36. Ryan

36

Ryan

“ A lright, guys. We’ve been practicing for two weeks, and now it’s our time to shine.” I huddle the team together for a pre-game pep talk. “Who remembers the most important thing?” I crouch down to their level.

“Winning!” Jett says with a snarky laugh. This kid always needs to be the center of attention. Little Hartley in the making.

“No,” I drag out. “Winning is nice, but it’s not the most important part of the sport.”

A few of the other boys yell out, “Have fun!”

“Yes. Having fun is the key to football. There is no football without fun, and if you make a mistake? Brush it off. Don’t let it ruin your game." They each throw a tiny hand in. My huge one tops the group. "Scorpions on three. One, two, three.”

“Scorpions!”

Taking the field these days looks a lot different than I imagined, but I love every minute of it. A few weeks ago, I googled volunteer opportunities around the area. The community center’s website showed an at-risk youth program. After reading the blurb about the program, I sent the director an email asking to meet with him to discuss volunteer opportunities. He was a cool guy and knew exactly who I was, being in the media for a hot minute. We talked for hours about football, life, and the program’s needs. He started the program a year ago to help at-risk youth in the area find a purpose. Turns out, we have similar backgrounds–both being raised by a single mom.

The program has different facets: sports, art, and academics. He expressed that he was in dire need of volunteers in all areas to ensure its continued success, and he thought I would be a perfect fit. My first few visits to the community center were spent getting to know the kids and their personalities. The boys took to me right away, and I couldn’t believe how incredibly talented some of them were. They just needed an opportunity to showcase themselves. Flag football seemed to naturally fit my skill set, so I asked the director if I could Coach the team. We’ve been practicing the basics for the past two weeks, and now it’s game time.

“Let’s go, Coach!” a deep voice shouts from the bleachers. I dart my head to see Mason and a slew of guys from the team hooting and hollering as they slam their feet onto the metal bleachers, chanting, “Let’s go, Scorpions.”

A goofy smile covers my face. I don’t know what I did to deserve teammates with this level of unwavering loyalty. After everything went down, Mason reached out to me and told me he wasn’t giving up on me. We’ve gotten closer over the past few weeks, and when we talked about my involvement with the community center, he invited every Springs U affiliate to the game. Jogging to the metal fence, I lace my fingers through the holes to greet the team.

“Hey, guys. Thanks for coming. It means a lot.”

“We wouldn’t miss the little Scorpions trashing their opponents for anything,” Mason says.

Before I can reply, My heart stops as I catch a dash of brunette and blonde through the cutouts of the bleachers. The crew circles around and grabs an open seat next to Mason’s sister, Paisley.

“Vi.” I’m at a loss for words seeing her. How did she know about the game? More importantly, what made her come? My stomach flutters at the sight of her. No matter how many times I see her, she'll always catch my breath. She’s smiling ear to ear, waving at me. Hartley shoots me a chin nod, and Liza sticks her tongue out at me.

“Go get em, Coach,” Violet answers, and the sound of Coach rolling off her tongue is almost enough for me to abandon my assignment, throw her over my shoulders, and take her home. Space. I remind myself. My heart swells with appreciation for everyone who came out to show their support for the kids.

“Talk after?” I ask, hoping she’ll give me just a few minutes to soak in her presence. She nods twice with a grin, and I take that as my cue to return to the Scorpions before they start getting nosy.

After a hard-fought battle, the Scorpions lose by a touchdown, but I believe that sometimes losing is better than winning. It teaches you how to deal with adversity and come back from it stronger. I wish I had someone in my life to teach me these lessons when I was their age.

“It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about how we come back to the field next time. Trash it from your brain, and have fun this weekend. Got it?” I roar to the group of ten through twelve-year-olds kneeled in muddy grass in front of me, coming from all different walks of life.

“Yes, Coach!” They scream.

“Can we get snowballs now?” Jett asks.

“Snowballs on me for having great attitudes,” I announce, and the team high-tails it to the park snowball stand. I’ve made it a tradition to treat them when they display positive character traits throughout the game.

Packing up my small bag of coaching gear, I exit the field and make a beeline to my friends. There’s an enormous collective clap, and I do my best to keep it together. I'v gotten sappy. My eyes search for Violet, but I don’t see her anymore. Shoulders slumping, I inhale deeply to remind myself that she’s not mine. I spot Hartley, immediately registering how big of a deal it is for him to be here today.

“Hart,” I call to get his attention. Making my way through throngs of children, parents, and oversized college football players, I extend my hand to him for a bro hug.

“Shane, don’t corrupt these kids too much, ya hear? Or maybe they need a coach that can show them how it’s really done.” He winks as he punches my shoulder.

“I’ll try my best, but I’m sure they would love the famous Hartley Knox to make a guest appearance every now and then.” I throw the idea out there because I believe that everyone could benefit from volunteering at the center. It changes you in a good way and puts life into perspective.

“I’ll think about it,” he says as he turns his back to walk away. Throwing a peace sign over his shoulder, he casually says, “You may want to go out to the parking lot. There's a crazy stalker fan beside your car.”

Immediately registering that Hartley is talking about Violet, I sprint to my car before she second-guesses herself and leaves with Hart. Standing in the gravel parking lot behind a cloud of dust from all the cars peeling off is the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid eyes on. I’m completely out of my depth in this situation.

Slowing my sprint down to a walk, I make the first move, “Vi, thanks for coming." I state awkwardly because, at this point, I don’t want to push her farther than she’s ready for.

“Yeah, of course. You looked happy out there, and the team is so cute.” Arms crossed over her chest, she shifts her weight back and forth.

“I am happy. Didn’t think Mason would invite the whole town, but seeing all the guys in the stands gave me a sense of pride. Like I’m finally doing something good in the world,” I confess. “How did you find out?”

“Paisley let it slip one night after work. She was surprised that I hadn’t heard." She bites her bottom lip so hard, I'm surprised it doesn't draw blood. "She invited me to come, but I told her I would need to think about it.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” I slip my thumbs in my pockets and grind my teeth with nervous energy.

“I’m glad I’m here, too.”

“Would you want to grab a bite to eat? I’m starving, but if it’s too much for you, please say no.” My eyes pierce through those sad baby blues. God, I miss her more than she knows, and I would love to spend time with her.

“Umm. Yeah. That’ll work.” She nods, and I gesture for her to hop in my car. “Let me text Hart and Liza to let them know where I’ll be.”

I’ll take any time with Violet. Her giving me this chance means everything and more.