Chapter 21
It’s been around an hour and Daniel is still here.
“Grace, you’re staying here right?” I ask and she shakes her head.
“No, my friend is visiting her high school friend who lives around an hour away from here so we booked a hotel for two nights and then we are going home. Just a quick little visit” She says smiling.
“But, tomorrow Cassie and I are going to drive into LA and then leave early the next morning. So today is my first and last day with you. But you need to text me and we can face time all the time” She says and I nod, agreeing.
It’s getting pretty late so Grace is probably gonna head home soon.
“Daniel can you please take a picture of us?” Grace asks and he nods.
“Yep, go ahead” He says smiling, holding my phone.
Grace and I take a cute photo and she smiles at it. “This is going on my Instagram”
“You need to post more. You literally only have one picture” Grace says.
to me.
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“She didn’t even post it. My sister did” Daniel adds in laughing.
“Come on, give me your phone. Daniel,lets pick a photo for Kisses to post” Grace says winking at me.
I have no idea what photo they are going to post.
“This is my favorite one” Grace says and Daniel nods.
“I like this one a lot” Daniel says and Grace smiles at it.
She whispers something in his ear and soon they start searching. I see the screen stop and they both look at each other.
“This is my favorite photo of all time” Daniel says and Grace smiles.
“I love it” She quickly taps it on and starts typing something.
They hand me back my phone and smile. I look at the photo to see the one that was taken when we got to the party after Daniels game. He’s hugging me and we both have the biggest smiles on our faces. The caption is ‘Better together and Daniel is tagged.
It wasn’t a great night but it is my favorite picture. We both look so happy and a bunch of great things came out of that night. It also could have been
a lot worse.
I noticed that there was also a second photo. It’s a candid of us laughing at something. Kylie must have snapped it quickly.
“I love it “I smile and they high five.
“Alright, well I’m going to head back to the hotel. Bye Kiss. Keep in touch okay? If you need a place to stay don’t hesitate to call. I can share a bed” She smiles hugging me.
“Thanks Grace. You guys are the only good ones in our family “I smile and she frowns.
“Love you Kiss. Text me if anything happens” She says walking outside.
“She’s nice” Daniel says and I nod.
“Yeah, she’s my favorite in my family. She kept me sane for a while. And now she’s gone again” I say staring at the door.
“I’m sorry. I wish I could have helped” Daniel says hugging me.
“It’s okay. You help me now and that’s more than I could ask for” I say smiling and he smiles back.
“So when’s your next game?” I say walking upstairs with Daniel trailing behind me.
”
“Actually, in two hours” He says laughing.
“What? Daniel you need to get ready” I say and he smiles.
“So do you. Coach texted me and told me that he wants to talk to you before the game. So get ready” He says causing me to roll my eyes.
I change into a black tank top with some black ripped skinny jeans. I apply some black eyeliner with gold lining it. My hair is curled and in a half up half down.
“I have my jersey in the car” Daniel says looking at me and I nod.
“You want me to wear it again?” I say and he nods.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I?” He says confused, sitting up.
“No, I thought it was just a one time thing. Everyone was so shocked last time” I say and he nods.
“Let’s keep it like that. Come on” He says grabbing my hand and we walk
out the door.
“Daniel, I don’t have shoes” I say and he laughs.
“Kylie does” He answers, pulling out of my driveway.
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“We pull up to Daniel with an hour to spare.
I place Porsha on the ground and Kylie ushers me into her room.
“Why do I feel like I’m always being rushed to go somewhere when I’m here” I say laughing and she shrugs. “Because you are”
“You look adorable. I love the simple but cute outfit with your hair and makeup. Put the jersey on and lets pick out some shoes for you” She says and I nod, slipping the jersey on like the previous time. I tuck it in a little in the front so it doesn’t look too long.
“Hm, how about these?” She says handing me a pair of cute black suede high heeled booties that lace up the front.
“Ohh, I love it. Let’s go” She says and we run to Daniel’s room.
“Daniel, we’ll be downstairs” Kylie knocks on his door and he mumbles a
reply.
“Here, I’ll make you a smoothie. It’s gonna be a long game Kylie says putting some fruit in the blender.
“Are you guys ready to go? Mom, dad, we’re leaving” Daniel says walking into the kitchen. He is in his black and gold letter man jacket with some shorts and a t–shirt. His cheeks have the perfect hint of pink from his
workout.
Chapter 21
“Hold on, we need a picture” Tara rushes in smiling.
“Kisses, Kylie. You guys look gorgeous. Get in, the pre–game picture” She says and I nod.
We take a picture and then head out.
When we get to the school I head with Kylie since Daniel needs to go to the boys locker room.
When we arrive at the turf there are posters and pictures of the boys and cheerleaders everywhere.
It’s a special night tonight.
Senior night.
This is the last game of Daniel’s high school career. They have to win
this.
Nerves fill my body as I follow Kylie to greet Christine.
“Hey, you look so cute. Good job on Kisses outfit Kylie” Christine say to Kylie.
“Thanks, I’m learning. I picked this out myself except for the shoes” I say laughing and Christine gawks at me.
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“Girls, lets go” The coach says and they run off. I’m left standing by the fence alone.
“There’s the star player” Tom says coming up to me.
“Hey Tom, how are you?” I ask hugging him, he gives me a nervous smile.
“I’m pretty nervous but I know they can pull it off” He says and I nod, agreeing.
“You going out there tonight?” He says and I shake my head.
“Oh god no I-” I begin before coach yells at me.
“Jackson” He says and I jog over to him.
“Hi Coach” I say nervously.
“Daniel wanted me to give this to you. Tonight I want you over by the bench before halftime comes. Daniel’s going to need a pep talk like you. did before. We are counting on you Jackson” He says handing me Daniel‘ s jacket.
“Okay, I can do that” I say and he nods, patting me on the back.
Tom gives me a confusing look and I nervously make my way back to
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him.
“What was that about?” He says and I just stand there, dumbfounded.
“I have so much pressure on me” I say looking up at him.
“Heeeeeellooooo people of Crystal Valley. And welcome to Crystal Valley High Schools senior night” The announcer says over the loud speaker.
“Please welcome Lakeview High School” The announcement says as a bunch of guys run out onto the field.
They settle and soon our boys are called. The cheerleaders are settled and in formation for their first cheer.
They start to cheer and then “And now, for our very own CRYSTAL VALLEY FOOTBALL TEAM” Is said as the boys run out screaming. Daniel and I make eye contact and a small smile spreads across his face.
“Thank you to everyone who came out tonight. I would love to give a special thanks to all the seniors on this team. You’re all irreplaceable in your own ways and next year is going to be a challenge” Coach says, now holding a microphone.
He starts announcing the seniors on the team and their families come out on the field for pictures.
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“Now, we saved Daniel Green, our quarter back for last. Daniel has been the best team captain and quarter back Crystal Valley has seen. We are really going to need to step it up without him. He’s been an extremely valuable asset to this team for the 4 years he’s been on varsity. Not only has he been an amazing player, but he’s an awesome team captain. He always looks out for the other guys and has respect for anyone and everyone. I can speak for myself and the rest of the guys on the team when I say, we are going to miss him” Coach says as Daniel hugs him, a few tears slipping out.
I turn and look at Tara to see her eyes glossy. I embrace her in a hug and she smiles at me.
“Daniel is here today because of his family. He would like his mother Tara, father Jim, sister Kylie, cousin and role model, Tom and his girlfriend Kisses to come out on the field with him” The coach says as
Daniel smiles.
I sit there in shock for a little, the word ‘girlfriend‘ processing through my
head.
“Kisses, let’s go” Tara says and I shake my head. She smiles at me and I shake my head.
We make our way onto the field and go stand next to Daniel. A picture is taken and he whispers in my ear “Had to do it” He kisses my temple and I look at him, confused.
I snap out of it and look at him, “Good luck Dan. Go kick ass out there” I
smile, hugging him and then we walk off the field.
The rest of the players are introduced on each side and the game quickly
starts.
A couple minutes into the game we get a touchdown. They are working for it. Both teams seem to be around the same, skills wise. I think we can
do this.
First half goes by extremely fast. At the last minute I start to head over to the bench.
“Coach, why is she here?” Kurt says rolling his eyes at me.
“Watch the game and mind your business” He snaps at him.
“Okay, Jackson. We are winning but that can change fast. What did you notice out there?” He says and I nod.
“I picked up on the fact that they run the ball more than they like to pass. If we stay tighter on them it should help. Mason also seems to be hesitating out there” I say and he nods.
“Yup, I noticed the same” He says watching the game intently.
The buzzed sounds and soon it’s the end of first half.
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The boys make a huddle and Daniel says some words to them. Then coach talks to them and its my turn.
“I can give better advice than that bitch can”
Kurt says to one of his friends.
Daniel hears it and his eyes close, hard.
I grab his hand and pull him off to the side. “Don’t listen to him Daniel. He’s just trying to get you worked up. Listen, you’re doing great. You really are. But I’m going to need you to trust me on this one. Don’t hesitate as much. You guys are stronger in passing and catching, while the opposing team can run. Keep tight defense on them as best as you can and you got this game in the bag. Do what you think you need to do to win” I say and he nods.
“Got it. I’ve been so nervous this whole game. With this being the last one I want to win it” He says and I nod.
“That’s a hundred percent understandable. Just imagine its you and some friends having fun. Nothing too serious” I say and he nods, shaking him
hands.
“Okay, yeah” He says.
“Green, Jackson” Coach says and we walk back to the team.
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“She is hot though. I can understand why he’s dating her” One of the guys whisper causing me to roll my eyes. Luckily Daniel didn’t hear.
“Now, Jackson and I were talking and we’ve noticed that you guys need to keep tighter defense. They are runners. Which means you need to stop them from running. Now go out there and make me proud” He says and then nod, doing a cheer and running into the field.
Daniel makes sure to do our handshake before he heads out.
I head back to the bleachers, my nerves picking up even more.
If they don’t win I’m going to feel so unbelievably guilty.
We are nearing the end of the game and we have the ball. Right now we are up by a touchdown. They boys are playing so hard but I can tell they are getting tired.
My anxiety starts to pick up and I push it away, focused on the game.
15 seconds left and Lakeview has the ball. They are pretty far but anything can happen in this game.
Tara grabs my hand and I take a deep breath.
The whistle blows and the cheerleaders start doing their defense cheer.
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The quarter back spots the open player at the same time Daniel does. Daniel sprints to him just in time to intercept the pass.
I stand up in anticipation as he runs the ball all the way to the end zone.
The buzzer goes of and the game is over.
The crowd erupts in cheers and I smile.
Daniel hits his chest twice and points at me, I return the gesture.
~Daniel’s P.O.V-
Kisses did it again. She helped us win yet again. What can’t this girl do?
I gesture to her and she gestures back, a huge smile spreading across her
face.
We quickly talk in a huddle until coach lets us go and tells us to be in the locker room in 10.
“Green, make sure Jackson stays here” He says and I nod, running off to
them.
“Congrats man. You won your last game” Tom says patting Daniel on the
back.
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The quarter back spots the open player at the same time Daniel does. Daniel sprints to him just in time to intercept the pass.
I stand up in anticipation as he runs the ball all the way to the end zone.
The buzzer goes of and the game is over.
The crowd erupts in cheers and I smile.
Daniel hits his chest twice and points at me, I return the gesture.
-Daniel’s P.O.V~
Kisses did it again. She helped us win yet again. What can’t this girl do?
I gesture to her and she gestures back, a huge smile spreading across her
face.
We quickly talk in a huddle until coach lets us go and tells us to be in the locker room in 10.
“Green, make sure Jackson stays here” He says and I nod, running off to
them.
“Congrats man. You won your last game” Tom says patting Daniel on the
back.
Charter 21.
“You did it” Kisses says hugging me. I hug her back and smile, “No, we did it. You were as big of a part in that game as I was”
“Hi, Daniel Green? I’m the football coach at UCLA. I had heard amazing things about you and just had to see for myself. That interception was what we would love to see on the team. Expect a call from us” He says. handing me a card.
“Wow, I–I don’t know what to say. Thank you so much” I say stunned. The man nods and walks away as everyone’s gawks at me. “Daniel, this is huge” Kisses says and I nod.
“I’m so proud of you” My mom says crying, pulling me into a hug.
“Daniel, oh my God” Kylie says joining in on the hug.
“I’m happy for you” Dad says joining the hug.
“Get in here Kisses” Jim says causing her to laugh and join the hug.
“Alright guys I gotta go. Kisses, wait outside the locker room? Coach wants to talk to you” I say running off to the locker room.
“Good job boys. I’m proud of all of you. Don’t forget, Team dinner Wednesday. See you all then” He says and I smile, taking off my jersey and throwing it into my bag.
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“She outside?” Coach asks and I nod as he walks outside.
I finish getting ready, taking a super quick shower.
I throw a pair of pants on and my shirt. It’s starting to cold out.
I walk out just in time to see coach finishing talking to Kisses.
“Everything okay?” I ask as her walks away.
“Um yeah, he invited me to some dinner on Wednesday?” She says.
confused.
“Welcome to the team” I say smiling, slinging an arm around her..
“What?” She asks confused.
“You impressed coach. He likes you, you helped us win multiple times. You got invited to the end of the season, team dinner. You are apart of the team” I explain to her and she still looks confused.
“But why?” She asks and I smile.
“Because you’re as good of a player as I am”
“Not really. All I did was give you advice” She says taking my jacket off.
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“In order to be able to do that, you need to know the game. You were basically an assistant coach” I say.
“I mean I guess” She says handing me the jacket.
“You can wear it” I smile putting it back on her shoulders.
“Okay” She says blushing as we walk back to the car.
“Soooo, are you going” I ask, eagerly.
“To the dinner? No, I can’t. I’m not apart of the team” She says laughing, putting her seatbelt on.
“Coach asked you. Come on Kisses. Kylie goes too. Pleaseeee” I whine and she rolls her eyes.
“Maybe” She says and I smile.
“Thank you” I say as we pull out of the school parking lot.
“We are going back to my house” I say turning to her and she shakes her
head.
“Daniel, I want to give you guys a break. You all have had too much. Kisses time” She says laughing.
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“Nah, we need more” I say jokingly.
“You’re full of it Dan” She says laughing her adorable laugh.
“I’m playing my music” She continues, connecting to my radio.
“Good, this music sucks” I say as ‘We R Who We R‘ by Kesha blares through the speakers.
I shake my head laughing at the throwback song as Kisses sings her heart
out.
“Carpool Karaoke” I say and Kisses grabs my phone, opening up the camera pressing record.
We take a different way home so we can listen to more songs.
Wow, I really like this girl.
Like a lot.
