After Zoe and I go over the plan, Zoe finds Brooke in the cafeteria.
Zoe
So, I know you hate me, and I totally don't blame you.
Zoe
But we're doing interviews tonight before the game…
Zoe
With everyone on homecoming court. For the paper.
Brooke
And why should I talk to you?
Zoe hands Brooke the flier she and I made during free period.
"HOMECOMING COURT - PHOTOS AND INTERVIEWS - IN THE GYM, 6 PM."
I watch from behind a door as Brooke enters the empty gymnasium.
She’s dressed in her cheer uniform.
And she’s stunning, as always.
Zoe waves from a chair at the center of the room.
She’s alone with her tape recorder and camera…
All the makings of an interview.
Brooke's steps echo off the waxed floorboards.
Brooke
Where's everyone else?
Zoe
You're the first one here.
Brooke
So this is - what?
Brooke
Some elaborate set-up to get me to tell you another life-ruining secret?
Zoe
I want to give you the chance to tell your own story.
Zoe
Colton shouldn't be the one to tell it for you.
Brooke
Right. Thanks for the advice.
Brooke
But you said it yourself:
Brooke
Everyone already knows everything there is to know about Brooke Dalton.
Brooke grabs her things and prepares to leave.
Brooke looks up as I enter the gym…
Wearing flannel, a coat - and also eyeliner.
Electricity passes between us…
Kelsey
They don't know that Brooke Dalton is kind.
Kelsey
Smart. Funny. Adventurous.
Kelsey
Up to try milkshake fries and steal back the disembodied head of a really creepy cougar mascot.
Brooke laughs despite herself, through her tears.
Kelsey
Brooke, I've moved around a lot.
Kelsey
And nothing ever fit. Nowhere ever felt like home.
Kelsey
Until I came here.
I trail off, a lump in my throat.
I swallow, pulling myself together, and continue.
Kelsey
Corbin feels like home now.
Kelsey
And it's because of you.
Kelsey
I won't make you decide what you want tonight.
Kelsey
Coming out…that's huge. You get to choose when to do that—
Kelsey
Not me, not Colton.
Kelsey
But I love you, Brooke Dalton.
Kelsey
I guess I just needed you to know.
Brooke
I need to get ready for the game.
Leaving me alone in the gym.
The stadium is packed, half-filled with cheering Cougars fans dressed in blue and gold…
The other half filled with rowdy Riverview fans dressed in black and red.
On the scoreboard: 7-0, in favor of the Riverview Rattlesnakes.
I’m dressed in a hooded flannel to hide my identity…
And I slide in next to Zoe on the bleachers.
On the field, Riverview runs the ball, scoring another touchdown.
Colton groans and looks up at the stands…
Where a pair of suited college recruiters watch, taking notes.
A buzzer sounds as the clock runs out, signaling the end of the first half…
Announcer 1
Well folks, looks like the Cougars are off to a rough start without their new secret weapon.
Announcer 2
Now what did happen to Kelsey Covington?
Announcer 1
No one knows. It's like she disappeared.
Announcer 2
Maybe she couldn't handle the pressure of playing with the boys.
The Cougars' mascot runs onto the field.
The pep band plays an upbeat tune in an attempt to stir the crowd.
And, on the field, a crew lays down a red carpet.
Announcer 1
In the meantime, we've got a little something different:
Announcer 2
It's half-time presentation of the homecoming court!
There’s scattered applause from the crowd.
Announcer 1
First up, we've got Makayla Rhodes!
Announcer 1
Escorting her is benched running back, #22, Jason Steiner.
Makayla walks the field, dressed in a gown, on the arm of Jason…
Dressed in his football uniform, despite still using crutches.
She waves to the crowd as if they're her subjects.
Announcer 2
Next up, Bethany Keene, and her escort, #11, Trent Lewis!
Bethany, dressed to the nines, walks the red carpet…
With a uniformed football player on her arm.
Announcer 1
Next up, we've got Corbin's very own power couple:
Announcer 1
Brooke Dalton and #22, Colton Lavery!
Brooke, now dressed in a tight number from her closet, walks the red carpet with Colton.
Announcer 2
And now, the moment of truth—
Announcer 2
Your homecoming queen this year will be…
Announcer 1
No surprise here folks:
Announcer 1
Brooke Dalton!
The crowd goes wild, cheering for its star couple.
Colton beams, basking in the attention — the accolades.
I know what she’s thinking:
This should be her moment…
The culmination of the past four years…
Brooke looks up toward the stands.
And that's when she sees me…
Despite my attempts to make myself invisible.
And she looks deeply into my eyes.
Colton disrupts our eye contact by leading Brooke over to the center of the field…
Where a PTA mom prepares to crown the homecoming king and queen.
First, she sets a dollar-store crown on top of Colton's head.
He bends so she can reach him…
And smiles as the crown slides onto his rust-colored hair.
Then, it's Brooke's turn.
She bends, preparing to be crowned, when—
Brooke
I don't want this.
She stands, pulling off the cheap tiara she's been crowned with.
There’s an audible gasp emitted from the crowd.
Brooke
Not if I can't be me. The real me.
She turns to a fuming Colton.
Brooke
I'm sorry, Colton.
Then, she turns to the crowd.
Brooke
Kelsey Covington deserves to be out here.
Brooke
She deserves to play in this game.
Brooke
And the only reason she isn't…
Brooke
Is because I was too afraid to be the person I always wanted to be.
Murmurs sound from the crowd.
Someone notices me in the stands, and soon…
It feels like all eyes are on me.
Brooke
But this crown, being homecoming queen?
Brooke
It doesn't mean anything.
Brooke
Not if I can't share it with her.
She moves closer to the microphone…
As I stand, frozen in place.
Brooke
I love Kelsey Covington.
There’s another audible gasp from the crowd.
Brooke
And if that means you don't want me to be your homecoming queen…
Brooke
Because I'm happy enough…just being me.
And, with that, she drops the microphone…
And heads for the locker room.
Announcer 1
Well, that's certainly a first, folks.
I look to Zoe, who gives me an encouraging nod.
I sprint out of the stands and toward the locker room.
Brooke stands over the locker-room sink…
Removing her makeup and earrings.
She looks at her reflection. Studies it.
A proud smile makes its way across her face.
Kelsey
I thought you hated public displays of affection.
Brooke turns to me — I'm still dressed in my oversized hoodie.
Brooke
Turns out the problem was with the person, not the PDA.
Kelsey
What about extremely private displays of affection?
Brooke laughs as I move forward, pulling her in close.
Kelsey
Okay then, I have a question for you.
Kelsey
Will you go to homecoming with me?
Brooke beams and pulls me in close.
A slow, passionate kiss that rivals our first.
Kelsey
So, was that a yes?
Brooke slaps me playfully.
Then gives me a once-over.
Brooke
But we have to do something about that outfit.
I run out to the sidelines, dressed in full uniform, cradling my helmet under my arm.
I’m wearing eye black, with my long hair tied into a tight pony.
I feel confident as I approach Coach Wilson…
Who’s reviewing a play with the rest of the Cougars nearby.
He doesn’t look up from his clipboard.
Coach Wilson
Save the speech, Covington.
Coach Wilson
Anyone got a problem with that?
The Cougars shake their heads.
Coach Wilson
Anyone? Colton?
Colton reluctantly shakes his head no.
He knows he needs me to win.
Coach Wilson
Good. Then let's play some football, shall we?
The Cougars break their huddle and tear out onto the field.
I take one last look at the sidelines…
Where Brooke has started leading her squad.
I take a quick glance at the stands…
And see my dad standing up in his seat…
Cheering loudly for me as I run onto the field.
The rest of the crowd is reluctant at first…
But soon enough, they join in…
Greeting me with roaring applause.
I can practically hear Zoe’s camera clicking…
As I slide on my helmet, once again pulling my ponytail out of view.
I reach the line of scrimmage, instantly dwarfed by the size of the Riverview Rattlesnakes.
Chase, the Riverview quarterback, scowls, recognizing me.
Chase
You. Don't think you're getting any special treatment just because you're a girl.
I turn to Colton, shocked.
Did he just stand up for me?
Chase
Okay then. Game on.
Colton sets himself for the snap, and gameplay resumes.
The next hour is filled with mud, sweat, and tears.
Well, mostly just mud and sweat.
Colton only gets sacked once.
With only ten seconds on the clock, I look up at the scoreboard:
I breathe hard through my helmet…
Waiting for the next play.
Announcer 1
Well folks, the Cougars gave it their all, but with only ten seconds on the clock…
Announcer 1
And a few dozen yards between the Cougars and the end zone…
Announcer 1
Things aren't looking good.
Announcer 2
I agree, looks like another wash for Corbin.
Colton
All right, we're going to run the clock again.
Kelsey
No. We can't give up. Not now.
Colton
I'd like to agree with you, but there's no way we're making it in.
Kelsey
This is your shot, Colton.
Kelsey
This is the last play standing between you and A&M.
Kelsey
Don't you want to do something great?
Colton looks up at the recruiters in the stands.
He readies himself for the snap…
Colton holds the ball, faking out the Riverview Rattlesnakes…
Who have begun to scramble.
Determined, I take off towards the end zone.
I’m faster now than ever before, taking yards with every stride.
Colton risks one last glance at the recruiters…
He throws the ball, long, longer than before.
Announcer 2
Folks, it looks like Lavery is trying for a Hail Mary!
Announcer 1
At this yardage? No way this is completed.
I run, panting, out of breath.
I turn, clocking the ball.
I’m almost at the end zone.
And all I can hear is my breath.
The ball spirals toward me.
Somehow, I manage to wrap my arms around the ball.
And then I fall to the ground…
Just barely over the line.
Announcer 1
I can't believe it—
Announcer 2
TOUCHDOWN COUGARS!
They cheer wildly as the clock runs out.
I open my eyes, and find Colton, extending his hand.
I grasp it, and Colton pulls me to my feet.
Colton
Nice catch, rookie.
I smile just as I’m rushed by the team.
They swarm me, cheering, patting me on the back, and ruffling my hair.
And spot my dad, standing, cheering so intensely that his face has gone red.
And then, I start scanning the crowd…
As Brooke runs from the sidelines…
I’ve never been to a school dance before, and Corbin’s homecoming doesn’t disappoint.
Blue and yellow stars and moons line the walls, shimmering under pulsing lights.
Everyone’s looking their best in suits and dresses, instead of their usual attire.
Someone’s even dragged the cougar out and dressed it up for the occasion.
But, even in a bowtie, it still looks creepy.
On the dance floor, Makayla dances awkwardly with Jason.
I stand by Zoe as she takes photos of our classmates for the paper…
Until one of the Cougars pulls her onto the dance floor and twirls her around.
Colton sits alone at an empty table…
He wears a crown on his head - a now meaningless symbol.
Jason tries to pull him onto the dance floor, but he refuses.
Instead, he scrolls through his photos…
Until he finds the picture of Brooke kissing me on his bed.
I watch, unnoticed, as he hits "DELETE."
Maybe there’s hope for Colton Lavery after all.
I move from my spot along the wall to the dance floor…
Feeling confident in my suit.
I blush as several students clap and cheer.
I hold out my hand, signaling to someone in the shadows.
Brooke makes her way toward me.
She’s wearing a gorgeous satin gown with a tiara in her hair.
I wait in a spot of light in the center of the dance floor as she walks toward me, beaming.
She meets me in the spotlight.
We wrap our arms around each other for a slow dance.
And our lips finally meet.
Brooke and I sit on the same side of a booth at the diner…
I’m wearing a shiny new letterman jacket bearing the Corbin High mascot—
A slightly less creepy version of the very creepy cougar.
Brooke dips a fry into a milkshake and holds it out to me.
I chomp it, planting a kiss on Brooke's cheek.
She giggles, happy to finally be able to be herself.
Zoe slides down in the booth across from us…
And passes us an issue of the Corbin Chronicle.
The front page is entirely dedicated to me and Brooke…
With pictures of me in uniform, on the field…
By the sidelines with Brooke…
And dancing together at homecoming.
The headline over the long and detailed article reads:
“HOMECOMING QUEENS: HOW TWO FIERCE LADIES CHANGED CORBIN HIGH FOR GOOD…"
"JUST BY BEING THEMSELVES.”
I flash an appreciative smile to Zoe…
Before Brooke pulls me in for a kiss.
The diner, the paper, Zoe…
All fade into the background…
Leaving just me and Brooke.
I think I've pretty much got Corbin High figured out.
Football is a way of life.
Even though he didn't get the girl.
I'm still figuring that out.
But I *did* get the girl.
And she's not just any girl…
She's the homecoming queen.
