted the boys, pounding their fists on the tables.

"We won," Mr. Wise said simply as he stepped on stage, "Isn't victory sweet? But there's something sweeter than victory. No, I'm not kidding gentlemen. This season, as I watched you all come together and work for a common goal, I felt…refreshed. No one has come a longer way than you have. Don't ever let anyone tell you that it was sheer luck, because it wasn't. It was pure talent on your part, and pure genius on Shelley's. You've all proved to me that miracles happen! There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other. You guys have turned an old man's dream into a reality; in fact, you've made history. I have never had a happier moment in my life! But don't tell my wife that," he added, "She thinks our wedding was the happiest day of my life."

There were a few chuckles and a loud "HAHA!" followed by a round of applause as Mr. Wise wiped a tear from his eyes and stepped down from the stage.

It was Brandon's turn. He had a grin on his face, the kind a little kid has when he or she has pilfered a cookie from the cookie jar, even though dinner is in a few minutes.

"Let us all remember Mr. Mike Wise for being the freaking coolest old guy ever! No offense, Mr. W. Anyways, I'm supposed to make a speech about what being a football player for Wilson means to me. And I'll try to remember the three S's-stand up, speak up, shut up-because I'm the only thing that stands between you and your dinner, although I see some of you have already started eating. Don't think I don't see you buttering that roll, Alex!" laughed Brandon.

"Be brief, brother, be brief!" Alex shouted back, rousing a chorus of sniggers.

When he finally had everyone's attention again, Brandon said, "I'll try to keep this under an hour. So uh, where do I start? Being a Wilson football player means more than simply being on your average high school sports team to play football," he began. "Being a football player means being part of a brotherhood that is based on teamwork, friendship, and unity. It is impossible to tell you what it is like in words - it is something you can only understand from the experience itself. Before we even begin to think about football and playing together as a team, we must first love each teammate as a brother. We believe that when one man falls, everyone falls, but together we help pick each other up and rise as a stronger, more united team. Unity is an important component to our success, and we show our unity through our game. I believe in my teammates and fellow brothers; I believe they will be there for me when I need them most, as I will be there for them," he paused to take a long, deep breath before continuing. "Before Shelley, we were weak individuals, but now we have overcome obstacles, risen to the challenge, and have become stronger as players as well as a team. We strive in all that we do to exemplify the true meaning of what it is to be a Wilson Wildcat. Shit, guys! You guys are fucking awesome. I don't know where I'd be without you, but it most likely wouldn't be up here, standing next to this great big TROPHY!" he bellowed.

Wow
, thought Shelley. Brandon really did have a way with words. She doubted she could have put his speech any better.

The team, being the boys they were, all answered Brandon with a cheer that seemed to echo throughout the room for ages. They all stormed out of their seats and ran up the stage to surround Brandon and the trophy. Shelley sat back in her seat and exchanged smiles with Mr. Wise.

They all looked so silly, hugging each other, some were nearly crying, but she knew better than to laugh at them. Their hard work had paid off, and it was their right to party as hard as they pleased.

Brandon broke away from the group and managed to find his way back to the microphone.

"And now we feast!" he bellowed.

The boys resumed their seats and began dinner. The room was abuzz with voices. When it looked like everyone was finished, Brandon went back up to the stage and took the mic.

"And now, gentlemen, I'd like to call a very special young lady up here. Things were up to a rough start, but she didn't give up on us once. She's lectured us countless times, blown her whistle on us, and made me run more laps than I've ever run in my entire life. But we love her for that, and we without doubt would
not
be here without the coaching brains of Shelley Sinclair!" he called out.

Shelley ran up to the stage. Like always whenever Shelley was in the spotlight, a hush fell throughout the room. She took the microphone from Brandon and turned to face her audience.

"Get comfortable," she joked, "Cause my last speech is gonna be super long tonight."

There was a mixture of scattered groans and laughs (eventually suppressed into coughs) before she could actually begin.

"This is mostly to my senior players-the class of 2006! It has always been my philosophy that a team is only as good, as strong, or as successful as the senior leadership that leads and inspires it. Strength and success are not always noted on the playing field or in the win-loss record but rather in the conduct, integrity, and character of the group. As we approach the conclusion of this 2005 season, I just want to say that it has been my privilege to coach and encourage the senior leadership of the Class of 2006."

Shelley had to stop, because all the seniors on the team stood up and started cheering. When it finally subsided, she continued, "When conditioning began in June, they didn't really know me. They didn't know how my coaching philosophy would impact their last year of playing football at Wilson. They made an act of faith with me that their commitment, hard work, perseverance and dedication would seal their place in the legacy that is Wilson Football. It is in that brotherhood that they take their place with other graduating senior players that have gone before them. These men, these senior leaders, have persevered as a team over the last four years through self doubt, fatigue, scholastic demands, and some coaching changes.
They came in as boys and they are leaving as men
. They realized more goals than they thought they were capable of achieving. These men pushed through as athletes and one thing they know for certain now, they made it. They did the hard thing and arrived at the end with brothers they will know for life. These men have come to find out that there is a big difference between
feeling
that you are successful and
knowing
it. This is the year that they have come to know it. This is the end of our 2005 season. I firmly believe that the traditions and legacies of Wilson football were well represented by these men, and that our younger players will follow them with continuing appreciation and support for the role that seniors play in leading their team while making their own unique contributions.

Thank you parents, coaches, and friends. Thank you, all fifty-one of you. No matter where life takes you, take these lessons and memories with you. Take your skill and knowledge into your future careers. Know that you are always going to be in my prayers and live knowing what you have accomplished. No one thought we'd get this far, but we did. It was like defying gravity; no one believed it to ever be possible, except maybe in space." She wanted to stop there, because she could feel the tears springing up, but Shelley was determined to hold them back until she was finished. "But this is good ol' planet Earth. And on Earth, I'm always going to be here for you. Whether it's just to say hi or make fun of me or something, don't be a stranger at school. I probably know your deepest, darkest secrets, so watch out! We've had our ups and downs, but what team doesn't? We are more than a team-we are a family. If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm only a phone call away. And to all my juniors and sophomores-you guys are way cool too, but don't get too cocky, okay? Next year, I want to hear that Wilson football has improved even more, and I want to hear that you guys are in CIF! Got that? Ah, okay, I can't hold them in any longer. Sorry, guys."

There was a loud, thunderous applause as she gave them one last smile and burst into tears.

Mr. Wise came up and gently took the microphone away from her. "Settle down, now, all of you!" his voice commanded. "Wonderful speech, Shelley. We were honored to have you this year, and football will never be the same without you, I think we all know that. Now, time for gifts!"

In small groups, the boys came up and presented Shelley with something. Dozens of bouquets of flowers, balloons, and more. Best of all was a football that everyone on the team had signed. It was hard to distinguish one scrawled signature from another, but it meant a lot to her.

Next they gave out awards. It was a Wilson tradition to award certain players, voted by their teammates, for the contributions to the team. 'The Wood' aka player of the year went to Brandon, naturally. 'Hammer', the special teams' most outstanding player, went to Chris Torres who had proven to be invaluable. 'The Block' went to Johnny for the best block of the year against Parkridge. 'Gatorade' went to Alex (yes, Taryn's Alex), who had spent the most time and effort in the weight room all year, although it was mostly so he would look super ripped. 'Nails', a teammate that held the team together, unanimously went to Kyle. And finally, James Watkins claimed
'
Swarm', awarded to a defensive player who ran to the ball like he was the only man on the field that could make the tackle.

Even though only several boys were awarded, Shelley felt like they all deserved something. Due to time constraints, she hadn't been able to buy them an individual gift, but she figured they'd overlook that. Winning was enough.

She couldn't stop crying, either. The tears were flowing freely, streaming down her face in the most unbecoming way possible, and she could imagine what a mess she looked like. Why did she have to be so goddamn emotional?

But Shelley also knew that they didn't care. To her boys, she was their coach. They didn't care about her looks; it was her brain they loved her for.

And she loved them too.

Life, she decided, was very, very good. And there was nothing that could happen that could ever change that.

It was a pity she felt that way, because the fates had other plans for her-they weren't quite done with her just yet.

Chapter 27 – All She Wants

To say that Wilson school spirit had never been this high was an understatement. If the school had been covered in 'a lot' of posters before, now it was hard to tell whether or not the school buildings were actually there. Blue and gold streamers hung from lamp posts to the flag pole. And someone (or several someones for that matter) had taken the liberty of redecorating the bathrooms.

All day Monday, Shelley got congratulations and high fives. Likewise, everyone on the football team was treated like royalty. Shelley had heard that Johnny and a lot of the boys hadn't done any of their homework for Calculus, but apparently the teacher had let him off with a 'Screw homework, great job winning!' And word was going around that Brandon would get into USC on a football scholarship.

High spirits were in the air, and no one could blame them. The principal had even announced that they'd get Friday off in honor of the football team winning the championship.

It felt so good to be a winner. It was even better being able to walk past the trophy cabinet which sat outside the office and see their trophy glistening under the fluorescent lights.

"So," said Bandon, sliding into the seat next to her. "Wanna go out sometime or what?" He held up his hand before she could say anything. "And don't give me that bullcrap that you're my coach, because that's over. Now we're just friends. So yes or no?"

Just friends. Hmm…

Well Brandon, when you put it so
nicely
, who wouldn't want to say yes?

"No thanks, I think I'll have to pass on that," Shelley said airily.

"Oh well," Brandon said dejectedly, although he didn't look that way at all. "Can't blame a guy for trying. Gotta give me some points for that, right?"

What? Brandon Miller giving up so soon? Hell, Brandon Miller giving up
at all
?

Say it ain't so.

It couldn't be. Getting rid of him this fast was far too easy.

Or was Shelley being so conceited that she thought Brandon would actually care that much about her. Oh hell, who was she kidding? He didn't even care at all. She'd been right all along. To Brandon, Shelley was just another conquest; his stupid 'I like you' shit had been just that.