World

World

Audio by Paper 2 Audio

World

of

Darkness

The Snap

It a mid afternoon in the spring of May. A busy football practice field in Maryland. Bordering the lush green field and it's inclined bleachers are vast oak trees that stretch towards the horizon on one side of the field, the other side was stopped short before the immediate street cars passed. Clouds above that cottoned lightly across the dimming sun and pink skies of the late afternoon. A Tolerable warm relief heat compared to blazing humidity from earlier that day.

Today was football practice behind the University of Maryland college building. The football team is known as the raiders.

On the Steel Bleachers where a few students who stuck around after school were sitting and watching the team practice. On the field, players dressed in blue helmets, blue practice lattice jerseys with white padded pants. The field was a lively and rowdy roar mixed with sound of hitting each other's pads then a whistle blown for the next play.

Today was a high energy demanding practice day. It was every Friday.

On the field, the offense team went in a huddle 20 feet away privately deciding their next play while the defense team waited behind the line of scrimmage, prepared to stop that plan.

One of them, up front, was Josiah Myles, a 6 '0, 270 pound compact muscled player who looked lighter than he is, number #64. Standing there, slouching, struggle to think beyond his own ragged breathing and ache of his body that felt he was hit by a baseball bat all over his body.

The outfit he wore was more dirty compared to the rest, light splotches of dirt that refused to leave the whole attire. Yet the weight of the pads, a armor that had a name was a comfort he sat into.

Yet the meaning attached to him, felt bittersweet, a mascot persona he didn't sign up for. The stone, number 64.

Number 64 had been on the field, refused breaks, Targeted all day, exhaustion vs what he's known for as a unmoving anchor on the line. positioned as defensive tackle. They wanted something from him. He wasn't sure what.

he is just going through the motions.

He thinks “Gosh why am I here? take another player.” He threw the thought, he didn't fit here anymore but he couldn't convince himself to leave.

The rest defensive team stood and waited in their usual spots just as he did, preparing to rerun the same defense play as the previous until thier defense coach said otherwise. as usual.

He glanced around, the defensive team was still pumped, hungry even. He internally huffed in disbelievement and mock amusement smile beneath his helmet. He said to himself “how the heck aren't yall tired? We've been at this for hours.”

Meanwhile, he saw the offensive team still in their huddle.

Coach Bea, a bold short black passionate coach loudly barked away a towering player for another identical player from the side lines where the rest of the players watched, waiting for their turn to be in the field, some rarely getting any.

suddenly the defensive coach from behind number 64 shouted at everyone for their own huddle. The defensive team jogged in unison towards coach Ted.

Coach Ted is taller than the whole undersized defensive team, a mean looking middle aged white man with a sharp silvering black beard wearing a grey athletic shirt and black shorts with black sneakers.

Coach Ted pointed at number 46, a dark skinned player and said to him approvingly. “ Good. Keep that pressure, Johnson!” Then coach Ted glanced back at the defensive huddle that formed around him.

“ Alright we're gonna change this up before it's time to go. We' re pulling a triple rerun threat scope, got it?!”

Ted points at number 64 then another player, a stockier blonde haired white man named Reggie. Number 64 followed his point and glanced at him, number 64 met Reggie gaze who had a blank serious engaged stare like every had, but it didn't fool number 64, he could see a softer and conflict to say anything to him.

Number 64 just furrows at the Reggie then looks at Coach ted again.

Coach Ted was talking, showing an open play book, pointing them out in the printed formations circles, then suddenly he addressed #64 by their last name. Coach Ted dropped the book to their side and got close to number 64 face grill. Alright myles ya hear me? Myles!?” he barked out loudly.

His breath smelled like coffee and the sound was enough to make his helmet shake.

Myles flinched subtly but didn't respond, though he was already staring right at him. He knew it wasn't enough. Myles eyes softened vulnerable in surprise, seeking to understand then cut it short, giving annoyed hardened look instinctively.

he responded with a repeated begrudging sluggish nod, feeling embarrassed as eyes within the huddle saw

He was exhausted but he knew the coach Ted wanted a shout of acknowledgement. But he wouldn't, for stubborness dpuured by embarrassment, the sole person who's been targeting him all day and exhaustion.

Coach Ted reared back up, responded with a clear disapproving look and addressed Myles personally in front of the huddle. “Myles, if you're not gonna be a part of the team, then you should go home. Stop wasting our time.” Coach Ted then returned his attention back to the huddle and the playbook like nothing happened, addressing Myles toward his nickname instead that felt targeted in some way number.

Coach Ted resumed “alright! Reggie, you're the bear.” Then addressed number 64, “ Stone, you're the bull. Nothing's changed.”

He said carefully and pointed at them as if they forgot somehow. “Stone , I want you to push forward and drag the offense team with you to the right side, for Johnson. Reggie, I want you on the right end and shed that line and go for the blitz inside, cutting left! Everyone got it?” The team returned a chorus of acknowledgements. “Yeah! Yes coach!...”

Stone didn't, feeling a weight sit in his shoulders.

Ted nodded approvingly to the team. “ Break!” coach Ted clapped his hands with the book in his pit and the whole team clapped a fraction second later in unison.

Stone didn't respond. But The sound reminded myles of better times.

The defensive team and Stone then hustled to the line of scrimmage.

From the sideline erupted clapping, benched players in the noise rooting players and students. But to Stone's surprise a few shouted he didn't recognize “come on stone! Show them that power, stone! Go stone!”

During Stone jog to the line, he felt pitied by the chants about him but lost in thought an understanding that it's because he looks like such an embarrassment all week, especially today. compared to last season. He feels they think their player isn't doing good like they used to. Stone didn't acknowledge them openly, just a bittersweet feeling internally. Stone reached the line and walked the last steps towards it, his sore lungs catching up with every effort it took greater than a walk, more than it should. He thought internally at his body “ dammit, just work.

Stop bi- weakening out like this. We're not going to make it if… we do.”

Then a unified clap erupted from the offensive team huddle as they finished their huddle. Soon their towering linemen took the lead jogging up the line of scrimmage too.

Coach Bea screaming and clapping “ come come hurry up offense!”

As offense team finally arrived, Stone briefly glanced at the offensive lineup.

to the right, The competition on Reggie's side, Reggie is down with one hand in the dirt, their demeanor spoke of fire, still something to prove competitive personality showed off the guy now when it's serious. Reggie's left hand shaking in anticipation, inching to start and hit something.

Stone then looked in front of him and the world shrank for him, saw the normal towers of muscle way taller than him standing before him. in the past it felt almost like a compliment of why they always put the bigger guys against him.

but now it was just the burden weight of a chore soon arriving as an undersized player.

But there was a guard player missing on front left side of him. Everyone was getting into their positions.

But then a second later standing at 6' 3 white guy, Joshua, number 63 jogged up, filling the missing spot as offensive guard.

Joshua has been the sole volunteer every time during drills where Josiah is put out in front of the team in competitions.

Joshua breethd heavily from his run here, grinned a cocky grin, bouncing on his toes as he approached , it was night and day between Joshua and Stone' s energy levels.

Joshua said dramatically excitedly, boldly.

“ Woooo! You ready, stone?! I'm coming for ya!”

Stone ignored him, thinking sarcastically, figuring knowing why he was here.

He muttered internally.

“Ah damn- he doesn't play this, yeah. i only wonder why.”

He gauge the competition and how relaxed some players were in front of him usually like the center. But gauging now Joshua is here, he thought about using more effort because he knew he might, might play hard.

Although Stone thought to himself yes he's a dick but he's not cruel as his exhaustion fights to swallow his thoughts.

Regardless he didn't feel the urge to hurt someone back either, just to push them back. This is a game, he told himself.

Both finally lines got down into position, Joshua shifted immediately quiet and serious. he didn't look stone in the eye but stone felt he was eying him.

Those thoughts faded as fast as they came. It didn't matter to stone. he just needed to survive the play.

He squatted down, positioned in the A-gap between the center and Joshua in front of him.

Stone put a right hand in the dirt, resting not much weight there from his arms screaming from effort.

The center held the ball on the ground.

stone took a deep breath, a slow exhale, a brief mental check of

'Am I going to try?- to push them?...I can't, I'm- just going to anchor and stand here. I can't let them push me back, is all.' he thought.

A few seconds ticked by, the quarterback spouted a sequence of filler call outs coming from behind his wall of muscle linemen.

“ Blue rhino, blue rhino, 47 ditch, Domingo Domingo…”

A tactic stone knew well to get the defensive team to get comfortable with the idea of rest, because when the play starts you have to be vigilant to start. Stone paid no attention to the words, he looked down and kept his attention only when that football moved in the center lineman's hand or when he heard that roar erupt.

A beat… then two

Then the snap!

The center lineman shot the ball between their legs to the quarterback.

It was a fast blur, sounds of unison chaos of a roars and pads hitting pads, cleats padding away quickly. Stone's eyes were closed and exploded what he had left a fraction late, the first two heavy strong steps that drove on its own like instinct and collided toward the right straight into the center guard that met him. A breath kicked out stone lungs.

Stone leaned into him, his powerful but burning legs found balance, anchored down on his back legs . something he is known for that can't move the stone. Stone was engaging tight muscles that felt weak.

But where time felt fickle during plays, a moment later he noticed he didn't feel the impact from Joshua he braced to expect to meet in the impact. he couldn't see him anyways with the blocky grill of his helmet, eyes final Open in a squint, looking at the ground. Breathing hissed out burning, just a few more seconds he thought.

Boom!

The impact didn't come from the front. Joshua hit him from the blind side, like an explosive freight train crashed into Stone's blind side, the sunlight was blocked out of his left vision. The sound of plastic-on-plastic clattered, helmet on helmet pang rang loud and as well inside Stones head like a bell.

Stone was hit dramatically off balance and head jerked back violently, ripped away from the center. Josiah knocked back a few steps.

His feet desperately scrabbled to gain purchase on the ground,but his muscles felt they were running out of time, the hit tempted fate to be knocked down immediately.

By chance he managed to catch himself with one leg with his weight, he flexed, as he barely kept on his feet, the one leg strength fading fast. Core muscle tried to clench but failed to erupt from exhaustion.

A moment he finally saw who hit him, it was Joshua. Joshua had his helmet against his and he wasn't stopping. he was trying to drive stone back further like a angry Bull.

A spark of heat, raw anger surged in his lungs, heart and shoulders, a wrath of strength that felt bigger than him in his mind.

Stone gritted his teeth, his eyes, muscles, the heat of his breath was forced from his sore lungs that he returned, understood it was a dirty cheap shot, and knowing it was going to be difficult to gain his footing. The temptation of anger grabbed him, a strength he thought he might have, should have. to push, to punish this person. To let the anger take over, tempted it be enough if he did.

Another step back, his upper back muscles losing strength fast.

For some reason he didn't lash back with his nemesis, anger. It's Joshua, no. he reminded himself briefly enough to snap him out just enough. Though his lungs contain that anger smaller but present.

He refused and tried to resort to just the strength he had, he lost his footing on his right foot. Trying to find it again with his left.

Stone felt the grim loss of inches he knew he isn't getting back. setting a grim helplessness shame. Josiah continued to lose purchase of turf as he tried all he had. he was continuously driven back in the same direction till he was shoved back and met the ground 5 yards in the back line back from where he started before he finally pushed down, lying on his back. Joshua stood over. Stone was on his back as the play continued the last few seconds, the adrenaline shock simmered and he felt the ache in his left shoulder from the hit.

The gear on him felt like it absorbed the embarrassment and expected people's sights into its existing weight.

'Don't' he thought to himself as the heat of anger tried to return. Don't you dare. This is on you.

The stone laid there, a moment later the play ended and the sounds of ecstatic cheering as sounds of a touchdown was made.

Joshua let out a triumphant shout, tossing his head back like he'd just won the damn Super Bowl instead of a Friday practice drill. Joshua stepped past him, the cleats unconsciously sprinkled a bit of dirt that rain remnants inside Stones helmet through the face grill, it felt like a stale reminder of his state on this team.

“Stone's crumbling!” Joshua barked toward the sideline, looking for a high-five from the coaches.

-

Meanwhile stone heard the play continue without him.the noise roared passed him, something got by, a heavy defeat of he failed, though the details of how the game plays out now didn't matter. He laid there like he was mourning himself. He let go of a breath, his muscles were tight, it felt like it was filled like a garden hose, it was hard to move but he didn't. He laid there as if this is it, taken down and let someone down, too many to think about. Regardless it wasn't about him, they wanted the stone. he took a deep breath through the nose and accepted the consequences of this reality, a sense of defeat resonated through him, a grim reminder he doesn't have that strength anymore like he used to, it feel like playing a weaker body, it was infuriating, even more to be taken down.

He opened his eyes to see the sky above, now a deep orange, a reminder it's getting late and time passes uncaringly. He ears ring, hears incoherent chatter around him. He felt something behind his eyes but immediately flinched internally, bracing it back and that he had to look around at the people potentially staring at him. He felt he was on the ground longer than he really was.

He then winced and forced himself up on his side to look around. He saw the celebration of the touchdown that just happened, he glanced at the side line of benched players and students on the bleachers. He expected disappointment, perhaps they were too busy looking at the touchdown to notice. What was he kidding himself? 'Of course they saw.' he thought. He noticed the people around to a conclusion he feared was true, yeah about a few of them were staring at him, emotion written on their faces.

He didn't read them, it was enough. It stuck him deep.

He immediately fought against himself, the tight swollen biceps, his back, thighs that screamed, muscles felt they were ripping. He stood up, losing balance briefly before on one knee pad before flexing hard in frustration to correct his weakness, his balance. He fought his body, the severe tightness, and he felt as firm, as heavy as a stone now.

He stood slowly but inevitably not wanting to give anymore reason to feel sorry for him by lying there. Ready to numb himself and force himself trudge through another play if that is what they wanted just so he could keep something of himself, not to be kicked because he showed weakness. Gosh he wanted to sit on the side more than ever.

As people celebrate, ready for the next play, the head coach suddenly walks in from the side lines, coach Duggs, a short man in a backwards black cap and a long black bear, the new coach we got a few months ago. shortly announces, interrupting the celebrations “ alright, team pack up! Time to pack up now!”

Josiah felt, stood there awkwardly , as if he could pretend it didn't happen since no one else said anything about it yet directly.

He tried not to catch anyone in his sights but he caught the glance of his friend, his brother Reggie, Reggie looked back but said nothing and returned to a group of players alongside Joshua, their female partners at their sides and their helmets off.

It hurt to see it. His friend Reggie no longer talks to him anymore unless they're not at school.

'oh ,How could I forget, Reggie's cool now this year' Josiah thought bitterly.

Josiah had his head averted, avoiding the idea of looks of handful of players and students showing a mix of concern and disappointment that witnessed the moment.

A scattered line of people headed to the university, a bright red brick building with plenty of see-through glass panels and hanging tarps of logos of the bald eagle raiders.

Josiah joined the path and walked to the building, the crunch of his cleats under the fake grass of the football field and the orange light of the setting sun stretched his shadow, making him look 10 feet tall. Though he felt a dull leak behind his eyes, didn't want to dare to speak, afraid of what would come out or his stoic mask could crack.

7 minute walk passed towards the back of college building.

Stone had remastered his stoic look and walked straight to the busy cramped fluorescent lit locker room, he faced his locker, incoherent chatter of players kept flooding in and out through the door of the locker room. The place smelled like strong humid lemon mixed musk but it didn't matter to him, he was used to it and he was no different than if it was his own brothers.

But life kept going, he overheard them debate pop culture, discussed the upcoming N.F.L playoffs, plans for the weekend, and some were still talking about what happened in practice today. He zoned out, not paying them any attention unless it had to be important. He prepared to take his armor off and show his face. A breath. Then stone now Josiah pulled his helmet off.

The bleached lights of the ceiling sat on Josiah felt vulnerable without the armor. He had almond skin color, a large head, soft brunette bleached black curly hair that fitted itself on its own and chiseled jaw, and his small tired soft brown eyes. He spun his helmet to face himself, it was lightly decorated with different colored scars across the top from different teams faced. It used to be something of an achievement, echoes of the camaraderie of teammates and coaches were proud to see. He suddenly remembers the promise of the head coach in high school.

When he started football back then, if he had gotten rid of all the blue paint off the helmet from plays, he could keep the helmet as a reward. Though he never did get it. But he couldn't take it too personal, the high school did have a low budget for the football team back then. But those times back then still had sweet memories of how things started. Times where the team was first instead of winning.

He stared at the front of the helmet in his hands as if it was a reflection. He eyes lowered towards the combination on the locker, he fiddled with the combination and opened his locker ,he sat the helmet on the floor then took the pads off and followed on top of it. He immediately felt his chest and back were heavily damp without the pressure of the pads but he could breathe freely without the pads hugging his chest.

He changed into his clothes, now fitted back into a dark grey hoodie, black baggy sweatpants, his custom domino colored letterman jacket, the arms tied around his waist and the rest of it draped behind him and lastly his black and white Corce's high top sneakers.

He closed his locker, locked it, grabbed his gear and walked out with a stoic relaxed posture, hands fitted one earbud in his right ear and as he made out the locker room into the white porcelain floors and tan wall hallway, he picked a bass hitting mellow song to play from his phone, it all felt like auto pilot.

As he walked out the locker room, some players stood out in the hallway to change instead, freshening up with products in the pristine white halls. Josiah kept walking, mind was busy on nothing at all but the distraction of the song playing in his right ear. Around a corner in the hall, a woman crossed at the same time in opposite directions. Josiah brow furrowed and focused at the sudden image instinctively but immediately softened apologetic to an approachable demeanor to not look mean as he's been told he looks normally.

The woman looked lost, stopped in front of him and asked him “ hey, excuse me. I'm looking for Jake Summers. Do you know where he is?”

Josiah glanced back to the locker room hall and a moment before returning his gaze to her, thinking what she was talking about, then his brow flared knowing. “ oh! Yeah. white guy, brunette hair?” She nodded along.

Josiah continued “Yeah he's probably still in the locker room. But I recommend not to go down there, boys changing n stuff. he'll be out.”

”Oh, okay! Thanks!” She smiled and kept walking down the hall towards the lockers anyway.

Josiah returned a thin polite smile and continued down the hall. At the end of the hall were a few players discussing what they was going to get from the vending machine in front of them. Beyond the hall into the main entrance room of the school where halls sprout every way was Reggie and Joseph standing in the middle with their partners. Josiah eyes soften at the players at the vending machine, his hands clench his wallet in his pocket but hesitated.

He looked ahead at Reggie and he immediately stopped half way in the hall then a moment later he whipped his head back at the hall, something intangible pulled his attention from behind him. But he saw nothing, just felt.. Something.

The thought immediately returned and spun that way and said “ah right. Jay, the gym is this way.” He muttered and chuckled warmly to quietly himself at the forgetfulness.

gym

Inside the gym 5 minutes later, The place smelled of soapy cleaning products mixed with a stubborn sweat that clunk to the air. josiah tired, tight muscles still. doing his walk on the treadmill to soak and rinse memories and muscle tightness. He's looking up at the weight hanging above the head of the door, a max prep board that read players athletic and weightlift achievements.

The one person who took up at the top of the board?

Josiah, 3 years ago when times felt whole and he just seemed like the 'stone' most of the team addressed him as and was driven by the family of the team that motivated him. For the lack of drive and downgrade yet still refuse to use anger as a catalyst or hurt someone when he started football even since back in high school. It was just a game to him, is what he told himself.

But now there's a few changes to the board, where he once had most spots on the board, it's now marked Joshua at 600 deadlift, James Ferrnir at 300 clean.

These numbers shouldn't have mean anything, it wasn't what he drove him to need back then. But it's what the team screamed in applause and motivation talks. But looking at it again, it's a reminder that he can't keep up anymore, couldn't achieve those numbers now and he knew in order to get that back even potentially , he would have to change mentally, to be a 'beast', the 'stone' of what the team wanted him to be. But that change scared him more than being hit or looked down by others, it threatened the most precious thing he had, the reflection in the mirror.

“ Let it go, Jay. It' is what it is, just numbers… It doesn't matter now. Things go and that's the way it'll- be.” he muttered to himself then exhaled through his nose. He then stares at the tv hanging on the wall, playing news he used as a numbing distraction and continues walking.

A man news anchor “-its gonna be chilly everyone.

Moments later, his music was replaced with a ringing chime, a call on his phone, sitting on the dashboard of the treadmill machine.

It ringed for a long moment before took his phone off the dashboard, turned it on, name revealed a name, his eyes widened, la'mont, an old friend who's like a brother.

He glanced around once more, the gym was still in fact empty. He wiped his eyes of any lingering shadows that lingered from tonight and his thumb hits the green button on his phone.

“ yo, hello?”

An ecstatic big black man's deep voice returned in response, “hey josiah!” What's up wit' you man?

Josiah eyes widen in recognition respond left a smile and a chuckle “yeah, hey- lomonte. ive Been… chilling. How's things going with you?”

La'mont “im doing great. Draft is around the corner, im going to try to make it in

Josiah” wow, thats cool man.. Because you're my best friend man, I'll be making to the draft man. I wanted us to hang out here in Miami. What do you say?”

Josiah was speechless. “Uh.. well I don't know lo'monte. Though I'm happy for you, I know football has been big on your mind. I never been to Miami….When is this hang out?”

La'mont “ im hyped man, wanted my day ones with me! This is huge. This draft is Saturday night. I'll help you get situated, I got the plane ticket for you, just get here, hahaha.

Josiah”uh wow… um plane? Hmm it's gotta be quick huh? This Saturday….”

La'monte” dont worry, ill get that set up for ya. Hey to be honest man I'm nervous. I know you always been there for me when I needed ya there. I know it's sudden, if you can't come, I'll understand.”

*Josiah respond “ yeah l, I think I'd like to go. But I gotta think about it, gotta see if I got the opening to leave for a few days.”

Lo'monte “ yeah. I get it man, let me know by today though. It's Tomorrow.

Josiah “ yeah, I get it. Thanks man. And thanks for calling…. I missed hearing from ya man. So how you been other than football?”

The call hangs up. Josiah sighs, a tight pressure on his chest, a deep sympathy for his friend.

He turned off the treadmill, took his time cleaning it off as he thought about how he could make it happen.

He finished cleaning up in the gym and walked out he looked back down the hall he sees a slimmer player who is trying to get a snack from the vending machine. He smacks the machine and walks off towards the entrance. That guy was Xavier, son to the coach. Yet he is a bench player, stayed to himself and his craft.

Josiah's eyes softened and stood still till Xavier wasn't in sight. He sighs sympathetic and shakes his head to get pass the feelings. He walked to the vending machine himself. Buys himself 2 bars and heads out the double door of the front of the school.

Outside it's night, Josiah eyes widen briefly, how fast it became night sometimes. It was cold outside smell of greenery and car exhaust as other players heading to their vehicles.

Then he sees Xavier leaning against a pillar under the roof of the entrance.

Josiah takes a breath, holding his breath yet trying calming his . He walks up to him and says in a casual and warm tone. Josiah didn't look at his eyes, just over Xavier shoulder. He offered the energy bar “hungry?”

Xavier's furrowed face softens quizzical to the sudden appearance of Josiah. He sees him and Josiah doesn't look him the eye, looks casual in the gesture then Xavier looks at the bar and takes it “... yeah, thanks stone.”

Then another player he didn't see around the other side of the pillar. They must been in conversation, he thought.

Josiah eyes flicker to them the down to his own pocket and offered him one too. They took it

Josiah looks at them now, a warm brotherly smile “ no problem yall. did good today at practice. Take care, y'all.”

His eyes averted and softened then waves and immediately walked towards isolated bench.

He finally sits back on the bench. The school lights still on behind him and scattered lights around the parking lot.

The last bit of players were heading out the building into cars in the parking lot together, a small crowd and chatter about something exciting.

Josiah sat there on his own, heart still heavy but stable. His mind was busy with the sense of lack of inner dialogue and weighing the choice to go to Miami.

Josiah says to himself outloud quietly “ Miami hm. “ *He huffs a smile “ today has been something, huh? Got my ass sacked to the ground by the guy that's trying to prove something I suppose. Odd though, I thought I wanted all this, football. Gosh all I could ever hear was how many of them told me to join, to do football and now college….

Yet I lost myself in it. And when the team changed up, I stopped believing as much, and saw how much what they really wanted. The stone. To hurt them, be that beast they wanted. That's what it is, a beast. But… I couldn't. I saw how much this was wrong and I'm not strong enough to compensate for the lack of wanting to hurt anymore.

… Now I'm just on a team yet still somehow still trying to stay on it and … I guess survive through the hard times, hoping the good comes back someday.

Gosh I still remember I cried to the coach… trying to get back on the team in high school. I thought it be different in college. It didn't… change. People just got better at being cold, in their own delusions of what a player should be, what their purpose was.

And I honestly feel bad for them. How can I be mad a mis driven people. I don't think… I don't know.

I don't know if their really trying to hurt me…. But it shouldn't matter. I'm in control of me, it's just what am I going to do now. I have no clue Josiah.”

He felt a tear linger still on his cheek but he didn't touch it. He just acted it wasn't there.

He pulls out his phone and stares blankly between contacts and downloaded music apps.

After awhile he sighs and calls his mom

“ hey mom”

Reggies Mom

“ hi, hun. I'm just around the corner.”

Josiah scoffed Amused smiling but said calmly

“ I'm not bee vomit, ms valls.”

Reggie's Mom

“ oh right, you don't like the nicknames. I'm sorry. So how was your day?”

Josiah

“ uh… it was ok. Just tired. But guess what? A friend called”

Reggie's Mom

“oh! Who?”

Josiah

“ Lo'monte, apparently the guy is a prospect and thinks he'll be in the N.F.L. I'm happy for the guy”

Reggie's Mom

“ oh my! Your best friend?! That's amazing. Good for him.”

Josiah flinched

“ yeah… sure. Friend. But he invited me to Miami tonight, a sudden thing. Otherwise it be too late. He said he's nervous and wanted a friend around. I'm not sure though if I'm going”

Reggie's Mom

“ wow, Miami? That's far and a nice place. Gotta watch out for the women might snag you up. Haha”

Josiah winces revolts and softens into eyes roll half amused half smile.

“ Yeah. No thanks. I don't need anyone like that. Never have, never will.”

Reggie's Mom

“ Ok ok. Well it's up to you. I'll drive you down. Just make sure you let your school know just in case. Wheres reggie?”

Josiah sighs.

“ reggie?” sighs.. “He's somewhere with his girl I imagine, prob with a group of dudes too, might be planning to hang out somewhere. Why, talked to him?”

Reggies mom “ no he doesn't like talking to me about it.”

Josiah “ yep, guess i should let you know. I'm concerned about him…simply.'

Reggies mom “ well maybe you should tell him'

ok ma. I'll need ta think on it.”

Reggie's Mom

“ ok, Jay. See you soon “

Josiah sat back, arms resting stretched out on the head of the beach. To his right a crescent moon was in the sky. A wondrous almost deep sensation, like a living symbol in the sky.

He gazed at it to his right and the surrounding stars and clouds that lingered in the sky. The loud harmonious sounds of crickets in the nearby oak trees.

“ He wouldn't have asked you if it wasn't serious. Especially after so long not hearing from him. He's probably really in a state of…. It's a big thing for him….” His breath stuttered into a deep breath.

“... You would think he would have more people around him than me being around. Heh. But yeah I'll go.” *He nods subtly to himself, looking down at the grass now. “ Yeah I'm not gonna leave him, if he needs me around…”

Dorm scene exposition:

Why is he here? What's the importance of this scene?

He's going here to pack up to miami trip. Messy closet, football helmet. Mom figure. Details of Miami.

Later that evening.

Its night.

Josiah is on the plane, beta airways. The plane was parked in the airway track.

The inside plane was half filled. The sun colored light lit the interior well. A woman passed dressed in a blue fight attendant uniform, speaking making sure everyone was satisfied, the chatter was sprinkled in parts of the plane, seats filled ahead and behind him. It was just noise now but not unpleasant.

Josiah's heart raced uncontrollably mixed with trepidation of being on a plane for first time as a adult. A flicker memory remembers being told he ride one as a baby but he doesn't remember it himself. He kept a pleasnt sheepish demeanor, he thought about the wordless chatter around him, circling emotions across from being relaxed, chatting up stories or needs and discreet complaints that felt like noise together that wasn't his business. It was oddly pleasant experience. He could only think of the self reassurance and acceptance of being in a plane and not having the fate in his hands anymore, he thought of half thoughts nice things could come for the near future, he smiled, looking aware without catching passengers eye, not to be rude of being nosey.

The practiced pleasant voice of a Caucasian lady announcer spoke through the speakers

“Ok ladies and gentleman, we are about to set off, please stay in your seat and have a nice time on beta flights.

Josiah looked out the window on his right side, leaning against the wall he sat next to. The runway and its littered lights decorating the path and the airport building across from it. The engines revved on the plane, feeling the soft vibration reverb through the plane. He was accepting the fate upon going on this plane, that's it not in his hands, and had no choice but to trust it like everyone else. He was terrified of heights, but he felt an odd easiness on this path he chose to be on for the sake of his friend. He held his breath, gently fighting his racing heart, to calm it though it felt like it had a mind of its own.

He leaned his right side temple against the window frame. Gazing out. Looking instinctfully for the moon, it wasn't on this side. Just the orange lights dotted across the path the plane was just turning onto.

“It's alright…it's what we are going to do, it's gonna… be what it will be.” he smiles bittersweet , whispering to himself.*

Cut

Meanwhile, in Miami.

Another place, another person.

In an isolated luxurious set of freshly cut vast land reflecting the moon's shine sits a large white mansion and standing in the cool night of the third story stone deck is the celebrity musician , a man named Michael Blackwell.

He is fitted in a burgundy colored 3 piece expensive suit. A caucasian complexion, dark Blonde hair pulled back behind the ears, blue piercing eyes that reflected the moon light like glass, a framed face with sculpted smooth jaw with a flat stare. A perfectly still and deceptively brawny muscled figure confined into a structured smooth suit.

looking at the expanse of the night horizon and distance of the neon colored city far ahead, taking in the night.

The sound of a door closed, somewhere deep in the house behind him.

A sound of a door closed, somewhere in the house behind him.

Then a steady click-clack, click-clack of heels followed on the wood floor.

A blonde woman stepped out onto the deck, a woman in her 30's freshly ready for a public outing this evening, wearing a velvet black-satin colored dress that reached her ankles, a silver necklace symbol of a cross draped around her neck glinting in shine of the moon and wearing pointed black heels. His wife strode to him as he continued staring at the horizon.

She stood next to him, her shoulders shivered from the cold night and casually leaned into Michael's side, reflexively Michael opened his arm to hold her close. She stared at the same horizon, her breath fogged a mist from her red colored lips from the cold air unlike him. “I'm ready now, we can go.” she said warmly.

Michael turned to face her his faced switched to from a cold to warm vibrant one like a flick of a switch. stacy then looked up at him, a beautiful precious woman he admired staring up at him. A woman staring up at her handsome distinguished anchor of a husband. She reached up and held his face with her right, brushing his cheek with her thumb, her brow furrowed instinctively, inspecting his cheek. “ Well, it healed up well. I don't see it anymore.”

He smiled warmly “ yeah, they got a bit crazy tonight. Thank you…”

he leaned in grinning smugly, slightly flirtatious. “Though it does kinda hurt, you can heal it more if you wanted.”

She gasped, her face flushed in mock disbelief but utterly amused. She gently back handed a slap against his chest. “ no, you had enough! Let's go before we're late.” she laughed and shortly rolled her eyes.

She led back inside, he followed and matched her steps with a perfect practiced no effort class of a gentleman, their shoes a mixture of click clacks. Going through the mansion, and down the long staircase downstairs. In the living room was a slightly older black distinguished butler that had many unloaded boxes and decorations placed about the halls and living room of the first floor of the mansion.

They finished the last few steps down the staircase, the man caught them in the corner of his eye and stopped what he was doing to address them, saying in a gravely casual voice “ Stacy, Michael, you two look lovely tonight.”

They both returned with a nod and smile.

The Butler continued “Master Blackwell, the last of the supplies for the draft party arrived today, I'm about half finished on the setup. I'm quite excited for this event. Ya know? I think it's a much deserved relief for them… as it is for me.”

Michael's face returned flatly as he adjusted his sleeve cuff then responded. “Alright Oscar, If you're happy with the arrangements, then I am too. It's your show this weekend, I'm just the host.”

Then Stacy says with amusement “ well Oscar, have enough fun for me too. Since i wont be around for it. N' make sure this one doesn't do anything too reckless.” She followed her point with a pat against Michael's arm. Laughing as she teased him.

Oscar smiled amused “of course ma'am.”

Michael returned with an amused smile and then checked the time on his wrist then at Oscar “We have a long night of handshakes and donations ahead of us. Don't stay up too late with the stats, Oscar."

Oscar gave a casual thumbs up. His voice was pleasantly proper and amused. “Of course. Master Blackwell, lady blackwell, Enjoy your evening.”

Michael and Stacy strode to the front with Stacy in the lead. The heels continued on the porcelain floor till they reached the rug long rug towards the door.

Cut End

Josiah finally got his luggage in his right hand and exited the airport sliding doors. He walked up to the edge of the sidewalk, he saw the road curved directly into the main road ahead, he saw in the horizon of the parking lot of parked cars and the tree line of the parking lot was the neon lit building, violet, cyan, lime green.

It was breathtaking, since the plane he could finally exhale shakingly. It was hotter than he was used to, it felt like a silk of warm air but a cool breeze that carried the smell of asphalt and a small salty smell.

out but he enjoyed the chill, the hairs that stood, the slight tremor in his muscles. But what lingered was the “what now”? He knew he had to go to the hotel and meet his friend tomorrow. But what does he make up of being here other than appreciating the sights and weary what norms are here that he is too embarrassed to mess up.

He stood there, trying to look casual but lost staring. He walked to see a seat, he saw a woman taking half the bench. Josiah thought against sitting next to the woman, and didn't want to spook her that a random man came to sit next to her in the middle of the night, though all he wanted to do is sit. He instead took interest in the large flower pot, he sat on the edge and dropped his luggage there at his feet.

He took the moment in, eyes closed a long moment, but ears still kept aware, the walking, distance chatter between people. It was normal.

A breath, a second, his eyes opened, he pulled his phone out his right pocket, blue wall paper lit up, time pasted there in white

11 24 PM, April 26th 2024.

No notifications.

He unlocked it, thumb swiped to his contacts, lo'monte.

A white text , grey wallpaper conversation. Black bubbles messages.

. . . . . . .

Lo'monte:

Lo'mont: yeah man after the draft, we gonna be at a party the rockstar michael blackwell is hosting. This years draft party.

Lo'mont : great man. Lmk when you land.

Me: lol. alright, will do, take care.

Josiah typing.

“Hey bud, I just landed. Out of the airport building now.

Take care, I'll find my way.”

He stared a moment at the screen then looked up, a car engine heard before it followed the road ahead. It was a moment, he took it in. like he could finally take in, he didn't assume the future, he couldn't think of anything. The breeze brushed past the the pavement, the trees, his body. It was a strange temperature that he was used to but it felt calming.

He gazed around with a soft expression on his face. He stared at the parking lot. One car had the headlights on. A flicker of curiosity flickered in his mind before he continued to scan the area.

People walked to the lot, people talked on the pavement. To his right was a bus stop, people waited there too.

A few moments later that woman who was alone on that bench, a man in a black hoodies, blue sweat pants, hood up. He came to the woman, the woman looked up from her lap, she seemed to be lost in thought. She spoke, he couldn't hear them. It was unsure if she knew the guy or not. Josiah just casually lifted a brow, mildly curious, his chest tightening in anticipation. But he wouldn't move. He simply watched casually.

A moment later, she stood and followed the man to his motorcycle parked at the corner behind a bush. She followed on and hitched on the back. 'I guess it was alright.' Josiah smiled faintly concerned and huffed in disbelief at himself. As if he would do anything if it was… who knows, would he? He rarely did so for people, not sure if its his right to say something before potential two friends that he doesn't know the full context of. People tolerate a lot of stuff from the people they care about. He looked ahead as the bike pulled away. A moment later that same car that had the lights on, pulled up to the curb.

A bald rugged black man with a Jamaican accent “ hey, r you jo'saiah? Boy in the black and white jacket!”

Josiah started, jumped at the call out just for him. Was that his ride the whole time and he just been sitting here?

He looked like a deer in headlight a second and cleared his throat and stood and jogged up immediately halfway reached and said politely “uh yes i am. Are you David? Lo'monte's friend?” The car matched up in the description now that he got a better look but he had to make sure.

David replied , he looked like he would rather be anywhere but here. “ Yes mon, I am. I've been waiting for you in the parking lot, you know. Come on, hurry up and get those bags in da car. Alright?”

Then a clu-chunk sound as the car trunk popped open.

Josiah turned to get his one luggage suitcase and carried it over.

David got out of the car, a tall lanky man wearing a red shirt and floral black shorts with sandals.

He followed Josiah to the back.

Josiah got the back he paused to look at David permission.

Josiah said “ be odd if I got the wrong car, huh?” he smiles at him.

David returned with a faint huff of a smile.

david moved some stuff around then stepped back and responded with a cue ”alright”

Josiah put the suitcase inside.

David walks back to the driver's seat. Josiah waited awkwardly then shut the trunk and got in the back seat.

Josiah got in the car. The car finally pulled off. He didn't say anything.

Eventually they reached the heart of the city. It was bright, neon almost every building on the sides of the roads. Diners, drug stores, hotels, surfing shops with lit up billboards and lights on the trimming of the buildings. Blue, violet, yellow, red.

The colors danced as the car went by. He never saw anything like this, maybe the carnival back in Maryland, but seeing it here, at night, he can't speak for what happens in the city, but the colors are nice. He silently felt like a child seeing the colors pass, head looking at the window stiffly.

Minutes passed slowly. Building after building draped in neon lights attachments. Men and women bustling in and outside the diners and bars especially.

It's something you only see on tv. It was totally different from the rural parts of Maryland he's from. But he felt something, a familiar feeling he waved off, a feeling that said the world was deeper than he saw.

Songs on the radio played in the car, Jamaican inspired he thought., a funky rap beat by burro banton.

'Badder den dem, Badder den dem, Badder den dem'

The night was not quiet, not even close. But he still chose the bittersweet awe and colors but unhealthy views of bars and parties he could only figure that follow those places. He wasn't naive but wasn't going to judge the air. seeing a new world he never been.

After a while the car slowed by an intersection, slowly swerving to the left on the right of passage. A slight bump into a parking lot.

He lifted his head, finally noticing he's inside a hotel parking lot.

apartment

The car swerves into an empty parking spot ahead of the door of the building.

Then david spoke ”okay, we are here.” Soon the sound of the middle stuck shifts into park.

Josiah's heart skipped a beat. He felt nervous, he knew what he was supposed to do at the hotel. It was just how was he going to do it after never done it before, especially… here in Miami. 'What if it's different and I mess it up?' ran in the back of his mind before he drowned the words. Instinctfully he undid his seat belt and a strong pressure on his heart, a held breath of a gesture he felt to make the chore feel worth it, he sensed David's tiredness to do this for him, regardless if it was just his personality trait or genuine feels chored to do this for josiah. But he couldn't just ask, not allowing him potentially to deny something from instinct he feels many do. He needed to be upfront and genuine about it. though he thought about it. To offer some cash out of curiosity, the feeling that took primary spot than the hotel anymore.

He sat for a moment. David then opened the door and moved out of the car. This woke Josiah out of his stupor, his eyes widened with a sense of vulnerability. He immediately opened his door and closed the door behind him.

The sound of the trunk popping open was heard first before he turned to see it. He stepped around to the back.

david says with a hand on the truck above his head. “ Alright, man. Make sure you get all your stuff, yeah?”

Fast forward, Josiah got into the elevator after getting the key, he paid for the weekend. He's embarrassed but the nerves scrubbing it away, a humorous smile on his face, thinking how he was nervous about something simple as getting a room that he's the one paying for. In reality it was fine, he just needed to relax.

He looked fine on the outside though, but the feelings was all a conversation in his head.

A moment later the elevator opened. He stepped out and saw the sand colored walls with red doors, a hall lit by lanterns hanging at height level and the two strips of lights on either side of the ceiling down the hall. The rug was a fancy grey smooth carpet but had black stains dotted across it.

He walked by the doors, soon to find his room, number in silver 234.

Key in lock and opened the door.

The morning the next day. In grey colored blankets and white pillows. The suitcases weren't even touched, stacked across the diner table. He's still sleeping in his clothes.

He groaned and eyes opened, he sighs shortly after, immediately thinking of the meeting, it was the clearest thing in his head. Immediately the sound of cars outside could be heard, traffic.

Josiah shifted on his side, “What time is it? Am I late? Hope not, Josiah. If we are, well it was nice- just get up.” he mutters to himself. He laid back down on his face.

He didn't get up.

He laid there a little longer.

10 minutes passed. He's standing, smelled himself and winced only slightly.

“Definitely” he mutters to himself.

Minutes later from outside the bathroom door the sounds of him taking a shower.

Shortly he's dressed in the same clothes. He fixed his hair. Didn't wear products, it wasn't needed, simply water was enough.

His curly hair settled on his head. Then his stomach ached and grumbled. He didn't have any food but he was now curious when the time was for the diner meeting.

He grabbed his phone in his left from his unmade bed and turned it on.

11 25 AM, April 27th 2024.

3 notifications.

-Scrolls to text messages

Lo'monte: Good morning man, hey ill be over soon around 12:00. We change the diner for breakfast, we going to moonlite, a good place.

Lo'monte: we changing the diner, its now the one across the street from you. It's called moonlite. We planning for 12 30 PM.

Josiah smiles and scoffs amused but a skepticism lingers, reading the texts.

“ We?...Who's we? He got something planned I figured… but this is new.” he said to himself.

on his phone he continues to navigate it.

- switch to the browser.

- searched up: moonlite dinerMiami restaurant.

- a moment loading later found the right restaurant.

It was a classic styled restaurant. 4 stars. Known for its onion rings and pizza from reviews.

He chuckles and sighs smiling, rolling with it. “ alright bud. moonlite, it is. Guess ill find out whoever is showing up too. Probably a football friend or … something. Shouldn't matter too much. Time away at this point is better especially i dont think I.M going to the N.F.L. Didn't really want to anyway…” he shook his head, brushing the thought away before he drowns in it. Today wasn't about that. It was about… not that. Hes here for his friend.

He walked out the door. Locked it and took a breath, he looked soft and chill a s usual.

He took down the elevator and went outside. It was bright, baby blue skies and a sun that was bright beating down. Yeah this was definitely different to Maryland. Cars passed, people wore appropriate summer clothes he would call them.

But he wasn't going to budge on the coat he wore. He was too stubborn to complain about it, not even to take the jacket off, at least not yet. He would just bare through it, hopefully finding the heat absorbing and damp clothes to balance the expected uncomfortableness.

A car then pulled up

Josiah glanced over but didn't move, though he questioned if it was him.

A moment later, a 6'5 tall, large muscular black man stepped out of the front seat with cornrows on the top that went down into a pony tail with buzzed sides. A big shiny grin on his face as he saw Josiah. He wore a black t-shirt with an almost punk black leather jacket and tight black jeans and red and white vibrant high top sneakers.

Josiah's eyes widened, taking in the new image of his old friend and froze stunned.

Lo'mont waved bigly as he walked closer. “ ayyy, Josiah!!” he said loud and friendly.

Josiah “ uh hey, lo'mont??”

“Sure is, don't remember me?” L

“ I remember what you used to look like. Gosh you… definitely grew taller.” Josiah chuckled nervously.

Lo'mont readied his hand up for a dap. Josiah instinctfully took his hand out ready to catch it as he tried computing this.

He caught the dap and felt the hand squeeze strong but the familiar clammy hands.

Immediately Josiah caught his eye instinctfully, seriously. “ You okay?” Josiah said stoically, laced with empathy. Like a wall asking trying to convey empathy.

He responded with a bit of practice “ Yeah man I'm fine, great!”

Josiah squinted with protective care quizzically but let it go. He softened just enough.

“ Alright man. Nice to finally meet up again. Missed ya, Green Mile.” he ended it with a teasing brotherly affectionate lilt.

Lo'mont laughed hysterically., clapping an arm around Josiah's shoulders. Josiah immediately flinched but reduced it in a practiced shiver enough not to alarm him that he was doing any true harm, allowing the touch but not resting in it either. But Josiah smiled.

Lo'mont guided Josiah to the car.

“ Man we got a big day tonight man, partying, drinking, most importantly the N.F.L.

They get in the car driving to the diner.

They parked out front of a classic 90's diner called blue moonlite.

They both walk in the blue moonlite diner with Josiah in the lead. The interior had checkerboard floors, traditional red booths lined up along the windows.

But he saw a woman who looked strangely familiar, already sitting at the table.

Josiah's eyes widened and stopped and hesitated. Lo'monte walked around him towards her with a knowing grin as he glanced between Josiah and her.

The woman was still looking at her phone, a mug next to her.

Lo'mont then says loudly “ hey cali, guess who's here?!

The woman looked up from her phone and looked at Lo'mont then caught Josiah behind him standing in the aisle near the entrance still, staring in disbelief.

She smiled knowing then looked back at her phone.

Josiah smiled is a huff of belief. He gave a friendly mock glare to lo'mont, lo'mont caught the looked and grinned. Josiah rolled his eyes amused,his heart raced a moment then softened, he walked finally to the table and sat on the other side of California and lo'mont of the booth.

“ so this was the surprise lo'mont?” he smiled amused.

California looked up from her phone smiling and looking at Lo'mont expectantly.

Lo'monte chuckles “sure was! Wanted my best friends with me in the biggest moment in my life.”

California laughs then looked at josiah and said friendly “hey josiah, nice to see ya. Ya, lo'mont here told me out of the blue too. Years quiet then suddenly ' hey cals, need you here'” she laughs and nudged her elbow affect to lo'mont.”

Lo'mont briefly smile sheepish, hand on his head in minor embarrassment.

“ Yeah…”

Josiah just smiled, watching them warmly bittersweetness for sore eyes.

California speaks up to josiah, teasing lilt “ so how you been stranger?”

Josiash broke out his warm stupor with brows that flashed up in surprise.

“ stranger? Ah… guess I deserve that… Yeah just been dealing with stuff. since we all stopped talking, I figured y- we all were busy, I just…respected the time away.”

Skip

Lo mont “ yeah my agent or a team could ring my phone anytime.”

Lo'mont had a grip on his phone, he smiled but it looked like nerves were shooting through him that he was trying to hold together.

California noticed and quickly glanced back at Josiah, a knowing purposed look. She looks back lo'mont looking at his phone. She clears her throat and flashes a smile.

“ Well let's make the time in between worth it huh?”

*She grabbed her menu* “ Now that y'all finally showed up, we can finally order something.”

Josiah smiles a warm amused huff, his shoulders finally relaxed as he gazed at the nervous lo'mont and California, it was going to be alright, he thought. He leaned back against the seat.

He gazed at Lo'mont “hey, do you still remember camp, back in highschool?”

Nia “ oooohh, I remember!” She teased, grinning at lo'mont.

Lo'mont blushed, a hand covering his face and shook his head.

Josiah eyes soften “ oh, too much to talk about?”

Skip

Waiter arrived with a practice smile and a pad and pen.

“ Anything I can get you all?”

California said “ eggs and biscuits please”

Skip to few hours later.

Lo'mont finished a phone call

Nia got back from the restroom..

Lo'mont “Nothing new, no news yet.”

California furrowed “ they calling just to raise your blood pressure”

….

“Well the draft not till 10, it's 6. We should head to the big wheel now before it's too late”

Josiah, “the what?”

“You'll figure it out” California responded with a smirk. Josiah addressed Lo'mont “you gonna be alright man? You know regardless what happens tonight, you did your work you could on that field. Now we just wait. It won't be good to overthink this.”

Lo'mont paused and glanced at the window in confliction then returned back to Josiah to address “ yeah, you're right.”

A moment later the waiter returns

“ How's everything doing? Need anything?”

Lo' mont “ we heading out. Can I get the check?”

The waiter says “ oh of course, I'll be right back with that!”

josiah abruptly responds before as she takes a step to turn away

“ Oh, excuse me ma'am?”

She stopped and turned

“ Sorry, yes?”

Josiah smiled sheepish “it's ok. He reassured. “ Um, could I get a extra order to go actually?”

Waiter “ sure what would you like? And is this a separate order or add this to the existing one?”

Josiah froze and thought aborted and looked at the others for any rejection. With none he said back to her.

“ I'll pay for it. To the existing one please. And may I have another order I had to go? The burrito.”

She nods, looks focused as she scribbles something on her pad.

“ Alright, will that be all?”

“ Yes ma'am” Josiah responded

“ Alright I'll be back with your meal sir. Take care everyone.” Then the waiter strode off.

Josiah returned to look back at them.

Lo'mont “ still hungry? I thought you said you were full?” *He lightly laughed.

Nia retorted “ is it for later?”

Josiah nodded “ yeah, when I get back to the hotel, it'll be my 'just in case'” he chuckles.

“ But y'all can head to the car if you want. I can pay for the stuff. N' do Y'all got any tips for the lady?”

Nia “ no not on me.”

Lo'mont “ yeah, boy waiting out in the car anyway.” He reached into his wallet, a rare moment his phone wasn't in his hand but sat on the table as he took out and rummaged in his wallet. Taking out a 20 and offering to Nia, she takes it and passes it to Josiah.

Josiah looked it over and smiled warmly.

Nia got up and put her jacket around herself. “ Come on superstar.”

Lo'mont chuckles and follows behind her.

“ Alright alright. I A.M the man of the evening after all.” He teased back friendly.

She rolled her eyes affectionately “ yeah yeah, you're still just the same geek lo'mont to me.”

Lo'mont laughed and looked at Josiah” alright thanks Jay, we'll meet you in the car.”

Nia retorted “ yeah don't take too long “ she teased.

Nia and Lo'mont walked side by side out towards the entrance.

Josiah eyes linger on them a moment and smiles to himself like he saw something a precious scene.

After the ring of the door ended and the door swayed back closed.

Josiah pulled up his phone, checking his balance of 14$. It likely wasn't going to be enough to pay.

He stared at it a moment, grimaced.

He went into his savings of 456 and swiped over 50. Now 406$ left.

Josiah then looked up towards an A.T.M. He hesitated, looking for the waiter. She was behind the counter bent on the counter resting on her forearms, twiddling on their phone.

Josiah felt she wouldn't be back with the meal while he left so he got up and went to subconsciously/ busy minded instinctfully take out 64$. He smiled faintly as he saw the total amount he was taking out. His favorite number as well his football number on his jersey, he thought. Then his face softened, into a melancholy remembrance of football. The concept of being here for his friend, yet his team in Maryland wanted him to be great too and he couldn't face it. A moment later after the processing, he took the cash out. He turned towards his booth, his face breethd again, a faint smile to himself of bittersweetness solace.

His eyes flicked to out the window through the entrance door as he walked towards the booth. He saw a limo parked out front. He lifted a brow. Was someone fancy showing up?' he thought. He looked away and scoffed Amused, soon reaching his booth. The thought of it passed quickly, he simply waited, chewing his inside bottom lip, staring blankly at empty thoughts.

Then a few moments later his ear pinged as footsteps headed this way. He blinked as thoughts came back then the waiter arrived with a white foam to-go box smelling of the burrito inside. She placed it on the table.

“ There you go sir and here's the the check. Need anything else?”

Josiah glanced at the to-go box and then back at her and returned a small pleasant smile but the lingering thoughts lingered in his shoulders.

“ Uh no ma'am, that's it. I pay this up front?”

“ Yes or I can take the money for you.”

Oh!? Yes please, thank you. Josiah responded

He rummaged for the receipt, checking the tag, 54.95$. Josiah calculated it. And handed her three 20 dollar bills.

“ I don't need the change”

“ Alright, I'll get this paid, take care sir.”

As she started to move away Josiah stood up abruptly “ oh, ma'am?”

She paused and turned around “ yes?”

Josiah walked to her with eyes lowered and offered her a lump of money folded between his fingers.

“ This is for you”

“ Oh for me? Thank you!”

He smiled and nodded in response and walked back to his seat and grabbed his to go box and walked out, feeling a bit lighter in his chest..

As Josiah walks out of the restaurant. It's night , that limo is still out front parked. Josiah looked past towards Lo'mont's car. He felt a pull towards the limo but walked away from it towards the car. As he gets halfway he notices the car is empty. Suddenly a car door opened behind him towards the limo.

Lo'mont “hey, over here Josiah!” lo'mont waved him over.

He was surprised and soon got into the limo.

Cool interior backseat, cooler box in the middle with wine and sodas and water inside.

The limo pulls out of the parking lot, into the street.

Conversation here .

“ How? When did you get the limo?” Josiah said

“Last night. Rented it just for tonight” Lo'monte said

“ We'll celebrate with drinks after the draft.” Lo'monte said

“ I don't drink alcohol. But yeah, thanks for inviting us. It's been nice, especially catching up with my old pals.”

Soon, David pulls the limo into the parking lot of the carnival then towards the path to the booth at the front.

“ Alright we finally here, remember we set up at (this time) then get to the draft meeting. Cool? Let's hurry and have fun!” California said.

As they got out, what set before the three was the carnival fair grounds. It shined, a mess of incoherent conversations, screams of people far on rides beyond the booth and the fence that borders the whole carnival.

They all go toward the game booths, Nia in the lead.

They have fun on rides and games.

Then it hits the time.

They head to the bathrooms to change clothes, laughing in a rush.

“ Hurry up y'all, change and let's get there before we're late.! Haha”

Lo'mont and Josiah and nia goes to the bathroom and changes into a suit and dresses

They come out.

“ Looking cool lo'monte” Josiah said

“ You too. This fit passed down from my grandparents.” lo'monte said

Then nia comes out in a pink dress, stunning to most.

Lo'monte eyes widen dramatically and was stunned.

Josiah casually and respectfully briefly glanced at the fit and focus back at her face. He coughed.

“ You look beautiful” lo'monte

“ It's a nice fit, nia. Classy.” Josiah said,

“ Yeah, thanks” California

Lomonte, still staring in awe, Josiah notices and rolls his eyes and steps ahead.

“ Yeah, so you ready?”

“Yeah, sure.. We don't have much time left.”

They jog to the limo.

They head in the limo, jogging.

They head to the draft.

The limo pulls up to the building.

When they got out, Josiah waited and closed the door behind them.

“ This is it, it's gonna be ok, lo'mont. win or lose. Deep breaths.” Josiah said

They walk in.

They find seats in the room.

The announcement.

They call pick after pick. But lo'monte name isn't called out, it ends.

lo'mont is deflated

Josiah doesn't say anything but looks conflicted to reassure with the right words to say to lo'monte.

They leave with lo'mont deflated

Josiah opens the door as they leave to head to the limo.

“ We still have the party, we can chill out there. It's not too late to still make it.”

The drive is uncomfortable. They head to the party, driving away from the main city to the back greenery woods of Miami.

Michaels house

Eventually they find a road that turns towards a gate.

At the front gate, ahead of the road are trees on either side, the white grand mansion that's a football field's worth away. As they pass the gate, slowly going down the road, plentiful vehicles parked on either side of the road in the grass in neat rows.

Ahead of the mansion were groups of people holding red cups and talking, scattered around the yard, coming in and out the front door, the grand car garage on the left side of the mansion.People standing around the house, red cups, smoking. Decorations and beer tables with trashcans, people talking.

The limo Parks up front.

Josiah says “ we're here. Ready to be responsible?” He chuckles, though a touch of concern visible in his eyes.

They step out of the car. The limo soon drives off to park properly in the grass.

They look on. Dave shows up for an autograph.

Josiah soon after eventually loses them in the crowds.

Josiah wandered for an hour.

Josiah lingers outside and looks for them.

He finds them before The host Michael Blackwell, plays songs in the backyard on an improvised stage and equipment.

Josiah stops to listen.

Eventually they meet back up and talk about the cars Michael has on display and eventually ask the host(Michael Blackwell) if they drive on the track. Lo'monte encouraged Josiah to get on the track.

Michael awkwardly allowed it

Josiah reluctantly goes along with it and Michael offers him to choose a car, he chooses the mustang. Slowly and carefully starts it and drives it up to the track.

Eventually people group up in their cars and drive around freely on the track too. The track turns into free racing. Josiah is caught in a speed.

(Josiah pov please)

During the race which Michael is in. One car swerves past and Josiah swerves to miss but in doing so crashes into the speed railing and the car hits it straight ahead, the car jolts and the rear flips. Time seems to slow for a moment. Broken glass flying, Josiah gripping the wheel., looking through the broken windshield, the thought of where his friends are.

The car lands in a loud crunch of metal and scared clumps of the grass. as the car quickly continues to bounce and roll at least 4 times till its momentum finally falters away from the track now slightly rocking and upside down, wheels spinning, missing parts and smoke erupting from the car.

Josiah hears panic of people getting closer.

Josiah upside down, hanging close to the seatbelt that has him. The sound of leaking, cold breeze and the crackling of fire. The sensation of aching and dull senses and remaining consciousness.

He sees The crowd abruptly shift from few running concerned and horrified towards the car to suddenly looking tired and celebrating like nothing happened.

Then they start walking back to their cars including lo'monte, nia.

the sound of a man pleasantly announcing something to them. It's hard to make what he said.

The last thing he sees before fading is the back of the host, Michael arms stretched open, addressing people as they walk.

Then Josiah feels something in his mind and chest breaks open but his eyes fight to stay open, the effort in vain as he blacks out.

. the end. .

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