Chapter 11

I'm sitting in Professor Hopkins"s American History class, but my attention is barely on his lecture. My mind is cluttered with thoughts about long hours of practice, my classes, and, of course, Shorty, who has been on my mind non-stop lately. Coach has been on my ass for the past few weeks, telling me to be more focused and less sloppy on the field. But with the constant fatigue weighing me down, staying on top of everything is hard. And now, with Sadie being sick, I can't help but feel like I am about to strike out. Even though she keeps assuring me that she is fine, a part of me is convinced that the ball is about to drop at any moment.

And I'm really getting tired of hearing the word fine coming out of her mouth.

I can"t help but feel like baseball, a sport I have loved since my T-ball days, is slipping away from me. Being a soon-to-be father while trying to navigate college has made it difficult to focus on anything else, and sometimes I feel shitty for having those thoughts. I groan internally and slowly stretch my neck from side to side, trying to release the knots that have formed in my muscles.

Professor Hopkins"s voice pulls me back to reality. "Now, before we conclude today"s class, I want to assign a writing task for next week. I would like you to analyze the causes and consequences of the American Civil War, focusing on the economic, political, and social factors that contributed to the conflict. Your papers should be a minimum of 1000 words and should include proper citations. You have a week to prepare and submit your work. Check out the course page for suggested readings to get started. That"s all for today."

I am packing up my belongings and about to leave class when a gentle and melodious voice reaches my ears.

"Hi, Donnie," Eva says.

I turn to see Eva standing there with a warm smile. "Are you doing okay?"

When we were kids, Eva was always able to tell when something was troubling me, and it looks like that hasn't changed.

I manage to smile in response.

I step aside to let a group of people pass before responding. "Hey, Eva. Yeah, I"m alright."

Her backpack is slung over her shoulder, and she holds her books tightly. "I wanted to invite you to a party this weekend."

My initial instinct is to decline due to classes, but I also feel guilty, like I am cheating on Shorty just by talking to her. My phone buzzes with a text from Shorty, snapping me out of my hesitation.

Eva seizes the opportunity, her tone becoming more persuasive. "Come on, Donnie." She places her hand on my arm. "You"re in college. One night is not the end of the world. Remember how much fun we had growing up together?"

A wave of nostalgia hits me, and I find myself nodding along. Eva and I were inseparable friends during childhood, always getting into mischief and laughing until our stomachs hurt. It was nothing like what I felt with Shorty, but somehow, Eva filled that void I"d had for so long. The memories of those carefree days are so tempting I can't help but feel drawn to her invitation. But still, the weight of my responsibilities weighs heavily on my mind.

"I appreciate the offer, Eva. Maybe next time," I tell her as I walk out of the classroom. Despite my response, Eva follows me out.

"Donnie, you need to loosen up and have some fun," she says gently, moving closer to me. She places her hand on my chest. I take a step back, uncomfortable with her touch. I am relieved when I hear my brother"s voice.

"Yo, D!" I look over Eva"s shoulder to see Ash heading in my direction with Ty in tow.

I tip my chin up. "What"s up?"

"You ready for lunch?" he asks.

Before I can respond, Ty leans in and put his arm around Eva. "Well, hello there. What"s your name, sweetheart?" Ty says, eyeing Eva.

"Eva," she replies, appearing uninterested, and quickly slips away from under his arm. "Just think about it." She winks at me and walks away.

Ash's brow furrows. "Think about what?" Ash asks.

"Nothing," I say.

As he watches Eva disappear around the corner, he asks, "Hold up. Was that Eva from middle school?"

I nod. "Yeah."

"What is she doing here?" he asks accusingly.

"How the hell should I know?" I shrug, walking around Ash and down the hallway.

"Dude, did she follow you to this school?" Ty asks. "Cause if she did, that"s some crazy ass stalkery shit."

"That"s ridiculous." I shake my head as I approach the cafeteria.

"I don't think it is," Ash agrees with Ty, as he moves closer to my side as we walk.

"What are you talking about, Ash? You've only seen her for the first time in years," I reply, confused.

"Don't you remember what she was like when we were kids? She was obsessed with you," Ash explains. "Eva wasn"t afraid to show her annoyance whenever others were around you, and she followed you wherever you went."

"We were kids, Ash. It"s called a crush," I respond, as I continue toward the cafeteria, not giving two shits about this conversation. I knew she always had a slight crush on me, but we never acted on it, and I never pursued her. I didn"t have those feelings for her because of Shorty, the one who captivated my heart and who no one could ever replace. Speaking of, I need to respond to her message.

I take out my phone, hoping to distract myself from Ash and Ty"s relentless warnings about Eva. We"re standing in line for food, and despite my attempts to change the subject, they keep bringing her up.

"Seriously, D. Don't play this off like a stupid crush," Ash warns me, his tone turning serious.

I roll my eyes in annoyance. "I"m a grown-ass man. I can handle Eva," I say as we grab our food and go to find a table.

"Hey, don"t forget to buy your ticket for the annual banquet this year," Ty says, changing the subject while chewing a slice of pizza.

Coach explained at the beginning of the year that the university hosts an annual event to introduce the players. It"s like a mid-season kick-off party. The highlight of the event is the recognition of the season"s top players. The program also includes silent auctions to raise funds and a guest speaker, usually a retired coach.

I grab a napkin and wipe my mouth before nodding in agreement. "Are you bringing Tia?" I ask Ash, hoping that things are better between them.

Ash shrugs, seemingly unsure. "I don"t know. I haven"t asked her yet," he replies.

Turning to Ty, I ask, "What about you? Are you taking someone to the event?"

Ty grins broadly, showing off his pearly white teeth. "No, I"m going solo, my brother," he replies. "That just means more chocolate for all the lovely ladies," he adds, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Did Shorty say yes?" Ash asks.

I smile in response thinking back to her reaction when I asked her.

Before

After choosing the elegant dress for Shorty, I decided to leave a trail of clues in her apartment, leading her gift. I hid in the front room closet, peeking through the slats for Shorty"s reaction to the clues.

When I heard the doorknob turned, my heart filled with excitement knowing she was home. Upon entering the apartment, Shorty shut the door and placed her keys and purse on the entry table. She moved to the living room and settled onto the couch.

Fuck me. She looked so beautiful with her swollen belly.

Shorty let out a deep sigh and dropped her head back. After a few minutes, she lifted her head, and her eyes landed on the remote resting on the coffee table, where the first clue awaited. She picked up the piece of paper and read it aloud.

A soft chuckle escaped me as she repeated the message: "Follow the path to uncover a special surprise from your man." Her face lit up with a wide smile as she continued, "Look up high where the stars shine bright, and you"ll find a hint to illuminate your path."

Standing up, she scanned the room until her gaze settled on a small flashlight perched on the TV stand. She reached for it and discovered another note tucked underneath.

It read, "I don"t mind if you"re snotty. If you have an issue, I"m here."

She turned on her heels until she spotted the box of tissues resting on the armchair where the next clue was taped on the outside of the box: "Look behind the door of secrecy, for what hides is meant for you to see. Hint: Go to your room."

When Shorty waddled down the dimly lit hall to her bedroom, I picked up the red rose bouquet from the floor and quietly slid the closet doors open. I cautiously treaded toward her room and tried to muffle my steps. Standing outside, I peered into her room and watched as she reached for the closet door and pulled it open.

When she saw the beautiful red dress I had chosen for her, she gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. She pulled the dress down, held it in front of her, and admired it.

I entered the room at that moment, holding a bouquet of her favorite flowers with a wide smile. "Shorty," I greeted her warmly.

Turning around, her eyes sparkled with love. "Did you do this?" she asked, her voice filled with surprise and joy.

I nodded, extending the bouquet of roses toward her. "Will you go with me to the banquet?" I asked, my tone filled with hope and affection.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered, "Yes."

"Hey, Ty." Sierra Hall, the most likable girl on campus, approaches our table pulling me from the memory.

"Hey, girl," he replies with a flirty wink. "You looking mighty fine today," he growls when he quickly takes another bite of his pizza.

Sierra lets out a playful laugh and walks away with two of her friends. Ty can't take his eyes off her as she saunters away, her long hair swaying with each step. "I"m going to marry that girl," he declares, finishing his pizza. His face breaks into a mischievous grin.

I shake my head in amusement.

I receive a notification on my phone while they are discussing the upcoming NFL football game.

Checking my phone, I discover a new message from Shorty. Shit. I realize I forgot to respond to her earlier message.

Shorty: Movie night?

Me: Hell yeah.

Shorty: K. C U tonight. xo

Me: Love you.

Ty looks at me and asks, "How"s sweet little mama?" I give him a sharp look, but his grin tells me he"s just teasing.

Ash chuckles and adds, "Are you trying to get your teeth knocked out?"

Asshole.