When I arrived at Ryder's house the following night, Beau greeted me by my car.

"Beau, she's mine," Ryder called as he walked out of the house to the sight of me petting Beau.

He jogged over to where I was at. I stood up to greet him.

"Hi, gorgeous."

"Hi, Ry."

Ryder took my hand and led me inside. It looked as though Nancy was just finishing up dinner.

"Ainsley! Hi! How are you, doll?" she asked as Ryder and I helped set the table.

"I'm doing well, how about you?"

She wore her usual, kind smile. "After that win last night, incredible."

I laughed softly. "Yeah, that was easily the best comeback, probably ever."

A few minutes later, we all sat around the table. Nancy had prepared a pasta dish.

"Ainsley," said Tyler, "any news on what school you'll commit to?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I don't think I'll make any commitments until the end of the season."

"I still hope you and Ryder end up at the same place," said Nancy.

Ryder glanced at me from across the table and smiled. "Me too."

"It's crazy to think it's all so close. This time next year, you guys will be completing your first semester of school," said Nancy.

"I know, it's weird to think we'll be leaving in a few months," I replied.

The thought honestly makes me sad. My plan is to go where Ryder goes, but we most definitely will not be staying anywhere near here. It's just upsetting to think about leaving my family and friends.

Although, I found myself laughing only seconds later. "I'm happy about it. I get to have Ryder's room!"

"You won't even miss me?" he asked, slightly offended.

She shook her head. "No."

"After I drive you everywhere and buy you whatever you want."

"Okay...maybe for those reasons," she replied.

Ryder smiled. "Material girl."

Tessa glared at him. "Am not."

"Then do you admit you'll miss me for me?" he asked.

"No, now I won't miss you for any reason."

Everyone laughed and Ryder rolled his eyes. "Alright. Guess I won't be getting you anything for Christmas."

Tessa leapt up from her seat and sprinted over to Ryder's side. "No, no, no, I'm sorry. I was only joking. You are actually the best brother ever and I love you so much."

She had her arms around him. He was shaking his head and laughing as he looked at me.

"Aren't you glad you don't have siblings?" asked Tyler as he began to clean up the dishes.

"Maybe just a little."

-

The remainder of the week was easy, but a lot of fun. Soccer was going well and I was growing close with the girls on the team, with the exception of Ella. I doubt we'll ever be close though all things considered.

However, I do feel bad. Sure, she was a little bit of a bitch to me... but what I did was by far worse. No matter how many times I convince myself she was doing it to Ryder, it stings being that girl. If Ella was to find out, I know exactly how she would feel because I was once in her shoes. What Ryder and I did will forever live with me, despite it working out in the end.

"Everything alright, babe?" Ryder asked as I poked at my food.

I glanced at him and nodded. "More or less."

We were at lunch, and we had left campus so we were at a place in town.

Ryder took my hand and ran his fingers over mine. "Tell me."

And it's impossible to keep things from him, so I found myself speaking uncontrollably. "It's just, it bothers me knowing I helped you... you know... not be loyal to Ella."

I couldn't even get the word 'cheat' out.

He shrugged. "Things happen. I don't think it was a mistake, but I understand why you're upset. However, put those feelings aside and remember that relationship was for the dumps because she was doing the same thing to me."

A sigh escaped my lips. "I know, but it's not even that. I was in her position once. It hurts."

"That's true... but there's nothing we can do about it. Just forget it happened and be thankful we're sitting across from one another right now."
He reached across the table and buried his other hand into my hair.

"And sure it could've happened in a better way, but all that matters is we're together."

I nodded, but yet, I did not feel that way at all.

-

As I climbed out of the car at the field in which the boys were playing, I took a huge breath.

All I want is for them to win... especially after I sort of helped Beverly last year beat them in this exact round.

I followed my dad to the bus. The boys were just getting off. A small smile formed on my face as Ryder got off. Just like the rest of the team, he wore a suit. For big games like this, they wear suits upon arriving.

He shot me a quick wink as he went by and followed the rest of the team towards the locker rooms.

On the other hand, I followed my dad into the stadium. It was a college stadium so it was very elaborate. There was a big hallway beneath, which leads out onto the field. Also, the locker rooms are down here. So, while my dad left to address the team in the locker room, I met with some of the other coaches.

As we spoke about a game plan, it was clear many people were showing up to watch the game. Cheers could be heard from up above. The bands from either school were playing, and the cheerleaders could be heard.

Moments later, the team emerged from the locker room and stopped right in front of the entrance to the field. My dad stepped in front of them to give one final pep talk.

While he talked, the announcer announced the other team. Everyone went wild as they ran onto the field and launched into an organized warmup.

Therefore, we were next to enter. The school mascot, which was a bear, stood in front of the team. The student inside held the school flag and was waving it as the boys got into two lines. Ryder stood at the front beside Braxton.

"And now, the competition, traveling all the way from NorCal to play today, the BEARS!" shouted the announcer.

Our school band began to play as the mascot led the boys onto the field. It waved the flag as it ran, and the boys followed in pursuit. Cheers thundered throughout the stadium.

"And, the bears are coached by retired NFL quarterback, Nick Sloane."

That was our cue. I followed my dad and the rest of the coaches and football staff onto the field. People cheered for him as we made our way to the sidelines.

"Go keep an eye on James and assist him with what he needs," said my dad.

Ryder was throwing some balls around with Titas, the backup quarterback. I made my way over to them.

"Hi, pretty," said Ryder as he threw the ball.

"Make sure to keep your elbow up," I replied as it was soon returned.

He smiled his charming smile and while keeping his eyes on me, he did exactly as I said and sent a perfect pass over to Titas.

"Was that good?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes. "Show off."

For the remainder of the warmup time, Ryder and Titas ran through plays with the team. When they came off the field, Ryder took off his helmet and talked with my dad about some plays since the other team had the ball first.

It gave me the opportunity to watch their playing style. They were definitely good, but our defense was better. All the other team managed to get was a field goal, so when Ryder went on, the other team was leading 3-0.

"Let's top that," I said. "This team is definitely an offensive team based on the video I watched. I would test the defense with a long pass."

From where Ryder was in the huddle, he sent a thumbs up. Seconds later, they broke out of the huddle and lined up on the line of scrimmage.

The ball was hiked and Ryder took no time to throw. The second Carew was open, which did not take long, Ryder passed the ball to him. It looked effortless, however Carew was tackled only 10 yards from where he caught the ball. Not bad though considering it was another down.

"Do a running play."

Yet again, it was successful. Ryder passed the hall off to Braxton from behind his back, but that was after he faked a handoff to Carew. It stalled the other team for a moment, but they did tackle Braxton eventually.

But on the next play, Ryder threw a touchdown. Cheers came from all over the stadium as he and the others celebrated down on the field.

When he came off the field, he pulled his helmet off and ran right over to me. I traded him his helmet for his water.

"Amazing job. Just make sure to keep your eyes elsewhere. You were looking at your receivers both passing plays."

"Alright. Sounds good, thank you, gorgeous."

He then kissed the top of my head before walking off to speak with my dad, who was standing with some of the other coaches.

-

For the first half, we completely dominated. The other team threw an interception, so we managed to pull ahead from that. We also scored three other touchdowns aside from that, and two field goals. It seemed every time we were on the field for offense, we didn't leave until points were added to the scoreboard.

However, in the second half, Ryder took a big hit at the beginning of the third quarter. He claimed to be fine, but my dad pulled him off to be safe. That put Ryder in a bad mood of course, but better to be safe than sorry.

Although, Titas was not doing too bad. He did get us a touchdown and in field goal range, which our kicker got for us, but he threw an interception... That interception seemed to be enough for the other team. From then on, they started to close the gap in score.

It was not until halfway through the fourth quarter that they were only a touchdown away, so my dad gave in and agreed to send Ryder on.

"Look out for that linebacker, please. This is your second week in a row getting hurt," I said as he put his helmet on.

"I'm not hurt."

"You were limping."

"For like a second. I'll be fine," he replied before jogging onto the field.

Sure enough, he proved to be fine. He took his time, but he got us to the five yard line. I think he did that just to stall time for the other team, but he did get us the touchdown.

It is just incredible how easy he made it look. He was good before, but he is just amazing now. Ryder just looks so relaxed on the field. He makes it look effortless.

For one final time, Ryder took the field. He was only out there for a few seconds. It was just enough to receive the snap. By the time our offense was open, the buzzer sounded, which alerted the end of the game.

I threw my hands up in the air in triumph as the players on the sidelines rushed by me to celebrate on the field. From the crowd, everyone was going wild and the band was playing. As of two years ago, we had probably one of the worst football teams in the state, and now we're one of the top two.

"Ains, come on!" called Braxton from his spot in the huddle.

I smiled softly and hurried over to them. A path was made and I found myself in the middle with Ryder. He took no time to pull me in for a kiss.