Football Tryouts

         I'd never tried out for a sports' team before and to be honest, the only reason I was doing it now was because of a girl.

         "I have lots of friends who want me to be Homecoming Queen," her note had read.  "I'd love for you to be my Homecoming King."

         Different shades of lipstick kisses lined the border and she had dotted the i's in her name with cute little hearts.  I held the page to my heart as I walked to the football field.  Christi, I do this for you I thought.

         After running five laps, we lined up before the coach.  "Red jerseys to the right, blue jerseys to the left," he barked.

         We ran through tires, practiced tackles, kicking, throwing, and catching.  Christi was in the stands, watching all the while.  I waved at her and a few times she winked and waved back.

         After two brutal hours being beaten, battered, and bruised I was almost relieved when I didn't make the team, but I knew Christi would be disappointed.  I didn't think she knew I existed but her note said she wanted me to be her Homecoming King.

         I walked slowly toward the stands where she waited for my news.  "I tried my best, fair Christi," I apologized, "but I wasn't chosen."  I reassured her I wouldn't be jealous of the Homecoming King, whoever it would be.

         "What are you babbling about, you geek?"  Christi's words cut me to the heart.

         "I got your note," I replied, showing her the page.

         She snatched it from my outstretched hand and snarled, "This was for Brian!"

          "Well, it was in my locker!" I shouted after her.

         Two hours of torment and pain for nothing...I knew it couldn't be true!

300 words