Chapter Eleven

The sun beats down on the lacrosse field as Sinclair's team, the Wildcats, faces off against their opponents, the Lincoln High School Lions. The air is electric with tension as the two teams clash in a friendly match.

Jasher sits on the bench, his eyes fixed on the field with a mix of sadness and longing. He had been benched by Coach Thompson, who deems him "not ready" for the game.

Coleson, the team captain, leads the Wildcats onto the field, his confidence and charisma radiating like a palpable force. The game begins, and the Wildcats quickly takes the lead, their skills honed to perfection.

Meanwhile, Jasher watches wistfully, his mind replaying all the what-ifs. What if he had practiced harder? What if he had spoken up more in practice? Perhaps his dad would've showed up more if he actually played.

As the game wears on, the Wildcats' lead grow, their victory all but certain. Jasher's sadness turns to despair, feeling like a failure.

But then, something shifts inside him. He remembers why he started playing lacrosse in the first place - for the love of the game. He stands up, his eyes locked on the field, and cheers on his teammates with a newfound passion.

The final whistle blows, and the Wildcats celebrates their victory, 12-6. Coleson grins, triumphant, as the team lifts him onto their shoulders.

Jasher smiles, genuinely happy for his teammates, despite his own disappointment. Coach Thompson approaches him, a hint of approval in his eyes.

"You may not have played today, Jasher, but your spirit and sportsmanship are just as important as any goal or assist. Keep working hard, and your time will come."

Jasher nods, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could prove himself yet. But Coleson snorts at his pitiful form.

“Loser.”

Max knocks on Billie’s window, balancing expertly on a tree branch. He knocks again and she pries the window open, arching a brow.

“There's a party tonight at Coleson's house. Wanna come?”

“This late? You go ahead. Parties aren't really my scene.”

“Oh come on. You're the one complaining that this town's boring. You didn't even come for the lacrosse game. Give it a try. We won't stay that long.”

Max grabs Billie's arm, pulling her towards the window. "Come on, let's go! It'll be fun, I promise."

Billie hesitates, but Max's enthusiasm is infectious. She walks to her closet to get her favorite hoodie and Max helps her out, laughing as they make their way to Coleson's house

Coleson's party is in full swing, the music blasting and the lights flashing as the lacrosse team celebrated their victory over the public school. Jasher, designated as the errand boy for the night whether he liked it or not, weaves through the crowds, taking orders and delivering drinks.

Billie and Max arrive at the party and she already feels out of place. Sinking her hands into the pocket of her hoodie, she weaves her way through sweaty bodies, falling in step behind Max.

“You like alcohol?” He holds a bottle to her face, shouting above the loud music.

“I actually haven't tried it.”

“I thought you were from the city,” he jokes and she laughs. “Here. Try it.”

Hesitantly, she takes a sip and grimaces. Max laughs at her expression. “I'm guessing you don't like it. I’ll just put it away -”

She prises it from his fingers. It wasn't exactly sweet, but strangely she wanted more.

Dana chills on the living room couch with the twins, distracted by her phone. Jasher walks past them clumsily, a tray filled with drinks in his arms.

She looks up, spotting him instantly and she hollers at him. He approaches her with a stiff gait, his eyes cast downward. She orders a drink, her voice dripping with malice. "Get me a vodka soda."

Jasher returns with her drink, but before he can hand it over, Debbie trips him, snickering. The drink spills all over Dana's dress.

Dana's face turns red with rage. "You're such a loser, Jasher! Can't even deliver a drink without messing it up!"

“I'm sorry.” He reaches for her dress trying to wipe the stain off.

She slaps him, the sound echoing through the room. Billie watches in horror as Jasher stumbles back, his eyes flashing with hurt.

Without thinking, Billie pushes her way through the crowd, helping Jasher up from the floor. "Hey, are you okay?"

Jasher nods, his eyes locked on hers. Billie takes his arm, leading him outside to clean the stain on his shirt.

As they stand on the porch, away from the noise, Billie's uncaps the water bottle she took on her way out. With caution, she pours a little amount of water on her palm and uses it to wipe the stain off his grey shirt.

Dana storms out after them, her eyes blazing with jealousy. She glares at Billie, who is oblivious to the tension.

“You always seem to be saving me,” Jasher tries to joke, forcing a laugh.

“You always seem to need saving. It's like you attract drama,” she retorts.

"What's going on here?" Dana demands.

Jasher retreats behind Billie, his eyes widening like a startled cat.

“You’ve disgraced him enough. Let it go.”

“Excuse me. Wasn't talking to you “

Dana's glare intensifies as she turns her attention to Jasher, her voice dripping with venom. "You're such a loser, Jasher. And you're dragging her down with you. What are you going to do about my dress?”

“I..I'll buy you a new one.”

“What? You're his friend now, new girl? You should stay away from losers.”

Billie finally notices the tension, her eyes flicking to Dana in confusion. But she just smiles, her eyes never leaving hers.

"Thanks for your concern, Dana. But I think I can take care of myself.”