Sparkling Lights Part 1

Tori's POV

It had been really cute watching Em and Shawn on Agga. I don't know exactly how Shawn asked her to Prom but it was obvious Em had said yes. So after they had taken a lap around the football field Shawn had gotten off the horse, stripped off his armor leaving him in a regular T-Shirt and jeans, and he rode Agga around the football field. He and Em would take turns making the poor horse trot from one side to the other. Or they would feed him sugar cubes that Shawn had bought.

When the bell rang to get back to class we all headed up the steps. Shawn told us he wouldn't be able to show up to class. He would be meeting up for us at the end of the day when we're all ready to head to the hotel for the soccer match. Shawn was suppose to be waiting for a friend that would pick up the trailer that was parked outside and take Agga back to his original owner. It was really sad seeing Shawn split away from the horse. He had surprisingly taken good care of Agga. As we were heading back to class he was taking Agga's saddle off and brushing his back.

"I have a feeling we're going to see Agga again." Cole had said.

To where I had responded, "Yeah maybe...let's just hope it rains over the weekend before Coach notices the hoof prints on the field."

Em was in her own little world. She smelled like barn but she looked like a little girl that had just been given the present of her life. She couldn't control her smile and whenever we'd try to ask her a question she'd either make us repeat it several times because she wasn't paying attention or she'd give us a short answer. She reminded me of Aurora after having visited Prince Phillip.

I barely made it to class as the bell rang signaling us to all take our seats. Before I sat down I went up to my teacher and handed her a note from the office telling her I would be excused in a few minutes. She just told me to sit down and watch. I was ok knowing I wouldn't have to do any work. Although tomorrow I would probably regret having more make up homework that needs completing. I was drowning in homework, essays, and projects. Right now I was simply trying to pass in order to graduate.

My eyes stayed glued to the clock as I watched the seconds tick by. It felt forever until finally the arms were pointing in the right direction. I stood up, grabbed my bag and crutches, and exited the room with a brief nod from my teacher as she silently gave me permission to leave class. I made my way to the bus loop hating how my crutches sounded like atomic bombs each time I took a step in the empty hallway.

"Tori," I heard my name being called from behind me.

I stopped and turned my head over my shoulder to see who it was. Hayden was only a few feet behind me so I figured he just came out of his classroom. His duffle bag swung in his hand while he tried to put his backpack on. I decided to wait for him to catch up and grinned as he got closer. "Hey Hayden."

He walked toward me and when we were side by side we made our way to the bus loop. "Look at you," He chuckled. "All in crutches and what not."

"The what not would probably be crutch burn I get on my side." It was true though. Every night when I change there's a red burning rash where my crutches are constantly rubbing against me. Sometimes I get so agitated with the crutches I throw them on the ground hoping I could break them. But then I realize I need them to move and quickly pick them back up.

"Ow," Hayden frowned. "Well why don't you wrap towels around the crutches?"

I grunted, "I have. The duct tape wore off and one of the towels fell so we just took the other one off too."

"That sucks." We stayed quiet for a second as we passed a teacher that gave us a strange look. When she finally rounded the corner Hayden started walking in front of me backwards to keep his eyes on mine. "So," He wiggled his eyebrows. "Heard you're going to Prom."

"No really?" I faked a gasp. "Now why on earth would I, a senior who's also a girl, not go to Prom?"

Hayden chuckled, "You didn't see the text did you?"

"What text?"

He pulled his phone out of his pocket and switched back so he was walking beside me. "Shawn sent a message to our group chat. The whole team is in this group chat so naturally it takes like half an hour for messages to send. And sometimes they don't fully send."

"What'd Shawn say?" I said with a bit of fear in my voice. That kid is crazy. There's not telling what he'll do or say. I tried looked over Hayden but couldn't focus on the words as I moved. The pit of my stomach turned as he started reading.

Hayden cleared his throat, "I'm quoting this directly: 'Guy's just thought I would let you know that my sis has been asked to Prom. It's a miracle like chocolate bunnies mating with marshmallow bunnies. No one talk to her, dance with her, or try to woo her over at Prom. This isn't medieval times. This is not a ball. There's no such thing as wooing unless you're a frog that makes really loud moaning noises. Please don't make moaning noises unless you're doing something that is causing you to moan. But anyways, if Tori or her date gets too frisky my brothers and I have decided it's ok if you pull them apart. She's underage. Remember that.'"

Hayden was laughing by the end of reading the text that it was hard to understand the last couple of words. I could feel my face heat up but I wasn't sure if it was out of anger or embarrassment. "He didn't really send that to the whole team did he?"

Hayden wiped a tear out of his eye. "He did. I wouldn't be surprised if he sent it to a few of his other friends too."

I started moving faster just so I could hit Shawn with my crutch as soon as I saw him. "I need a paper sack to cover my face."

******************************

"I said I was sorry." Shawn repeated for the hundredth time. He was still rubbing his shoulder from where I hit him with my crutch. Coach got a little mad at me for hitting Shawn. He didn't want me to damage Shawn right before the game. It could effect the way he plays if he has a bruise on his shoulder. I sincerely doubt it would but I quickly calmed down to please Coach.

I took a backseat on the bus as we made our way to the hotel and was listening to some music. Every five minutes Shawn would come back and ask for my forgiveness. I was giving him the silent treatment which he especially did not like. He took a seat beside me and pulled my ear bud out. "Do you ever feel that ear buds are a mind controlling device? Think about it. The government can hack into your cellphones, radiate a code noise thing, and boom! You're mind is hacked. Next thing you know we're mating with pickles."

I stared at him but didn't reply. He put his arms around me and started to fake cry. "Say something Tori. Anything." He started singing. "Say something I'm giving up on you!"

Everyone on the bus turned to look at us with raised eyebrows as Shawn kept singing. "I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you!"

"Shawn," I finally spoke to him after half and hour of silence.

He looked up with hopeful eyes. "She speaks! Yes?"

"Do you remember how mad you were at me the other day for stepping on your purple power ranger? And I bent its arm so now you can't make it hold onto the motorcycle really well?"

"Yeah..."

"That's how mad I am at you right now."

Shawn thought about it for a second. His mouth opened and closed several times like he was about to say something. He got up and walked his way to the front of the bus. He asked the driver for something but I couldn't hear. So I went back to listening music and staring out the window. Any moment like this was relaxing. Just staring at the passing trees unsure where we were headed. Everyone was either talking to the person that was sitting next to them, playing on their phones and listening to music, or taking a nap. Coach was at the front of the bus revising some tactics. Every couple or minutes or so he would look back at us to make sure we hadn't all died.

I felt someone sit next to me and I glanced over to see Shawn with a bag of ice. "The bus driver had an ice bag up there," Shawn grinned looking around the bus. No one had really paid attention to him. They knew he does crazy things anyways so people have learned to just never question Shawn. Him asking for an ice bag isn't odd at all. "Now we have to decide who..."

I smiled softly and pulled my earbuds out. "I don't think it's a good idea on a bus."

"Don't worry." Shawn grinned. "Just watch."

He got up slowly and made his way to Blake's seat. Blake was talking to our goalie. He kept asking about weak points in a goal other than upper corners. There didn't seem much to go by unless you knew the goalie. Shawn turned around to give me a thumbs up. Everyone at the back end of the bus was now watching him as he made his way towards Blake. "Surprise attack!" Shawn yelled while jumping on Blake. Somewhere and somehow in the bundle of it all Shawn managed to stuff the ice bag down Blake's pants.

Blake jumped up yelling curse words back and forth as he tried to get the ice bag out of his pants. Everyone turned to the spectacular of Blake jumping up and down with his hands down his pants. Even Coach started laughing as he was watching what was happening. Blake finally pulled the ice pack out and stared at Shawn. "What the hell Shawn?" He yelled.

Shawn giggled. "I was trying to make Tori not mad at me." He looked towards me. "Did it work?"

Still trying to control my laughter I nodded. "Yeah it worked."

Blake made a move towards Shawn. Shawn raised a finger up, "Hold up." He started miming a wall. "Look," Shawn said putting his hands flat on the air. At least it looked like a realistic fake transparent wall. "There's a glass wall separating us."

Blake stared at our brother like he couldn't believe the amount of stupid that was radiating in front of him. "What?"

"I wonder..." Shawn pulled a bouncy ball out of his pocket at threw it at Blake. It hit him in the forehead. "Nope there's no wall."

Shawn started backing up as Blake started moving forward. Cole intervened by taking a step between them. "Now now," Cole said putting his hands up between them. "Let's just all take a breather."

Blake stopped glaring at Shawn to look at Cole. He then gave a fake grin reaching out for Cole's belt. Blake pulled the hem of Cole's pants away from his body and dropped the ice pack into Cole's pants. Cole didn't have time to react and started jumping up and down exclaiming how cold the ice was. The pack ran down his leg and he tried getting it out by sticking his hands down his pants. Failing miserably, the pack continued down his pant leg causing Cole to shake his leg as he tried getting it out.

"It's like watching the Three Stooges." Sunshine said with a laugh.

I would like to say that it ended there but one by one every person on the bus ended up with the ice bag down their pants. Cole had put it down Shawn's and then Shawn put it down Trent's and it kept moving like that. When they all turned to me, getting ready to put it down my pants, I gave them a cold hard stare that caused every guy on the bus to cringe.

"Yeah I think we better now." Trent said. "Trust me. I tried to get into Tori's pants. It doesn't end well."

They all turned around and headed towards Coach. "You so much as touch me," Coach said without looking up from his papers. "I will run you all over with this bus."

By the end of the ride, the bus driver said we could keep the ice pack.

******************************

The hotel looked more like a high class motel. It wasn't anything special but at least it looked clean. When we all walked in everyone that was there for vacation stared at us with horror. If a group of about twenty guys walked into a hotel tossing an ice bag around like it was a hot potato I would have been terrified too. Just with the thought of not getting any sleep or being surrounded by annoying teenagers would have had me checking out.

Coach went to front desk telling us to hang out around the lobby waiting for him to come with the keys to our rooms. I put my crutches to the side and took a seat on one of the couches. The guys all sat around, some on the floor others on the seats and tables.

"So what's it like living with those three?" Hayden asked.

I glanced at my brothers. They were sitting across from me with small grins on their faces. "Why do I feel like this is a Q&A?"

"Because it is." Trent smirked. "We took it easy on you because you came out of the hospital but we all want to know."

"Have you seen any of them naked?" Sunshine asked with a scrunched up face before quickly adding. "In a non sexual way of course."

"Have they seen you naked?" Another kid on our team asked.

"Whoa whoa whoa," I held my hands up. "Stop right there."

"Yeah you guys." Shawn directed towards the team. "You see me naked all the time. Why would that be a big deal? Some of you join me in the shower."

A random guy that happened to be walking by as Shawn said that gave us all a strange look. Shawn looked up at the man and smiled, "I bet plenty of men have seen you naked too, right sir?"

The guy's eyes widened and he walked away so quickly he almost started running. Cole grabbed Shawn's backpack and pulled out a roll of green duct tape placing a strip on Shawn's lips. "This is why we don't take you out to public." Cole said hastily.

"So," Hayden edged on. "What's it like to live with them?"

I glanced at my brothers who were all listening intently. Shawn was leaning his head to a side, Cole gave me a half smile with one of his eyebrows raised like he was waiting, and Blake was lying back in his spot with his arms crossed waiting for my answer. "Well at first it sucked," I said looking at my team. They were all paying attention like I was a teacher and they were the students listening to the story I was telling. "Actually it didn't suck. It was hell. First, I had to get over the fact that my dad re-married. Then, the whole stepbrothers ordeal. Once my mind wrapped around the fact I was going to have stepbrothers it was ok. Then I told myself I need to wrap my mind around having the Parris Trips as my stepbrothers. That somewhat happened. I hated them though. It didn't help that they were complete jerks. But it was obvious they hated me so much more. Blake said he'd make my life the living hell. Well he kinda did.

"Blake was a rude arrogant asshole. He was the captain while Cole and Shawn were his troop. Even after Cole and Shawn kinda started liking me he didn't. It took me running away from home heart broken and sobbing my eyes out for him to come around. Have you ever made Blake mad? I don't recommend it. He'll make your life impossible. Then Cole. He didn't talk to me much. He liked my little sis Suzie more. He just sorta ignored me and didn't say anything. I just didn't exist. After Shawn started to talk to me more he finally paid attention and started helping me out. But there still wasn't much there. And Shawn...he would prank me. I mean what else would Shawn do? That's what he's good at. When he needed help with math he finally started talking to me and I helped him with Emily so it didn't take as long."

I paused for a second as everyone glanced at my brothers. Blake was looking down at his lap like he didn't want to hear what I was saying. Cole seemed embarrassed and flustered. And Shawn was nodding along because he knew everything was true. They looked torn because they realized they hadn't been all that nice to me in the beginning but I wasn't nice to them either. I tried to get on their nerves sometimes. So it wasn't all of their blame.

"Don't stop," Sunshine said. "Keep going."

I looked back at all the boys. They were intrigued. So I kept going. "Well...like I said. They were a group of bullies. Then again I was part of the problem too. I would try to get on their nerves. Constantly. I was the one that turned their jersey's pink. I'd annoy them to no end. I flipped them at one point just for the heck of it. Until my dad and I made a pact that I would try to get along with them. Of course they didn't know. It was awful living with them. I just wanted to go to college. But I tried. I figured, maybe if I start to be nice to them they'll be nice to me and I won't suffer as much. It was three verses one."

Everyone turned to look at Blake, Cole, and Shawn. They didn't know how to react or maybe they couldn't believe how much they had tormented me. Before anyone could say anything I started up again. "But..." I emphasized strictly making everyone look back at me. Blake and Cole finally looked up like I had given them a string of hope. A smile spread across my lips. "Then I got to know them."

"Come on guys," Coach said coming into our circle. "I got the keys. Everyo-"

The group shushed him. "Hang on Coach we're at the good part." Someone said.

Coach stared at us before rolling his eyes. "It's like I'm surrounded by a bunch of kindergartners." Coach took a seat on the edge of a chair listening in also. "You guys better not be pussies tomorrow."

"We won't now shhh."

"Where was I?" I asked.

"You got to know them." Trent said moving his hands in circles to try and get me to talk faster.

"Right. So I got to know them." I smiled softly trying to rush through the story now that Coach wanted me to finish up. "And even with all the torment. With the bullying. After I found out that Shawn is a nutcase, Cole is calm and collected, and Blake is actually still a pain but is actually soft and overprotective.  I found out that I love them. And I don't know what I would do if they weren't my life right now. And honestly, I can't think of a life without them because it'd be so boring." I held up my hands forming a heart with my fingers. "I love you guys."

The three chuckled and held up their hands in shapes of a heart too. "Love you Tori." They said with their triplet telepathy. Except Shawn who mumbled a bunch of words through the duct tape.

My teammates clapped and laughed. Coach gave a slow clap a small smiling forming on his face. Before anyone else could say anything Coach stood up, "Well that was a lovely story." He said giving one firm clap. "But now I get to pass out your room cards. If you lose this card you don't play in the game tomorrow. I don't feel like going to the front desk at two a.m. because you decided to get ice in the lobby but forgot your card. Understood?"

"Yes Coach." We all shouted together.

"Sweet." He pulled out several small card holders that had names written on them. "We get the third floor. Just because we're all up there doesn't mean the whole floor is to ourselves. So no disturbing other guests..." Coach sighed running his hand down his face to his chin where he held down a little longer. "Who am I kidding? You're all teenage boys. And one teenage girl. Those suckers on the third floor are doomed."

Everyone chuckled. Shawn raised his hand pulling the duct tape off of his mouth. He licked his lips a few times before speaking, "Don't worry Coach. I'll be on my best behavior."

Coach faked a smile. "For some reason that doesn't reassure me. Anyways, I'll have room 302. Everyone remember that number. Write it on your hand if you have to. If anything happens like you get sick, Shawn accidentally kills someone," Coach looked directly at me, "Or you get your period in the middle of night and need things. Room 302."

Half of the boys snickered and the other half coughed awkwardly as they all gave me a look while shaking their heads. I rolled my eyes, "Nice to know you have pads Coach."

"Spunk," Coach said putting his hand over his chest like he was slightly offended. "I'm more of a tampon kind of guy." Coach gave me a chuckle before looking down at his papers, "Besides, some of these guys always need something up their ass in order to take things seriously."

I coughed, "Cake."

Blake coughed back, "Tobi."

Coach ignored us and started calling groups. There were only two room cards for each group of four. Usually the two most responsible were given the cards. "Spunk," Coach walked over to be handing me the two cards. "You get your own room but you have two cards. Make sure none of these testosterone filled guys get a hold of that."

"I won't." I saluted Coach and made my way towards my room.

******************************

When I entered my room for the night I realized there were two beds instead of one. I grinned throwing my crutches to the ground and jumped on my bed. The bed sunk down with my weight and the pillows caved in the shape of my head. I rolled over onto my back and stretched my arms and legs like I was a starfish. It felt weird being at a hotel with my teammates. I know that my school has several field trips. Well most of them are club conventions but I was never really involved. Now I realized it's awesome. Blake had told me that Shawn packed a whole bag of snacks. Cole said we'd order pizza at midnight. The Trips were used to this thing. I wasn't. But now I'm really starting to enjoy it. Even though we haven't done anything yet.

There was a beep at my door telling me someone was coming in. Cole had taken my spare card. He said he didn't want any of the other guys to get it. I love that my brothers are overprotective but they should know by now that I wasn't going to do anything stupid. My brothers walked in and quickly looked at me. Blake raised his eyebrow as he set my duffel bag at the feet of my bed. "What are you doing?" He asked.

"You get a whole room to yourself?" Cole asked looking around jealously clearly written across his face. "Why do you have two beds?"

"Who cares?" Shawn grinned. He threw my backpack onto my stomach causing me to make an oompf sound. He jumped on my other bed, "Tori can I stay with you tonight? Pretty please with a mixed breed of coconut and cherry on top?"

I looked up at him. He was laying on his stomach his arms underneath his pillow as he pulled it up to his face. It looked like he needed a haircut as his hair fell onto his eyes which were closed as he breathed in softly. Shawn looked like a little child that was about to fall asleep for a nap. His face scrunched up as he started to whine, "Please Tori. I don't wanna share my bed with my brothers. Don't make me Tori. They're mean to me and kick me off the bed."

I smiled. "Yeah you can stay."

"Sweet." Shawn grinned kicking his shoes off. "Guess who's getting their own bed tonight?"

Cole smirked his eyebrows knitted together. "We do too. There are two beds in our room also."

"You're just jealous." Shawn added. "Because I have snacks and now you won't get any of my chocolate covered marshmallow topped with pink sprinkled animal crackers."

"Right because I just love those." Blake said sitting down on my bed while rolling his eyes.

"So where are we going tonight?" I asked yawning. "Coach said we're getting dinner, right?"

"Yeah but it's an early dinner." Cole sat on Shawn's bed grabbing the remote to my TV. "He said a Mexican place."

Blake pointed at each of us making it clear, "We're still getting pizza tonight."

******************************

The mariachi band was super loud. I mean I've been to Mexican restaurants before but this place was packed. Even over the commotion everyone was making you could still hear the mariachi singing in Spanish with the trumpets and guitars sounding in the back. We never really went to restaurants anymore. Even when only dad, Suzie, and I were living together we never had time or money to go to restaurants. Then when we moved in with the Trips we all realized dinner was way too expensive because there are six adults and one child. But here, with the whole soccer team, it was even worse. The only good thing was that we got a backroom that was separated from basically everyone else in the restaurant. I wasn't sure if it was so we wouldn't be disturbed or if we wouldn't disturb the other people. Either way, it still took about three tables for all of us to fit.

We aligned the table together in a long strip. Coach sat at the very end of the table shaking his head at us as we all spoke about random things. Our assistant coach was suppose to show up tomorrow which meant Coach was stuck dealing with all of us. Everyone had their own conversation going on. It only seemed to make everything louder. Blake sat at the other end of the table talking to some of his friends. Cole and Shawn broke off from Blake's sides and were sitting around the middle like I was.

We had several waitresses and waiters. They were constantly hovering around us like flies. I felt bad because they hadn't known so many people were coming. They continuously refilled our drinks, kept bringing nachos with salsa, and when our meal finally arrived they balanced several plates in their hands.

I was sitting between Sunshine and Hayden while Trent was right across from me. We were all just talking about random things we could think of. Surprisingly I was very comfortable around these guys. I was a part of this group and they treated me like any other guy. Sunshine had been talking about his girlfriend Ruby, or as everyone calls her, Rue. Trent told us the story when his little sister Macy caught him doing things in his room. Then Hayden gave us the lecture his mother had given him about porn. I was laughing so hard over every story that I couldn't finish a bite of my burrito before I started laughing again.

"So," Trent directed at me as he toke a loud bite out of his taco. "How are you and Mark?"

"I'm surprised you know his name."

Sunshine laughed, "Please everyone knows that kid now. He's friends with the Trips. He was the one that gave Blake the black eye. And now he's dating the Trips sis. Plus it's school."

Hayden leaned towards me whispering, "They asked me a ton of question because they want to be kept up to date. I swear the team is like a giant group of gossip girls except we're hormonal guys."

I laughed before looking back at Trent. "Well if you really want to know, we're good."

"Boooo!" Sunshine yelled throwing a chip at me.

"We want the horny details Tori!" Trent yelled so loudly that more guys surrounding us looked. He turned his gaze back at me and talked in a lower voice. "You get laid yet?"

Sunshine put his hand on my shoulder. "Knowing Tori she would probably cuff him."

Trent gave Sunshine a dead stare while Hayden and I laughed. Trent then put up his index finger pointing at Sunshine's face. "Just letting you know Austin but for a brief second when Tori pulled out the cuffs I thought it was going to be one of those kinky things. But nope." Trent then looked towards me, "If you cuff him make sure you're in one of those sexy officer outfits or something."

"I think it'd be smarter if he was the one to cuff her." Sunshine added.

I put my hands on either side of my head feeling violated and disturbed by the conversation. "So many bad things are running through my head right now."

"Isn't Mark going the army?" Hayden asked chewing on his food. "He's in ROTC with me remember? He always talks about going to the army."

"Alright," Trent said with a mischievous grin. "Hardcore sex whenever he gets back right? That's hot."

Sunshine smirked glancing at me. "You are going to give him your card before he leaves right?"

"Oh man that would suck if she didn't." Trent added. "He would be so whipped if you didn't Tori."

It wasn't like I hadn't been thinking about it. But I sure wasn't going to open up with these guys. If I was going to figure something out I'd figure it out on my own. Or ask for Cole's help but I doubt he'd be willing to help me out with this one. If I were to ask anyone about this situation it would probably be Em or Jodee. I wasn't going to spill about my thoughts at a Mexican restaurant with an all male group.

"I kinda have to agree with them." Hayden said before I could open my mouth.

"Now that majority has a agreed," Sunshine said clapping his hands together like he was getting down for business. "Here's what you have to do in order to really kick it off. Ruby does it to me all the time and it's a major turn on."

I had this insane urge to punch Sunshine and Trent as they tried giving me tips. I groaned cupping my ears with my hands trying to tune them out when they started talking about attire. Then I stared down at Blake who was in the middle of devouring a giant burrito. Man that kid eats a lot. "Cake!" I whined loudly as I stood up causing part of the table to quiet down. Blake looked up at me confused. His mouth was full of burrito and some sauce was dripping from the corner of his mouth. I pointed at Trent and Sunshine. "They say I need to have sex and I'm feeling a lot of peer pressure right now." I started fanning my hands trying to make this as dramatic as possible. "Like I know you sent everyone that text and all but while they're giving me tips on how to give a good BJ and what lingerie I need to buy I realized that I could really use my teddy bear right about now."

Only my brothers knew the code for my teddy bear--Mark. But really I just wanted to stop the conversation that was taking hand I figured that Blake was my best card to play. By the end of my small rant everyone around the table was staring at me. I could be an actress by the way I kept a straight face through it all. It took all my willpower to keep that straight face.

Shawn was the first to break the silence--as always. He giggled while standing up and walking towards me with his backpack in hand. He unzipped it and pulled out his unicorn horn placing it on my head. "You're officially horny."

Blake and Cole stood up. Blake sat me down in my chair by pushing on my shoulders. He and Cole picked up the legs of my chair lifting me in the air. The guys around me snickered as they watched me get carried away from the table. I wasn't sure how Blake and Cole knew where they were going but they knew. I crossed my arms over my chest, "Stupid triplet telepathy."

They set me down between both of them making one of my teammates scoot his chair down. "You're not allowed to have sex till you're eighteen." Cole said. "So no more sex talk."

Blake smirked. "Actually you might as well become a nun."

******************************

When we came back to the hotel Shawn and I had a brilliant idea. We realized that we could easily move the nightstand that sat between our beds away from it's spot. Then Shawn somehow managed to push our beds together forming a giant bed. We were both lying on our backs watching cartoons while eating all the junk food he packed. After our early dinner the boys and I roamed around the hotel. Most of the guys went to the small gym to work out and kill some of the time. Shawn and I wanted to build a fort. So we kept going downstairs to the lobby to grab more sheets and pillows. The guy at the front desk didn't bother to ask what we needed them for but I could tell he was annoyed by all of us.

When it got dark outside everyone retreated into their rooms to do whatever it was they wanted to do. After we pulled our beds together Shawn pulled out some yarn and duct tape from his backpack and started stringing the sheets onto the ceiling of our room. I tried helping but after falling off my bed several times Shawn told me I could simply pass him the duct tape. We agreed that once we got home we'd make a better fort. Once we settled in Shawn pulled out his phone and called Emily.

I watched closely as Shawn lay back smiling up at the sheets as he talked to Em. "So right now Tori and I were flipping through channels and we stopped on a documentary. It was about penguins. They started to say that penguins are very loyal to their mates and stuff. Well then I realized that a penguin just looks like a cuddly animal with a tuxedo. So now I'm wondering if it'd be ok with you if I brought a penguin with us to Prom. You don't even have to worry about dressing him because he's already got a tux! I'm telling you Em, humans got the idea of a tuxedo because they saw penguins and were like, 'Wow that's a cute  and a cuddly animal with an awesome suit and colors.' We humans are awesome. Men have to dress like penguins to Prom and for their weddings. So when we get married I suggest we just go to Antarctica because then we'll have the biggest population of well-dressed creatures anyone has ever had at their wedding."

I couldn't hear what Em said but Shawn didn't answer for a while. He was too busy smiling from cheek to cheek. "I loathe only vital excuses you Em." He said without even flinching. "So so much."

"Aww," I cooed loudly before leaning over to talk to Em even though Shawn was holding the phone. "Em he's a keeper don't let him go."

Shawn pushed my face away and continued his conversation with Em. I took the chance in stealing the remote away from him and switching the channel to Friends. Part of me was listening to the show and the other half was listening to Shawn's conversation. When he finally hung up I turned to look at him, "So?"

Shawn grinned at me with a shrug, "So what? I'm not a rock star but I promise that one day people will idolize me."

I smirked, "Oh yeah? How so?"

"I don't know," Shawn pulled a pen out of his pocket and started chewing on the end. "But one day I'm going to be so famous even the fish under the sea will know my name. They'll be making bubble noises that come out like this, 'Bloop bloop Shawn-ator bloop bloop.'"

"Because everyone knows the noises fish make are bloop-bloop." I chuckled grabbing a chocolate bar that Shawn brought. After unwrapping and breaking off a piece of the chocolate I handed the rest to Shawn. "So are you excited moving in with Em?"

Shawn gave me a dead look. "That's a dumb question. While you're at it why don't you ask me why a phoenix would rather eat a melon than a strawberry? It's the same answer to why a unicorn prefers the rare sparkling pomegranate over the purple orange. I mean come on Tori these are obvious answers."

"Because they like the taste?"

Shawn jumped up so fast I was wondering how it was possible for him to do that. He had to duck down to make sure he wouldn't mess up the sheets that hung around making our fort. He stared at me like I had just offended his entire namesake. "How do I even live with you?!"

I rolled my eyes, "I'm so sorry. I'll make you a milkshake when we get back home. Now lay back and just talk to me with no nonsense."

"But nonsense is my middle name," Shawn pretended to adjust his collar as he sat back down grabbing a bag of chips from his backpack. "I found an apartment next to Em's college. She said she'll move in with me. I'm looking for a job right now. Em is too but she's going to be in school so I don't know. I don't want her to stress over paying bills I'd rather have her study and I'll try to get several jobs to cover for the flat."

I smiled but then a thought went through me. "What are you going to do when your gap year is over?"

Shawn stopped chewing and frowned slightly. "I didn't really think of that...I guess I'll go to school then." He shrugged, "I'll talk to Em about it later. She helps me figure everything out."

I rolled onto my side looking at Shawn intently. I didn't want to tell him how worried I was about him. He seemed so happy about it that I didn't have the willpower to ruin his happiness. "How big is the flat?"

"Not big at all." Shawn sighed. "It's just a giant room. There's a kitchen at one side but the only other room is the bathroom. We'd have the bed, sofa, and TV on one flat. Em's aunt went to go check it out. But Melissa, you know Em's aunt, right?"

I hadn't met Em's aunt but Em talked about her all the time, "Yeah I know who Melissa is."

"Alright well she went to New York to finish some moving business and while she was there she checked out the flat." Shawn smiled, "She said it's tiny. But apparently it has a killer view. And there's a café and candy store right across from us. Also a Buck of Stars. So yeah, I'm definitely going to like it."

I wiggled my eyebrows and elbowed him lightly. "You get to share a bed too."

Shawn grinned giving me a wink. "Not like we haven't already."

I laughed poking his chest, "Have you two done the dirty?"

Shawn frowned like he was thinking, "I don't think we've rolled in mud. Why?"

I rolled my eyes, "You know what I meant."

"No." Shawn turned his head to look at me. "We haven't but we've gotten pretty close to it."

"Rolling in mud you mean?" I joked.

"Of course," Shawn smirked. "What else would the dirty mean?"

We went quiet afterwards. Shawn had sat up Indian style watching the TV and texting on his phone. We were both waiting for Blake and Cole who were getting the pizza. Although I ate a lot at the restaurant I was starving right now. It was almost midnight and after so many hours of no eating I figured I might as well get some sort of food. Coach was really laid back about our rooms. I'd heard from other friends that when they stayed the night at a hotel because of a convention sometimes the teachers would put curfews or even duct tape the doors so no one could sneak out at night. Not Coach. He didn't care. He said as long as we stay out of trouble meaning no drinks or drugs, he'll let us do whatever.

Finally someone knocked on our door. "I'll get it!" Shawn yelled jumping off the bed. He moved so quickly his footing was wrong and he fell on his face. "Ow..."

I chuckled, "You still going to get it?"

"I shan't give up now." Instead of standing up Shawn dragged himself to the door. When he finally made it to the door he gripped the door handle and pulled himself up with it. "I'm a human worm."

Blake and Cole walked in once Shawn opened the door. Blake held two large pizza boxes in his hand and Cole had a box of chicken wings. They both looked at Shawn and I's fortress and stared for several seconds. "Whoa..." Cole said like he was somewhat amazed. "That's awesome."

Blake raised an eyebrow, "You guys built a fort in a hotel?"

"Yeah it's super awesome!" Shawn grabbed one of the pizza's and headed my way. He sat beside me leaving the other bed for Blake and Cole.

My mouth started watering when Shawn opened the box of pizza. It was like a blast of melting cheese and tomato sauce suddenly filled the room. "I'm starving," I said as I grabbed a piece. When I took a bite out of my pizza slice a moan escaped my lips. "Holy crap this pizza is delicious. What took you guys so long?"

Cole took a seat on the bed beside Shawn and I. "Everyone else also ordered pizza so the poor delivery guy couldn't figure out who's pizza was who's."

Blake laughed with a mouthful of food. "It was actually really funny."

"No it wasn't." Cole argued. "He was like sixteen and didn't know what was happening."

Blake continued to laugh, "That's what made it so funny. He started to hyperventilate."

"You're a cruel person." I muttered while shaking my head.

"It's ok Tori." Shawn said casually. "He's king and likes to watch people suffer. He already exiled one of my friends. Marvin the Marshmallow Manatee. Poor guy is now stuck on Blue Licorice Island."

"Marvin had it coming." Blake said grabbing a second slice. Obviously Blake had no idea what Shawn was talking about but it was funny watching him trying to play along.

"Just so you know," Shawn paused as he pulled on a string of cheese that was coming out of the tip of his slice of pizza. When he finally got it to rip he looked towards Blake and Cole. "You're not staying here tonight. Tori and I are having an ultimate house-crumbling over the top awesome party and you two aren't invited."

"Shawn I'm going to go to sleep at one or two." I said.

"Shhh!" Shawn shushed me by grabbing a slice of pizza and stuffing it in my mouth. "They don't need to know that."

Blake rolled his eyes. "Yeah yeah. We'll head back in an hour. Chill out."

"I can't chill out." Shawn said with wide eyes. "If I chill out I'd be a Popsicle."

I rolled my eyes as Blake and Shawn got into a deep discussion about how to freeze people. Shawn started ranting that chill pills would actually cause you to freeze. In the middle of his rant I looked over at Cole. He was eating his pizza quietly as he stared at the TV. The channel had some how switched to a dramatic soap opera. Cole look hypnotized as he watched TV. He was blankly staring at the screen while subconsciously eating his pizza. The only time he'd move is when he'd receive a text.

"Cole?" I called over Blake and Shawn. They hushed over also turning their attention to Cole. "You ok there Cole?" I asked. He turned to look at me his stare still blank. It was the face he usually has when he's deeply studying in his room. "Are you thinking about school?"

Cole looked back at the TV sighing deeply as he took a bite from his slice. "I think I'm in love."

My face scrunched up as I looked at the TV show. "With the pizza or Miss-Maid-Who-Cheated-With-The-Husband there."

"Neither." Cole groaned putting a half eaten slice of pizza down and laying back in bed covering his face with his hands. I didn't understand what was happening. Blake and Shawn stared at Cole for a long time like they were trying to piece a puzzle. I can just imagine the triplet telepathy going through them. Like a yes or no game.

Blake: Is it the TV show?

Cole: No.

Shawn: He loves this fort.

Cole: Yes but no.

Shawn: Drat. I blame the blue pumpkin of Azul Village.

"Oh my nuggets on a fudge stick!" Shawn broke the silence first. Cole looked at him through his fingers. Shawn jumped on the bed on all fours getting some tomato sauce on the bed. "Holy patatas! Am I thinking what you're thinking or is what I'm thinking something totally different then your thinking because if it is our thinking's aren't synchronized?"

"What?" I asked looking over Shawn.

Cole kept his eyes on Shawn and nodded slowly. Shawn screamed so loudly Blake had to pull him into his armpit or he'd disturb people that were sleeping. Shawn kept yelling in Blake's body but the kind of yelling where he'd laugh happily. Blake looked at Cole with wide eyes, "Holy shit."

"What?" I whined hitting Shawn's back like a child. "Tell me."

Shawn pulled his head out of Blake's grip, "You're really smart Tori but you have no sense of love."

Blake looked at Cole, "With your girlfriend?"

Cole glared at Blake, "No with a potato Blake."

"Hey I'm just making sure." Blake said putting his hands up in surrender.

"What is going on?" I nearly yelled.

Cole sat up running his hands through his hair. "I think I'm in love. With Jodee."

A smile crept it's way onto my lips. I had hung out with Jodee after I got out of the hospital. Jodee had brought me cookies as her way of saying, Glad to have you back. She had come over to hang out with Cole but when she and Cole got into a ten minute fight she came to my room and we talked a lot about everything I had missed since I was asleep. Even if we don't talk continuously Cole talks about her all the time. He'd even let me read a few texts they had on their phone. I was amazed of how much language and cap yelling there was. One minute they'd be insulting each other while damning their families and the next there would be heart and kissing emojis with flirty jokes.

"Aww!" I cooed loudly putting my hands on my cheeks. "Cole!"

He sighed deeply ruffling his fingers through his hair. His hand reached towards his arm where his finger started running circles on his wrist, "You can't-you can't tell her. Be-Because I don't know what love feels like and if I'm wrong I'm blaming you three losers."

"Where the hell is this even coming from?" Blake asked putting the crust of his pizza down.

Cole stood up and started pacing. "Well I've been getting feelings and crap but today she called in the morning to wish me a happy six months and-"

"You haven't been dating six months," Shawn said. "Me and Em have been dating six months. Not you."

"Six months since I last drank." Cole said it so casually we barely even realized what he was talking about. "Anyways-"

"Wait," Blake put his hands up. "You went from drinking every weekend to six months without anything?"

We all knew Cole used to have a drinking problem. His tolerance was high, at least from what he's told me. He also told me that one of his fears was to become an alcoholic so six months for him was an awesome achievement. Cole fiddled with his fingers. "I wanted to change habit and I figured I should when Tori moved in. And I was scared Sue was going to see me drunk."

Shawn looked down at a slice of pizza. He rolled it up and held it in front of Cole. "It's a pizza candle. Congratulations. Blow the pepperoni away."

Cole rolled his eyes. "May I continue?"

"Yeah," the three of us said.

Cole took a deep breath and as he spoke he paced. "Well Jodee wished me a happy six months. Then she continued to talk about how much she loves food and hates Dalton--that's my boss. She just started to rant and I mentioned Prom and we started fighting one thing led to another and even though we were yelling I still felt warm inside." He stopped pacing making us realize he was done even though we were all leaning into his words for more. "That's all I got..."

"You loathe only vital excuses her." Shawn was grinning like a maniac. He spread his arms wanting to hug Cole. "Join my club of love."

Cole put his finger up with wide eyes, "I told you I don't know."

Blake raised his eyebrow. "I thought she was moving."

Cole's face dropped. He hung his head down and tucked his tongue in his cheek. "Yeah you're right. I'll just-um...can we just f-forget about this conversation."

Shawn smirked, "No."

Cole glared at Shawn, "Fine. Just don't tell anyone about this, ok?"

"Already forgotten." Blake saluted Cole then grabbed another slice of pizza. He started chewing and raised the volume of the TV changing to ESPN.

I ignored Blake's rudeness as Cole sat back down on the bed. It was obvious it was still bothering him. How couldn't it be? Shawn and I have talked a lot about love. He'd ask me about Mark and I'd ask him about Em. I may be blind to love but I knew how to help out if I could. Cole looked conflicted. His face was scrunched up in concentration and it seemed like you could see the gears in his head working. His finger went back to his wrist where he started rubbing circles again. I never noticed it was a nervous habit. Maybe it was new.

Shawn pulled a white board out of his backpack and grabbed a marker. He wrote: We should talk to him. I gave Shawn my, No dip Sherlock look. But a part of me was wondering why there was a small whiteboard in his backpack.

"Cole-"

"Leave it alone Tori." He answered faster than I imagined.

"We're just trying to help." Shawn added.

"Thanks you guys but really just stop." Cole changed position laying on his stomach. He grabbed a pillow hugging it underneath his chin. "I like her. That's about it. Plus it's not in the cards for us, ok? She's going to New Zealand and I'm going to Boston. I'm just confused. Falling in love is pointless at this point so forget it and let me enjoy the game."

Blake elbowed Cole lightly as Shawn and I sighed in defeat. "Bet you ten bucks the red team will win."

"I'll take that bet." Cole shook Blake's hand. It didn't take a rocket scientist to tell that Cole was still bothered. Giving Shawn one look I knew we were both thinking the same thing. Cole is stupid. I can understand where he's coming from but at the same time I feel like he's just trying to push his feelings back. Shawn and I didn't push it but we both weren't going to let it go.

After finishing our pizza and Cole losing the bet against Blake the two of them made it back to their room. They had to tiptoe back to not cause disturbance for the other guests. Shawn and I kept the TV on as we tried to doze off. I felt like I was camping. With the sheets above my head giving me a fortress it was like I was in a tent. We turned the TV off trying to rest for our game tomorrow. Coach wanted us up by nine thirty so that at ten we could go and practice. The game wouldn't be till the afternoon but he said he wanted all of us to take a nap tomorrow afternoon so we'd be refreshed.

It was hard for me to fall asleep. Not because I was nervous, I mean I wasn't even going to play. I couldn't sleep because of Shawn. He was breathing deeply beside me. His breaths came in through his mouth and every time he sucked in air he'd wheeze. "Shawn you ok?" I asked knowing he hadn't fallen asleep yet.

"Yeah," he grumbled turning his back towards me. "This place just has more mold than a blue hairy pelicans with cheese on their backs."

******************************

Wow, I thought. The stadium was huge. Our school bleachers were pitiful compared to this. I remember we went to state with our football team last year. Obviously the Trips led us to a victory. Everyone comes to state championship whether they like the football or not. I had been late to the game last year and taken a seat at the very end of the stadium so Suzie and I would be able to see but at the time I hadn't noticed how big this stadium was. Or maybe I just didn't remember it being so big. Now I was standing on the field and kept turning around and around staring at the empty seats.

Blake, Cole, and Shawn seemed to be the only one's that weren't amazed. They were used to making it to State. This field was just a replay of all the other games they had here. Everyone else was grinning like an idiot proud that they made it this far. Coach was setting up a few cones and had a bag over his shoulder with all the soccer balls. The guys were all stretching. I took the time to do then stretches my therapist told me to do at home.

After Shawn and I had woke up this morning we quickly got dressed. Coach had told us to wear work out clothes. He didn't want our jerseys getting sweaty. So Shawn wore some basketball pants with an Adidas t-shirt. Afterwards we headed to the lobby where everyone was having breakfast. Shawn, being the guy he is, brought his own cereal because he said he doesn't like the lameness of hotel cereal. We all ate quickly knowing that Coach wanted us ready in a few minutes. Once the guys were done we all lined up to get on the bus.

Now everyone was practicing. It looked like there were stations around the field. The goalie was trying to save penalty shots that a few guys were taking. Then there was a station where the guys were passing the ball back and forth. There was a station for dribbling between cones so you wouldn't lose control of the ball. Coach didn't want to scrimmage. He wanted them to focus without getting them to tired for the game later. It was probably the most laid back practice I had ever seen.

"I'd say you could be the water girl." Coach said standing beside me. I was on the ground stretching to touch my toes. "But you can't carry water with your crutches can you?"

"Sorry Coach," I stood up dusting my pants off before pulling my crutches underneath my arms to balance myself.

"So was it nerve damage?" He asked pointing at my leg.

"That's what we're thinking." I sighed bending my knee. "I can move it just fine but whenever I try standing on it it can't take the weight. And poof, I'm on the ground. It's getting better though. I can add pressure without it totally shaking out of control like it used to."

"That really sucks Spunk."

I sighed, "I know."

Coach told me I'd help coach the team from the sidelines. And give a lot of encouragement just like the other guys that would be benched. It really does suck having the crutches. It makes me feel subconscious about myself. Sometimes if I'm out in public I get strange looks like they're wondering what's wrong with my leg. If I had a cast or some bandages at least they wouldn't stare with their eyebrows furrowed in confusion. It wasn't just the looks though. I feel useless. The only thing I can do with my leg is drive. It's not recommended from my doctors so sometimes I can't even do that. It takes me forever to get up stairs and the crutches don't help. Also I'm out of breath from the lack of exercise I've been doing.

"Parris," Coach yelled getting all of the boys attention along with mine. "Come here."

The three jogged over to Coach and I looking slightly confused. "What's up Coach?" Blake asked.

Coach handed his clipboard to Blake as Cole and Shawn looked at the papers. "I want your usual formation, ok? Blake offense, Cole midfield, and Shawn defense. Understood?"

Blake sighed in relief. "I thought you were going to switch us around. I suck at defense."

"And I'm a terrible offense." Cole added looking at the formation that Coach had drawn.

"Listen," Coach said cupping his hands together. "You three have gotten us very far. Don't screw up today alright? I want your usual work as always. I want you to put a hundred and one percent into the game. Got it?"

"Yes Coach." The three said.

"Good," Coach turned to look at Blake. "You're captain so if you need to call some shots you come to me and tell me, ok? I consider your judgement too Blake."

"Cool," Blake scribbled something on the paper. "Don't worry Coach."

He handed the clipboard back and the three went back to practice. Every few minutes Coach would blow his whistle making everyone change to a different station. He looked down at the clipboard reading what Blake had written. A smirk formed on Coach's face. He turned to clipboard letting me see what Blake wrote: Don't get your panties in a twist. Next to the wording was a play where Blake and Cole cross over making it look like a twist.

I chuckled thinking to myself, I guess we all have a little bit of Shawn in us.

******************************

The locker room was smelly. I mean all locker rooms are smelly but this one was like ten times worse. I think it's because so many different kinds of guys and girls have gone through here. There was a combination of deodorants with perfumes with socks and it was suffocating. Once the guys all got changed into their jersey's Coach let me in for the final game pep talk. The moment he opened the door it was like a wave of odor attacked my poor nose. While Coach talked we could hear the stadium fill up. "Alright guys," Coach said making us all huddle together. After we had gone back to the hotel everyone took a nap in order to rest for the game. Now we were all more pumped than before. "I'm really proud y'all made it here. I'll feel even more proud if you win. It's ok to lose but remember that losing makes you feel low and you're not as motivated to party. And I know how much you all like to party."

"Coach if we win you let us have a party at your place?" Someone said in the circle causing all of us to snicker. A party at our Coach's house? That would lead to disaster but it would probably be awesome too.

"Do I look like I want to have twenty guys at my house? Yeah I think I'd rather break every bone in my body." Coach playfully glared at all of us before continuing. He sighed deeply scratching the back of his head. "For most of you this is your last game. I've been training you since freshman year. Y'all really sucked then but you've gotten better. At least you should have gotten better or you wouldn't be playing here tonight. I'm proud of all of you. Really, I am. My one wish is--for you seniors who aren't going to continue playing after high school--play your fucking heart out. My second wish is please don't tell our principle I said that. I like my job."

Our assistant coach rolled his eyes as we all chuckled. We all looked towards Blake who looked deadly. His arms were crossed over his chest and he held a cold stare whenever he made eye contact with us. Blake meant business tonight and everyone knew it. "Y'all know the rules," Blake said a corner of his lips curving upward. It was the most serious pep talk any of us ever had. Like we were all in the military about to start a mission. "We play to win. Nothing less. This is our last game together boys. Let's make sure we kick ass out there."

"On three," Coach said putting his hand in. We all piled our hands together listening to Coach's countdown. When he finally reached three everyone rose their hands in the air screaming, "Panthers!" Coach, our assistant coach, and I were the last to leave the locker room as all the boys ran out the door onto the field for a final warm up.

"What's the name of the other team?" I asked.

"Spartans." Coach glanced at me. He had a twinkle in his eye like he was excited. He was itching for this game. "Let's send them back home with their heads on their shields, shall we?"

I grinned moving faster to get ahead of him. When I stepped onto the field our team was already warming up. It was war now and we were all preparing for it. About two hours before the game Coach woke us all up telling us to eat a sandwich and pack. Everything was already loaded on the bus so right after the game we'd be heading straight back home. On the bus ride here there was no joking around, no horseplay, no one even spoke. Instead there was concentration. Everyone was staying focused.

I sat down on the bench where Coach would also take a seat. When I looked across from me the bleachers were filling with Spartan fans who were wearing red and taking their seats waiting for the game to start. I turned around to see our half of the stadium. It was filled with our school colors. Blue, black, and white. A smile made its way onto my lips just seeing how much support we'd have. I could see now why my brothers enjoyed playing for the school so much. They didn't want to let this many people down. If we win it gives the school a reason to feel good. That even though we don't all know each other or we all never talk to each other there's something that we could all be proud of.

I scanned through the crowd which kept growing as the minutes passed by. Finally I found dad, Lilly, and Suzie sitting next to each other near the front. Dad was handing Suzie and Conlan a hot dog as they watched Blake, Cole, and Shawn warming up. Beside Lilly was Mary--Mark's mom. Mark had told me that he would be coming and that Conlan wanted to come also. He said that his dad didn't want to cause a lot of trouble with his wheel chair so he stayed home and was going to watch it on TV. I made eye contact with Suzie and started waving at her. She stood up waving at me with both her arms and yelling my name. I laughed giving her a thumbs up.

I heard my name being called from a different direction so I turned around finding Em and Cali cupping their hands together calling my name. When they realized they got my attention they smiled and started waving as I waved back. Em was smiling brightly as she kept cheering. She had the number three written on her cheek in blue face paint and was wearing our school colors. Cali was also smiling but wasn't moving around as much as Em. I watched Mark and Jodee walk down the steps with food and drinks in their hands as they made their way towards Em and Cali. Mark handed each of them whatever it was they ordered. I think Em got nachos and Cali go a small bag of popcorn but it was hard to tell. Jodee then handed everyone a drink as she took a seat beside Cali leaving Mark next to Em. Em pointed me out to Mark who then smiled giving me a wave. I smiled back before turning around to face my teammates.

The Spartans had red jersey's which completely contrasted to our white ones. I took a good look at them having no trouble pointing out the star players. Not because of the way they were practicing but because a lot of people had made posters with their jersey numbers on them. I wondered if it was that easy to point out the Trips. The Spartan coach was already sitting on the blench. His face was hard as stone as he watched his team practicing. On the contrary Coach Walker was strolling through our team giving them last minute advice and trying to calm their nerves. Just like our team the Spartans were focused and concentrated on what they were doing.

"Tori!" Cole yelled from further down the field. I looked over at him and he started moving his hands edging me to come to him. I grabbed my crutches and made my way where he was. He was talking to Blake, Shawn, and Coach. Probably going over the game plan.

"What's up?" I asked joining the small circle they made.

Cole put his arm around my shoulder pulling our heads down like he was afraid someone would hear us. "Watch the other players carefully. Don't watch us, watch them."

I raised an eyebrow looking between Cole to everyone else. "Are the magnificent undefeated Parris Trips nervous?"

"More like cautious." Blake added looking over his shoulder checking out the competition. "I've heard a lot about them."

"Yeah and they've heard a lot about you," Coach added. "Come on you triplets are famous throughout the state."

"This is State championships." Blake said. "They're going to be a challenge."

I nodded along with them understanding the ordeal. "Alright don't worry. I'll watch them carefully and report to Coach." They all nodded at me. "Is there something else I should know?"

"Yeah. We got you something." Shawn had something rolled up on the inside of the band of his pants. He pulled it out handing it to me. I automatically knew it was a jersey. I unrolled the shirt staring at the front. It was our school jersey. I didn't know why they gave me one. I was already wearing my own shirt that read Linean on the back with the number seven. I turned the shirt around a giant smile creeping onto my lips. The name was Parris and the number was four.

"They begged me to make it." Coach muttered like he was slightly annoyed. "Do you know how much it costs to make one customized jersey?"

I ignored Coach and hugged my brothers all together. "Thanks you guys."

I knew they were all smiling. And right now I didn't care if half the school was watching us from the bleachers. It felt awesome. When I pulled back I put the jersey over my original shirt and grinned. At half time I'd get it changed but for now it looked fine. "Yeah just don't legally change your name," Blake said. "Changing your name to Tobi Parris would just be weird."

"Not as much as changing it to Cake." I stuck my tongue out and he returned the gesture.

"Alright the game starts in fifteen minutes," Coach shooed me away barking orders to my brothers. I slowly made my way back to the bench but before I sat down Shawn caught up to me.

"Remember to watch them closely," He said. "More closely than a Gummy Bear Wizard watches over his zoo of Sour Sparkle animal crackers."

I clicked my tongue making an O with my fingers. "You got it Shawnator a.k.a Royal Jester."

Shawn was so happy I called him that he kissed the top of my head. "Have fun being the bench warmer, Gorilla." He started running away to continue practicing but before he was out of earshot he yelled over his shoulder, "A hairy butt like that would be like a seat warmer afterwards."

It's safe to say that the fifteen minutes before the game began were filled with anxiety. I had sat back down on the bench and watched everyone practice but like Cole had told me to do I watched the Spartans. There wasn't much I could pull out of the players knowing this was simply warm ups but specific numbers stood out. At one point the coach on the other team grabbed a few of his players and turned his back to us like we had done to them. I could only imagine what they were talking about. I had even made eye contact with the Coach but there was nothing there. It was like I was staring at a wall.

After the fifteen minutes everyone stood up to the anthem. Then Blake and the captain on the other team went to toss the coin in the middle of the field. I quickly looked behind me to see my school behind us. Even some parents showed up with little children. There was a student section where I recognized almost every face. None of the students were sitting down. I saw a few guys had painted their chests blue with numbers or letters written in black paint. Right across from me the Spartan fans mirrored us. With a student section, parents, posters, even guys with painted chests it looked just like us except in a blood red. I took a deep breath looking over at Coach who was sitting beside me.

The Spartans started out. Two guys at the center of the field were ready to touch the ball. The only thing that was stopping them was the fact that the referee hadn't blown the whistle. The man over the intercom was saying a few words that I wasn't paying attention to. I had completely tuned out the entire stadium. Now I was simply staring at the red team waiting for their move.

The whistle blew. The ball was passed. The game began.

Coach stood up every time we didn't possess the ball. He didn't shout or yell at anyone. He had already given his orders before the game began so he wasn't going to change plan by yelling at the players. Whenever we did have the ball he'd sit back down and mutter that we were doing ok. That he taught his boys well. The moment the other team had the ball Coach would stand back up. I remember when I was little my coach then would yell at us. All the time. This was different. Coach Walker yelled but only when we made obvious and stupid mistakes. My old coach would yell no matter what.

Two different kinds of people, I thought to myself.

I watched the other team. They were good. Really good. But whenever we had the ball it was obvious they struggled to take it away from us just like we did from them. I started biting my knuckles as I watched the Spartans. Cole probably wanted me to find weaknesses or soft spots but they stayed glued to us just like we did to them. "They're just like us Coach," I said.

"No." Coach said shaking his head. There was a tone in his voice like he didn't want to say anything against our team. "We're better."

I glanced over at my other teammates that were substitutes. They were all juniors so I only knew a few of them but most of my friends were playing on the field so I turned back to it. The first twenty minutes of the game were filled with close calls between both teams. Blake kept taking shots but the Spartan's goalie would save them. The Spartans would shoot in hope of getting a goal but none never happened. The worst part was the Spartans playing dirty. I'd never seen so many fouls happen in a game before. Sometimes the Reds would trip over one of my teammates and the referee would let it go. It would cause and outburst in our crowd.

Number eight was one to watch out for. He was a left offender and whenever he got the ball he would sprint to goal. It didn't take long to notice he was the star player. Shawn would run after him--sometimes he'd manage to steal the ball away and other times Eight would shoot to goal and miss. Every team has a star player and most of the time they were famous for making a lot of goals. Blake and Eight were like Ronaldo and Messi.

Not to say that Blake wasn't good with the ball. Every time he got a hold of it he'd pull off some trick and shoot at the goal. Sometimes he'd take shots from fouls in hopes he'd get one in. We were all hoping that one of those shots would eventually go in. I didn't want to think negative but as I kept watching Eight and the Reds I couldn't help but think that they were equally as good as us. It's state championship so obviously it was going to be difficult but something was off. Whenever Blake got the ball I watched the defense and whenever Eight got the ball I watched to see what it was that made him get so close to goal.

Cole interfered in a pass and stole the ball. He hit it lightly to Sunshine who ran up field before passing it to Blake. The Red's defender tried stealing the ball away but Blake pushed with his whole body at the defender. It was like David and Goliath. Red was David and Blake was Goliath. Except this time David lost. Blake basically trucked the poor Spartan to the ground. The referee blew his whistle calling a foul. Blake rose his hands yelling something at the ref because he couldn't believe a foul was called. The Spartan that got trucked was on the ground rolling in a ball holding his stomach. I didn't see where Blake hit him but obviously the wind was knocked out of the kid.

Blake didn't say anything. He locked his jaw and made his way back towards our current side of the field. The ref sat down beside the Red and talked to him quietly. I quickly looked up at the time. There were only ten minutes left in the first half and we hadn't even scored yet. The Spartan's coach called over the Red that got trucked and switched him out for someone else. I put my chin in my hand watching the new kid intently.

While the Red was being taken care of I quickly glanced at our team. Cole was talking to Blake who kept nodding in understanding. I saw Shawn sitting down on the grass with his arms around his head. I tapped on Coach's shoulder, "Look over at Shawn."

Coach followed my gaze and frowned. "Should we switch him out?"

I bit my lip, "He's the best defense you have Coach."

"And the whole game plan would fall apart," Coach sighed running his hands through his hair. "Let's keep it as it is. There isn't a lot of time left anyways."

I nodded and soon enough the game kept going. The last five minutes of the first half were intense. Shawn stole the ball from Eight and quickly passed it to Cole who dribbled it up towards goal. As someone started moving in on Cole he passed it up to Blake. Blake sprinted to goal like a bull to a red flag. Everyone on our half of the stadium was screaming and yelling. Blake shot the ball with all his might--losing his balance in the process. Everyone stood up and screamed, "Goal!"

Coach fist bumped the air and applauded. I was standing cupping my hands around my mouth and hollering like the rest of my benched teammates. Behind me the people on the bleachers were stomping, yelling, and blowing through plastic trumpets. Blake was grinning and clapping his hands over his head as he jogged back to starting position. Teammates would come from behind him and pat his back or give a high five. I glanced over at the Spartans. The coach didn't change position or expression. His face was still as cold as stone but now there seemed to be a small fire in his eyes. Then I glanced at Eight. He was downright pissed. Sometimes he'd glare at their goalie like he couldn't believe he let the ball through.

Our victory was short lived. When the game started back up all the fouls and injuries of the game complied together giving us four minutes of extra time. The Reds used it to their advantage. We fought for the ball like never before. Hayden risked a yellow card by sliding underneath the player in order to get the ball. Sunshine was battling for control over the ball but it was quickly passed to another Red. Cole kept trying to intercept a pass while everyone else was covering a player.

Shawn was covering Eight. But one moment Eight was beside Shawn and the next he was sprinting to goal with the ball. Shawn ran after him and stood side by side with Eight fighting for the ball. In a swift movement Eight elbowed Shawn in the gut causing him to fall down into a ball. Our side of the stadium all stood up calling foul. The ref either didn't see it or didn't care because he kept the play even though Shawn was on the ground.

Our goalie didn't see Eight coming. He thought that a foul was going to be called and was too distracted watching Shawn curl up into a ball. So when Eight shot at goal our goalie had a brief understanding of what was happening. He dove for the ball but missed. The Reds went crazy like we did when we scored.

Coach got up and started pacing while muttering under his breath, "What the hell? What a son of a bitch of a ref."

Blake and Cole ran over to Shawn. My hands were itching as I stared at them. I wanted to be there with them asking if Shawn was alright. Probably walk up to Eight and exchange a few words that would make his own mother feel ashamed of him. I grabbed one of my crutches throwing it on the ground.

I hate being on crutches, I thought to myself as my teeth were grinding together.

When Shawn stood up everyone in the bleachers behind me clapped, whistled, and yelled his name. He gave us a cheeky grin but stared at the ground. He looked disappointed in himself. Like he was blaming himself for the goal but it wasn't his fault. There was only a minute left in the game but they stilled played it. Nothing really happened. Our team just kept passing the ball to each other trying to kill the time.

The whistle blew calling for half time and I grabbed my crutches standing between them and waiting for my brothers to come before descending into the locker room. Coach waited beside me so he could walk behind all his players. Blake and Cole were talking to Shawn who was between the both of them. Blake had his arm around Shawn while talking to him softly. When Shawn came closer I realized something was wrong. He was pale and looked more tired than anyone else. His breathing was hard making him look fragile. In other words: he looked sick.

Coach also seemed to notice because he grabbed a Gatorade bottle and handed it to him. Shawn gave me a reassuring smile like he knew I was worrying over him. "Are you alright?" Coach asked him as we all made our way into the locker room.

Shawn drank the entire bottle of Gatorade before looking at Coach, "Yeah I just think my blood sugar went down."

"Is that even possible?" Blake asked him. "You eat so much sugar I'm pretty sure you pee sugar."

Cole put the back of his hand on Shawn's forehead like he checking for a fever. "You do feel a little hot."

Shawn gave Cole a stupid look. "I don't know Cole. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I just played half a game."

As we walked into the locker room Shawn leaned against the wall and blinked several times. "Give me a second," He said when I put my hand on his shoulder. He started taking deep full breaths while putting his hand on his heart. He chuckled softly, "I must have really played my heart out because it's hard to breathe."

"Don't worry Shawn," Sunshine said. "That guy-"

"Number eight." I interrupted.

"He should have gotten a card." Hayden muttered.

I took a seat on a bench leaving room for Shawn. He sat beside me putting his head on my shoulder and closing his eyes while he took deep breaths. Coach started going over our plan. He knew we were having a hard time against this team. We were all focused but so are the Spartans.

"Alright Trent," Coach said looking at him. "I want you to take offense with Blake-"

I interrupted remembering what I had watched on the field, "Coach when Blake trucked one of the defenders a substitute came into play. But whenever we tried scoring we'd move towards the right when the sub is on our left. He doesn't move around like he's waiting for you to go towards him with the ball. Whenever the Spartans have the ball he stays in place probably just wondering if they're going to pass. He's not as experienced. I mean he's second pick so he's good but not as good. I think the easiest way to score would be moving left before passing to middle."

Coach thought about it for a second before turning to look at Blake and Trent, "You got it?"

They both nodded and Blake gave me a look like he was proud. I returned a small thumbs up before gently rubbing Shawn's back trying to make him feel better. Coach turned towards the midfielders going over a small plan on keeping possession of the ball. Then he turn towards Shawn and I because we were sitting with the group of defenders. As Coach started talking about moving around and having to cover Eight Shawn started shaking his head. He opened his eyes looking up at Coach desperately, "I can't do it Coach. I can't keep up with that kid. I feel like someone just drowned me in a seas of muffins. And not the good kind, I'm talking about stone-hard-been-laying-out-in-the-sun-all-day-and-are-stale type."

Coach looked shocked. Like someone had just slapped him across the face with a fly swatter. He wasn't the only one. Everyone turned to look at Shawn. It wasn't in the Trips rule book to ever say they can't do it. "What do you mean you can't do it?" Coach asked.

Shawn looked disappointed in himself. His shoulders sagged down and his head hung low. "Sorry Coach. If I had a bracelet like the ones on Power Rangers then bam! I'd just suit up and squash Eight with my Megazorg."

In about two seconds everyone in the locker room started yelling and screaming. It was a disaster. They were all asking what they were going to do. That the other team is really good. How they can't make it without Shawn because he's the best defense out there. I started analyzing everything in my head as Shawn bent over and rested his head between his knees. I glanced at Blake and Cole who were talking to each. They had wanted me to watch the other team but right now I had to help us. So I started going over everything.

Shawn can't keep up with Eight because Eight is too fast. Shawn's exhausted and he only played defense. I glanced at the midfielders. Cole was right wing but occasionally he would draw back and help the defense. Then at other times he'd pull up and help forward, sometimes even scoring a goal. And Blake. He's not the fastest on the team but he's the strongest. He mostly sprints because he's a forward. Instead of constant moving and pacing Blake spends most of his time waiting for the opportune moment to strike. But he still needs to show off to the scouts.

I got it, I thought in my head. I looked at Coach who was trying to quiet everyone down. He didn't seem as stressed as I thought he would be. He just seemed angry and annoyed that everyone was yelling at each other like we were at a bar brawl.

"Hey!" I shouted even though no one heard me. I took in a deep breath and screeched like a banshee. "Shut up!"

The team stopped talking and stared at me as a stood up on my crutches. "Coach what's the plan?"

"We're going to have to take a few risks if we're going to win this. I was going to sub for Shawn." Coach raised an eyebrow like he could see the gears in my head working. "Why?"

"Just change my brothers positions."

"What?" The three said.

I rolled my eyes, Triplet telepathy.

I started giving out the plan I had thought in my head. "Shawn's tired and having to deal with the Red's best player. But we know that the worst player right now is a defender because he's inexperienced. So make Shawn forward just for a while. If everyone keeps the ball on the weak side of the field then you have a bigger chance. Second, make Cole defender. He's the fastest of the three. He runs up and down that field more times than anyone. If you want a shot of keeping up with Eight, it's Cole. Last, Blake. He'll take Cole's position. Midfield involves a lot of running but Blake sucks at defense so he's better off as a midfielder. Besides, if he gets the ball it doesn't matter because he's stronger than the rest of the players. He can easily move through or trick out another player. So the only thing left is the play. Once Shawn has possession of the ball he makes it towards goal. If he needs to crossover he crosses to another forward or a mid. Preferably Blake because he needs to show off. But that means that Blake is going have to do extra work. Meaning he's constantly going to be moving."

There was was a silence in the locker room after I finished explaining. The silence lasted a while making me doubt my plan. "You thought of all of that?" One of my teammates asked breaking the silence.

I swallowed nodding slowly. "Looks like you're out of a job Coach." The guy said with a smirk.

Coach stopped looking at me and turned towards my brothers. "Did you get what she said? Because you're doing it."

Blake and Cole grinned at me with glistening eyes like the three of them were proud. I smiled back and was about to say something when Shawn turned to look at me. "I was listening. I really was. But just in case I missed something could you restate what I have to do? There's a small possibility I was thinking about lollipops and why they disappear as we lick them."

******************************

Our half of the stadium was screaming it's lungs out. Cole was running beside Eight. They looked like they was playing footsies with each other the way they were battling over the ball. They both looked agitated but Cole made his move first. He slid on the grass tripping over the player while keeping the ball between his foot and shin. The Spartan side of the stadium went into an uproar. Kids shouting out foul and calling the ref blind.

It's not a foul, I muttered in my head.

Cole quickly stood up after sliding and passed the ball to Blake who was waiting in position. He started running up the field causing our school to start chanting. Blake was panting from the constant moving up and down the field but now that he had the ball it looked like he had renewed energy. A Red made his way towards Blake but he quickly tricked his way around the Red and moved up to Shawn.

Shawn hadn't been doing a lot. He would occasionally get the ball and pass but he looked way to exhausted to do anything else. Blake passed him the ball quickly running towards mid-field to get into position. Coach and I stood up realizing our play was going to plan at this very moment. The weak link to the Reds made his way towards Shawn who was advancing to goal. At the last second Shawn passed the ball to Blake.

Blake touched the ball with one foot. And with the other foot he shot towards goal. The goalie who had been watching Shawn instead of Blake made a move towards the ball but missed. Letting the ball whoosh in the net. The Panthers all yelled in union as they screamed, "Goal!"

Blake ran to Shawn and picked him up celebrating the goal. I was cheering along with the rest of the Panthers behind me. Our team ran over to Blake and Shawn congratulating the goal. I tried ignoring all the noise that echoed through the field but it was all too intense. Coach was grinning as he slowly clapping his hands while everyone else looked like they were on steroids. Our classmates started to chant, stomping their feet on the floor and clapping their hands.

Shawn ran towards Coach once Blake had set him down. He put his hands on his knees, "Coach. Now could you take me out?"

Coach grinned looking up at the time. He nodded and Shawn grabbed the orange vest, high-fiving the sub to go out into the game. "You, ok?" I asked.

"Fine." His face was pale and sweat trickled down his face, neck, and back. He grabbed the Gatorade and chugged down the entire bottle. "Wow I needed that." He grinned laying his hands behind him as he watched the game.

"Beautiful assist Shawn." I said to him.

He smiled even more, "Of course. I'm Shawn freaking Parris."

******************************

The guys would not stop stomping their feet on the bus. Coach held the trophy at the front of the bus making sure we could all see it while we cheered and sang. After Blake's goal the score didn't change. When the Reds noticed there were only five minutes left in the game a lot of them started getting up and leaving in shame. They obviously didn't want to see us steal the trophy. So when the ref ended the game we were ecstatic. We all ran to the field to meet with the players--except for me in which case I slowly and painfully made my way to Cole who was jumping up and down hollering like a banshee. We had pictures made, people came down and congratulate us, and Blake was taken away by two men that discussed his future with him. Friends weren't allowed to come to the field but family was. Suzie rode on Cole's shoulders while Shawn pulled out his samurai sword from his duffel bag and I used a crutch as my own weapon as we battled each other in victory.

Coach was presented the trophy--he let all of us hold it. By the time we all boarded the bus the sun was still in the sky. Dad had offered us a ride home but then we all agreed to ride the bus because we knew it would be like a party. Someone had brought their Bluetooth stereo but it ran out of battery after a few songs. So the whole bus simply decided to be the stereo.

I clapped along with my teammates as Cole stood up to sing a verse, "Buddy you're a boy make a big noise. Playin' in the street gonna be a big man some day. You got mud on yo' face. You big disgrace. Kickin' your can all over the place. Singin'."

The whole bus started to chorus, "We will we will rock you!"

Cole pointed to another teammate who stood up and sang the next verse. Sometimes when know one knew the lines they'd just make them up to go along with the tune. "Alright alright," Coach stood up trying to quiet us down after we finished the song. He finally managed to get us to shut up and grinned. "Congratulations Panthers."

We cheered even more causing Coach to start shushing us again. "I'm proud of you all," he added grinning. "And just thought you'd like to know that I'll be 'hosting' your Prom this year. So please if you want to do things with your girl find a room." He turned to look at Blake, "You want to add something Captain?"

Blake sat up against  the wall of the bus to look at us. He was smiling as he scanned his eyes around the bus making sure to look at everyone of us. There was something behind his eyes. And I think everyone knew what it was: Pride.

He shrugged, "I'll remember you all when I become famous."

******************************

By the time we arrived back to the school all of us were exhausted. It was like a party bus except it was a school bus that sounded like a party. So naturally we were all tired. The best moment though was when we arrived back to the school and all our friends and family were there waiting for us. After the game we had stopped to get something to eat therefore everyone else had a head start beating us to the school. Cars were lining up the bus loop and classmates were talking to each other. The people waiting for us mainly consisted of parents, loved ones, and close friends.

Shawn stuck his head out the window of the bus and started waving like he was a celebrity. "This is better than frozen chocolate covered strawberries!" He yelled while cheering with the greeting crowd.

Everyone on his side of the bus stuck their heads out like he did and yelled also. I stayed seated laughing softly as I watched all the boys fight to get their head out the window. When we parked getting ready to get off Coach stood up holding the trophy and grinned, "Y'all go have fun."

He stepped off the bus first as we all got our bags ready. Slowly everyone got off the bus quickly rushing to their friends and family. I looked out the window seeing Sunshine run over picking a girl up into a hug before putting her down and kissing her. He was then patted on the back by who I assumed was his father. Hayden stopped to ruffle his fingers through my hair before he too stepped off the bus being greeted by his parents. His mom hugged him congratulating him while his dad beamed a smile and kept his hand on Hayden's shoulder. Many more of my teammates walked to their parents and girlfriends like they were the champions of the world. The other one that caught my attention was Trent. He pulled his duffle bag over his shoulder and got off the bus. Trent pushed his way through the crowd until I saw him walk away to the parking lot where he got in his car and drove off.

"Tori," Cole said grabbing my bag. He smiled at me like he was edging me to get off the bus with him. "I got your bag. Let's go."

I looked up at him, Blake, and Shawn. They were all waiting with smiles on their faces. They looked content. So much that I smiled along with them. I grabbed my crutches pulling myself up. As we passed by the bus driver we said our thanks before we stepped off.

There was a small scream before Suzie limped over to us in a small run. She was finally off of her crutches but because she had been on them so long her leg was still trying to get accustomed to her weight. She put her arms around my waist hugging me tightly. "I know you didn't play but good job." She said smiling. I hugged her back holding her close against me.

"So like," Cole said from behind me he put his bag down and spread his arms out. "Do I not get a hug?"

Sue pulled away being taken in Cole's arms as he swung her around in a hug. Suzie giggled kissing Cole on the cheek, "Nice job Cole."

He smiled, "Anything for you princess."

"Hey Sue," Blake said grinning. "We're the champs."

"That means we won." Shawn added. "We won awesomely."

We took a few steps away from the bus to let the driver pull up into a parking spot. I could see dad and Lilly smiling at us. They seemed to patiently be waiting considering they had all night to question us. Some people were staring at them. Mostly classmates that have hung out with the Trips and knew who Lilly was. And some were staring at Sue. Unknowing I had a little sister that they also considered one of their own. But they all seemed to quickly figure it out and no one came up to us or bothered us. They were all too busy congratulating their own.

"Shawn!" Shawn looked up dropping his duffle bag on the floor as Em jumped into his arms. Shawn hugged her tightly picking her feet off the ground. When he set her down he cupped her face and kissed her gently. "Are you ok?" Em said afterwards her hands crunching the shirt on his chest with their foreheads touching.

Shawn smiled, "I'm perfect now."

Em beamed a smile pecking his lips softly. "Are you sure?"

Shawn tightened his arms around Em. "Mhmm. I was just tired."

"You did really good today Coley Woley." Jodee said walking towards Cole. Her arms were crossed and she kept looking around every so often to glare at the guys that were staring. I hadn't realized that no one knew what Cole's girlfriend looked like. Because Jodee doesn't go to our school everyone just took Cole's word on his dating someone. Although I'm pretty sure some of the guys recognize her from the pictures Cole posts on his social media.

"Thanks Jojo." Cole said putting his arm around her shoulder while kissing the side of her head. Jodee interlinked their fingers together while we all walked towards my parents.

"Where's Cali?" Blake asked looking around.

"Her brother came to pick her up." Mark said his hands stuffed into his pockets as he came towards me. He smiled at me and walked by my side. I wished I could hold his hand or put my arm around him but with my crutches I was only limited a few things. Mark looked back towards Blake, "Sorry dude. Her brother has work later and Cali needed to get home."

Blake nodded shrugging slightly as he tried to act like he didn't care. He walked over to hug Lilly before roaming through the crowd to talk to his friends. I glanced up at Mark who was wearing a gray shirt with another cheesy saying.  It was gray and read That's over a mount of bananas. I smiled more to myself than at him. I never realized how many cheesy shirts he had. It was like a habit of his. "Hey are you doing anything later tonight?" Mark asked catching me out of my daze.

"Um," I stuttered glancing over at my brothers who were all occupied by their girlfriends or friends. "We might just celebrate I think. I don't know. We never make plans."

Mark nodded pulling me to the side. He put his hands on the corner of my crutches just under my arm and leaned in slightly. "I wanted to take you somewhere." He whispered like it was a big secret. There was a tremendous smile on his face like he was proud of himself about where he was taking me. It sent a wave of excitement and anticipation through me because now I surely wanted to go.

I smacked my lips once staring off towards a clouds pretending I was thinking to myself. Then I turned my head around quickly to look at my team before facing Mark, "I don't know. I seem to be quiet popular these days. Do I have the time to be with my boyfriend?"

He put his hand on his chest faking hurt, "You certainly had time for me when we were best friends."

I grabbed the end of his shirt crumpling it up in my fist while keeping my balance as I leaned forward into him. "You still are my best friend. Just, you know, with more kissing."

Mark grinned leaning down to put his forehead against mine. "Not that you see me complaining." He pecked my lips once. Almost like he was taunting me the way he left me hanging. Like he knew it wasn't enough but left it there to be settled for later. "Come on," He took a step back waiting for me to start walking beside him. "I already asked your dad. You can spend the night." Mark wiggled his eyebrows making me laugh.

"And what makes you think somethings going to happen?" I questioned with raised eyebrows.

Mark's grin widened and he shrugged like he was saying, I don't know.

I walked up to dad who was talking to Coach. They still recognized each other from the wedding. So now both men were making small talk over current news, soccer, etcetera. When dad saw me he stopped talking to Coach, excused himself, then ran up to me and gave me a hug. "So much enthusiasm." I said laughing when dad put me down. "I didn't even do anything. In case you didn't notice I have crutches."

Dad kissed my head ignoring my last comment, "Not according to Coach. He said you saved the team with your critical thinking skills."

"It's true." Cole said taking his spot behind me. "Without her we'd be done for. Even Coach was too nervous to think."

"Was not." Coach hollered before walking away to talk to a different family.

Lilly gave me a smile, "You may not have played but you sure were the brains, Tori."

Blake walked back over with Suzie on his shoulders. "Can we go for ice cream?" Sue asked smiling.

Everyone chorused their approval except for Mark and I who stood at the side like the outcasts. "Uhm," I stuttered again causing everyone to look at me. "I was gonna go to Mark's house."

"Oh yeah!" Dad said like he just remembered. "Right, you have fun and miss out on the ice cream."

"I object!" Shawn yelled loudly. He elbowed Cole slightly and whispered, "Look I can be a lawyer too. Think Harvard would except a goof ball?"

Cole rolled his eyes as Mark asked. "Object to what?"

"Tori going to your house," Shawn said looking back at us. "There's too much sexual tension."

And just like that ladies and gentlemen...I died.

A blush ran up the back of my neck to my cheeks, and the tips of my ears. I looked down letting my hair cover up my blush but when I glanced over to Mark through the corner of my eyes I saw he was blushing too except he couldn't cover up the pink. I was about to hit Shawn with my crutch. My brothers and their girlfriends started laughing as dad stared at Mark and I. Lilly kept giving Shawn the mom glare.

"It's sad because it's true." I heard Jodee whisper to Cole. I felt like an ashamed child as I hung my head down trying to prevent from everyone seeing how red my face was.

Earth, I prayed. Please swallow me up now.

I wouldn't have cared if it weren't for the fact that my dad was standing right in front of us. To make it worse Suzie blurted out, "Does that mean they want to get down and dirty?"

Everyone seemed to start laughing hysterically. Shawn had to lean his hands on his knees to hold himself up or he'd buckle over. Lilly took a seat on the concrete like she was a hundred and fifty percent done. Tears of laughter started sprouting out from everyone. Even I started to laugh a bit but then I remembered what they were laughing at. I kept praying that the Earth would swallow me into the dirt.

I laughed lightly finally looking up at my dad, "That's hilarious. Can I go now?"

Dad nodded through his laughter, "Go ahead. I already gave Mark my dad pep talk."

We started walking away but barely made it to the parking lot before my brothers caught up to us. Emily and Jodee were still talking to my parents as Suzie stood next to them. She looked unquestionably confused but no one said anything to her. Blake and Cole walked beside Mark as Shawn took my side. "Could you guys please just..." I tried finding words. "Not."

My brothers had their arms crossed and kept on a serious smile. Mark pulled his car keys from his pocket and handed them to me. "It's ok. Just go to the car and turn on the radio."

"I feel like their about to gang up on you." I took the keys reluctantly and made my way to Mark's red truck. Before being out of ear shot I turned around and said, "If you three so much as touch Mark I swear you will wake up in a snake pit."

Shawn gasped loudly, "Monty's cousins!"

"No Shawn," I said. "Not Monty's cousins."

Shawn looked like he had eaten something sour. "Well then boo."

"Don't worry Tori," Cole reassured me.

"He had the Dad talk," Blake said shrugging. "Now he has to have the Brother talk."

I rolled my eyes and turned around heading to the truck. It was so high off the ground I had shove my crutches into the backseat before hauling myself into shotgun. I placed the key in ignition giving it a small turn as the air conditioner turned on. I watched my brothers talking to Mark at the end of the parking lot as I surfed the channels for some music. It finally landed on Top 40 Hits where I decided to stop my search.

Mark finally made his way towards me about ten minutes later. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and walked towards the truck with his chin high like nothing had happened. When he stepped into the truck, before I had time to react or say anything, he said, "Well that was fun."

He re-started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. "What'd they say?" I asked.

"The usual 'Don't hurt her or I'll kill you' bit." He shrugged looking slightly embarrassed, "I mean they're total hypocrites. Less than half of the time they just gave me the basic run down on how they would track me down. But then the next eight minutes of my life was spent on how to move my tongue and fingers and I feel really really violated."

I almost laughed. I bit my tongue to prevent from laughing. "I'm going to assume it was Blake that said this?"

"Mostly," Mark shuddered. "He was about to tell me a story. Thank god I got out of there."

I laughed this time. "So what about my dad."

Mark kept one hand on the steering wheel as his other leaned against his window so he could rest his head on his hand. His posture changed as well as his tone. It went from playful to serious in the snap of a finger. "You really want to hear what happened between your dad and I?"

"Well now I do."

"In full honesty..." Mark sighed deeply looking at me quickly. "I nearly shit my pants."

I bursted out into laughter. Just imagining my father sitting down with Mark to give him a talk made tears start coming to my eyes. Mark and dad have been friends for as long as Mark and I have been friends so it was weird hearing Mark say he was afraid of dad. Mark blushed when I looked at him and took a turn on a road.

"It's not funny Tori." Mark said even though a smile crept onto his lips.

"Yes it is."

"He'd never talked to me so seriously before."

"You were so scared, weren't you?"

"I thought I was going to die." Mark let out a breath. "That's why right now I felt like choking your brother."

"Which one?"

"Shawn." Mark chuckled softly quoting Suzie, "'Get down and dirty.' Where'd she even learn that?"

"No idea." My laughing subsided leaving us in a comfortable silence as the radio played softly. I turned to face the window as I watched the trees swish by as the sun was slowly starting to sink in the horizon. I wanted to ask where we were going. I hadn't the slightest idea even though I knew in which direction and street we were on. I tried thinking of any place that was near but nothing came to mind. And I didn't want to asked because I liked this silence. It was nice. Relaxing. Like the very presence of Mark made everything more calm. So I stayed quiet. So did he.

The one thing he did do however was take my hand. When we reached a long road where I knew there was no where to turn into unless it was a small home or bar, he took my hand in his and ran his finger on the back of my hand. I smiled even though I knew he couldn't see me because I was facing the window.

When my eyelids started feeling heavy I realized just how tired I was. It'd been a long day and it still wasn't over. I had fallen asleep for maybe twenty minutes before I felt the car engine stop. Mark's seat belt clicked telling me he unbuckled. I looked up and saw the mall. For a moment I thought that maybe the mall was closed but when I looked at the time I realized there was still a few hours left before all the stores close. My hands went up to rub the sleep out of my eyes. "What are we doing here?" I yawned.

Mark got out of the car grabbing my crutches from the backseat before opening my door to let me out. He smiled up at me, "You know you cuddle up like a ball when you fall asleep in the car? You sometimes do too when your in bed too."

I stepped out of the truck feeling more refreshed by my small nap. "Well," I said taking the crutches and putting them underneath my arms. "Usually I cuddle up with a pillow or something but in a car all I have is myself. So what are we doing here?"

Mark started walking backwards towards the mall. He kept smiling like he was beckoning me to hurry after him. As we walked through the automatic doors of the mall Mark glanced over to me with the corner of his eyes, "Are you going to start guessing or shall we just wait till we get there?"

I started analyzing which way we were going and what stores I would like to go to. "Addias?"

"No."

"Darn it." I muttered. "Game Stop?"

Mark thought about it for a second, "We should stop there actually. I want to get a new game."

"You already finished the one I gave you?"

He grinned, "In three days."

"So is it Game Stop?"

"No." We maneuvered through the people that were heading back to the parking lot. "It wasn't Game Stop so keep guessing."

We passed by the Abercrombie and Urban Outfitters. "The Disney Store?" I asked.

Mark laughed, "Nope."

"Victoria's Secret?" I was running out of ideas and that had been my last guess.

Mark turned to look at me with an eyebrow raised and a devilish smile. "I didn't know you owned anything from Victoria's Secret."

I rolled my eyes bumping him with my shoulder, "You've seen me in their sports bras all the time. They're the ones that say VSX on them."

Mark thought about it for a second, "The abstract navy blue and green one?"

I nodded, "Yeah. And like three others."

Mark made a face like he was thinking, Wow ok. We kept walking into the mall passing by a pretzel shop that was closing. There weren't as many people as I thought there would be on a Saturday night. Usually this place is packed in the afternoons. I nagged Mark as we walked through the mall. Constantly asking him where we were going and if he could just tell me. He didn't fall for any of it. At one point I think he got lost. We went in a circle before he realized we needed to take a right not a left. Getting lost only reassured me that he might know what store he wants to get to but he has no idea how to get there.

"Please just tell me." I whined.

"We're almost there." He answered. "Just around the corner."

I huffed, "That's what you said three corners ago."

When we rounded the corner my eyes went wide. Mark was right when he said I'd instantly know where he was taking me as soon as I saw it. For some reason it had just never crossed my mind. He grinned staring down at me like he was waiting for me to react. I smiled looking up at him and kissing his cheek. "I told you it would be around this corner." He moved ahead of me calling me to follow him as he entered the Build-A-Bear Workshop. "Come on!"

******************************

"You named him Teddy." Mark said for the hundredth time as we were driving back to his place. "That just seems like such a...basic name."

I was holding Teddy, my new teddy bear, in my lap. He was wearing the army outfit with the cap. Mark wanted to name him G.I. Joe. Or Sam. But if this bear was suppose to represent Mark than I was going to give him the most basic and simple name of all: Teddy. The man who was ringing us up and going through the process of building a bear kept staring at Mark and I like we were mad. So of course when Mark and I got in an argument of what we were naming the bear the guy just slipped into the back waiting for us to finish. The funniest part of it all was walking back through the mall while Mark was carrying Teddy's box. A big guy like Mark with a Build-A-Bear box at one end of his hand just looked too funny.

We stopped by the Gamestop to get the game that Mark wanted. I also scanned a few games in hopes for something interesting that we could play when we got to his house. After buying a few used games we roamed around the mall until the stores started closing. I pretended to be happy when Mark decided to walk by Victoria Secret and saw it was closes. Key word: Pretended. I was actually disappointed but I was never going to admit that aloud.

"Who's teddy bear is this?" I asked Mark looking over at him. "Mine or yours?"

"Sentimentally it's yours." Mark chuckled, "Wallet wise it's mine."

"I said you didn't have to pay for it."

"Consider it an early birthday present from me." Mark glanced over at me and Teddy. He smiled softly before putting his eyes back on the road. "I love his little shoes."

I smiled not about to answer or say anything else. We sat in a comfortable silence as Mark drove back home. With the radio playing in the background I thought of everything that was to come. Prom was my main worry at the moment. I could tell that Mark was excited to go. He smiles whenever I mention going but whenever I think about it I feel bile rising in the back of my throat. Maybe before the accident I would have gone but now I felt subconscious about myself. Mark grins whenever he thinks of the dance making my heart drop as I look down at my useless leg. I wouldn't be able to dance or hardly stand while we're there and I feel like that would be a huge downer for Mark. Or even if he does go and dance, as selfish as I might sound, leaving me sitting at a table drinking punch would leave me feeling...unwanted. A burden that has to literally be carried around.

I had thought of ways to tell him I might not end up going. I could just flat out tell him. Or I could pretend to get sick on the day of Prom and tell him to go have fun. Yeah, I thought to myself. I can get a cold.

In summer?

With my thoughts preoccupied with Prom and how to subtlety tell Mark I might not end up going the car ride seem to pass by quickly. Sooner than later Mark pulled into his driveway and got out of the car grabbing my crutches from the backseat. He quickly came around handing them to me as I took a step out of the car.

"Ah! There she is!" Mr. Bennett shouted as Mark and I walked into his home. Mary and Mike were packing a cooler and some bags while I heard movement upstairs. Mr. Bennett pushed his wheelchair to face Mark and I. "Look Tori," He said. "We're both cripples. I think this is a huge step for us. What do you kids call it these days? Twinning?"

I laughed nodding slightly. "Yeah but therapy is helping."

Mr. Bennett grinned, "Same. I hate it when my therapist asks me how I'm doing though."

"No," I argued. "It's bad when they tell you to work a lot on your upper body strength."

"Yes! Because it's like they expect me to skip leg day!" Mr. Bennett said. We all gave him a strange look which he shrugged off. "Just because I'm missing part of my legs doesn't mean it's all gone. I can still whack Conlan with my thigh. It's quite entertaining."

"Well," I said handing my crutches to Mark and balancing myself between the island counter and the sink. "I can sort of stand on my bad leg. Doctor says I should try and stand every day. Like I'm working out a muscle."

Mr. Bennett grinned, "Let's see it then."

"Now hold up," Mark said looking worried.

"It's alright," I reassured him with a smile. "I've done it at home. Just spot me."

I held my breath as I lowered my bad leg onto the ground as I set my foot flat. Slowly I added my body weight to my leg. For a second I could hold myself up right but afterwards my leg started shaking. My hands were leveling me as I held myself between the two counters and for a short second I picked my good leg off the ground having all my weight onto my bad leg. Then it started to uncontrollably shake letting me know I reached my limit of the day. Mark grabbed my waist as he saw my knee buckle. I was panting slightly like I had just sprinted a lap around the house.

"You ok?" Mark asked giving my waist a small squeeze.

I nodded a smile forming on my face. "Yup. That's the first time I stood on it without the help of my other leg."

Mrs. Bennett smiled at me. Her hair was in a ponytail and she was wearing a hockey jersey. "I'm glad you're getting better Tori." She said closing the cooler. "All Mark's been talking about these last couple of days is how you're getting better."

Mark sighed, "Embarrass me further would you?"

Mrs. Bennett snorted, "Ok. He's been asking me for advice on what to do with Prom. Because he says he doesn't want to take you in that ghastly old truck and I agree with him one hundred percent. It's terr-"

"Hey," Mr. Bennett interrupted. "That ghastly old truck is my third child."

"Well your third child needs to hit puberty soon and turn into a Ferrari or momma is going to throw it out." Mrs. Bennett said sternly.

She and her husband had a small staring contest before Mr. Bennett turned to look at us with a sly grin. "That was really hot," He blurted out causing Mrs. Bennett to blush. "This is why I married your mother." He directed to Mark.

Mark put a hand to his chest as I tried not to laugh. "Wow..." He said. "A small part of me just died out of pure bleh!"

Conlan came rushing down the stairs with his hockey stick in his hands as he set it against the wall. I hadn't noticed how much he had sprouted up. Sure I've seen him since the accident but usually he'd run out to hang out with Sue but now that I was standing up and not lying down on a bed I noticed just how tall he had gotten. He was getting closer to my height which made me feel insanely short even though I knew I was average height. I glanced at Mark analyzing his height then looked back at Conlan. He was probably going to be as tall as his brother.

Sue was so screwed, I thought to myself smiling.

"Dad," Conlan asked him as he grabbed the backpack by the counter and started going through its contents. "Where'd you put my gloves?"

"I hid them in one of your underwear." Mr. Bennett said nonchalantly.

Conlan's eyes went wide. "Why?!"

"I got bored." Mike said chuckling softly. "I thought it'd be funny watching you go through all your underwear while looking for the gloves."

"Dad!" Conlan exasperated. "We're going to be late."

I frowned. "Where are y'all going?"

While Mary had been packing the cooler I had just thought they were headed to lake or pool but now I noticed a small suitcase by the couch and the snacks scattered across the counter. "Conlan has a hockey tournament," Mrs. Bennett answered. "We'll be gone the entire day tomorrow."

Conlan rushed back up the stairs as Mr. Bennett turned towards Mark and I. He pointed his finger at Mark and said in a stern voice, "Behave."

I held in my laughter watching as Mark's face turned red. He looked like he wanted to slam his head through a wall. Conlan rushed back downstairs grabbing all of his things. As everyone got ready to leave Mary started putting everything in the car while Mark and I stood from a far watching them hurrying around like bees in a hive. Every so often whenever they'd pass us by either Mrs. or Mrs. Bennett would tell us about the food or snacks that we could eat as well as the new movies they rented. Other times they'd quickly make small talk with me about the game that happened today and how awesome it was we won. While Mrs. Bennett and Conlan finished putting everything in the car Mr. Bennett rolled over towards Mark and I. "Please don't make a mess," He said before turning around and heading towards the garage. "Oh and Mark I don't know if you have any but there are condoms under my sink cabinet in my room. Use protection have fun, bye!"

With that last note Mr. Bennett closed the door and headed towards his car. Mark bent over the counter putting his forehead against the surface. "I hate him so much sometimes."

"What are you talking about? He's awesome." I laughed. Suddenly I looked around the house realizing Mark and I had it all to ourselves. Even before we were a couple it'd be awesome because it was quiet and we wouldn't get in trouble or scowled at for doing something stupid. "So what's this with Conlan's tournament?"

Mark looked up at me and shrugged, "He has games all day tomorrow and they start up really early. It's in a city about three hours from here so my parents just thought it'd be better to head out today, stay at a hotel, and then come back tomorrow night. They were going to leave in the afternoon but because of the soccer game they decided to leave later."

"Uh huh." I smirked and jumped onto the counter swinging my legs. "You didn't know they were going to leave?"

Mark shrugged moving towards me, "Nope."

He put his hands on my knees making me smile as I tried my best not to move. "So this wasn't planned at all?"

He leaned towards me making butterflies start fluttering in my stomach as I bit my lip. "Not at all."

"And we have the whole house to ourselves?"

A smile tugged at his lips as he got close enough to whisper. "Ourselves."

I clapped my hands loudly between his face and mine causing Mark to jump back slightly. "Awesome!" I jumped off the counter feeling the small glare Mark was sending me for wrecking his moment. I couldn't help it. It's so funny seeing him mad over stupid and cute things. I hopped my way to his pantry looking inside to see if there was anything I could make. I started grabbing random ingredients as I heard Mark go to the garage to grab a few things from his car.

"So what do you want to do?" He asked when he got back. He set down Teddy and my bag on the counter.

"Cupcakes." I grabbed the box of cake mix along with other foods I was planning to eat. "We can watch a movie. Make some popcorn. I can make bean dip so we can eat that while we're gaming."

"Cool," Mark grabbed some of the things in my arms and set them on the counter. He then reached into one of the drawers grabbing a mixing bowl and a tray. "I can do the cupcakes. You go ahead and do the bean dip."

"Alright." We moved around the kitchen never bumping into each other. I would continue going to the fridge and back sometimes stopping in the pantry to grab a few things. Mark started mixing the batter getting a whisk and batting everything inside the bowl. It was entertaining watching him slightly struggle as the batter became thicker. I smirked up at him and taunted him as I turned on the electronic mixer purposely watching as the jealousy fell across his face while a sat on the counter. Occasionally I'd ask him to hand me ingredients from the fridge just so I wouldn't have to move and he'd comply. When Mark placed the cupcakes in the oven he leaned back watching them cook. To break our comfortable silence I looked down at what I was doing and asked, "So you don't want to take me in that ghastly old truck?"

It took him a moment to understand what I meant but once he did his furrowed eyebrows leveled out and a smirk appeared on his face letting me know he understood what I meant. "For Prom?" He asked keeping his hands against the edge of the counter while leaning back against it. He looked down at his shoes with a shrug. "I'll figure something out."

I licked my lips suddenly feeling nervous. I tried leaving small hints hoping he'd catch on without it being too obvious or mean. "You don't have to worry about it..."

"About the truck?" Mark assumed. "Yeah I guess you're right. I mean once I...leave...mom and dad said they'll give the truck to Conlan. Poor sucker is going to have to feel my pain." He chuckled before crossing his arms over his chest. "It's ok though. I don't want to take you in that truck anyways. Would you in any way prefer a Jeep? I have a friend that says he'll let me borrow his as long as I return in the same state and smell."

"The Trips might be renting a limo or party bus." I said ignoring what he told me about the Jeep. I love Jeeps and Mark knows that. But I didn't want him to know how excited it'd make me feel if we went in a Jeep. I wouldn't care if the top was down and my hair was crazy because I love cars without tops. As long as the Jeep had doors I'd be perfectly happy.

"Really?" Mark didn't seem so surprised. He smiled softly. "I figured as much. Your brothers love the party life."

I nodded speaking slowly. "If you want to go with them...and someone else...you totally can."

Mark stepped beside me making me anxious. My heart rate kicked up and kept my head down as I was finishing pressing all the beans together to make the dip. I had my good leg up on the counter with me as I dangled my other. Mark placed his hand on mine making me stop pressing the beans together. He pulled my chin up with his fingers and I looked into those simple green eyes that make my heart flutter every single time. "You don't want to go to Prom." He said without asking. One arm snaked around my waist as he kept his hand on my chin. "Do you not want to go to Prom or do you not want to go to Prom with me?"

I thought about the question. My face scrunching up as I stared down at Mark's chest. "I don't know...maybe a little bit of both."

When I looked up I could see Mark's face faltered slightly. He sighed dropping his hand from my chin but pulling me closer. "Did I do something wrong?"

"What?" I crumpled his shirt in both my fists. "No Mark you didn't do anything. Actually everything you did was perfect."

"We don't have to go." He added quickly like he hadn't heard what I just said. "We could stay here or go to your house or just go get ice cream. I don't care. Whatever you want."

I frowned. "But I want you to go."

"I'm confused." Mark muttered his face scrunching up. "Why would you want me to go and leave you here? That defeats the entire purpose."

I bit my lip and decided to just tell him. I wasn't going to start lying again. Not after everything with my brothers. "I don't want to go because I can't do anything." He didn't say anything so I took it as a cue to continue explaining. "What's the point of me going to Prom if all I can do is sit there and watch? I mean yeah, ok, maybe I would go. But not with you. Because...it looks like you really want to enjoy it. I know we both agreed that Prom is overrated but I also know that you want to go just for the heck of it. To tell your kids that you went to prom. Cool. Well...if I'm your date you won't be able to enjoy any of it. You'll be too nice to actually go and dance with someone else. And I don't want you to sit with me the entire time while I drink punch and we watch everyone else having fun. I don't want that for you. I can't dance Mark. And I don't mean that in a sense that I'm a terrible dancer. I just can't dance. Hell...I can't even walk." I didn't look up at him for a few seconds afraid of what he might think.

When I finally did look up Mark was grinning from ear to ear. He cupped my face between his hands and kissed me gently. He'd kiss me for three seconds before breaking for one and then come back. I don't know how many times he did that but it made me feel warm all the way to my toes. When he finally spoke my lips were buzzing and I kept one arm around his neck hoping for more. "I don't care Tori. I'm not going to Prom for the dancing or the punch or the partying or whatever. I'm going because I want to take you. I don't care if you can't dance. Hell, I don't care if you can't stand. If it comes down to it I'll even bring a bag of board games and cards and we can sit down and play games while everyone stares at us like we're weridos." He made me laugh softly and I wrapped both arms around him putting my head against his chest. "People can stare and point and talk about how weird we are all they want. I don't care as long as I'm with you."

My heart felt heavy. But in the sense that it was full. Like it was a tank and someone just used a hose to pump happiness into it. With Mark's arms around me and my head pressed against his chest I felt nothing but happiness. It's funny how guys usually say they're terrible with girls. How they don't know how to please them or make them happy. Or how they sometimes analyze things incorrectly. Well the way an average guy is with a girl is the way I am with a Mark. I always analyzed everything too carefully and continuously blind myself of what was really happening. I overthink too much but I do it because in my mind it makes sense. Even though Mark thinks differently. God you're so stupid Tori, I thought to myself.

I looked up at Mark kissing his chin lightly. "I love you."

"I love too baby." He smiled back at me and reluctantly let go when he heard the oven beeping letting us know the cupcakes were done. He grabbed the small mits putting one on. "Don't ever think anything so absurd ever again, got it?"

"Promise."

He held up his pinky. "Pinky swear?"

I entwined my pinky with his. "Pinky swear."

After I finished making the bean dip we put it in a small bowl that was surrounded by nacho chips. Mark grabbed the frosting from the fridge and spread it on the cupcakes after they had cooled down. Right before we were about to head upstairs I grabbed my bag quickly putting Teddy inside. Mark balanced a tray of nachos in one hand and a plate full of cupcakes in another. Between my teeth I held two bags of popcorn for when we want to watch the movie.

"Finally." I said after I threw myself onto his bed. Mark set the food onto his desk and smirked at me as I tossed him the bags of popcorn that he placed next to the rest of the food. "It's getting late and we haven't even done anything."

"Well we could have if you hadn't stopped me earlier." He said nonchalantly. I threw a pillow at him that he caught just as it hit his chest. "That's not very nice."

As he set up the TV and remotes I hopped over to his closet where I looked through my personal belongings in search for my pajamas. "They're in the wash." Mark said once he noticed what I was looking for.

"I sincerely believe you planned all of this." I grabbed one of his t-shirts my back facing Mark. It was black and had two snowman on it with a conversation bubble reading, 'You want to build a human?' I smiled bringing the shirt up to my face making me lightheaded with Mark's aroma. "I'm borrowing this shirt." I said as I held it between my legs while I stripped the soccer jersey off. I knew he was staring but I was one hundred percent fine with it. I wasn't wearing anything special. Just a light blue bra that matched my underwear.

"Well see that's just cheating." Mark said sounding breathless. I looked over my shoulder watching him stare down my body.

I laughed returning his stare when he finally looked up at my face. "We're not playing a game." I pulled his shirt over my head. It reached about mid-thigh so I hopped back to Mark's bed where I sat down and kicked my soccer shorts off.

"Not what my hormones are saying." Mark said averting his eyes as he also started stripping his shirt off. He made it into a ball and threw it towards his laundry bag that sat in the corner of his room. It missed and landed beside it. He hissed under his breath in disappointment and I looked away when he glanced at me. No way was I going to let him catch me staring at his body.

"Guys have a one track mind." I said rolling my eyes. Mark grabbed a cupcake from his desk before coming towards me. I bit the inside of my cheek to insure I would look at him from the shoulder up instead of his entire torso. I thought I'd bite a hole through my cheek because it was so damn hard not to look at his body. To distract myself I pulled Teddy out of my bag and hugged him to my chest.

"That's not true." Mark put the cupcake in his mouth as he undid the buckle of his belt. My heart nearly pounded out of my chest and I knew Mark didn't need a heart monitor to tell how fast my heart rate picked up. He gave me a cheeky grin before whipping the belt out of his belt loops with a loud snap!

I jumped slightly from the loud noise before I looked back up at him. I didn't even try to deny it. I bit my lip saying, "That was actually really hot."

He took a huge bite out of the cupcake leaving about a third of it left. "Yeah well," He said through a full mouth of cupcake as he took his jeans off leaving him in a pair of black boxer briefs. "Perks of being me, right?"

I rolled my eyes averting them again to make sure they wouldn't wander as I sat up putting my hair in a messy bun. I grabbed the controller ready to play the game Mark inserted into the console. "So what are we going to play?"

Mark moved towards me climbing into the spot behind me. He sat up against the bed frame pulling me onto his lap as I rested my back on him. "Depends on your mood." He wiggled his eyebrows causing me to laugh.

"You're such a dork." I said as he put the rest of the cupcake in his mouth swallowing it down quickly.

"But I'm your dork." He kissed the back of my neck sending a wave of shivers down my spine. I could feel the frosting from his lips on my skin soon followed by his wet kiss that licked it off. "And don't you ever forget it baby." He added as I chewed on the inside of my cheek while his hands pulled me closer to his body.

I laid my head back on his shoulder while closing my eyes as his arms pulled me in tighter. I wish it would be like this forever. Just sitting here in Mark's arms in the perfect quiet. Like nothing could bother us. The world could be ending right now and we still wouldn't care because all we needed was each other. "Hey Mark," I said between the kisses he kept giving my shoulder and neck. "You're player one could you please click play?"

He laughed softly before clicking start. We played video games until midnight. Then we decided to watch one of the horror movies that Mr. Bennett had chosen to watch with his wife. As we watched the movie  Mark and I finished the cupcakes, bean dip, and popcorn. At one point of the movie I had a jump scare and slammed the cupcake against Mark's face leaving frosting on his cheek, nose, and the corner of his mouth. We both laughed so much that by the time we got back to the movie it was nearly impossible to take it seriously. It was almost three in the morning when we decided to turn the lights off and go to sleep.

It was dark but the moon outside gave off a light that pooled into Mark's room through the blinds. He was lying on top of me. His head tucked under my chin as one of his arms was up my shirt and around my body so he was hugging me towards him. His fingers kept drawing circles on my side while his other arm was limp against the mattress. My fingers kept running through his hair or lightly touching his shoulder while my other hand rested beside his. Sometimes I'd think Mark had fallen asleep until he'd stir slightly sighing out an, "I love you."

Every time he'd do that a smile would appear on my face and my heart would flutter like a butterfly. I felt like a little school girl with an insane crush. Mark would stop drawing circles on my side for a few minutes before picking it back up. Whenever he started again my mind would lose it as chills and warmth swept through me. I was cozy but excited. It gave me a sinking feeling knowing that in a few months Mark would be off to training. And then after that he'd be sent somewhere. So while my mind was thinking about all that my heart kept crying on how much I would miss these moments. How much I couldn't wait to just get them again once we've been apart for so long. "Mark," I whispered quietly as if I were afraid someone would hear me or hear what I was thinking. Mark brought his limp arm up interlocking his fingers with my own.

"Hmm?" He asked lazily drawing circles in my palm in sync with the ones he was drawing on my side.

I kissed the top of his head keeping my cheek against his hair. "You're my best friend Mark."

I could feel him smile. "Forever."

"And no matter what," I sighed. "You'll always come back to me, right?"

Mark didn't react at first but then shifted upwards so his face was right above mine. I couldn't quite see him but I could make out the shadows of his face. His eyes were so close I could see some of the green in them. His arms moved around me so he was holding onto my waist. "You're still scared." He stated it and I hinted some sadness behind his voice.

"How could I not be?" My hands slowly moved up his chest and neck until I cupped his face. He grabbed one of my hands turning his head to kiss my palm. "I'm going to miss you so much." I said searching his eyes as he searched mine.

I hated bringing this topic up again. We always seemed to bring it up but we both knew we had to speak about it or we'd go crazy. Sometimes we'd argue about it too which didn't seem fair because in reality we just wanted what was best for each other. I cannot count how many times I asked Mark why he was going. And each time he gave me the same three reasons: family tradition, lack of money, and determination. The family tradition was self explanatory. He would argue how he would rather go to the army like every man in his family did instead of having Conlan go. That he didn't want Conlan to feel the pressure of possibly having to go just to keep it in the family. It had something to do with tradition and even though some people find it hard and stupid to believe it's a pride that runs hard in their veins along with their blood.

Then there was lack of money. Because of Mr. Bennett's new prosthetics and the fact that their income wasn't very dependable, Mark wanted to go to the army to not only serve but to later receive an education. That is if he doesn't go career. He'd talked to me about it and even looked into some colleges but he knew he wasn't smart enough to get a full ride into the colleges he likes and even if he did have a job he still wouldn't be able to pay for everything. Although there's financial aid and student loans, he decided that it wasn't just about his family pride but also because he wants his parents to save up more for Conlan. But finally he spoke of his determination.

I think that's when I realized he really wants to go. When he sat down and told me how determined he was on fighting for his country I realized he really really wants to do this. He looked up at me and told me about superheros. He talked to me like I was a little kid but at the same time he talked like he was in love with the idea. He told me stories about watching superhero movies and believing that one day he could be like Superman or Iron Man. But that those hero's seemed like nothing compared to his dad. Whenever Mike would come home Mark said he felt deep pride in him because whenever his dad would lift him up or hug him close he felt like he was being held by a superhero. Whenever he told people that his father was in the army they'd smile and although they knew it was tough they would give him respect. And that's exactly how he wanted people to look at him. Not like someone that's going because he can't afford school. Not someone who didn't get good enough grades to get into a college. And definitely not someone that's going because he feels pressured and forced to. But someone that's going because he wants to make a difference. Whether it's for his country or loved ones back home. That's what he wanted to do.

I hated bringing this topic up continuously. But I couldn't help it. We had been quiet for a couple minutes before Mark kissed my cheek. "You're mine forever Tori," Mark said smiling softly. "That is if you'll have me?"

I ignored the warm feeling and snorted, "That's a stupid question. Of course I'll have you."

Mark leaned forward kissing my lips gently like he was afraid I was going to break underneath him. He put his forehead against mine closing his eyes and sighing softly. "Can I tell you something?"

I closed my own eyes feeling his hot skin against mine were my shirt had rode up. Nodding slightly I answered, "Anything."

"Even if one day you do decide to leave me," Mark said swallowing hard and licking his lips. "I'd still be happy knowing I had you for whatever time I did. Just knowing that...even if it was a short or long time...having you was the best thing to ever happen to me. I'm yours forever, Tori. Even if you're not mine."

I bit my lip smiling like a maniac. Mark opened his eyes to look down at me. There was no way I was ever going to leave my teddy bear whether it was now or in eighty years. Not only is Mark my boyfriend but best friend. A friendship that was formed over so many years that I hope we can keep up. And god I love him for that. For always being there for me and hugging me close. Kissing me like I'm the best and only thing in the world. Making me feel like I'm a little school girl with an insane crush. He's the crazy one for even thinking I'd ever leave him for someone else. Someone that doesn't have the same bond as Mark and I.

"It's you and me," I said quoting the words I heard Mark once say. "And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you." Mark stared at me at loss of words. He searched through my eyes as if wondering how I could possibly remember those lyrics that he sang to me. Whenever he tried to say something he'd simply close his mouth like he couldn't figure out what to say exactly.

I pulled him down to me kissing him with every emotion that was racking through my body like a bull getting ready to throw his rider off. Mark responded quickly kissing me back with the same intensity. But I was desperate. So very desperate to show him everything through a small kiss. My fingers tangled into his hair while my other arm was secured around his neck to keep his lips on mine. I could feel Mark moving his hands up my sides causing a river of chills to run through me along with a wave of heat that swept through my whole body. He tugged at my lip before he looked down at me as my back arched up towards his body while he took the T-Shirt off.

The corner of his lip curled up as he reached over to his nightstand and turned his lamp on. We were both panting slightly and I didn't flinch--not even move--when I noticed Mark looking down at my body. I could feel my neck burning with both anticipation and embarrassment. However it was quickly replaced with Mark's wet kisses down the back of my ear to my shoulder. His hands grabbed my legs putting them around his waist as he situated between them. "I'm not missing a single thing." He muttered against my skin through his kisses. "God Tori you're everything."

"I love you." I said in a shaky breath. It was all I could say. Everything was driving me crazy at this point. Mark rolled his hips against mine and I became lightheaded nearly losing every piece common sense I ever had. A deep moan left my mouth without me ever noticing it had formed until it finally escaped. It came from the back of my throat and never in a million years had I thought something like that could ever happen. Not even when I tried the rainbow cupcakes Coach made for Shawn which by the way tasted heavenly. But this was so much better. Like there were a whole stack of sparklers in me and someone was lighting them on fire. Everything seemed to be igniting.

"Tori." Mark said looking up at me a grin spreading across his face. He put his forehead on mine as our breaths mixed together. "You're everything to me Tori. Everything. You're the breeze to my summer. The color to my fall. The snow to my winter. And that to me is worth fighting for."

He entwined our fingers together before setting my hands on either side of my head leaving me completely breathless. I just wanted to be here all day. Kissing him over and over and loving him to no end. He lent down giving me a quick kiss on the lips like he was taunting me. I bit my lip looking to my side as I felt him start kissing down my body. I tried to calm my breathing but failed miserably. I tried to keep my thoughts straight but they'd get jumbled up and turn to scribbles as Mark kissed lower. And I tried to speak but no words left my mouth as I enjoyed. There weren't just sparklers now--it felt like full blown firecrackers were going off.

"Mark?" I asked finally finding my words causing him to look up at me. When I looked into his eyes my heart melted completely. They were so warm and inviting but also excited and lustful. All I wanted to do was stare into his green eyes forever. I gave him a smile saying, "I don't ever want you to be afraid of losing me. Because I'm yours forever. Like you're mine forever."

He smiled back squeezing my hands slightly. "Pinky swear?"

I almost laughed but held it in as a beamed at him. "Pinky swear."

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Alright y'all this was part one. So continue on to part 2 :) I decided to split this chapter in half because it was really long. Technically Sparkling Lights was meant to be one chapter but like I said, it was too long. It was like 46,000 thousand words so I tried splitting it down the middle.

I hope y'all liked part one though and please comment on what you think. It really does bring a smile to my face :)

I love you guys so much and enjoy the next part

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