Old Ties

[LeftyT]

Evan showed up at the practice field a few minutes before the session was over. He liked watching Marley and her team practice, they enjoyed playing, and it showed. They were a good team.
When practice ended, the girls headed to the locker room, a few of them said hello, and there were a few giggles and raised eyebrows as they passed him. He knew there were rumors around campus about him and Marley and their relationship, nothing they could do about it. Didn't bother him, he just hoped she could deal with it.
She was one of the last players off the field.
"looking good out there, Crist" he said with a smile. He smiled a lot when he was around her, he was starting to notice. She introduced him to Zoe. "Hi Zoe, nice to officially meet you. She shook hands with him, then gave Marley a knowing smile, "i'll leave you two alone, thanks for the tickets"
Marley told him she had to go change, but would meet him outside the locker room. When she came out, she was wearing Jeans and a t-shirt, hair pulled back in a pony tail. As they walked to her dorm, he handed her the tickets and said he hoped she and Zoe didn't mind sitting next to his mom and dad.
When they got to her dorm, he wondered if she was going to ask him in.....

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley noticed Evan watching the practice a little before it was over. She got a warm feeling to know he was there. Several girls gave him appreciative looks and Marley was more then surprised to find she was jealous.

Lord help her.

Surprisingly nobody said anything to her about his presence and she was thankful for that. When practice was over she had to pack all of get catchers gear up and was the last off the field besides Zoe who waited for her.

Marley officially introduced the two and then Zoe left. She told him she had to go change and would meet him out front.

She changed quickly and then went to meet him. Evan walked with her towards her dorm which secretly thrilled her. She was in deep and it scared the hell out of her. She told him it would be great to sit with his parents since she would apparently be having dinner with them Sunday anyway.

They reached her dorm and he handed her the tickets.

"Wanna come up?" She asked him, shifting the bag to her other hand. "I live alone. Mom and dad sprang for a single dorm for me so I could study easier. I'd love to have the company... If you aren't busy or anything. I haven't been sleeping so well since... Well. You know" she shrugged sheepishly.

Her eyes pleaded with him silently to accept her offer.

She did a mental inventory of her room. It was relatively clean. There was a pair of dirty sweats on her bed, but it was mostly neat. The decor consisted of photographs of high school and softball and a turquoise colored bedspread. It wast overly girly but wasn't masculine either.

 

[LeftyT]

He was happy to see that she lived only about a 10 minute walk from his dorm.

oh my god, he thought, she is asked me up to her room. He was pleasantly shocked, and a little nervous. When was the last time this made him nervous.\? "um, uh, sure, I'd love to come up"

She smiled, he didn't know if she was smiling at him accepting her invitation or his stammering nervous acceptance.

They walked up three flights of stairs, then they walked down the hall to her room. When she let them in, he took a look around and liked what he saw. Tastefully furnished, it was obviously a girl's room, but not a girlie-girl's room. There were several photos, most of them of her palying softball and team photos, some trophies and a few family snapshots.

While she went in to put her stuff away, he took a seat on the couch. He was glad that he had put on a clean shirt and jeans when he left today. He turned on the TV and the first thing he heard was the sports news, they were talking about State's upcoming big game. Tomorrow''s opponent was ranked #10 in the national polls.

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley walked into the living area and saw the sports news he had on. She plopped on the couch beside him, her thigh brushing his innocently.

"Y'all will stomp them" she said confidently. "I have no doubt about it".

She smiled over at him. "You just chilling around tonight since you have a game tomorrow?" She asked him. "You're uh, welcome to hang here for a bit, you know. Maybe we could pop in a movie or something?"

She really didn't want to be alone, but moreso she didn't want him to leave. She enjoyed Evans company a lot. Probably a lot more than she should.

"I've even got some pizza in the fridge if you're hungry, but I need to grab a shower real fast."

She went over to her dresser which was in full sight since it was only one big room and began digging out clothes. A pair of denim shorts, a haltertop style tank top, a strapless lace bra and a matching thong. Evan could easily see what she pulled out to dress in.

"I'll be back in 20 minutes. Will you be here?" She asked hopefully.

 

[LeftyT]

"oh, I'll be here, but I can't guarantee that I will be awake. My sleep schedule has been so messed up lately." She agreed and told him hers had been hellish too.

While she was showering his mind wandered, of course he saw the clothes she picked to change into, he thought about looking up her skirt that night, seeing those tanned, toned legs and butt. He also thought about her in the shower, what she looked like naked, wet from the shower as she dried herself off in the steam.

He had given up pretending himself to thinking he was not attracted to her. He most definitely was. Now his debate was if he should act on the attraction, which he felt was mutual. In the week since the treehouse, he had become better friends with her than any other girl in his life, he did not want to fuck that up.

He wondered about asking if he could sleep on her couch tonight, he felt safe being near her if the dreams came back. She would understand.

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley showered quickly, blew dry her have and was back in record time. She had no makeup and looked young and refreshed. She smelled like a Victoria's Secret scent, and her shampoo- a clean, fresh scent.

She opened the door to her dorm and saw Evan on the couch, not asleep but not looking fully awake either. She smiled to herself. It was a nice feeling to know how close they were becoming in such a short time... Especially after hating each other for years.

"You ok?" She asked him as she grabbed the pizza from the fridge and put it on the table in front of the couch. She sat down beside him, facing him slightly, one slender leg curled beneath her on the couch. Her other leg was pressing against his due to the tight quarters.

"Are you just tired or is something else up?" She asked. "You don't have to say anything unless you wanna. I know we aren't... Weren't... The greatest of friends... But I've decided you aren't so bad. I actually kinda like you" she said, winking and grinning at him playfully.

 

[LeftyT]

"yes, something is up." he said, reluctantly.

"It's just so overwhelming, the way my life changed that night. I keep thinking about how I froze and you had to protect me, not the big man I thought I was. I keep having these dreams, and I guess you have dreams too. I don't know about you but I've never been so close to danger and personal risk...of...well....death. Not sure how I'm supposed to react"

"what you just said about not liking me and now you think I'm not so bad, well I'll take it one step further....Marley, I think you've already the best female friend I've ever had, after one week. I've never spoken like this, like I am now, to a girl. ever."

Then add the other night when we kissed, well, did you notice how confused I was? I guess scared too of way too many complex feelings, there I said it...Add in the fact that I find you VERY attractive, well, yeah something is up."

"happy you asked?"

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley sat there listening quietly. She had never expected all of that Rockne from Evans mouth. It took a moment for her to even process what he said. Slowly she leaned back against the couch, her eyes wide.

"Wow" she said quietly.

She shifted on the couch then, so that she was leaning lightly against his shoulder, her head close to his. The touch was intimate but not really romantic. Just very comfortable.

"I have dreams too since that night. I was scared to death we were gonna... Well... Die." She said bluntly. She slouched down as laid her head against his shoulder gently.

"It's hard to process. But we are ok... And everything will go back to normal" she insisted.

"If it helps..." She said quietly. "You've become one of my best friends. It's crazy for me to even imagine but I rely on you in a lot of ways already... "

She remained silent for a few minutes also, not mentioning him thinking she was attractive. Finally she sat up slowly and looked in his eyes.

"And I'm attracted to you too. But you say you're scared? Evan I'm terrified" she said softly. "I haven't been with any guy since Kirk. Haven't been able to. He might have hurt me physically that night but he also did more. I had trusted him and thought I loved him... And he betrayed all of that. And now I'm ... I'm terrified to want you. I'm terrified to be attracted to you".

Her body trembled slightly. She had just laid it out on the line and was still terrified. Her eyes were wide, and she gnawed on her lip lightly as she waited for him to answer her.

 

[LeftyT]

Evan had never been part of such an open, honest, emotional exchange.

He didn't say anything for a minute or two, then he put his arm around Marley and pulled her close. He whispered "I would never hurt you physically, you know that. As far as hurting you in other ways, I don't know, I've never had a girlfriend before. I'd probably be a shitty boyfriend.""

wow, they were getting everything out in the open. he felt scared and alive and so connected with this girl right now, the honesty was amazing.

"i keep having this one dream, that the gunman actually comes in to the treehouse and just starts pumping bullets into both of us. We collapse into each other in a bloody heap, like the end of a bad Tarantino film. I've had that one 5 or 6 times now."

"Marley - can i sleep here tonight? I just want to be near you. No motives, nothing physical, I just need to be rested tomorrow. If we have dreams we will be together." He held her tight...

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley blinked a few times when he put his arm around her and just held her. It was heavenly. It felt perfect, like it was meant to be. She decided then that he would make an incredible boyfriend... But she didn't say it.

"I want you to stay" she finally told him. "Stay with me please".

When he said that he would stay, Marley smiled and slowly stood up. She walked over to her dresser and pulled out a pair of sweatpants. She didn't hesitate before pulling off her denim shorts, and replacing them with her sweatpants so she was more comfortable.

"You aren't sleeping on the couch" she told him quietly. "Come lay down".

She climbed into the bed and wondered if they'd be able to keep their hands to themselves in a bed together overnight. She thought so, but couldn't be positive.

 

[LeftyT]

Evan took off his shirt and jeans and got in bed next to Marley.

Her smell was intoxicating and she felt so soft and smooth.

This was going to be more difficult than he expected.

He laid on his back, she lay next to him on her side, facing him. there were a few inches between them, which he was very thankful for.

Just the idea of sharing a bed with her got him a little aroused, and he had said nothing physical. If she were to move her hand a few inches and feel what was going on, she might send him home. Or would she?

He looked at her lying next to him, her lithe little body bathed in the glow of the flickering TV, he wanted her so badly. He told himself no. he had a feeling he would be telling himself that all night.

"good night Marley" he said and leaned over and kissed her forehead, then a soft kiss on the lips.

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley watched with appreciative eyes as Evan stripped down and climbed into bed beside her. She kept some space between them, even though she wasn't to roll into his arms and never leave at that moment in time

She looked at him in the light from the tv. Just looked her fill. He was so gorgeous.

Then he rolled and kissed her forehead saying good night. The kiss on the forehead was followed by the softest one ever on her lips. Barely a brush of their lips together but it was enough to set Marley aflame.

She moved closer, into the secure embrace of his arms, deepening the kiss. She wanted him terribly. Enough to overcome the fear coursing through her body. Enough to make that risk worthwhile.

His arms encircled her and she moved in close, finally breaking the soft kiss and laying her head on his muscular chest.

"Good night Evan" she said so quietly it was almost a whisper.

 

[LeftyT]

Despite all of their sexual tension and energy, they both fell asleep very quickly. They really were suffering from sleep deprivation.
Evan Slept soundly, no dreams.
He was awoken by kicking against his ankles, and the fact that Marley was squirming and crying out. She had rolled over and had her back towards him. Little pathetic whimpers and cries. She kicked against him and flailed her arms "no, no, gun" he heard. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight she kept saying "no no please" then he could have sworn he heard her say "no, Kirk, don't"
He held her tight and said in a firm voice "Marley, it's just a dream, I'm here, no one is going to hurt you.....it's ok, baby, I've got you." He was stroking her hair, holding her tight. She became still and her breathing was returning to normal. He leaned down and gave her little kisses on the back of her neck and shoulders. She gave a pleasant purr and he heard her sigh "my sweet Evan."
She rolled over and looked into his eyes. They had left the TV on and he could see her in the blue flickering light of the television. She moved into him closely and he felt her lips meet his.....it was not a soft cute little kiss like before. This was a forceful, passionate, desirous kiss of a woman. They kissed like that for a while, their tongues playing as the explored each other's mouth. Her mouth felt soft and warm and inviting. Their hands roamed over each other. She broke the kiss and gave him a knowing smile, then rolled back over with her back toward him. "get some sleep McCarty...you got a big game today."
He heard a chuckle as she pushed herself deeper into his warm embrace.

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley had a nightmare despite Evan's presence with we. It began with the gunman bearing down upon them, gun aimed at their heads. They were struggling to escape from his manic aim. And then suddenly morphed into Kirk, hands going for her throat, trying to pin her to the ground. But Evan was there whispering in her ear. In the dream he was pulling her away from the gunman and Evan.

She became semiconscious of his hands stroking her hair and face, bringing her back to reality. She whimpered a few more times with relief and then rolled towards him, kissing him deeply, her mouth covering his with passion. She ached to feel him pressed closer against her and clung to him almos desparately.

Finally she managed to tear herself away before rolling back over and telling him to get some sleep. She was excited to see his game that night even though he would be playing.

She snuggled close to him, loving the feel of him pressed against her.

They both drifted back off to sleep and awoke some hours later around 8am. Marley stirred first and rolled in his arms to bury her face against his chest, inhaling the scent of him. Her legs entwined with his and she rubbed hers up and down his in a caress.

"What time do you have to be to the field?" She asked, her voice husky with residual sleep. "I don't want you to be late".

 

[LeftyT]

"Good Morning Dear" It felt so natural and comfortable waking up next to her. "I need to join the team for breakfast around 10. But I don't want to leave this bed" He wrapped his arms around hers, and he moved one hand down to the small of her back.
"bad dream last night, eh Marley? poor thing, I tried to reassure you."
she just nuzzled her face into has chest....didn't say anything.

"hey Marley, can I ask you a question?"

"you know you can ask me anything, Evan"

"remember last night I said that would prbably be a shitty boyfriend?"

"of course I do"

"well, would you like to give it a try? Me being your boyfriend I mean, not the shitty part. I don't even know how that starts, I mean, do I just ask you? Do I send you flowers and a written invitation on a date? Do we just keep doing what we did last night and this morning and I just tell people "that's Marley, she's my girlfriend? I really am clueless, I'm sorry. Is there such a thing as boyfriend school?

I just know that I think about you all the time. Do you know that since the night in the treehouse, I get a lot of texts and phone calls from girls, strangers, girls I know, girls I've, um, hooked up with.....I haven't returned one of them. I don't know why, I guess because they aren't you."

 

[momoftwins13]

"Thank you for being here" Marley said in reply to him mentioning her dream.

well, would you like to give it a try? Me being your boyfriend I mean, not the shitty part. I don't even know how that starts, I mean, do I just ask you? Do I send you flowers and a written invitation on a date? Do we just keep doing what we did last night and this morning and I just tell people "that's Marley, she's my girlfriend? I really am clueless, I'm sorry. Is there such a thing as boyfriend school?

Marleys eyes widened as he asked. She had ever thought about really dating because she was so busy with classes and softball. But Evan would certainly be worth it though...

"You've already become one of my best friends" she said softly. "And you're one of the most selfless, caring guys I know", she paused. "I guess what I'm saying is that you would make an amazing boyfriend and I would love to be your girlfriend if you think you can stand dating a softball player, that is".

She smiled sweetly at him and leaned in to kiss him tenderly. "And for the record.. I don't want you to get out of this bed either". She kissed him again, a long and slow kiss that she wished could keep going forever but then his phone alarm went off signaling that it was time for him to get up and ready for football.

Marley sighed. "You know I'll be there watching" she whispered against his lips as she leaned in for another kiss.

"But you can't be late".

 

[LeftyT]

He got up and walked over to where he had left his clothes, he could feel her checking him out as he slid on his jeans and shirt. She got up and started to make the bed.
"ok, I'm gonna go have breakfast with the team, then I have to go to the stadium for pre-game meetings. I'll see you there. Your seats are right behind our bench, about six rows back."
He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Then he pulled her close, gave her a big hug and gave her ass a quick little playful squeeze. "see you tonight, girlfriend"
As he walked out the door, he turned and said "Hey Marley, I don't think we should tell our parents tomorrow that we slept in the same bed, or the we are boyfriend and girlfriend now, let's keep that to ourselves. I mean, I know you're proud of yourself that you are now dating a big football star, but give it a while longer, ok?"
He smiled as she rolled her eyes and flipped him off....

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley stood as she watched Evan get dressed. It was all so comfortable between them which blew her mind considering a week ago she had hated him. But they meshed together perfectly...

She kissed him back and swatted his hand when he squeezed her butt playfully.

His words made her roll her eyes and she gave him a swift middle finger before smiling. "I agree. Our parents would be planning a wedding... Ill make sure to keep it a secret at the game and dinner tomorrow night. Go now, Mr Football Player. You're gonna be late. We will talk more after you're game. And good luck".

She kissed him and then pushed him through the door. She then decided to go for a run.

Two hours later she had ran and showered, so she sat down to study and do some homework. She glanced up at the clock and noticed it was time to get ready for the game. She and Zoe had decided to wear state jerseys to the game, so she put hers on with a pair of tight fitting denim blue jeans. Matching flip flops and her hair brushed to frame her face and she was ready to go.

Zoe showed up just in time and they joined the masses of students going to the game. It took them a while but they finally got to their seats right where he had said they'd be. As they walked to their seats she saw his parents already there.

"Marley!" His mom gushed, standing and wrapping her in a bear hug. "Oh honey! I'm so happy to see you here!!"

Marley introduced them to Zoe and they all took their seats, Marley's eyes scanning the field for Evan.

 

[LeftyT]

Evan got to the dining hall as everyone was sitting down. There was a nervous buzz in the room. Lots of confident young men nervous about the big test on the field today. Ty had saved him a seat. "so, McCarty, didn't come home last night, roomie? where were you?"
Ty smirked "oh yeah, your mom says hello, Ty."
"fuck you, McCarty" he smiled "something tells me you were with that little hottie from the softball team."
"Ty, if you took half the time you spend thinking about my love life and studied the playbooks, you'd be starting receiver, not just running back kicks."

Just then Coach Parker stood up and banged his fist on the table.

"listen up men! I have a little bad news......Mark Slyman was in a motorcycle accident yesterday. Broke his leg, out for the season." A hush fell over the room, he was a senior, not a good way to end your collegiate career.

:so that means that Robichaud, you are now second string QB. McCarty, you are third string, and Rodzinski is moving to fourth string.

The rest of the breakfast was more subdued. Evan ate his egg whites, bacon and protein shake.

As the team was filing out of the hall, Coach Parker caught up with Evan....."kid, I need to talk to you....You might have to get some playing time this year. I wanted to redshirt you, but that might not be possible. I need to know......what happened with the gunman and the girl, I know that may have messed up your head a little. Are you ok? Can you give me 100% focus?"

"absolutely Coach. I'm fine, if I need to play today, I will."

"kid, we are playing the #10 team in the nation today. If I lose 2 QB's and I need to bring in an unexperienced FRESHMAN? We are so screwed a year of eligibility is the LEAST of my problems." Evan took out his phone and checked to see if there were any texts from Marlay as he walked to the stadium.

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley decided to fire Evan a quick text, unsure if he'd get it or not. Hiding her phone from anyone's view she sent a short one to him.

Good luck, hot shot. XO

Short and sweet she hit send and quickly put the phone back in her pocket.

Evan's mom engaged her in charter then, asking her about future plans, softball, how she wascoping, everything in the book. Marley didn't mind though. His parents were very outgoing but they were pleasant people.

Marley caught sight of Evan on the field and noticed he seemed tense like he was nervous. Was he worried she was going to spill the beans about their relationship to his mom? Or was something else bothering him? She watched him curiously.

He threw some passes with teammates just practicing some as the starting players warmed up for the game. It was nice to see him in action. He really was a spectacular quarterback. He had dominated in high school- much to Marley's dismay back then.

She glanced at her phone. Fifteen minutes til kick off

 

[LeftyT]

He had sent her a text, it just said...

YOUR BF is now 3rd string QB!!!

During warm up he looked over a caught a glimpse of Marley, Zoe and his parents. He flashed them a smile, and then told himself not to look over there again, or he would hear it from the coaches.

The first half went well, State went down 10-0 then came back to tie it 10-10. Right before the first half, their opponent made it 17-10, when State got the ball back, they tried a long pass to tie the score going back to the locker room for halftime. it was incomplete, but he saw the starting QB collapse after a hard hit. As he came off the field he sat down and the trainers started working on his foot. He heard someone say "rolled ankle"

His heart started to race, during halftime he heard the starter wouldn't be back. He was now 2nd string.

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley read the text message and smiled. It was a huge break for Evan and she knew he had to be ecstatic. The game began and was a real nail biter. The stands were on the edge of their seats watching it.

And then the second string QB got injured. Evan's dad sat forward quickly. "If this QB gets hurt or does horribly... Evan is in!... Er... Not that I want him to get hurt but..." He shrugged.

Marley sat forward as halftime ended and the third quarter began. The quarterback began to play- and immediately threw an interception. The opposing team scored making it 24-10. Marley groaned and sat back. They got the ball back and it was a three and out. The stadium started to boo. They managed to hold the opponents this time and got a good kick return only to be followed by yet another interception.

Marleys heart was pounding. The state coach was livid, screaming and cussing. He turned as walked towards Evan.

 

[LeftyT]

The coach grabbed Evan and practically threw him onto the field. "let's see what you got, kid"

He ran into the huddle and called a running play, safe.....he handed off to the running back and they gained a good 5 yards.
The next play was a incomplete pass, his nerves got the better of him and he threw the ball at the receivers feet.
3rd and 5, coach called a short pass. Even dropped back, then he heard the footsteps of a linebacker charging toward him from behind. He quickly threw the ball....right into the hands of an opposing defensive back. When the linebacker hit him, after he realeased the ball, he saw the gunshot and froze, he was suddenly back in the treehouse. The hit to the ribs was the same place Marley hit him when she saved him. Only when he hit the ground this time at was a 260 pound man on top of him.
He slowly walked back to the sidelines. The assistant coach yelled at him to get his head in the game. He slumped over on the bench, the shot to the ribs took his breath away. He had never doubted himself on the field before, maybe the treehouse had messed up his head.
He stole a quick look into the crowd, hiss parents looked very concerned and Marley and Zoe were on their feet screaming their support to the defense.

He looked at Marley closer.
Then he noticed it, and he immediately though of the totally bizzare dream the other night, when his Mom brought in his 32 conquests.
she was wearing a football jersey.
It was #33.
He threw his head back and laughed. That was the sign he needed, the break in the tension.
He stood up, ran up and down the sidelines, telling his teammate they can still do this, giving them support and encouragement. The defense held and State got the ball back.
He went up to the star senior wide receiver......"they aren't expecting a pass, they think I'm too scared. I don't care what play coach calls, you run a deep pattern down the sidelines, we got this, brother!"

 

[momoftwins13]

Marley literally had tears of anxiousness in her eyes as Evan went onto the field. He didn't have the set of plays that he wanted to. Marley groaned but remained in her feet with Zoe beside her cheering their hearts out.

Suddenly Evan looked back at her and burst out laughing which confused her but made her smile nonetheless. He jumped up then and seemed to rally the team. They all got pumped up as began to cheer on the defense. The defense managed a three and out.

Evan was back up. Marley's heart was in her throat.

Evan's first pass was a 35 yard bomb and Marley screamed out loud in applause as the wide receiver caught it, wide open and got down to their own 15 yard line. The stands erupted in cheers and she saw Evan pump a fist in the air. The drive resulted in a touchdown and just like that they were back in the game.

Marley felt pride burst in her chest as she saw Evan come off of the field grinning broadly. She was smiling ear to ear herself.

 

[LeftyT]

There was no time for celebration when they hit the sidelines. "still a long way to go boys" the coaches said, but they were back in the game. The teams traded possesions, no scoring, and then the other team went on a long sustained, methodical time-consuming drive that led to a field goal.
They were down by 10 with less than 2 minutes left. The fans were starting to sense that Evan's touchdown was not going to be enough, the other team was just too good.
"we need a quick score!" Evan tried to rally his offense.
They got it, the other team kicked off to Ty, he reversed direction, got a good block and hit the left side of the field, everyone else was on the right, and there was no way any of them were catching him. He flew down the field, down the sideline, a 96 yard kickoff return. They were down by 3!
Coach decided not to onside kick and his defense piad him back with a solid effort, the other team had to punt, and Evan and his teammates got the ball on their own 20 with 23 seconds to play, no timeouts.
A couple of short side line passes and they were at midfield with 4 seconds left on the clock. Coach just said "throw the goddam ball as far and as high as you can, and hope one of our guys ends up with it!"
This is what Evan had waited his entire life for....
He dropped back, danced around some defenders, buying his receivers some time to get to the endzone....He threw the ball to the corner of the end zone.....just as two defensive players sandwiched him, one hitting him in the ribs again. He was lying face down on the ground gasping for air as he heard the crowd erupt. The guy who hit him in the ribs yelled "aw mother FUCK" and Evan was being mobbed by his happy teammates. For the second time in a week, his life had just drastically changed.......