Chapter 1: Class Dismissed
From the perspective of most American adults, it truly does not get much better than Friday. Anyone with a 9-5 job will likely tell you that this day usually signifies an end of another arduous week of work and endless optimism about the couple of days before them.
And where does this lifelong pattern begin? Usually no later than senior year of high school, particularly those last few weeks.
If you are a high school senior, with just one solitary month to go before graduation, Fridays are yearned for and greatly anticipated. It’s a time when slacking is rife; the desire to educate oneself exists at a bare minimum, any motivation to attend classes basically being on life support, with constant daydreams centering around the future, college, friends and whether not relationships will actually survive past graduation.
Well, the current senior class of Arroyo High School was absolutely no different.
A final bell rang, signifying the conclusion of yet another school day. All students rushed out quicker than they ever had for any fire drill, practically sprinting to various exits. Most of them would have no trouble putting those learnings of the past five days firmly in the back of their minds.
Yet there were always some exceptions. Occasionally, you might come across a senior who legitimately cared about his or her schoolwork, and actually liked to think about it, even on days with no classes at all.
Jill Standridge was one of those seniors. On this particular Friday afternoon, she officially left the school building and was walking towards its parking lot, flanked by her two best friends, Lauren Walsh and Emma Gray.
Overall, she felt extremely distracted and stressed, mainly because of her most recent exam. This was not unusual. In fact, Lauren and Emma had become so accustomed to this catastrophic way of thinking about imagined failures that they barely noticed. Continuing to chat with each other, they were seemingly oblivious to Jill’s agitated preoccupations.
Then Tanner Knight arrived. “Hello beautiful!” He greeted Jill cheerily, then pulled her in for a warm and loving hug. “How’s it going?”
“Hi Tanner,” replied a still distracted Jill, whose voice slightly croaked like she had just woken up from a nap. “I’m good.”
Tanner queried, “How was your test?”
“Eh,” Jill answered with a slight head tilt, “I don’t know.” She acknowledged, “I don’t think I did that well.”
“You always say that,” Emma interjected. “And yet you always get the best grade in class.” With a knowing smile, she proclaimed, “The same exact thing will happen here.”
“I hope you’re right.” Jill let out a deep sigh, as if she were releasing much pent-up tension and concern.
“And even if you do get a bad grade,” Tanner added, “so what?” Dismissing the fire that had suddenly formed in Jill’s eyes, he posed another question. “Who really cares?”
“I care,” Jill met Tanner’s gaze with a look that managed to be equally hurt and indignant. “Come on, you know that grades are important to me.”
Sensing he was making things worse, Tanner switched gears and made Jill a proposition. “Hey, how about you stay here today and hang out with me?” After spotting the whimsical uncertainty on her face, he explained his logic. “We’re going out later anyway, so the two of us can leave right after I’m done with practice.”
Jill gave that some thought, but not much. Because frankly, there wasn’t really much about which to ponder. The answer was already quite obvious.
It wasn’t really a practice, per se; at least, not in the traditional sense. For all intents and purposes, Tanner Knight’s high school football life was over. And he had crushed it like nobody else before.
Last fall (and into early winter), the Arroyo Wildcats accomplished a dream season: undefeated during their regular schedule, then a perfect run through the state tournament, culminating in another championship for Coach Charles Norton and this elite football machine.
It also marked the second title for Tanner, although much sweeter this time around, for several reasons. Not only was this in his final year as a high school football player, but the whole season qualified as much more memorable. Zero defeats, a number one overall ranking in the whole country, and seemingly flawless play from their sensational quarterback.
From start to finish, Tanner was truly unstoppable, an absolute force to be reckoned with, which ultimately increased his already tremendous appeal as that next step became closer. For several years now, he has piqued interest of many big-name college football programs across the country. Yet it took until this year for that popularity to really hit an all-time high.
Many Division 1 schools reached out to Tanner, seeking his services for next autumn. In fact, this attention became so overwhelming that he had to call upon various people for assistance in handling such a high demand.
Anyone from friends and family, all the way down to lesser known teammates and fellow peers who flat out worshiped the guy, they all chipped in: answering phone calls, responding to inquiries and possibly setting up meetings with the popular football star.
Meanwhile, Jill had a role of her own. She would accompany Tanner on recruitment visits, join him in photo opportunities as breathtaking eye candy (that’s how she was described on more than one of these occasions), and even share her input on his almost unlimited options.
Of course, this also served a purpose of familiarity. After all, Jill would be accompanying her boyfriend to whatever school he chose. She hasn’t necessarily expressed that specific desire, but it was considered a foregone conclusion. At least in Tanner’s eyes.
Eventually, the selection had been made. About a month ago, Tanner announced that he would be attending the University of Oklahoma, news that was met with mixed reactions from locals. While everyone remained very proud of his accomplishments, many folks were not warm to the idea of him choosing this state’s most bitter college rival. As a fellow Big 12 participant, Texas football fans don’t exactly have high adoration for the Sooner State.
Nevertheless, it was the best move for him to make, and the love that Tanner has constantly received never wavered. He was still adored everywhere, regardless of his college future. After all, once a Texan, always a Texan.
So Tanner didn’t really need to practice anymore, and certainly not at Arroyo High School, which he has officially moved on from and most definitely outgrown. But what the quarterback did require was preparation for this upcoming college season. Training camps commenced in only about a month, so it behooved him to get fully acclimated.
As a result, he and certain members of this powerhouse college football team arranged for weekly get togethers. Tanner would gather with certain soon-to-be teammates (those who lived nearby; others wouldn’t be around until the next semester began), and this group would have their own version of a “practice.” They would get to know one another, perform several drills, study the playbook, all in an attempt to acquire more chemistry as the season approaches.
These practices took place at various locations, and always generated lots of interest. Many onlookers would converge on the scene, watching this next batch of Oklahoma Sooners with great excitement and anticipation.
But today would be slightly different. Up until now, these events have been attended by University of Oklahoma’s secondary coaching staffers only; namely, a bunch of assistants, rather than coordinators or the big kahuna himself. Yet that was all about to change, mainly because of a very special visitor.
For this particular gathering, the university’s head football coach would indeed be present.
Tanner had met Brian Chesterfield before, mostly during this coach’s persistent quest to bring him aboard: dinners, gifts, all kinds of promises and guarantees, even front-row seats to a basketball game (some this of may have violated NCAA rules, but the coach didn’t seem to care). Nevertheless, this particular interaction would be a first.
Despite having not witnessed any of these previous “practices,” Chesterfield was making an exception in this case, thinking it would be a sign of good faith to visit the cherished quarterback’s own high school. Plus, one other reason existed: seeing Charles Norton, who he used to play for and now views as one of his cherished mentors.
So in the end, this was a very big moment. For Arroyo High School, the University of Oklahoma and Tanner Knight, possibly the best Texas football player who has ever lived.
Continuing his pitch, Tanner decided to sweeten the pot for Jill. “Besides, I can help you take your mind off that test.” With an exceedingly sly smile on his face, he observed, “It sounds like you could use a major distraction.”
“Aw, wish I could, babe.” After his arms became detached from around her body, Jill grabbed both of Tanner’s hands and returned the smile. “But I actually have other plans right now.”
Before Tanner could inquire further about that, Lauren interjected on Jill’s behalf. “She’s a busy girl, celebrating her last weekend as a minor!”
Not only was this Jill’s birthday celebration, but also a rare get-together for all three girls combined. Various reasons have led to a large gap between their last mutual gathering (most notably Lauren having a new boyfriend, which has taken up much of her time). So this trio was excited to finally stop the streak and hang out once more.
Unleashing an enthusiastic shriek, Lauren gave Jill a playful hip check, causing extensive giggles from both. Tanner didn’t laugh though, mainly from downright confusion. “Last weekend?” he asked with a head scratch.
“Yeah.” This was Emma speaking now. “Your girlfriend turns the big eighteen on Thursday.”
“I thought that was the week after.”
“No,” Jill responded with a tinge of disappointment, “it’s on Thursday,”. She asked Tanner, “Did you forget?”
“What?” Tanner uttered, feigning shock at this insinuation. “No, of course not.” He insisted, “I just lost track of the date.”
Jill didn’t believe that, but decided to let it go. However, Lauren was unable to hold her tongue. “Uh-huh, sure.” She offered a quick teasing smile at Tanner, which wasn’t reciprocated. He still looked highly annoyed, although whether that was directed at her or elsewhere remained uncertain.
“Whatever,” Tanner replied defensively. Quickly returning to that previous subject, he asked Jill, “Hey, so how about I take you home at least?”
“It’s okay,” Jill answered back immediately, “I already have a ride.” She informed Tanner, “Besides, I’m not even going home.” This had been said very evenly, like it was no big deal at all.
“You’re not?” Tanner glanced at both of Jill’s friends, then wondered aloud, “So where are you going?” He then ventured a guess. “Either Lauren’s or Emma’s, right?”
“No, Jack’s.” Seeing Tanner’s eyes narrow and his nostrils flare, Jill swiftly clarified. “Well actually, his parents.” This was referring to the house on Ibis Court, where two-thirds of that Sloan family still resided. “Lauren lives only two blocks over,” she explained, “so it’s easy for her to just drop me off. It’s already on the way.”
That look of disappointment had not yet left Tanner’s face. “Ah, interesting,” was the only response he could muster, with a slight nod of his head to accompany it.
“Not really,” Jill answered, “I go there a lot.” She thought for a moment, then added, “Almost as much as my own house, in fact.”
“No,” Tanner shot back, “I mean it’s interesting that Jack’s not picking you up instead.” He observed, “That’s what any man would do.”
To Tanner’s great surprise, Jill actually agreed. “You’re right,” she stated. “And he would have if his dad didn’t need help on the farm.”
Tanner wasn’t accepting that as a reasonable excuse. “The guy can’t spare ten minutes to pick you up?”
“He actually offered,” Jill said in response, “but I told him not to worry about it.” She went on, “Pa has to get everything done before dark, and needs Jack’s help.”
Jill has been referring to Kenneth as “Pa” for practically her whole life, almost as long as she could speak. It was her way to differentiate between him and Robert. Both were immensely important father figures, thus each deserving separate titles.
Or at least that’s how Jill saw it. And nobody seemed to be unnecessarily bothered by this word choice, so the distinction has stuck. Realizing that Tanner still looked unconvinced, she added, “Plus, Lauren’s already here, so it makes more sense for her to do it.”
Another reaction of cynicism, which once again did not go unnoticed. Yet rather than pretending otherwise again, Jill decided to confront him about it this time.
“Why do you always have to do that?” she asked accusingly.
“Do what?”
“Criticize Jack,” replied Jill, “point out any possible flaw that he may have.” She noted, “You’re constantly trying to make him look bad.”
Tanner’s upper lip quivered. “I’m sure he does the same thing to me.”
“Actually, he doesn’t.” Jill informed Tanner, “In fact, I can’t even remember the last time that Jack said anything negative about you.”
“Right,” said Tanner, whose expression still failed to disguise his contempt. “Well, I gotta go. It’s time for me to get ready.” He looked up at the sky. Sunshine was starting to break its way through some heavy clouds, illuminating some previously shady spots like a spotlight. A torrential downpour had occurred earlier that afternoon, leaving various puddles on sidewalks, misty dew on the grass, and that smell of wet concrete in the air.
Additionally, much of the football field was completely drowned in water, with its dirt transforming into a sloshy mud. But now it looked like the weather would be warm and humid by the time Tanner and his future (present?) teammates got out there. So perhaps it wouldn’t be such a filthy mess after all.
He turned back to Jill and said, “I’ll see you later.” Then Tanner gave her a quick kiss on the lips before walking away from this female trio, back towards the high school building.
Each of the girls watched him leave. Yet Emma was first to make a comment. “Okay, it’s official,” she began, “Tanner definitely seems threatened by Jack.” This generated a nod of complete agreement from Lauren. On the other hand, Jill remained totally motionless, still gazing towards the school and ensuing walking direction that Tanner had taken.
The girls had discussed this very thing several times before, but mostly from a speculation standpoint. While Jill has been fully aware of Tanner’s feelings for quite a while, the other two have taken longer to become convinced. This must have been the moment where it became crystal clear to them.
“Yeah,” Jill responded softly. “I don’t think that is ever going to change either.” Her face became very forlorn and droopy.
Lauren had a question for Jill. “Does Jack feel the same way?” She specified, “I mean, is he just as threatened by Tanner?”
“Oh, definitely not,” Jill answered abruptly. “Jack’s the least insecure person I know.” By now, Tanner had disappeared from view, so she was finally able to look back at her friends. Lauren and Emma were both staring, each with giant smirks on their faces.
“What?” Jill asked with sincere bewilderment.
“Nothing,” Emma breathed in and out deeply. “It’s just that I don’t think you have ever talked about Jack without being extremely complimentary.” She let that sit there for a moment, waiting for a response.
Pondering that, Jill gave Emma’s statement serious consideration. “Well, I’m definitely fond of him.” Realizing how blatantly obvious this statement was, she then added, “But you knew that already.”
“Yeah,” Lauren affirmed. “But maybe that’s why Tanner feels threatened.”
“Are you saying I shouldn’t compliment Jack?” To Lauren, this question by Jill was asked very protectively. An almost combative tone seemed to lurk in her voice.
“Of course not,” Lauren assured her gently. “But maybe don’t lay it on so thick all the time.” She added, “Especially when Tanner’s around.”
After brief contemplation, Jill decided that Lauren’s advice made sense. “Okay, I’ll try.” Suddenly, an enormous smile emerged on her features again. “He certainly doesn’t make it easy though.”
Lauren and Emma said nothing, exchanging brief glances with one another. “Alright,” Jill said to them. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Yes,” Emma replied. “Your prince awaits.”
Jill kept smiling.
