HIS UNMATCHED AFFECTION

Chapter 2

Jake's POV

We have to win this game to show our competitors in the league how bad we want to win the county championship. It's the last thing I'd wanna leave on my legacy at seaside. And this friendly match is a perfect opportunity to send the statement. The stadium is filled to the brim. Mum and dad are already in the audience I can't be more proud. Even though Alan is not my biological father he's been supportive and I love him like my real dad. The guest team are warming up in one half of the stadium while my team and I in the other. I can see Stacy with her squad the fairest five in their cheer group uniforms. The moment our eye meet she stares down. I can't believe she kissed me and I kissed her back. It's wrong I know but why does it feel so good like I've been longing to do it. I haven't told anyone about it -she made me swear. If word gets out we kissed then my deputy captain who also happens to be her boyfriend and my brother her best friend will literally kill me. Although the rumors about the two of us being stuck in an elevator are all over the school but that's normal anyone can get stuck. It happens all the time.

"Guys come in", the coach says.

All of us gather around him. We look great in our jerseys. A red shirt with two white stripes at the sleeves and shirt numbers written in white. White tight shorts and grey helmets in our hands.

"This is a statement match, we have to win come rain come sunshine", He says.

We all slap our helmets on agreement.

"Let’s go out there and show the whole division that this is our year!" I say.

The whole team claps. We do our motto and ran in the pitch. The referee and the visiting team are already waiting for us. The game begins on a high note. Both sides are good and no wants to make a mistake. James is doing great and so am I but their quarter backs are impenetrable. Coach calls me at the touch line during the break. When I get there the crowd cheers happily, I get rid of my Hemet and wave back.

"We need another strategy, let Eric take the right wing you take the left and James at the middle", He says.

"But Eric doesn't play the wing", I argue.

Coach ignores my lament and calls in Eric and James. They come running. I can see Stacy and her squad cheering them loudly. James is feeling the vibe but Eric isn't which is weird. He always enjoys being cheered by the five fairest what's happening?

"I want you at the right wing", Coach says to Eric.

"He can't play the wing", I argue.

"Why can't I play the wing? Because you said so?" Eric says angrily.

"Calm down man, Jake is right you don't play the wing", Jane's joins in

Coach is having a hard time getting three of his best players on the team on the same page. He picks up a board from his seat. Now demonstration seems to be his best answer.

"No offense but am not convinced he can", I say.

"Let’s give it a try", James says.

"Am with James", Coach says.

I have lost. Eric gives me a glare puts his helmet back on and runs back in the pitch. James and I follow up. The time out is over and the game continues. I think Eric and I gonna have to talk after the game.

Eric's POV

I can't help but think of ripping his head off. I though Stacy was the only thing he couldn't get his hands on but he has already kissed her. I have been her friend all this years all I get is a hug and a nice guy tag. To hell with being nice I want to use this opportunity coach and James have given me to show him I can be better at football than he thinks and also to show Stacy that am good at it just like Jake. Poor James doesn't even know what's going on. Lucky for Jake I like seeing Stacy happy and if James is mad at her then she won't be happy that's the only reason am not telling him. The game is going on well. We almost making a try any minute from now. James gives me a throw. It's high but I can see this as an opportunity I was looking for. The crowd is cheering loudly as I follow the ball high up in the sky evading the heavily built quarter backs. I can hear the cheers from far and feel the wind brushing past my moist skin cooling off my body. I stretch and jump as high as I can and grab the ball. Only one guy is stopping me from making the first and maybe the only score. With the ball in my fist I look around. Jake is in a position to score but am not gonna give it to him. He's had enough. I decide to go solo and lucky for me the guy is weak so I brush past him and make the try.

The cheers, screams and applause from the crowd cracks the air. Usually this could be Jake but it's my turn now. Coach and the team swarm in. They carry me high up in the sky. I can see mum and dad waving happily. Stacy too but I don't wave back. She is getting the cold treatment. I vowed to protect her but that doesn't mean I have to get her off the hook that easily. It's hard staying mad at someone you love for long but I'll try. We shake hands with the visiting team and everyone walks back to the changing room. My team members pass by to congratulate me. I saved the game.

"You know you could have given me that pass", Jake says from behind.

"Can't you just be happy for me once", I say struggling to control myself.

Jake is stronger than me although we play the same sport. I know how it ends if try to get in a fight with him. It always ends with me in the nurses office being stitched but today has been a special day to prove myself and if he doesn't watch his next words carefully I think we gonna have a problem.

"Am happy for you but you embarrassed me Eric, with the coach then in the field", He says sounding tensed.

"Come on dude we both know that you're use to taking all the credit. You think everything is about you get over it", I say stating at him eye to eye.

I can see it. The twitch in his lips it's a sign I've crossed the line. Before I can say another word Jake sends a surgical right on my left cheek and I go sprawling down. I get up and send a right of my own. He felt it. A small crowd is forming around us. Eric spears me to the ground. He sends a couple of rights and lefts before I flip him and send rights of my own.

Stacy's POV

Ooh my God what I was afraid if happening is already in play. A small crowd is gathering around them. I don't know what to do. I feel so bad being the reason they are fighting. I know it started when Eric refuse to pass the ball to him and I know the reason why he didn't. I send one of my girls to fetch coach and James from the team’s locker room. They're the only ones who can separate the two. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have left the pitch probably waiting in the bar. It will be so embarrassing for them to see their two boys fighting.

"Stop!" I shout struggling to pull Eric off Jake.

"You taking his side now?" Eric asks breathing heavily.

"Am not taking his side, what you two are doing is wrong", I say to them standing in the middle of Kong and Godzilla.

The two are bleeding and I can tell they are not done. The moment I move away they will continue where they left. I hope coach and James get here as fast as they can.

"Is this what this is all about? Stacy? “Jake asks with a sarcastic grin.

He is sexy and arrogant. He is trying to ruffle up Eric's feathers and its working because Eric wants to hit him.

"You stay away from her moron", Eric threatens.

"Or what guardian angel? If you like her just grow a pair of balls and tell her", Jake says.

I can't control Eric anymore. He pushes me aside hits Jake with a low blow. Jake groans in pain before he starts laughing. He is annoying but in a cute way.

"Eric and Jake my office!" Coach orders with James by his side.

Thank God no one knows we kissed.