The Pick Read online

  “So… she wasn’t your last hope at a date to the dance?” Kylie asked.

  “That’s what you were worried about?” Tyson gave a slight chuckle.

  “Ya…”

  “Well Ky, I’m excited to spend some time with Ally and get to know the girl she has grown up to be. I just wish that everyone else would join in on the excitement.”

  “Then, not that you care either way, but you have my blessing. If you hurt her though, I’m going to pummel you. And that’s a promise,” Kylie said, settling in to watch the rest of the game with Tyson. “Now, what do you think about Steve Smith? Do you honestly think that he has anymore left in the tank?”

  Tyson smiled. “Have I told you that you’re my favorite sister lately?”

  Kylie didn’t miss a beat and her eyes didn’t stray from the game, “Not today, but I’ll take it.”

  Chapter Three

  The sun was just starting to set on Friday night of the big Homecoming game. The lights above the football field were beginning to turn on. There was music playing from the speakers while Ally and Kylie found their seats on the front row of the student section.

  Ally felt weird being at a football game in a dress. She was wearing a knee length, black dress with an empire waist. The top of the dress was slightly sparkly. She had red flats on, because there was no way she was standing through a three-hour football game wearing high heels. She was wearing the dress she wore to Sweethearts last year. Ally wished that she was wearing her Homecoming dress, but her mom was making the final adjustments on her dress for tomorrow’s dance, so it would have to do.

  The football teams were warming up and she searched for Tyson’s number, 32. When she spotted him, she couldn’t help but smile. Sure, they hadn’t spent much time together over the last few years, but she had come to find during their recent time together that he hadn’t changed that much since their middle school days when they could talk about anything. She couldn’t wait to spend almost the entire day with him on Saturday.

  “How many interceptions do you think Ty will have tonight?” Kylie asked interrupting Ally’s thoughts.

  “I’m thinking one. He was lucky last game to get two. Don’t you think?”

  “Probably. I hope this sign will bring some additional attention to the fact that Tyson should be Mr. Football,” Kylie added.

  Ally and Kylie had made a sign titled Ty’s Picks with tallies marking the number of interceptions Tyson had so far that season. Typically, Mr. Football went to the top quarterback or running back in the state. However, there had been a push recently to give the award to a defensive player. It was the perfect year for Tyson to be a senior since he was destined to have a great season. He already had three tallies on the sign from the two previous games.

  Tyson had played the position of quarterback since he started playing football at age 5. That all changed when Tyson hurt his hand in 4th grade. He missed out on a lot of development and his throw hadn’t been quite right since. He had still played quarterback at times, but when he was a Freshman the coaches had suggested to Tyson that he might want to switch to defensive back and stay there. Tyson had been hesitant at first, but realized that he would probably be beat out for the starting quarterback position when tryouts rolled around Junior year.

  He was glad that he made the switch to defense because he had a lot of success his Junior year, having five interceptions and three sacks on the season. Tyson’s experience as a quarterback had changed the mindset of the defense and had allowed him to take on a leadership role both on and off the field. This year he was one of the captains of the team and his defense fed off of him. With Tyson’s enthusiasm, hard work, and determination, the defense was a force to be reckoned with. With the help of his teammates, he was one of the top defensive prospects in the state.

  The student section was starting to fill in while the home team ran out on the field. As everyone cheered on their peers, friends, and children, Ally searched for Tyson in the group of football players on the field. She smiled as she found him emerge from the group as he headed to the middle of the field with his other fellow team captains for the coin toss. Ally couldn’t help but think about how good Tyson looked in his football uniform. She still couldn’t believe that he had asked her to Homecoming. He could have picked any girl and for some reason he wanted to go to the dance with her.

  Ally had questioned Kylie regarding the issue. She wanted to make sure that Kylie hadn’t pressured Tyson to ask Ally to the dance. Ally had never been to Homecoming and she wouldn’t have put it past Kylie to try to convince Tyson to ask Ally to the dance to make Ally’s dreams come true. But Kylie had promised that she didn’t talk to Tyson about asking Ally to the dance, other than the night that Tyson had asked Kylie if Ally had been asked to Homecoming yet. She hadn’t figured out why he had asked her, but she wasn’t going to complain. She was going to Homecoming with her childhood crush.

  Before long, the student section started chanting and jumping as special teams lined up for the kick off and soon the game was underway. Kylie and Ally rolled their eyes at the comments around them from girls and guys who had no idea what was going on during the game.

  Ally was grateful that she had found a friend that understood football and basketball. They became friends because they got along, but they had become best friends because they had a lot of the same interests. Most importantly sports, music, and school. It was probably the fact that it was senior year, but Ally had been pondering the uncertainty of the future. Kylie and Ally’s future careers and goals would probably take them separate ways but Ally was sure that they would continue to be friends throughout life.

  As halftime neared, Ally was growing nervous. She was instructed to go to the south end of the bleachers to meet up with the Homecoming royalty nominees and their escorts. This was the one part of the night she was dreading. She would be escorting the most popular guy in school out on the field. She worried about how she wasn’t going to be wearing her Homecoming dress and others might notice that she was wearing the dress she wore to Sweethearts. She worried that it wasn’t going to be as pretty as the other girls’ dresses.

  “Does my hair look okay?” Ally asked Kylie during the timeout.

  “Ya, it looks great.”

  “Maybe I should have brought heels to change into. I bet all the other girls are going to be wearing heels. It will look like I missed the memo and I’m already like a foot shorter than Tyson.”

  “Ally. Take a deep breath and look at me,” Kylie said as she put her hands on Ally’s shoulders to face her. “You look great, and just remember, Tyson picked you to be his escort and he wouldn't have it any other way.”

  Ally forced a smile and said, “Okay. Wish me luck.”

  When halftime arrived, Ally found herself standing next to the group of Homecoming royalty and escorts. Ally was positive that she had never talked to any of these individuals before and she wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself. Jenna, Tyson’s ex-girlfriend, was nominated for Homecoming Queen and conversed with the other people waiting to climb into the limo.

  Ally thought Jenna looked beautiful. She didn’t necessarily like how low-cut the front of the dress was but it was a gorgeous coral. Jenna had perfect hair and make-up. She definitely knew how to make a guy’s jaw drop. As she turned to wave to someone, Ally’s jaw dropped at how Jenna’s entire back was basically exposed. How in the world did her dress even stay on her?

  As Jenna’s gaze turned back to the group, their eyes met. Jenna’s happy countenance quickly changed to a glare.

  “You ready?”

  Startled, Ally quickly turned to find Tyson standing next to her laughing. “Sorry, did I scare you?”

  “Just a little,” Ally said as they were herded to the limo.

  Once inside the limo, everyone was chattering away except for Ally and Tyson. Ally looked at Tyson, who seemed so focused. The black markings under his eyes were smeared. He was bent over with his elbows on his knees, hands clasped tog
ether, with his head resting on his hands. It almost looked like he was praying, but Ally knew that he was analyzing the game.

  “Tell me what you are thinking.”

  “What?” Tyson asked, his thoughts interrupted.

  “I know you would rather be in the locker room right now. So, tell me what you are thinking. What adjustments are you going to make in the second half?”

  Tyson smiled and shared what changes he wanted to make. What the offense was doing that he had seen on tape and what they were doing differently. Ally nodded her head with encouragement until Tyson was done. It was perfect timing, as they were directed to exit the limo that had pulled onto the track surrounding the football field.

  Tyson helped Ally out of the limo. “My Lady,” Tyson grinned as he offered his arm like a gentleman.

  Ally laughed, “Thank you, Sir.”

  She linked her arm through his and they began walking down the red carpet that lead across the football field to the stage. She loved how he could be so serious, but the next minute switch to the goofy kid she used to play with in the backyard.

  “Thanks for letting me talk it out. Now I feel like I can focus on tonight and being here with you,” Tyson whispered as they began their walk down the red carpet.

  Ally grinned and looked into Tyson’s eyes as she said, “Anytime.”

  Ally didn’t need to do much. She just stood next to Tyson as they announced the Homecoming royalty nominees. Three girls and three boys. The cheers were clearly louder when Tyson’s name was announced. They were also loud when Jenna’s name was announced. Before Ally knew it, they began their trek back to the limo.

  At the limo, Tyson gave Ally a hug and said, “Thanks again.”

  “No problem. Go get ‘em, Brooks,” Ally said with a smile and turned to get into the limo.

  “Ally?”

  She turned back around to face Tyson. He put his hand on her arm, leaned in and said, “I almost forgot to tell you… You look great.” He smiled at Ally as he ran off toward the locker room.

  Kylie watched as her best friend and brother walked down the red carpet to the 50-yard line. She couldn’t help but acknowledge that they looked good together and seemed about as natural as a couple could be. And truth be told, how could they not be? Neither of them had changed much from when they were kids playing in the backyard. As Ally and Tyson took their spot in the line of royalty, Kylie’s gaze shifted to the last couple exiting the limo. Kylie was appalled at the dress Jenna was wearing. She was suddenly very grateful that Tyson wasn’t going with Jenna. Kylie even felt awkward looking at Jenna and her attempt to make sure she had all the attention.

  Kylie couldn’t help but feel proud of Tyson when the crowd cheered loudly as his name was announced as a nominee. He was a guy that actually deserved to be Homecoming King. He was as genuine as they come, willing to help anyone that needed it and without expecting anything in return. As the couples made their way back to the limo, Kylie couldn’t help but think it was a little ridiculous that they had rented a limo for them to ride in for a couple of yards before they had to get out and walk to the middle of the field. In her opinion, they should have spent it on something else.

  At least Tyson was treating Ally well, Kylie thought as he and Ally had reached the limo arm in arm. He gave Ally a hug and they turned to head their separate directions. Tyson stopped and hesitated for a second before leaning back in. For a second, it almost looked like Tyson had kissed Ally. Ally’s face blushed and Kylie could clearly see Jenna scowl as she witnessed this moment from behind.

  Kylie was still trying to figure out what had occurred, when Ally took her spot next to Kylie. Ally sighed a breath of relief, “I’m glad that’s over with.”

  “Did Tyson kiss you?” Kylie blurted out. Kylie was never one to hold back what she was really thinking.

  Ally’s face was filled with confusion, “What?”

  “Right before he ran to the locker room. It looked like he kissed you.”

  Ally laughed, “No! What? He just told me that I looked great.”

  “Well you do,” Kylie said with relief as they stood for the kickoff. “I think Jenna might have thought he kissed you too.”

  “Why?” Ally asked.

  “Because she gave you a dirty look.”

  “She gave me one before we got in the limo too,” Ally frowned.

  “I think you might have made your first enemy,” Kylie said.

  “I sure hope not,” Ally said with concern in her face.

  After halftime Ally and Kylie were able to add two more marks to their poster, as Tyson had two more interceptions. It ended up being a blowout, 42-7.

  As Ally left the game, she remembered the tingling she had felt when Tyson had touched her arm and told she looked pretty. Even though he had a football game to focus on, he had taken the time to compliment her. She was so excited to spend tomorrow with him. But her mood quickly soured when she saw the note on her car.

  “He might have made you feel special tonight. But tomorrow, he will be dancing with me.”

  Kylie left the game pondering the future. What would happen if Ally and Tyson started dating steadily? What would happen to Kylie and Ally’s friendship? Neither of them had had a boyfriend before. Would she lose both of her best friends? She wanted Tyson and Ally to be happy, but she was mostly worried about what would happen if it didn’t work out.

  Kylie’s phone vibrated. She opened Ally’s text and Kylie’s worry quickly changed to anger. She knew it was Jenna.

  “Don’t let her get to you,” Kylie responded.

  “I know,” Ally sent a couple seconds later.

  “Do you want me to talk to Tyson?”

  “No…. He doesn’t need to know about it.”

  Kylie wasn’t quite sure about that. She thought maybe Tyson should know, just in case something happened tomorrow night. But she would trust Ally tonight.

  Ally was anxious about tomorrow. She was worried about Jenna. Even though Ally shouldn’t have let the note get to her, Jenna had left a little doubt in Ally’s mind. What if Tyson decided to spend part of the evening with Jenna?

  As she knelt down to pray that night, tears slipped down her cheeks as she pleaded for self-confidence. For the ability to see the value in herself as a daughter of God. She asked for courage and class if she had to face Jenna. But most of all, to enjoy her first official date with Tyson. That Ally would be able to accept Tyson’s feelings toward her, regardless of what ended up happening.

  After she ended her prayer, she felt the peace spread throughout her body. She had felt this feeling before. One of love and knowledge. She offered a quick prayer of gratitude and climbed into bed.

  As a typical teenager, she checked her phone one last time before she closed her eyes. There was a text from Tyson.

  “Thanks again for just listening during halftime. See you tomorrow. :)”

  Ally fell asleep with a smile on her face.

  Chapter Four

  After the adrenaline from the game had worn off, Tyson left the game happy and excited. He had played his heart out, as well as his teammates. He smiled as he replayed the two interceptions he had during the second half. Then his thoughts switched to Ally. He was always impressed with how considerate she was of others. He was grateful that she had allowed him to talk about football. Ally had no idea how much it had helped Tyson get his thoughts straight before the second half. Jenna would have gotten mad at him for not focusing on her.

  Tyson shouldn’t have been so surprised when it came to how much fun he had with Ally during the day date. Tyson and his friends had wanted to go paintballing for a long time and thought it would be a fun group date to go on. He had heard a couple of the girls in his group complain about the activity. However, Ally was grinning the whole time and it almost felt like they had gone back in time to their childhood. They may or may not have pretended to be secret agents while they worked together to help their team win the battle.

  Later that night, as Tyson
walked up the sidewalk to Ally’s house to pick her up for the dance, he began to notice that he was actually a little nervous. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

  Tyson was warmly greeted by Ally’s mom and she ushered him into the front room. Not much had changed in the room since the days when he used to come over to play at Ally’s house. He wondered if the treehouse still existed in the backyard where Kylie, Ally, and Tyson had acted out many adventures. As he glanced up to see if he could see the treehouse from their back window down the hall, Ally turned the corner.

  “Wow”, Tyson said barely audible.

  Ally looked stunning. Her hair was in some fancy up do that Tyson didn’t know the name of. Her burgundy dress was modest with a fitted cut to perfectly show off her skinny waist. She had definitely grown up since the girl he used to play with in the mud.

  “Hi,” Ally said quietly as she stopped a couple of feet in front of him.

  “Hi,” Tyson responded. “You look amazing.”

  Ally laughed, “Thanks. So do you, Mr. Homecoming King.”

  “Hey, you don’t know that yet.”

  “Oh, but I do,” Ally said with a teasing look.

  Soon they were out the door and picking up two other couples in their group. After dinner, they headed up to the Capitol building. Tyson couldn’t help but glance over at Ally constantly. He was amazed at how easily she could talk to everyone in their group. Their dinner and car ride had been full of laughs and conversation. Her kindness and positivity seemed to rub off on everyone. Even Jenna’s best friend, Brooke, who was just as negative as Jenna.