Crimson Catch: Game Time, #1

CHAPTER 1

Collin-

You wanted to see me, Coach? I nervously ask as I enter his office.

Take a seat, Atwood, he says, motioning to the black chair on the other side of his desk. Clasping his hands together, he rests on his elbows. Son, you are aware that with you starting as our quarterback this year that we have a real shot at State? I nod as he continues. Don’t you think this school, hell, this town deserves the chance to host that honor? I nod again. Well, how are we going to manage to do that if I have to bench you for grades? I shrug my shoulders forward. Well, the answer is we won’t. I know a great group moved up to Varsity with you this year and that’s the reason we could be great, but you’re their leader. I know Prescott is the Captain, but mainly because he’s the only senior. He’s a great player, but it’s not the same level of playing. You are calling the plays and taking the snaps, so it’s your job to lead this team. Now, the only teacher that has come to me so far is your Geometry teacher. Any others I should be expecting?

I sigh. Mrs. Jones, my English teacher, I say, looking at my lap.

He nods. All right, here is what we are going to do. He stands up. Prescott! Come in here!

James Prescott sticks his head in the doorway. Yeah, Coach?

You have a player here who needs a tutor for Geometry and English II. I’m counting on you as a leader to help him find one. NOT one to do it for him, one to help him, Coach Fagan says sternly.

James nods. Got it, Coach. I’ll see what I can find.

He points across the desk with two fingers at me. Go get a damn shower, then first thing tomorrow you get up with Prescott and see what he’s figured out.

I stand and nod. Yes, Coach. As I make my way through the crimson and gray locker room, I get several fist bumps from the guys. I really hope James is able to find someone to help. It’d be great if she’s hot.

Standing in the cream colored tile shower, I look around at the random spouts sticking out of the wall and cringe at the mildew growing in the corners. I start scrubbing the day’s practice off of me. My friend, Dallas Kent, steps up to the shower next to me. So what did Coach want?

I sigh. My fucking grades suck in Geometry and English. If I don’t do something about them, he’s gonna have to bench me. So I have to get a tutor.

He barks out a laugh. Man, that sucks. But hey, you could find some little hottie and get her to do it for you. A little tutoring with some extra fun on the side, if you get what I mean.

I shake my head. Yeah, I get it. But Coach is making Prescott find my tutor so he knows I’m not scamming the system.

Dallas turns to me. Dude, that’s fucking harsh.

I put my hand up and turn the other direction. Dude, don’t fucking point your junk at me. I take that second to look around and all of the other spaces are empty. Why did you have to get in the shower right next to me when all the others are open?

He shrugs. I wanted to talk to you.

I finish rinsing off and grab my towel. It couldn’t wait?

He laughs. Man, I just wanted to get close to you all soapy, wet and naked. It’s my dream, you know. I flip him off as I go back out into the dressing room.

Prescott is finishing getting dressed. Slamming his locker, he looks up at me. Get up with me in the a.m. I think I know someone, I just gotta see how persuasive I can be. You have Ag first thing, right?

I nod, grinning. Thanks, man. I hate you’re stuck doing this. I wonder who he has to be persuasive to.

He shrugs. No big deal. Just make me a promise that if I help you with this, you bust your ass to get us to State. I want that once before I graduate. The guy taking the snaps the past three years was a total d-bag. I know when I leave here I’m going into the family business. I want that one moment, okay? He holds his fist out for me to bump.

Okay, man. You got it. I’ll bust my ass, I say, tipping my head before I dry off quickly and snatch my clothes on.

Stepping out of the locker room, I see the group of girls we refer to here as the Queen Bs leaning against the wall. Two girls in the tenth grade with me, Ciara Mitchell, Head B., and Karmen Pope, B. #2, and their new recruit, Karmen’s little sister Addison Pope, freshman. I’ve gone to school with these girls all of my life. In the small town of Everly, Alabama, you pretty much know everyone. We have two schools, an elementary and a high school. I know you’re saying where’s the middle school? The answer is right here at the high school, a yellow line painted on the sidewalks divides middle school and high school. The only reason they didn’t move me up to Varsity last year was because my dad felt like it was smarter for me to develop my skills with the guys who would be with me for the next three years than to move up to a group that was mostly graduating. We’re a pretty young team. Prescott is the only senior and Booker Daffin is the only junior. The rest of us are sophomores, that’s the reason Coach is right, I gotta step up and be a leader. Ciara flashes me a smile and starts walking toward me. Her boobs bounce as she walks, sucking on a lollipop.

So Collin, I pulled your name to be my football buddy. She touches my shoulder and leans in, where I have a clear shot down her shirt revealing a hot pink lacey bra as she licks and sucks on that damn sucker. So I was just wondering, what kind of candy do you like? Fuck, I’m starting to get hard right here in the damn hallway. It’s not like I don’t know how to act around girls. Hell, it’s not like I’m even a virgin, I got blown this morning before first period, but her perfume, that mouth and those titties do something to my dick. I’m a red-blooded American male, so sue me.

I give her a grin. I pretty much like anything sweet.

Hmm. How about cupcakes? Do you like icing? she says, licking her bottom lip.

I nod, shoving my free hand in my pocket, hoping to pull my jeans forward a little and give me some relief. Yep.

She reaches up, touching my cheek. All right then, I’ll make sure your goodie bag is ready in the morning, she breathes before sauntering off.

Dayum. This is the life.

CHAPTER 2

Joelle-

Sitting at our dining room table is never really a great occasion. My mom is pissed because James is late coming in from football practice, dad is late coming home from the hardware store we own again (code for at the local bar getting drunk), and my little sister, Janae, has taken it upon herself to dye her almost black hair stripper blonde. So my mom is pissed because not only has she worked a ten hour day managing one of the busiest medical offices in town, now no one is here to eat the meal she stopped off and got. Well, my sister is here, but she sent her to her room and I mean I’m here, but I’m always here. I try to keep all the levels even in this house. I take a bite of the piece of chicken on my plate. Thanks, Mom. This is really good.

She tries to smile at me. Thanks, sweetie. How was band practice today? You guys gonna be ready for the first half-time show?

I nod. Great. It was hot, but I think we’ll do awesome. How could I tell her that my practice is later tonight? She doesn’t even know that I go and come on Monday nights. I can’t complain that my back is killing me from toting the large instrument and my arms are about to fall off from the endless cadence and drumline drills during class today. She asked me to pick a more feminine instrument if I was determined to be in the band when I started in the sixth grade, but I love the drums.

Well that’s good, sweetie, she says, biting a piece of the biscuit.

There’s an awkward silence between us. It’s no secret in this house that I’m the odd man out. I’m somewhat of a geek, I play in the band and I tend to like being by myself. The weird part is that gives me an edge. I have a secret life that no one in my family or small town know about. Well, my friend Clementine knows, but she’s the only one.

My brother follows in the steps of my father. The only difference - my father was a great football player. My brother is an above average football player. But the rest is the same, a different girl every weekend and average grades. Yeah, the well isn’t very deep there.

My sister follows in the patterns of my mom. The girl that pushes her parent’s boundaries, is a decent student and a cheerleader. Although she’s still in middle school, I see her life going a lot like my mom’s. Find a guy in this small town, get a two year degree from the junior college and raise kids while he slowly resents the life she’s thrust upon him, and while she secretly hates him.

The sound of the door from the garage opening pulls me from my miserable thoughts. James comes jogging in, freshly showered. Hey, Mom! Sorry, I had to stay after with Coach and talk to a player.

She smiles at him with all the pride in her face. It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re the captain, you have a job to do. Come on, you’ve got to be starving. I’ll fix you a plate. Yep, he’s gotta job to do. There’s your atta boy.

James parks himself in one of the ladder-back chairs at the rustic farm table in our small dining room. She hands him a plate that’s over filled. Thanks, Mom! he says, smiling with way too many teeth.

I look down at my plate which I fixed. I should forget seconds, I guess.

James laughs. Mom, this is way too much food.

Baby, you’re burning tons of calories playing football. You need to eat. She motions to his plate.

Did you leave some for everyone else? he asks with a small laugh.

She sighs. Whenever your father shows up, there’s some left for him. Janae will bitch about anything I do anyway so she can fix something for herself.

Mom gets up from the table and goes to the other room. James looks at me with a questioning glance. I speak softly, "Janae came home with stripper blonde hair. Mom is not happy. Dad’s down at the bar...nuff said."

Oh wow, Janae is an idiot. He snorts as he starts shoveling food in his mouth. I’m not even positive that he’s chewing. It’s kinda gross. My brother might be a little more spoiled than me, but he’s still my big brother. Oh, he says, smiling at me with a mouth full. I need a favor.

I sigh, sitting back in my chair. What now? Everyone fucking owes me one. I’m not the one who ever needs favors. My brother and his damn charming smile. He has this Zac Efron look about him that generally gets him whatever he wants.

Okay, the reason I was late coming home today was because of Collin Atwood, he says quietly.

I whisper back. What, do you need me to keep it a secret that you’re gay or something? Pass him a note during study hall? Help you break the news to Dad?

He rolls his dark green eyes. He needs a tutor in English and Geometry. I was tasked with finding him someone who would help him, not do it for him. You’re one of the smartest people I know, so you can teach him. I just know it. Also, someone who won’t be...a distraction, he says matter of fact like. Come on, sis, you’d be doing me a solid. I’ll owe you one.

I do have a life, you know, I blurt out. He rolls his eyes. Why don’t you just have one of the Bs or maybe those dumb chicks that give him morning blow jobs help out?

He shakes his head, getting irritated. Didn’t you hear what I said? Someone who’ll teach him and not be a distraction. Those girls are distractions. It’s nice that my brother thinks so highly of me though. Insert sarcasm. He basically just told me I’m a super brain, but homely enough that he won’t have to worry about his little quarterback falling for me.

Fuck, I can’t deal with my brother right now. I stand up, taking my plate to the sink and sigh. Fine. Have him find me tomorrow so we can set up some kind of schedule or something. I’ll just add this favor to the list. Favor number 48,963. One day maybe I’ll have enough favor credits I can knock off a bunch of banks or kill someone and he’ll have to take the wrap for me. I’ve gotta get going to my practice.

He doesn’t say anything though, he just continues scarfing food while I go outside to wait for Clementine to pick me up.

CHAPTER 3

Collin-

"So here’s your buddy bag. There are lots of goodies in there and maybe a couple of coupons for some fun stuff," she whispers huskily.

I peak into the bag, seeing one I wanna cash in. Hmm. I thought I was supposed to get this on Fridays. Maybe we can cash in one of those right now, I say, leaning into her ear. As I pull back, she nods eagerly. Taking her hand, I pull her to a stairwell that goes out to our band room. No one ever uses it anymore. Before I have time to say anything, she’s working my belt loose, unbuttoning and unzipping my pants. She’s on her knees with me in her mouth before I can think straight.

I lean back against the wall, closing my eyes and just enjoying the feel, when suddenly I hear the door at the bottom of the stairs open, slamming against the bar behind it. I jump. Shit, I say as I snatch Ciara up and stuff myself in my pants.

I look up to see a windblown Joelle Prescott, James’s sister, giving me a sickened stare. She’s wearing a frumpy t-shirt with some local band on it and a baggy pair of jeans. Her dark hair hangs in a loose ponytail at the base of her neck, a few fly away pieces shielding some of her face. We’ve gone to school together our entire lives, but I don’t really know much about her. She’s always been quiet and reserved. Ciara shakes her head and rolls her eyes while wiping the edge of her mouth. Jeez, Joelle, you know how to ruin a good time, don’t you? She makes the motion like she’s shooing her. Go on. This is a grown-up zone. She cocks her head to the side, poking her bottom lip out.

Joelle shifts her backpack on her shoulder and gives us both a look that says ‘fuck you’. Sorry, I wasn’t aware you’d started conducting business in here, Ciara. I thought you pretty much stuck to the dugout, locker room and truck stop. I’ll be sure to add stairwells to that list, she says so matter of fact that it’s funny as she walks away. I start laughing and Ciara gets pissed.

Ugh, she’s such a fucking goodie goodie. How she’s James and Janae’s sister I’ll never understand. She sighs.

Janae, as in her little sister? Isn’t she in like the seventh or eighth grade? I ask, confused.

Yeah, eighth, but she’s a cheerleader so I’ve hung out with her some when we work with the younger kids. She’s way cooler and a lot more fun than Joelle, she says with distain dripping from her mouth when she says Joelle’s name.

I shrug. Well, I need to go anyway. I actually have to meet with her brother. I’ll cash that in later. I tug at the tip of her ponytail.

I make my way to the library and see James sitting at a table talking to someone. He looks pissed, but there is a shelf in the way so I can’t see who he’s talking to. Rounding the corner of the book shelf, I freeze. He’s talking to Joelle. She’s probably telling him what she just walked up on. Fuck. He’s gonna kick my ass. I would kick my ass if I had a sister and she walked in on that.

Before either of them realize I’m there, I hear her say, Why am I always the one stuck doing you favors? I have a bunch of stuff going on. Can’t you just find someone else? She sighs, I do have a life, you know, of my own. It’s not one like yours but it is a life.

No, Jo, you told me you’d do it. Just then they realize I’m there.

James stands up. Hey, Collin. You know my sister, Joelle. She’s gonna be your tutor.

Fucking A.

She rolls her eyes at both of us. She’s trying to tell me she has other things to do, but she’s my little home body so no worries. She can help you out. You two set up a schedule or something and I’ll tell Coach it’s handled.

He walks off before either of us can say a word. I slide into the chair across from her. She gets a spiral mini binder looking thing out. Okay, let’s go over this so we can work out a schedule.

Once she opens it, I can see her calendar. Damn, she has stuff written everywhere. Okay, I know you guys have practice every day until four-thirty. Right?

I nod. Yeah, except-.

She cuts me off, Friday’s. I know, I have games, too. She looks back down, dismissing me. Okay, I have band practice Monday night from six-thirty to eight-thirty. Thursday from four-thirty to seven and I have section practice Wednesday from three to six. On the in between times of those days, I have to work at the hardware store. I also work until James gets out of practice on Tuesdays. She doesn’t sound much like a homebody to me. Just a different life.

So it looks like Tuesday’s gonna be our day then, if you’re free after James and I get finished with practice, I say, assuming.

Yes. Since I’m assuming you’re way too busy on Saturdays, she says,