It was a good question, an obvious one at that. The look Mike gave him caused Odessa to shiver. "You fight for it."
The couple looked at each other nervously.
"Yeah, definitely bad memories." Hailey stated.
"Are there refs out there?" Daniel asked the man, finding the situation daunting as well. 
"No, they're on their own."
"Sounds a little intense, no?" Christian asked, glancing at the nervous faces on the teenagers.
"It's an intense sport, Christian," Mike simply stated. 
"But how—"
It can't get any more objective. Even Barnes isn't judging this one," Johnny interrupted. He looked at Christian. "They'll be fine."
He and Daniel glanced at each other, thinking the same thing. Christian nodded slightly.
"Winning is everything, plain and simple. Take ten minutes, stretch, use the restroom. Call your mothers. When you get back, it's go time."
"I'll have Thalia on speed dial," Christian informed, trying to lighten the mood.
Odessa exhaled a deep breath and she turned to Eli. "How are you feeling?"
He shrugged lightly. "Nervous, I'm not really sure what else to feel," he confessed.
"It's okay to be nervous, just as long as you're confident in yourself," she talked calmly and released his hand, putting hers on his shoulders. "I believe in you, okay? Don't forget you are, Hawk."
Eli laughed. "You hate that nickname."
She shrugged. "Yeah, but, tap into that Hawk mindset, okay?" She said and touched his temples. "Just don't go too crazy out there, yeah?"
He half smiled. "I won't. I'm gonna use the restroom."
Odessa watched him walk off and she exhaled air through her nose. Standing alone, she looked around her, wrapping her arms around herself as she stared at the wood paths ahead of her. Thinking about the last time she was here made her feel nauseous, it made her shudder to think about what happened between her and Eli. She never liked to think about it or talk about it, but being back, it was all she could think about now.











"Alright, who wants to bet money?"
Odessa gave him a crazed look. "Gray, we're not betting on our friends."
"Why not? It's clearly obvious who's gonna win," Grayson said with a shrug. He hit Oliver's arm. "Ollie, you wanna bet?"
Oliver immediately raised his hands. "Nah, I already have to get a tattoo, I'm not betting anything else." He backed out.
"I'll bet," Robby stepped in. "I got $10 on Kenny."
Miguel joined the conversation. "I'll put $10 on Hawk."
Grayson smirked. "Alright, now we're talking. Anybody else?" He asked. He saw Tory and Sam walk by. "Sam, Tory, wanna place bets?"
"What? No—"
"Hell yeah." Tory grinned and quickly walked over to the group.
Odessa chuckled. Sam went and stood by her side. "Don't worry, I said the same thing." She said and they crossed their arms.
"Are you nervous that Eli won't get a flag?"
"Sure, but, I know what he's capable of. I have no doubt he'll get a spot," Odessa spoke with confidence. "Who will get the second spot? That's what I'm concerned about."