“Connor! What’s up! First day of senior year—it’s gonna be epic! Our reputation for sports has brought us to the top. If it weren’t for that pep talk you gave me freshman year about signing up for football, we’d never be this popular. HAHA!” Morgan bellowed as he spotted Connor in the gymnasium.
Morgan ran a hand through his spiked, sandy blond hair after dropping his bag on the gym floor. Connor nodded toward a few varsity teammates passing by on their way to join their cheerleader girlfriends. Morgan elbowed Connor, tilting his head toward a group of cheerleaders walking by, each holding a notepad and pastel-colored gel pens.
“Good morning, ladies,” Morgan said, admiring their sway as they passed.
The girls smiled shyly, their cheeks burning bright red. Connor whistled at his girlfriend, a brunette with bouncy curls, and playfully gave her a squeeze as she passed. She squealed in surprise before planting a quick kiss on his lips. With a wink, she joined her friends, leaving Connor grinning—he knew she’d be talking about him all morning.
“Kirsten is as lively as ever,” remarked Gabe, coming up behind Connor.
Gabe was slightly shorter than Connor and Morgan, but his lean build made him quick on the field. Unlike the two bruising linemen, Gabe’s strength lay in speed and precision. His straight blond hair was lighter than Morgan’s and always neatly combed.
Connor fist-bumped Gabe. “How was your summer? Morgan and I hit Busch Gardens. You should’ve come with us.”
“You know how my gran is—when she’s not traveling the world, she’s home making my life miserable,” Gabe replied with a sigh. “What about you and Kirsten? Didn’t see you two hanging out much over the break.”
Connor shrugged. “Nah, not really. I didn’t even call her. She texted me a few times, especially during that sleepover with Lindsey and Paige. She’s drop-dead gorgeous, but, man, she can be a little much sometimes.”
“Word is, she wants to take things to the next level,” Gabe said with a teasing grin. “You know how jealous she gets—she’s probably got a hit list of every girl you’ve flirted with when she’s not around.”
Connor rolled his eyes. “Not my fault girls like me. How am I supposed to pick just one? Still, I care about Kirsten. She’s cute, but she’s so clingy sometimes. What should I do?”
Morgan laughed. “Here’s an idea—do something about that red hair. It blinds me every time I see you.”
Connor smirked and gave Morgan a playful shove. “Shut up.”
The school bell rang, sending students stampeding through the gym. “See you guys at tryouts,” Connor called. “Coach put me in charge. Being captain has its perks, so don’t be late.” He turned to the crowd and shouted, “GO ROYAL BLUE PYTHONS!”
Morgan and Connor exchanged their signature handshake, both yelling, “WE’RE NUMBER ONE!” before splitting up for their first classes.
Connor made his way through the bustling halls, memories of his time at the school flooding back. Walking through these corridors felt second nature after three years. For others, navigating the halls was a daily struggle, but for Connor, it was like parting the Red Sea. His good looks and effortless charm cleared a path, with friends greeting him and outcasts steering clear.
Despite his popularity, Connor’s reputation for lashing out at anyone who disrespected him ensured he wasn’t to be trifled with.
Connor wandered into his English class, spotting two old middle school friends, Eli and Chandler. Seeing them brought back faint memories of hanging out with Morgan and the two boys back in the day.
“Yo, Jacob!” Connor greeted a baseball teammate already seated.
“Hey, Connor!” Jacob stood and gestured toward his desk. “You want my seat?”
Connor waved him off. “Nah, I’ll take this one. Haven’t seen these guys in a while.”
Eli, a plain-looking boy with brown hair and eyes, smirked. “Long time no see. Wouldn’t you rather sit with your followers, O Great King? You and Morgan haven’t said two words to us since freshman year. What gives?”
“First of all,” Connor began, settling into his seat, “I’m here to reconnect, okay? Second, football’s taken up most of my time. Us popular guys don’t have time for kid stuff.” He muttered the rest under his breath, Now I remember why I stopped hanging out with these two.
Chandler, a thin guy Connor vaguely remembered working at the local coffee shop, shot back, “What the hell do you mean by ‘kid stuff’?”
Connor snickered but didn’t reply. As class began, he focused on the upcoming football tryouts, eager to prove his worth as captain.
The final bell marked the end of classes, but Connor’s day was far from over. Tryouts loomed, and his mind buzzed with attack strategies and player assessments. After opening the locker room for the team, Connor set to work preparing the field.
He adjusted the obstacle course, a recreation of the one he’d conquered freshman year. Resting a hand on his hip, he surveyed his work. I need strong, worthy players this year. Coach is too soft on the newbies.
“Connor!” Morgan shouted from across the field, hoisting his bag over his shoulder.
Morgan and Gabe jogged over, cheering as they approached. Connor glanced at his watch. It was his first day as captain, and every detail needed to be perfect.
“Tryouts start at 4,” he called out. “What are you guys doing here early?”
“Came to help,” Morgan said with a shrug. “We’re not late, are we?”
“Tryouts were at 4 freshman year, remember?” Connor teased.
“Oh, sorry—hard to recall life before royalty.” Morgan grinned.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Connor turned to face the incoming crowd—a mix of eager freshmen, sophomores, and even a few nervous seniors. Eli and Chandler were among the group. They’re trying out? Interesting.
“Alright, worms,” Connor barked, stepping forward like a king addressing his court. “You’re mine now. Let’s begin!”
……
Connor spent the rest of the night at home deliberating over who would make the football team. Nothing else mattered to him; he had to prove that he was a natural-born leader. He craved the respect of his peers and, if respect wasn’t possible, their fear. Obsessed with perfection, he fell asleep pondering who would make the cut.
The next morning, Connor burst through the front lobby doors, beaming with excitement. He dropped into his seat in English class with a weighty thud, groaning over his lack of sleep and the challenges of the tryouts. Though they hadn’t gone as smoothly as he’d hoped, Connor remained confident that the new recruits could improve with practice.
Running his finger down the list of names, he crossed out those who didn’t meet his expectations. A whole page of names had already been eliminated the night before.
Eli and Chandler slipped into the room, sneaking glances at Connor as he stuffed the final list into his backpack. Chandler leaned over cautiously. “Made any decisions yet? Did we make the team?”
Connor shot him a glance, irritation seeping into his voice. “I’ve made some cuts. I’ll post the final results when I’m ready.”
Eli, less reserved, leaned forward, confronting Connor. “What’s gotten into you? You used to be a decent guy.” His gaze hardened with discontent.
Connor smirked, leaning back in his chair. “I grew up, Eli. You two should try it. You’re high schoolers, aren’t you? Results will be up by lunch. You’ll find out then—along with everyone else who worked hard at tryouts yesterday.”
A girl, whom Connor recognized as Jacob’s girlfriend, hip-bumped Chandler’s chair. “Oh!” she gasped, covering her mouth in mock surprise.
“HEY!” Eli shot back furiously. “You’re supposed to say excuse me! Manners won’t kill you, you jerk.”
Jacob loomed over Eli, towering like a mountain. “Don’t talk to my girlfriend like that,” he growled, his sheer presence prompting Eli to shrink back into his chair.
Connor chuckled, addressing Jacob. “He’s a little wimp, Jake. I’ll see if I can toughen him up for you. At least then you’d have a real challenge.”
Jacob laughed, joining Connor in mocking Eli and Chandler. Tears brimmed in their eyes as Connor and Jacob rattled off every dorky trait they could find in the two boys.
During lunch, Connor stopped by Coach Bowers’ classroom. The coach, who doubled as the health and P.E. teacher, was notorious for pushing players to their limits on the field.
Connor knocked on the door. “Coach, got a minute?”
Coach Bowers, a muscular man with a shiny bald head, turned from the whiteboard, his face wrinkling with a warm smile. “Connor! I always have time for my best football captain. What’s up?”
“I’ve got the final team list,” Connor said, holding up the clipboard. “Thought I’d let you review it before I post it.”
Coach nodded approvingly. “Connor, you’re a good kid. I trust your decisions. Go ahead and post it.”
Connor hesitated, frowning slightly. “Yeah, but I’ve still got one spot left to fill.”
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Coach replied, “Give it a few weeks. See how the team works out. There’s plenty of talent to get through the first game. Remember, you’re the captain now. Every decision you make will impact the team.” He clapped Connor on the shoulder, his confidence evident.
Connor gave a half-hearted smile. “Will do, Coach. See you on the field.”
Walking through the crowded hallways, Connor made his way to the bulletin board. He pinned the final team list, drawing the attention of a swarm of eager boys behind him. As soon as he stepped away, they crowded the board, scanning for their names.
Connor chuckled to himself and headed toward the lunchroom. He was so preoccupied with his thoughts that he didn’t notice the woman in front of him until he bumped into her.
“Oh, sorry, Miss… I didn’t see you there,” he said, startled.
The woman squealed softly, her pitch so high that Connor wondered if anyone else even heard it. She smiled up at him, and his heart skipped a beat.
Her beauty was unparalleled, unlike anyone he’d ever seen. Her porcelain skin seemed to glow, and her ruby-red hair, streaked with white, was braided elegantly. She wore a short black skirt that, by Connor’s judgment, wouldn’t pass the school dress code. Her peach-colored eyes glimmered, making him blink to ensure he wasn’t imagining things.
“Well, what luck,” she said, her voice smooth and melodious. “You must be Connor. Connor Elwood.”
Adjusting the butterfly glasses perched on her nose, she smiled like an innocent rose. Connor noted her seductive charm, her presence almost hypnotic.
“Yeah, I’m Connor,” he replied, trying to steady his voice. “Have we met before?”
She placed a perfectly manicured nail to her lips, a playful gesture. “We will meet again soon enough,” she purred. “Well now, Connor, I hope to see you around. Tah!” She brushed her fingers lightly against his shoulder as she walked away, giggling softly.
Weeks of grueling practice passed, and with only a week left until the first big game, Connor drove the new recruits to their limits. He was determined to mold them into champions. When not on the field, he stuck to his routine of making out with Kirsten under the bleachers.
Over time, Connor found new ways to torment Eli and Chandler, enlisting veteran players to join in the bullying. He stuffed Chandler into lockers and dunked Eli’s head in bathroom sinks, but neither boy fought back. Their helplessness only spurred Connor’s confidence.
Despite his antics, the looming game kept him focused. Though he knew it would be a tough win, Connor’s belief in his team—and his leadership—remained unshaken.
One evening, a week before the game, Connor came home to find his mother sitting alone at the kitchen table, sipping tea. As usual, he greeted her briefly, distracted by a text from Coach Bowers.
“Connor, I need to talk to you,” his mom said, clearing her throat nervously. “Can you sit for a minute?”
He shrugged and dropped into the chair across from her.
“You remember me telling you about your younger brother?” she asked carefully, scooting her chair closer.
Connor nodded absentmindedly, still texting. “Yeah, Mom. What about it?”
“I got a call today. He’s been taken into custody by child protective services. His father passed away suddenly, and your stepfather and I agreed to take him in. He’ll be arriving tomorrow.”
Connor barely registered her words until she snapped, “Put the phone down while I’m talking to you!”
He tossed the phone onto the table with a scowl. “Fine. But couldn’t this wait?”
She sighed, her voice heavy. “Connor, this is a big change for all of us—especially for him. He’s been through a lot. I just need you to give him a chance.”
Connor stood abruptly, grabbing his phone. “Are we done now?”
As he walked toward the living room, she called after him. “Don’t forget—he’ll be here tomorrow around five or six!”
……
Connor, Morgan, and Gabe goof off in the locker room after an intense practice the next day. Amongst the bustling noise of the lockers opening and closing, Connor hears his cell phone start to ring. "Hello, mother...I''m kind of busy right now." Nothing but a scramble of words from his mother came next.
"What did you say? Meet you where?" Connor tries to drown out the loud racket of the guys by putting a finger in the opposite ear.
"Meet you at the airport...What?...” Connor asks loudly and continues after some words from his mother. "Ok...Whatever... I''ll meet you at the airport."