Later that night, I sit behind an untouched milkshake…
As my dad reads over a permission slip.
Sgt. Covington
No. Absolutely not.
Kelsey
But, Dad! You're the one who said I should actually try this year!
Sgt. Covington
This is not what I had in mind.
Sgt. Covington
Do you know how dangerous football is?
Sgt. Covington
That's different, and you know it.
Kelsey
Why, because I'm a girl?
Sgt. Covington
Because I already lost your mother.
Sgt. Covington
I'm not going to lose you, too.
My dad slides the permission slip over to me, unsigned.
Sgt. Covington
Maybe you can try out for softball or something.
The next day, I walk down the hall towards my locker…
Only, this time, I’m met with the stares of the entire student body as I pass.
I pull myself inward, deflecting their looks.
I round the corner, finding my way to my locker…
When I see that a word has been written across it in red paint.
And start to fiddle with the lock, attempting to ignore the crude lettering.
Brooke
It's just lipstick.
I look up to find Brooke…
Who cradles a tray, wrapped in tinfoil, in her arms.
She shoves the tray into my arms and wets a finger…
Using it to wipe off the offending word.
Kelsey
How'd you know that?
Brooke
It's Revlon's Red Number Five.
Brooke
It's usually my color.
Brooke
Except when it's used to write infantile slurs on someone's personal property.
She finishes her work on the final 'E,' having successfully erased the entire word.
She pulls a 'BROOKE FOR HOMECOMING QUEEN' flier from her bag…
And tapes it over the locker door.
Brooke
Plus, I've been guilty of locker lipstick sabotage more than once in my life.
Brooke
Sort of goes with the territory.
Brooke
This has Makayla and Bethany written all over it.
Brooke
Cheerleaders are b****es.
Kelsey
Not all cheerleaders.
Brooke smiles, and I hold her gaze.
I'd think Brooke was flirting with me.
Brooke
Clearly you don't know me very well, then.
I force a laugh, attempting to hand the tray back to Brooke.
Skeptical, I peel back the foil to find a sheet of brownies.
Brooke
Every cheerleader 'adopts' a member of the football team.
Brooke
Buys them presents. Bakes them sweets.
Brooke
I would have decorated your locker, too, but…
Brooke
Someone beat me to it.
I lift a brownie from the tray.
Brooke
I'm already paired with Colton, but…
Brooke
No one else wanted to take you. No offense.
Kelsey
None taken. You made these?
I pale and set the brownie back on the tray.
Kelsey
That's really nice of you, but you don't have to bother.
I hand the tray back to Brooke.
Brooke
Was it something Colton said? Because—
I shake my head and reach into my backpack…
Pulling out the unsigned permission slip.
Kelsey
Turns out, you need a parent's signature to play…
Kelsey
And my dad won't sign.
Kelsey
He's just been really protective of me since my mom died.
I can see Brooke falter, unsure of what to say.
Brooke
Well, do you still want to play?
Brooke motions to the slip.
Brooke leads me into the library…
And we sit down at a table together…
Then, I watch as Brooke expertly crafts a signature…
Signing 'Daryl Covington' on the dotted line.
She blows on the paper, setting the ink.
Kelsey
Where'd you learn to do that?
Brooke
You've never forged a signature before?
Brooke
Like, signed your dad's name on a detention slip?
Brooke
Wrote yourself a note so you could skip?
Kelsey
I haven't really done any of those things.
Kelsey
We kind of move around too much for me to do the whole rebellious teen thing.
Brooke hands me the signed form.
Brooke
Well, it's never too late to start.
Later that day, my first practice scrimmage is in full swing.
Colton and I both wear blue jerseys.
We’re squared off against the other half of the team—
The center snaps the ball to Colton.
I run down the field, dodging yellow-jersey opponents.
Colton looks out at the field of play, weighing his options.
I see him notice that I’m wide-open.
Then he chucks the ball towards another, less-open receiver.
The ball is easily intercepted by a yellow jersey…
Who runs the ball several yards in the other direction before the end of play.
I take off my helmet as I hustle back towards the line of scrimmage.
Colton continues to ignore me, setting himself for the snap.
Kelsey
Really? Are you just going to ignore me for the entire season?
Colton
Coach gave you two games, and, if it's up to me…
Colton
That's all you'll get.
Kelsey
So your mind's made up before you even see what I can do.
Colton
Pretty much, yeah.
I can hear snickers from the rest of the team.
Kelsey
Look, I'm not asking you to like me.
Kelsey
I'm just asking you to treat me with the same respect you treat them.
I motion to the rest of the team.
Colton
The rest of these guys have been busting their a**es seven days a week for years…
Colton
Working to build this team into something great.
Kelsey
Last season, you didn't even make the play-offs.
Kelsey
It's time to try something different.
Colton
And you're the one who's going to turn this team around?
Colton
You're an untested rookie without a lick of experience on the field.
Colton
You want me to notice you, to play you?
Then he crouches, setting himself.
Fuming, I get in position…
As Colton calls the next play.
I bust into my house after practice…
Throwing my backpack down and quickly raiding the cabinet for a snack.
My dad sits at the kitchen table reading a newspaper.
Sgt. Covington
Paper says there's a game tonight over at Corbin High.
Sgt. Covington
I was thinking, since you seem to have an interest, that we could go together.
Sgt. Covington
You know, bond.
I breathe a sigh of relief - he doesn't know.
Before I can respond, my phone buzzes.
"Interview after game 2night?"
I quickly text back: "Sure."
Kelsey
Actually Dad, I'm busy tonight.
Kelsey
Told a friend I would study.
This is enough to make my dad drop his paper.
Sgt. Covington
A friend? Kelsey, that's great!
I grab a banana from the counter.
Kelsey
Gotta get ready. But Dad—
Kelsey
I wouldn't waste your time going to the game.
Kelsey
I hear the Cougars suck this year.
Later that night, I sit on the Cougars’ bench, in uniform…
I study the playbook on my lap…
As the game proceeds on the field.
The packed stadium is illuminated by the glow of Friday night lights.
The deafening roar of an eager crowd fills the air.
I can see Zoe in the stands, snapping pictures for the paper.
Bodiless announcers narrate the plays, and fill slow moments with chatter.
Announcer 1
Friday night in Corbin, Texas.
Announcer 1
Word travels fast around this town…
Announcer 1
So I'm sure you've all heard about Coach Wilson's little stunt by now.
Announcer 2
You think this whole thing with letting a girl join his roster mid-season is a stunt?
Announcer 1
Well, it's not like he's going to play her!
On the field, Colton runs a play, handing the ball off to a linebacker…
Who is immediately decked by a much larger member of the West Canaan team.
Announcer 2
I wouldn't be so sure.
Colton throws a pass that’s fumbled by one of his receivers, bringing play to a halt.
Announcer 2
I mean, what do we even know about this girl?
Announcer 1
Well, her name's Kelsey Covington…and that's about it.
Announcer 1
No varsity sports record from her old school.
Announcer 1
Or should I say, schools - this girl has moved around, a lot.
Colton moves to throw a forward pass…
But is quickly sacked before the ball can leave his hand.
Announcer 2
Well, whatever Coach Wilson's playing at, I hope it pays off.
Colton hits the ground - hard.
He slams his fists in the dirt before a teammate offers him a hand—
Pulling the enraged quarterback to his feet.
Announcer 2
The Cougars sure need it.
I look up from the playbook and glance at the scoreboard.
We’re losing: 7-0 in the back half.
I turn toward the stands…
Who confidently leads her squad through a series of cheers by the sidelines.
Announcer 1
TOUCHDOWN, WEST CANAAN!
I whip my head back to the field…
As the West Canaan tight end leads his teammates in a victory dance.
Colton kicks at the turf.
Coach Wilson blows his whistle, signaling a time-out.
The Cougars on the field follow Colton in a hustle to the sidelines.
Coach Wilson
Covington, you're in.
Colton
The crowd will eat us alive, not to mention what West Canaan will do.
Coach Wilson
West Canaan is already eating us alive.
Coach Wilson
The whole point of bringing Covington on was to try something different.
Coach Wilson
We're losing. Bad.
Coach Wilson
Not just this game, but every game.
Coach Wilson
You wanted your shot.
Coach Wilson
Now's your chance to take it.
I start to feel the heat of the stadium lights all over my body—
The stares of my teammates.
I look over toward the stands again…
Where Brooke has started a cheer to keep the crowd occupied during the time-out.
Then she gives me a thumbs-up.
Coach Wilson
That's what I like to hear.
Coach Wilson
You been studying that playbook, Covington?
Coach signals at the ref to end time-out.
Coach Wilson
We're going to run a hitch and go.
Coach Wilson
Think you can handle that?
I open my mouth to answer, but I don’t get a chance before Coach Wilson claps me on the back—
Practically shoving me onto the field.
Coach Wilson
Good, let's get this thing done.
I take a deep breath as I step out onto the field.
I look up at the packed stands - a sea of blue and yellow bodies.
I quickly slip my ponytail into my helmet, but it's too late.
Announcer 1
I can't believe it, folks…
Announcer 1
Walking onto the field is #42, Kelsey Covington!
Boos echo from both sides of the stadium.
Announcer 2
She's the first female receiver in the state of Texas…
Announcer 2
And it looks like the crowd isn't too happy about her being here.
I continue my walk to the line of scrimmage.
Shouts and taunts echo from the stands, but I charge forward.
By the time I make it to the line of scrimmage…
Colton has finished his huddle.
He claps, breaking the team into formation as I draw near.
Kelsey
I thought we were running the hitch and go.
Colton
New plan - just stay out of the way.
Colton
I want you to run for the sidelines and stay there while we run the clock.
Kelsey
Run the clock? We'll lose!
Colton
We'll lose anyway.
Colton
At least this way, we'll lose with our dignity.
Colton turns away from me and sets himself for the snap.
I frown as I find my spot in the lineup.
The Cougars scramble in various directions.
I follow orders and run for the sidelines.
There, I’m met by a member of West Canaan's defense.
He attempts to block me without touching me…
Like two strangers bumping into one another on the street.
I smile behind the grill of my helmet, forming an idea…
Just as a whistle is blown, signaling a stoppage of play.
Off the clock, I take a step towards the member of the West Canaan defensive line…
And watch as a bulky, towering linebacker jumps in fear.
Confident in my plan, I run back towards Colton.
Kelsey
We need to run the hitch and go.
Colton
Since when do you call the shots around here?
Kelsey
Since when do you? Coach Wilson called the play.
Colton
And I called a different one.
Kelsey
They're afraid of me.
Other members of the Cougar line perk up, curious.
Kelsey
Look, you don't have to like me, or respect me, but…
Kelsey
If you want to score, you have to trust me.
Kelsey
The West Canaan guys - they're huge. Scary.
Kelsey
And they're terrified of hitting a girl.
Kelsey
I stand out. We should take advantage of that.
Kelsey
You get me the ball, and I promise I'll run it into the end zone.
Colton rubs his helmet, thinking this over.
Then he turns to the rest of the team.
The players nod, setting themselves.
Colton turns to me one last time.
Colton
Don't make me regret this.
Then he calls for the snap.
Again, I run toward the sidelines.
I stop short in front of the West Canaan defenseman.
I watch him freeze, paralyzed with embarrassment, uncertainty—
Should he block me? Tackle?
I don’t give him time to decide.
Taking advantage of his hesitation…
I spin, just as the defenseman makes a tentative lunge for me…
And I break away, sprinting down the field.
Colton, back at the snap, sets back with the ball, watching as I take off down the field—
Untouched by the West Canaan line.
I was right - no one will touch me.
The ball spirals, high, arching over the field towards me.
Announcer 1
I can't believe it, folks—
The ball begins its descent, spiraling down towards me.
Coach Wilson consults his clipboard, looking away.
Zoe frantically snaps photos.
Brooke stops mid-cheer to watch, wide-eyed as I—
I stare down at the ball in shock…
But there's no time for celebration.
I dodge a wary, disbelieving opponent…
And take off down the field.
Announcer 2
She's headed for the end zone—
I pass the 50-yard line, 60—
My breath ragged as I make a mad dash.
70, 80 - all at an incredible clip.
I can see the end zone now, through the bars of my helmet.
A West Canaan defensive tackle charges forward…
He’s clearly overcome his fear of me, my newness.
I grit my teeth, biting hard on my mouthguard—
A sack from this guy could be deadly for someone like me.
The defensive tackle draws closer, reaching out for me.
Using my smaller size to slide under him.
Just as I tumble into the end zone.
Announcer 1
TOUCHDOWN, COUGARS!
Cheers erupt from the awestruck crowd.
Several of the Cougars swarm the end zone as the clock runs out.
They pat me on the back - a job well done.
I remove my helmet, letting my ponytail pool at my shoulders.
I scan the cheering crowd.
Announcer 2
It's not enough for a win, but this will be a night Corbin never forgets:
Announcer 2
A touchdown from a female athlete! That might be another Texas first!
Before I can react to the sight of my dad…
Coach Wilson rushes the field and hands me the game ball.
Coach Wilson
You earned this, Covington.
I beam, soaking in the energy of the crowd.
If this is what it's like to be noticed, I could get used to it.
I look back up at the stands and find my dad again.
He shakes his head and makes for the exit.
I turn and see a frustrated Colton tossing off his helmet and storming off the field.
He finds Brooke in the sea of cheerleaders…
And whispers something in her ear.
I watch as Brooke nods and leaves with Colton.
Dejected, I head for the showers.
I’m sitting alone in a booth at the diner.
My phone buzzes on the table.
I turn it over to see two texts…
I flip the phone face down and put my head in my hands.
After a moment, a waitress sets a milkshake and an order of fries down on my table.
I furrow my brow, confused, as the waitress waves away my money.
She points to a sign posted over the counter:
"CORBIN COUGARS EAT FREE."
She gives me a kind smile and walks away.
I take a tentative sip from my shake, when—
Brooke
Shouldn't you be off celebrating?
I look up, expecting to find Brooke in the company of her fellow cheerleaders - or Colton.
Instead, I find her alone, a jacket draped over her cheerleading uniform.
Kelsey
This is me celebrating.
Brooke slides into the booth, across from me.
Brooke
We need to work on this whole rebellious teen thing for you.
Brooke
I mean, most people would celebrate scoring their first touchdown…
Brooke
In their very first game…
Brooke
By getting, as the kids say, s***-faced.
Kelsey
I'm already anticipating being grounded until I turn 40—
Kelsey
Not trying to add too many offenses to my dad's list.
Brooke
I take it he's not a football fan.
Kelsey
Oh no, he is - he just didn't expect to see his daughter on the field.
Brooke
So what you're saying is that I'm a terrible influence.
Kelsey
No. I had fun. Even if this whole thing was short-lived…
Kelsey
It was nice not being so invisible for once.
Brooke nods, understanding.
Kelsey
What about you? Why aren't you off partying?
Brooke
I couldn't stand to hear Colton whining about you anymore. No offense.
Brooke
So I ditched. I mean, if his masculinity is that fragile…
Brooke
We really need to examine the whole patriarchal framework of our society.
Brooke
What? I want to major in women's studies in college.
Kelsey
No, I mean, if you hate Colton so much…
Kelsey
Why haven't you broken up with him already?
Kelsey
I mean, haven't you guys been together, like, forever?
Brooke
I don't hate Colton. I care about him.
Brooke
And actually, in some ways, I still love him.
I try to hide my disappointment.
Brooke
Or at least, the idea of him. The life I could have had with him.
Brooke reaches for another fry.
Brooke
It's what everyone expects.
Brooke
We'd go to college together.
Brooke
Move back to Corbin. Get married.
Brooke
Pop out a few kids.
Brooke
The whole white picket fence thing. It would all be so easy…
Brooke watches as I grab another fry, dip it in my shake, and take a bite.
Brooke
But on a more serious note…
Brooke
What the h*** are you doing?
I look down and take another bite of my milkshake fry.
Kelsey
You've never tried milkshake fries?
Brooke
Milkshake fries? Uh, no, I haven't-
Kelsey
You're missing out-
Brooke
Because I'm not a complete psychopath.
I dip a fresh fry in my shake and hand it to Brooke.
Brooke raises an eyebrow.
She takes a tentative bite.
I’m practically feeding Brooke out of the palm of my hand.
Brooke's eyes grow wide as she chews.
Brooke
Holy s***, Covington.
And slide the milkshake and fries forward so Brooke can share.
Brooke
What else are you hiding, Covington?
But Brooke has already turned her attention back to her food…
Moaning as she pops another milkshake fry into her mouth.
I quietly slip through my front door…
Gently shutting it behind me.
Looks like the coast is clear.
I rest against the doorframe and check my phone.
I ignore several missed texts from Zoe…
And go straight to a new text from Brooke:
"Milkshake fries? Game-changer."
"Remind me to keep you around, Covington."
I can practically see my heart flutter out of my chest, when—
My dad emerges from the kitchen.
Sgt. Covington
Where were you?
Kelsey
Nowhere. Just with a friend.
Sgt. Covington
The same friend you were studying with?
Sgt. Covington
It's one thing to directly defy my orders—
Sgt. Covington
It's another to lie.
Sgt. Covington
What's going on, Kels?
Sgt. Covington
It's like I don't even know you anymore!
Kelsey
You're the one who told me to really try this time—
Kelsey
Make some friends. Do something. Then when I do, you—
Sgt. Covington
Football is a dangerous sport, Kelsey.
Sgt. Covington
I've seen young men get seriously hurt.
Sgt. Covington
And it's my job to protect you.
Kelsey
So you've been doing that by, what?
Kelsey
Running away from our problems ever since Mom died?
Kelsey
Like if we run fast enough, you won't have to deal with the fact that she's gone?
I can tell I hit too close to the bone.
Kelsey
Because she is gone, Dad. But I'm still here.
Sgt. Covington
And that's exactly why I can't let you do this!
Sgt. Covington
I can't lose you like I lost her.
Even my father, tough military man that he is, looks like he's on the verge of tears.
Kelsey
I get that, Dad, but I'm going to do this.
Kelsey
I need to do this.
Sgt. Covington
So you're willing to risk it all, for what—
Sgt. Covington
Just to impress some boy?
Kelsey
You're right, Dad—
Kelsey
You really don't know me at all.
My dad sighs, not trying to stop me.
Inside my room, still packed with boxes…
I put a pillow over my head and scream into it.
I quickly hammer out a response:
"I'm sorry. Something came up. I'll explain tomorrow."
Zoe quickly responds with the two girls kissing emoji, followed by a question mark.
I turn to set my phone down on my nightstand.
My eye catches on a framed picture, one of the few items I bothered to unpack.
I study the younger version of me:
Dressed in a flag football uniform, posing with my mom.
We both look so happy, smiling.
I look at the photo for a moment longer…
Before hugging it to my chest.
The next day at school, I make my way down the hall…
Passing by students who meet me with wide smiles and nods of approval.
I make my way to my locker.
Instead of nasty graffiti, my locker has been decorated with crêpe paper…
And cut-outs of footballs.
Decorated to match the lockers of the other Cougars.
Brooke
Short attention spans.
I turn to find Brooke leaning against a neighboring locker.
Brooke
You give them a touchdown, they'll forgive anything.
I spin the combination lock and open my locker.
Kelsey
I have to say, it's an improvement. Did you do this?
Brooke
The other girls beat me to it.
Kelsey
I guess that means you can go back to baking brownies just for Colton.
I try to hide my disappointment as I unload books from my backpack into my locker.
Brooke
But you're a celebrity now, Covington.
Brooke
I think I'll stick close and ride the wave of your fame all the way through homecoming.
Brooke
That is, unless you decide to run against me.
Kelsey
For homecoming queen?
Brooke
Uh, yeah. You're certified popular. Just look around—
I look up from my books and at the hall around me.
The students in the hall are cheering for me.
I blush and turn my attention back to Brooke.
Brooke
I bet you could give me a run for my money.
Kelsey
Don't worry, I'm not interested.
Kelsey
Besides, don't you have to be, like, attractive to be homecoming queen?
Brooke sets down her bag and begins to fuss with my hair.
I watch my face turn red in the reflection of my locker mirror.
Brooke
You've got great hair. Amazing skin. You're—
I spin around, coming face to face with Zoe.
Zoe
Where were you last night?
Zoe
I earmarked the entire front page of this week's paper for your profile!
Brooke shoots me a confused look.
I flash her a nervous smile.
Kelsey
Sorry, Zoe, I just…needed to escape.
Kelsey
My dad was pretty angry when he saw me on the field.
Zoe whips out her notebook and begins to take notes.
Zoe
Oooh, family drama, I like it.
Brooke
How'd that go? Are you okay?
Kelsey
We're not talking so…I guess?
Brooke flashes a sympathetic smile.
Kelsey
Anyway, wouldn't you rather interview someone more interesting? Like Brooke?
Zoe
Everyone already knows everything there is to know about Brooke Dalton.
Brooke hides her disappointment with a smirk.
Zoe
And plus, you promised me an exclusive, remember?
She flashes me a knowing look, motioning to Brooke.
Kelsey
Yeah. I do. Sorry. Does tonight work?
Zoe
Great! I already got some action shots of you at the game…
Zoe
But I'll want to do an editorial shoot as well.
I glance at my reflection in the mirror, suddenly self-conscious.
Brooke
Covington, relax - you look great. There's just one thing…
I close my locker and turn to Brooke.
Brooke
We have to do something about those clothes.
I look down at my outfit:
Dirty sneakers, ripped jeans, faded t-shirt…
A signature flannel wrapped around my waist.
Kelsey
What's wrong with them?
Is one thing they can agree on.
Brooke
What're you doing this afternoon?
Kelsey
Well, there's no practice today, so I was probably going to catch up on some homework—
Brooke
Meet me in the parking lot after school.
Brooke
We'll go to my house and raid my closet. Sound good?
I am, once again, speechless.
I manage to nod as the bell rings, signaling the start of class.
Brooke grabs her things and heads down the hall.
She turns around before dipping into one of the classrooms.
I turn to Zoe, wide-eyed.
