Chapter 13
thirteen
. . .
The final quarter, two minutes left on the clock, and the final possession. Los Oceania was down by three against Ganton Hills. Khalif watched the lineup of Ganton Hills’ offensive line. He watched the running back and the quarterback. They were going to throw it instead of running it in.
Khalif couldn’t have it. The moment he heard the snap, he positioned himself right behind the running back. Keeping his eyes trained on the ball, he launched his body into the air, snatched the ball from the sky, and hauled downfield.
Ganton Hills’ offensive line was now on the defense as they chased him down to retrieve what was once theirs. Los Oceania’s defensive line blocked players from stopping Khalif’s route. He stiff-armed two linemen, only the third being able to get him in possession, which meant nothing at all.
The text Aurora had sent him prior to stepping onto the field after halftime served as his reminder.
Aurora: they want the beast, give them the beast.
While the men fought to bring him down, Khalif fought his way into the endzone.
Stride after stride until he broke the plain, securing the win for his team.
Ganton Hills fans and players alike stood in equal parts awe and devastation.
Khalif launched the ball into the air and pointed toward the box where Aurora, Synia, and her grandmother were jumping up and down.
Los Oceania went crazy. The stadium was so loud that the rafters vibrated. The team rushed the field. Rodney was the first to smack his helmet. “That’s what I’m talking about, baby! That’s that big dawg shit!”
Khalif, on cloud nine, floated through his interviews on the field and post-game interviews.
When the time came to meet his guests in the tunnel, the excitement beamed over Aurora’s face as she galloped toward him and leaped in his arms. That reaction alone was going to have him bending at her will.
“You did so good!” she screeched, wrapping her arms around his neck. “What a game.”
“You see what you did?” he asked in her ear.
“I didn’t do anything. You did it.”
“Uh uh. You did. A play can land you right in the endzone,” he spoke, placing her on her feet and peering down at her. “You can be both. I need both. Aight?”
Aurora bit her lip, trying to stop a smile, but the swipe of his thumb released it.
“Okay.”
Fin.