The Football Team: A Short Story

“I’m joining the football team, Frankie. Nothing you say can change that!” “But Jason, you hate football. Why are you joining the team? “I need friends, that’s why I’m joining! I’m tired of being invisible at school and I need friends that are actually real!” “I understand that, I do, but do these football players have anything in common with you? I just think you should take a moment to think on this. It’s a big, impactful choice.” “I’ve thought about it and I’ve made a decision. I’m joining the team!” Frankie looks away, a pained expression displaying on his face. It’s clear he has more to say but fears his thoughts will push Jason away even more. They sit, staring at the science poster covered sky blue walls, with the silence echoing …show more content…
Frankie where are you? Frankie?” yelled Jason frantically. “Where is he? He never leaves my room?” Jason thought to himself. The next morning, Jason walks slowly to school. Weighing his options as he went. When he finally made it to the circle next to the dumpster he had yet to make up his mind. The same dilemma remained. He loved being apart of a group and he was happy to have some friends, but he remembers how it felt to be the kid with the comic books. Granted he was never thrown into a dumpster, but he did know how terrible it felt to be alone and beneath the football players. “It’s time,” said Brett. Jason slowly walked into the circle towards the kid with the comic books. He was fidgeting with his glasses, trying not to look afraid but Jason could see the fear in his …show more content…
“I’m not doing this. It’s rude and cruel and morally just plain wrong!” “What about the game tonight? Don’t you want to play?” sneered Brett. “Not if it means ruining this kids day. It’s not worth it and I hope it’s not too late for you to find a new kicker for the game, because sorry, but I’m out.” Brett shifted from foot to foot, unsure what to say back. This was the first time he’d ever been challenged by another person. The other players looked around at each other. There was definitely not enough time to find a replacement kicker, especially not one as good as Jason. “We’ll do just fine without you,” said Brett. “Now why don’t you go off with your loser BFF before we throw both of you in the dumpst---” “Brett! For once can you just shut your mouth!?” exclaimed Ethan. “Jason’s right. We don’t have to be complete jerks all the time and anyways, we do need him. None of us can kick as well as he can. In fact, you’re the worst at kicking of us all.” Brett, speechless and flabbergasted, charged away into the school. As the rest of the crowd dispersed, Jason walked up to the kid in the middle and began helping him pick up his comic books from the ground. “I’m sorry about the other day in the hallway, name’s Jason by the