Matti Williams

It was a big day.

It was a big announcement.

I was shitting my pants.

Everything I had worked for was paying off. This red carpet in front of me–the flashing lights as I smiled for pictures. Football fans with different jerseys from everywhere screaming in hopes that I would go to their team.

Immediately following the announcement I had to run back to my hotel and take a picture with the merchandise I had been gifted from the two possible teams.

I was tense.

I wanted this so badly, more than anything. Tonight- more than I wanted her. Whether I went first, second, or last–this was my dream. I wanted to accomplish this. I wanted to make a bigger and better name for myself.

I owed it to every coach that had taught me these lessons.

Even my dad made me train extra hard. It was cruel- but look at where I'm at.

"Matti! Matti! ESPN2! Can we ask you a couple of questions!?" A woman shouted with a camera and microphone. I smiled, walking towards her. I gripped the microphone from her hands–smiling at her.

"Mattison Williams is here with us. One of the top contenders in this year's draft–if not the top contender. These teams–they're worried! You're a serious threat on the field! How are you dealing with this pressure? You're under 25 and you're one of the most talked–about people in sports!" She exclaimed as I nodded, chuckling.

"I don't think of myself as one of the top contenders. I know I'm going head to head with my boy Griffin Johnson. He's the most amazing teammate and whoever selects him is lucky. I'm a serious threat on the field because I've worked my ass off to be here, and I'm glad my hard work is showing. As for the pressure–I don't know how I'm doing it." I chuckled at the end of my words as she smiled at me.

This whole interview shit was hard.

"Johnson and you go way back–I haven't seen him tonight, but tell us about what you could tell him or his possible new teammates!" She tried to urge me to speak more as I cleared my throat.

"Like I said, any team that gets him is so lucky. To his new teammates–he's the quietest guy in the room but he's also the funniest. Griffin, buddy it's been an absolute pleasure, my man. You and I were the dream team at State and now look at us! I'm so proud of you–and no matter what side of the turf, you'll always be my brother. I love you." I give a small smile to the camera, to try not to produce my heartbreak.

But I was aching?

Like I could feel my chin trying to quiver, and my lip too. I hadn't yet had to say goodbye to one of my best friends since Blake and I went to school together almost throughout our lives. But Griffin was different. He was the guy that I danced in the endzone with. He would give me the extra bottle of water he had.

He was Griffin Johnson and I hoped he got first overall pick because dammit–he deserved it more than I did.

"Alrighty, Mattison, good luck and we hope to see that number nine put to use!" I shook her hand before continuing down the line.

I smiled until my cheeks hurt and answered questions until my lips hurt. The New York City weather was shit today, it was chilly.

After one final wave, I exited the camera area and walked across the carpet. A whistle distracted me, I paused.

They never came to my stuff before.

My dad clapped his hands, a big grin on his face while my mom gripped the bottom of her dress in her fingers, her heels showing as she ran across to hug me. The smile wasn't leaving my face.

Maybe I had finally earned my dad's approval too.

"Mom!" I stated as she launched herself at me. I picked her up and spun her around as she smacked my shoulders. "Mattison! This is too high for me! Put me down!" She squealed as dad chuckled. I set mom dad as I offered a hand to dad.

He declined it though.

Instead, he pulled me in for a hug–the air that was in me escaped.

"I'm proud of you. It paid off." He kissed my forehead as I chuckled, pushing him off me.

"Where's NJ?" He asked–taking me back. I furrowed my eyebrows, "She wasn't coming. I didn't want her here tonight- I would be too nervous." I explained as mom frowned.

"But–I wanted her here." She complained as I chuckled. "She will be here tomorrow." A smile appears on her face. I nod, "Well–since I have you guys to escort me in there. Let's head in to find out the rest of my life." I spoke as I watched mom wipe a few tears.

"This is crazy. Soon you'll be having babies and getting married–god. I wish we had more kids. This fucking sucks–I'm so proud of you, Matti. I love you." I wrapped my arm into hers as I led her into the arena, we both had trying smiles on our faces.

"Not so soon mom, but I love you too." She chuckled at my statement as Dad walked behind us.

Mom pulled away, "I'm going to the bathroom before we sit down. You two go ahead and find the table. I'll find you when I'm done." She walked away from the both of us before we could protest.

Dad cleared his throat and walked beside me.

"Mom said you got the ring." He spoke under his tongue as I nodded my head, chuckling.

He pursed his lips. "Are you sure about her?" He asks as I lose my smile. "As positive as a pregnancy test." I winked at him as he chuckled.

Maybe now dad will get off my back. Maybe he will now that I have accomplished everything he never could. That's the best news to me–everything that he had done, I had done better.

He ran five miles–I ran eight.

He owned a bar–I ran an entire college consisting of 90,000 people.

If the bar was high–I was higher.

"Wow." I let the word fall out of my mouth as the arena opened up. Tables, lights, and cameras everywhere.

As we were walking to our seats, I signed many autographs.

I was no longer the big man on campus. I was Mattison Williams–the next best NFL Quarterback they had ever seen. I'd be better than Brady, Roethlisberger, Manning, and Rodgers combined.

I was a new thing to them.

I was Mattison Williams.

We walked to our table which happened to be in the front row. I assume they did this on purpose so they could get good camera angles whenever my name is called.

I watch as my dad orders a drink when a smile appears on my face.

"Natalie Reagan," I spoke her name as the medium-skinned brunette spun on her heels, a smile on her face. "Hey, Matti." She spoke as I nodded towards her table.

"Where is he?" I ask as she shrugs.

"Pretty sure he is getting done with the press right now. Question–you didn't feel like bringing my girl?" She teased as I pursed my lips. Nodding, I answered, "I don't always like attention." That was the best summary I could come up with as she gave me a small smile.

"So—wanna be neighbors and get matching beach houses in Malibu?" I continue to ask her as she lets out a loud laugh, with a clap. "Mattison Williams–We would love to get matching beach houses with you." She exclaims.

I pull her in for a hug as she squeezes me.

She whispers, "You take care of her, okay?" She asks as I pull back and nod.

As long as she'd let me.

I give her arms one last squeeze before heading to my table and sitting down.

This was it–this was really fucking it.

I was so happy.

I just needed to get my girl back–with the ring on her finger.

"Are you ready for this?" My dad asks, breaking me out of my thoughts. I gave a slight nod. "Scared shitless–but I'm ready." I smile as he repeats the actions.

But then he clears his throat.

"Matti, I know that I have been an absolute ass to you. A huge one–and I know I have been one to your mom as well. Naomi included–I want our relationship to change. You're my boy and I love you. I'm sorry." He apologizes and I'm taken away by the shock.

What the hell happened that changed his mind?

I gave him a slight nod, "Dad, it's okay. I love you too." I smile as he grins.

"But–do me a favor. You have all of these fucking bars–just open mom a ballet studio. Please," I plead for the woman that gave up her dream to have me.

I would never ask Naomi to do that. I couldn't–after seeing what my mom had gone through with having me, I could never ask NJ to do the same.

If he wasn't buying mom a ballet studio–I was, damnit.

"Oh thank god–I almost got lost." Mom states as she sits next to me. I went to look at dad but he was in deep conversation with two other guys. I face mom smiling.

"What did you do to him?" I nod towards dad as she chuckles.

She reaches for her champagne glass and takes a sip.

"I told him I'd divorce him if he didn't clean his act up. He was all good for divorce until he realized that we didn't sign prenups." I chuckled under my breath.

Dirty old bastard.

She sets down her glass.

"So–I know I was the team mom for high school and elementary. But I was hoping I could be team grandma too," She smiles at me as I chuckle.

I nod, "Yeah as long as you do the frosted icing on cakes and cupcakes–I hate buttercream!" I explain as she laughs. "Yes, I remember." She reaches up and traces my face, a frown appearing.

"God–I'm going to cry. Which will give me wrinkles. This means I'll need to get more botox. Damn you, Mattison!" I chuckle at her words as a few tears leak from her eyes. I lean in and hug her.

A voice interrupts us.

"Who's your daddy?" I nearly burst out of my chair at Griffin's voice. We both smile from ear to ear, we grasp each other in a hug–I hear the clicks of many cameras. We both chuckle.

This would be our life now.

Two boys that went to Penn State, now about to be multimillionaires because all of the hard work paid off.

"I love you, bro," He states as I grip him tighter. "Love you too. If you guys ever need anything–I'm just a phone call away." He chuckles, pulling away.

"They played me back that video of you in the interview–you got me. I was crying." I laughed at him as he nodded. "Look at us!" He flashes his suit jacket and shiny shoes.

I nod, "We clean up nice bro–always." I flex as he nods.

"Ladies and Gentleman, The 2020 NFL draft will be starting in one minute! Here is your one-minute warning." The announcer spoke as everyone started rushing to their seats.

He smiled at me one last time.

"Once a lion-" I cut him off.

"Always a lion." He nods before turning on his feet and walking back to his table.

I do the same, going right back to my mother's comfort.

I felt mentally foggy for a moment until I realized this was real life–I was about to become what every little boy dreams. I felt the moon and stars in my eyes.

The NFL president stepped on the stage and the lights went down, camera crews surrounding my table, Griffin's table, and the stage. I inhaled and exhaled–I was the luckiest man.

"Good evening, welcome to the 2020 NFL Draft!" Everyone cheered as he nodded, smiling.

"I'm Dick Logan, President of the NFL League and I'm here to make some dreams come true tonight. Let's get started." He states as my mom grabs my hand on top of the table. I suck in a deep breath.

"If Griffin gets the first pick we stand up and clap for him," I state to my parents as they nod.

Here we go, I hope he gets the first pick.

"And with the first pick in the 2020 NFL draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers select Griffin Johnson, Runningback from Penn State University." Screams erupted in the arena as I got on my feet clapping for my buddy who currently has arms deep in hugs with Natalie.

I whistled and clapped.

But before he walked to the stage he walked to my table.

And he hugged me.

I heard more screams erupt as we pulled away. "Matching beach houses?" He asks as I nod. "Matching beach houses." I agree.

He gives me one last pay before hopping up on the stage. The coaches that approached the stage all gave him handshakes and hugs. I watch as my best friend's dreams come true.

"Go Steelers!" He announced in the microphone, shrugging on the jersey that they gave him with a number twenty on the front of it.

He leaves the stage with the rest of the Steelers crew.

There was not one word I could speak about this moment because every single thing I had worked for was here.

"Let's continue," Dick spoke through the microphone as everyone settled down. This was it, this was it, this was fucking- it.

"And with the second pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions select Mattison Williams, Quarterback from Penn State University." And the crowd screaming was all I could hear at this moment.

I felt frozen but I knew I had a huge smile on my face–a beaming smile. My parents are gripping the shit out of me in hugs. I felt the camera and lights on my face the entire time.

I walked up the stage to meet Coach Jones.

Instead of shaking my hand, he offered me a hug- Lion's fans screaming even louder.

"Welcome to the team!" He spoke into my ears as I gripped the number nine jersey and shrugged it on. I leaned into the microphone. "Let's go to Detroit!" I yelled as everyone laughed and cheered.

And as fast as my dream came true, we walked off the stage. Away from all of the blinding lights.

"Mattison Williams, welcome to the team! My name is Ashley. I'm the social media coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Let's get some pictures of you to post!" She states as she pulls out her phone and camera. She snaps multiple photos of me walking with the jersey on.

"Right, now you need to create buzz on your social media. Make sure everyone knows who you are and where you're going." She informs me as I nod to reach for my phone.

But then I noticed–I didn't bring my phone.

I grimaced, "I forgot my phone!" I state as she laughs at me. "Okay–let's go back to your room and grab it. You're staying at the Day's right? It's connected to the arena. They have all of the cool walls and flooring. That will be great!" She exclaims as I nod.

I was in the NFL.

I was a fucking Detriot Lion now.

My dream had come true.

Naomi Black

Naomi Black

A table in the dining room had everything set up. Pictures, candles, everything. The letters laid out. Multiple onesies courtesy of the girls. I gripped them in my fingers, in amazement at how tiny they were.

They'd have a little baby in it one day.

I wore a white lace dress, again—Sloane picked it out. If I had it my way, I would be wearing sweatpants. She denied me though saying it was a day I would remember for the rest of my life.

I was so fucking nervous–I could tell if it was the pregnancy making me sick or the thought of Matti hating me.

I had never expected my life to go in this direction. Where I was chasing after him or he was chasing after me, but here we were.

Everything my mom never had but wanted–I had. Well, almost—not quite. He could still turn us away. That's why I brought everything–Including the sapphire engagement ring, it sits next to the pictures on the table.

There weren't two of us in this relationship anymore–there were three. Whether I liked it or not, Matti would be in my life forever now.

I would have to wake up early in the morning or have late nights with a baby that would look like him- on behalf of him. I would be okay if he left because he was still with me in some way.

I just know he'd be the best dad.

Whether we had a boy or girl, he would be at every activity–I know he would be. Because it's everything he never had but I knew he wanted. I just wanted a happy and healthy baby. A baby 's life wasn't planned, but it didn't mean they had to suffer.

Like I did.

And although my mom did the best for me–if she were still alive, I would hold it against her until this very day. I don't even think I would let her near the baby, I would want my baby nowhere near the toxic and traumatic environment that made me who I am today.

"Daddy's going to be on TV in a second, Bean." I gripped my stomach spewing out the nickname that Finn had given. It just stuck with us.

We'll be okay with or without him, Bean.

I turned on the television and watched.

The tears started flowing as soon as I saw Matti's face on the screen, and then the announcer came on. They called out the first pick and as Matti prepared me- it was Griffin.

But that was okay.

I watched as Griffin picked up Natalie and spun her around, and then he walked over to Matti, hugging him. That's when my tears started to pour.

In such little time, these Penn State boys had affected me so much. I was comfortable–I was happy. I was over the moon with joy.

And now I had a little baby on the way with the love of my life.

"And with the second pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions select Mattison Williams, Quarterback from Penn State University." I jump off the couch and start screaming.

This was all he ever wanted.

I was so proud of him.

I drank water and prepared myself to wait.

My phone buzzed.

Baby Daddy is officially his own sugar daddy! From Sloane.

I chuckled, pressing the call button. "What's up NFL wifey!" She called out as I chuckled. "I wanted to make sure that you haven't burnt down the apartment." She chuckled.

"I'm about to be busy so," I raised my eyebrows at her words. "Oh Jesus, well I'll text you instead of calling you when he finds out so I don't interrupt. I love you." She cleared her throat.

"Nah–call me if you need me, I'm seriously Black." I smiled at her words.

"I love you more than anything." She continued as my smile grew.

"I love you too. Talk soon," I spoke and then hung up our call.

This was it.

I stood up from the couch and paced around the room. I was working up a sweat.

And then the door handle jingled. I swallowed–this was fucking it.

No going back, Bean.

I waited in the living room with a smile on my face, wanting him to see me as soon as he entered, and then he would go left and see all of the baby