Don't You Dare

Chapter 8: Shared Spaces

Megan reached over and squeezed Andrea's hand. "You'll figure it out. You guys are strong together. And hey, maybe I'll have Ryan sorted out by then, and we can all be a super awkward double date."

Andrea laughed, the anxiety easing a little. "Yeah, maybe."

They drove in comfortable silence for a while, the anticipation for the game building as they approached Greenwich High School. The parking lot was already packed, and the stadium lights shone brightly against the dusky sky.

As Megan pulled into a spot, Andrea felt a thrill of excitement mixed with nervousness. She hadn't seen Gabe play since he'd rejoined the team, and she knew tonight was important to him. This was more than just a game; it was his way of proving to himself—and everyone else—that he was back and better than ever.

"You ready to cheer your man on?" Megan teased as they got out of the car, grabbing her bag from the backseat.

"Absolutely," Andrea replied, her smile widening. "Let's go watch him win."

They walked together toward the stadium entrance, the crisp November air nipping at their cheeks as they joined the growing crowd of students, parents, and alumni filing into the bleachers. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and school spirit, and Andrea couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as she thought about Gabe out there on the field. 

_________________________________________________________________________

Andrea stood in the bleachers, bundled up in a warm coat and scarf, her hands wrapped around a cup of hot chocolate as she watched the players on the field. She spotted Gabe easily, his number 10 jersey standing out as he jogged across the pitch, stretching and getting ready for the game. He looked focused, his expression serious as he listened to his coach's final instructions. His presence seemed to draw the eye of everyone in the crowd, and Andrea couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.

"He looks good out there, doesn't he?" Megan said, nudging Andrea with her elbow, a teasing grin on her face.

Andrea's heart swelled as she watched Gabe, the captain of the team, exchange a few words with Ryan,  the team's front runner. "Yeah, he does," she said softly, her smile widening. He looked confident and completely in control.

The referee's whistle blew, signaling the start of the game, and the crowd erupted into cheers. Andrea joined in, her excitement growing with each passing moment. Gabe moved across the field with ease, directing his teammates and setting up plays. He was everywhere, his intensity and focus drawing attention every time he had the ball.

About twenty minutes into the game, Gabe intercepted a pass from the opposing team, his movements quick and precise. He glanced up, spotting Ryan sprinting toward the goal, and with a swift, powerful kick, he sent the ball soaring through the air, curving it perfectly past the defense.

Ryan leapt into the air, meeting the ball with his head and sending it straight into the net. The crowd went wild as the ball hit the back of the net, the cheer of the crowd echoing through the stadium.

Andrea's heart swelled with excitement as she watched Ryan pump his fist in celebration, running back toward Gabe. The two met halfway, slapping each other's hands and laughing.

"Did you see that?" Megan shouted over the noise, her eyes wide with excitement. "That was incredible!"

Andrea nodded, grinning. "They make it look so easy."

The game continued, the tension building with each play. The opposing team was putting up a strong fight, and the score remained close. As the final minutes of the first half ticked down, Gabe was sprinting toward the goal when one of the defenders grabbed his jersey, pulling him back. He stumbled but kept his balance, only to be tripped up by another player.