As I walk into school the next day…
I take in the sight of the creepy Corbin High Cougar…
His head returned to its rightful home.
But my smile fades as I see Zoe across the hall…
And remember my royal screw-up.
Brooke
Maybe we should have let them keep him.
I smile as Brooke sidles up next to me…
A stack of 'BROOKE FOR HOMECOMING QUEEN' fliers tucked under her arm.
Kelsey
I don't know, I find him kind of endearing.
Kelsey
In a totally nightmarish kind of way.
Brooke
So, what are you doing after the game tonight?
Kelsey
If it's anything like last week?
Kelsey
Probably eating alone until a beautiful stranger steals my fries…
Kelsey
Then getting yelled at by my dad.
Did I really just call Brooke beautiful?
I tense, waiting for her response.
Brooke
Because I kind of thought it would be cooler if you came to this party with me.
Brooke
But, you know, your schedule sounds really full.
I follow Brooke into the hall as she tapes 'BROOKE FOR HOMECOMING' fliers to the wall.
Brooke
Post-game, to celebrate the start of Homecoming Week.
Brooke
I mean, next week everyone will be on their best behavior.
Brooke
I can't win an election hungover. But tonight?
She tapes a flier to a locker.
Brooke
Tonight, Covington, we rage.
I flash Brooke a confused look.
Brooke
We party. Let loose. Get drunk. You know—
Brooke
Rebellious teen stuff. Ever heard of it?
Kelsey
I have been to a party before, you know.
Brooke
Infiltrating Riverview's party last week doesn't count.
Kelsey
Okay, so maybe I haven't been to a party before.
Brooke
Then it’s about time we strip you of your innocence.
I spot Zoe at her locker.
Kelsey
Can I invite someone?
I think I see a flash of disappointment cross Brooke's face.
But if I did, she hid it well.
Brooke
This isn't your grandmother's cotillion, Covington.
Brooke
Invite whoever you want.
Brooke leaves to paper the adjacent hallway.
Kelsey
Zoe, I'm so, so sorry.
Kelsey
I didn't mean to ghost you.
Kelsey
In fact, I'll tell you everything that happened—
Kelsey
It will make a great story for the paper.
Zoe slams her locker shut.
She begins to walk away, when—
Kelsey
I can get us into tonight's party.
This piques Zoe's interest.
Zoe
That in the past two weeks…
Zoe
You've managed to get yourself invited to a party…
Zoe
That I haven't been invited to in three years?
Kelsey
It was Brooke's idea.
Kelsey
And I promise that while we're there, I'll give you everything you want for your article.
Kelsey
Did you know my favorite color is purple?
Kelsey
I don't know. I hadn't really thought about it until now.
Zoe
Say it's blue and yellow. Corbin colors.
Zoe
The readers will eat that up.
I breathe a sigh of relief.
I lock step with Zoe as she heads for class.
Zoe
I also want to hear all about your little girlfriend.
I pale, but Zoe just laughs.
Zoe
Kidding! Not for the paper. For me.
Zoe
You've been spending a lot of time together.
Kelsey
Sure, but she's not my girlfriend.
After school at practice, Colton runs a play, passing the ball off to another teammate…
Who then throws the ball to me…
And I fumble it - incomplete.
Coach Wilson blows his whistle, signaling the end of play.
Colton groans and removes his helmet.
Colton
I've had enough. As captain of this team, I say she needs to go.
Colton
Coach, you said you'd give her two games to prove herself.
Colton
It's been two games.
Colton
We still haven't won.
Colton
I think it's time to end this…experiment, and move on.
Coach Wilson consults his clipboard, scratching his head.
Kelsey
I walked onto this team and scored twice in the past two games.
Kelsey
That's twice more than you!
Colton and I are now head-to-head.
Colton
You're making our games into a spectacle.
Colton
There are recruiters from A&M coming to the homecoming game.
Colton
I don't need you getting in my way.
Kelsey
Your way? Hasn't anyone ever told you there's no 'I' in 'team'?
Colton
I could ask you the same thing.
Colton
If you really wanted what's best for this team, this town, you'd walk.
I open my mouth to retort, but I’m interrupted by a sharp blow from Coach Wilson's whistle.
Colton and I both back down, the team now huddled around us.
All eyes are on Coach Wilson, who is clearly conflicted.
Coach Wilson
Now Kelsey, you've given it your all out there, you really have—
Coach Wilson
But Colton's got a point - not all attention is good attention.
Coach Wilson
There're rumors Riverview might not even play us this Friday if you're on the team.
Colton turns to me, scowling - see?
Coach Wilson
Colton, you're team captain, but I'm still the coach.
Coach Wilson
Rulebook says when we disagree, we're supposed to put it to a vote.
Coach Wilson
So, your teammates will decide - does Kelsey stay, or go.
Colton and I both open our mouths to object but—
Coach Wilson
I don't wanna hear it from either one of you!
I look around at my teammates…
Every one of them now a potential enemy.
Colton, confident, stands his ground.
Coach Wilson
All in favor of removing Kelsey from the team, raise your hand.
Colton quickly raises his hand high in the air, flashing a cocky grin.
He's followed by a few of our teammates.
I try to calculate my odds, but it's too late.
Coach Wilson has finished scribbling his notes.
He motions for those opposed to put down their hands.
Coach Wilson
Now, all in favor of allowing Kelsey to stay on the team, raise your hand.
I raise my own hand high.
At first, there's a tepid response.
But slowly, players start to raise their hands in favor of me.
Even Jason, still on the bench, raises a crutch in the air.
Stealing the cougar head seems to have won me some friends.
I flash a warm smile at all those who voted for me, as Coach Wilson finishes his tally.
Coach Wilson
Alright Covington. You stay.
I pump my fist in victory, and several players pat me on the back.
I soak in this moment of victory…
But it’s dampened by Colton, who glares from the sidelines.
That night’s game ends in a tie.
I scored another touchdown…
Which did not seem to impress Colton one bit.
While he grumbles and storms off toward the locker room…
Because there, along the fence, is a little girl…
Wearing a football jersey and eye black…
Holding out a notebook, asking for my autograph.
She’s been there the whole game.
And so, I oblige, signing:
"Love, #42 Kelsey Covington - GO COUGARS!"
As I sit on the locker room bench, taking off my cleats…
Brooke opens her locker adjacent from mine and rummages through it.
Brooke
So, I told Colton I'd ride with him to the party…
Brooke
Because honestly, I sort of feel bad.
Brooke
I've been really short with him. Distant.
Brooke begins to change out of her cheerleading uniform and into a towel for the shower.
I look away - my eyes anywhere but Brooke's very naked body.
Kelsey
Aren't you kind of just…using him?
Brooke
At this point…I think we're using each other.
Kelsey
You really think you can't win homecoming queen without him?
Brooke shuts her locker and heads for the shower.
Brooke
I *know* I can't win without him.
Brooke
No one wants a strong empowered female in office, Covington.
Brooke
It's sad but true.
I keep my eyes glued to the wall.
Kelsey
But why win at all?
Kelsey
I mean, who cares if you're homecoming queen? No offense.
Brooke
None taken. And I know it's going to sound lame—
Kelsey
You're talking to me, remember?
Brooke
You, Kelsey Covington, are not lame.
Then blush and turn away.
Brooke
Anyway, there are traditions in Corbin.
Brooke
My grandma was homecoming queen.
Brooke
My mom was homecoming queen.
Brooke
People expect Brooke Dalton to be homecoming queen.
Brooke
And I expect you to be at that party tonight.
I meet her gaze and smile.
Later that night, Zoe and I walk onto the front lawn of a sprawling ranch house…
Taking in a view of an oversized poster staked into the ground which reads:
"#11, CORBIN'S OWN - COLTON LAVERY."
Heavy bass pumps from the party within.
Kelsey
She didn't tell me the party was at Colton's house!
Zoe
Who else's house would it be at?
Kelsey
Literally anyone else's?!
Zoe
Just breathe. We'll find somewhere quiet to get smashed.
Zoe
I don't know, it's not like I ever get invited to parties either!
Kelsey
Right. Okay. Let's just go.
As if on cue, Brooke emerges from the house.
She's a vision in the sequined dress that I tried on in her closet.
She has a coat draped over her shoulders to block out the autumn breeze.
I suddenly feel shlubby, inadequate in comparison.
Zoe, clocking my expression, realizes she's a third-wheel.
And Brooke, clocking Zoe, lets a frown slip.
Brooke apparently drowns the feeling with a sip from a red cup.
Kelsey
That dress looks better on you.
Brooke
You don't look half bad yourself, Covington. You ladies ready for this?
Kelsey
I don't know, Brooke. I think we might just want to lay low—
I can barely get the last word out as we enter the house…
Which is *full* of people—
Zoe trails behind me as I follow Brooke.
We walk past a table stacked high with drinks.
I hold a hand up to cover my face, hoping to go unnoticed.
A slightly tipsy Brooke has other plans.
Brooke
HEY EVERYONE! LET'S GIVE IT UP FOR KELSEY COVINGTON!
Cheers erupt from the foyer and back rooms.
I grow only more mortified, burying my head in my hands.
Colton emerges from the back room, cradling a beer.
Colton
Hey! What is she doing here?
Brooke saddles up to Colton, placing a hand on his chest to calm him.
Brooke
Don't worry, babe. I invited her.
Colton moves away from Brooke, rebuffing her.
Brooke
She's a member of this team.
Colton
She's Coach Wilson's pathetic attempt to get us to State.
Colton
And she needs to leave. Now.
Brooke, now at the drinks table, reaches behind her…
And slowly wraps her fingers around a half-full bottle of vodka.
Brooke
You think she doesn't deserve her spot on the team?
Colton
That's exactly what I just said.
Brooke
Well would someone who doesn't deserve her spot be able to do this?
Brooke whips around and tosses the bottle of vodka to me.
I’m caught off guard, so I fumble it, but I manage to keep it from falling to the ground.
Then Brooke sprints up the stairs.
Kelsey
Uh, thanks for having me.
Colton scowls as we bound up the stairs.
After Brooke and I leave the party behind…
Colton and Zoe stand around aimlessly–
Not knowing what to say to one another.
Colton
You wanna play pong?
Colton
What other type of pong is there?
Zoe would never turn down an invite from the hottest guy in school.
Brooke slams the door behind us—
Both of us laughing, gasping for air.
Brooke
That was epic. Here, you deserve this.
Brooke passes me the vodka.
I take a tentative swig and cringe - my first drink.
Kelsey
Ugh, that's awful.
Brooke
Don't tell me you've never had a drink before.
Kelsey
I won't not tell you that.
Only after a minute do I take in my surroundings:
Football trophies from all levels.
A Texas A&M banner hung over the bed.
A picture of Brooke, framed, on the nightstand.
Kelsey
Are you sure we should be in here?
Kelsey
It just feels…wrong.
Brooke
Relax. It's a house party.
Brooke
People are probably hooking up on Colton's parents' bed next door.
Brooke crosses to the bed and plops down.
She grabs the photo off the nightstand and studies it.
After a moment, I join her.
Kelsey
He's not just using you.
Kelsey
He's definitely still into you.
Brooke
That doesn't mean I'm still into him.
Brooke
I think I was just so focused on what people expected of me…
Brooke
That I didn't stop to think about what I actually wanted.
Brooke
Sometimes people just don't…fit.
She sets the photo back down on the nightstand and turns to me.
Brooke
No matter how hard they try.
Brooke
I kind of like someone else.
I struggle to hide my devastation.
I reach for the bottle and take another swig of vodka.
Brooke
Are you really that clueless, Covington?
I shake my head - confused.
Brooke
I thought I made it pretty obvious.
Brooke
Always hanging out after school…
Brooke
Getting you naked in my room…
Brooke shifts, moving closer to me.
I can't believe what Brooke is saying.
Brooke
Didn't you ever wonder why I was crying alone in the bathroom when we first met?
Brooke
I tried so hard to make it work with Colton, and other guys before him…
Brooke
But nothing ever felt right.
Brooke
When I realized who I was, I was scared.
Brooke
Things are changing slowly…
Brooke
But it's still not the easiest thing to be out around here.
Brooke
And then you came along.
Brooke
And I know you sometimes just want to be invisible…
Brooke
But you stand out, Kelsey.
I think Brooke interprets this as disinterest - or worse.
Brooke
But, like, I totally get it if you don't like girls, or whatever.
Brooke
I know you said the other day that you aren't—
Brooke
Kelsey, you don't have to—
Kelsey
Like really, really gay.
Kelsey
And you can trust me, because the moment I first saw you…
Kelsey
You were on the football field, during free period, and it was my first day.
Kelsey
And I was nervous, and scared, and - whatever, it doesn't matter—
Kelsey
I saw you, and you were so beautiful…
Kelsey
And I've been out to myself since, like, middle school, but…
Kelsey
I saw you and I thought, "wow, I'm so gay."
Brooke moves closer, leans in…
And presses her lips to mine.
My eyes grow wide, but I quickly melt into the kiss.
It's a moment of pure bliss.
One that I could have never imagined…
Meanwhile, downstairs, the game of beer pong rages on.
Zoe, now extremely drunk, throws a ping-pong ball across the table.
Colton cheers as the ball surprisingly finds its way into a cup, causing their opponents to chug.
Their opponents finish their cups and leave the table.
Colton
Guess that's game. I better go find Brooke.
Zoe slurs as she responds:
Zoe
She's probably off somewhere with her new girlfriend, Kelsey.
Zoe
Sweet, innocent Colton. So beautiful. So naive.
Zoe grabs Colton's phone out of his pocket…
And begins to stab in her number.
Colton
Uh, what are you doing?
Zoe
Giving you my number.
Zoe
After Brooke dumps you, you should text me.
Colton
Why would you think that?
Zoe
Brooke told Kelsey and Kelsey told me, and—
Colton frowns and grabs his phone.
Zoe realizes what she’s done.
Colton puts his red cup on the table and heads for the stairs…
Brooke and I break apart for air.
Kelsey
As far as firsts go, that was by far the best.
I turn bright red at my admission.
Brooke's eyes twinkle with excitement.
Brooke
No way that was your first kiss.
Brooke wraps her arms around me.
Brooke
You're so cute, you know that?
Kelsey
More like so inexperienced.
Brooke cups my face in her hands and pulls me toward her lips.
Brooke
Guess we'll just have to keep practicing, then.
And then, another earth-shattering kiss.
Brooke's hands wander, reaching for my shirt, pulling me closer.
But just as it seems like this moment might last forever…
The sound of a cell phone camera going off fills the room…
Breaking us from our spell.
Spotting Colton in the doorframe.
Brooke
What the h***, Colton?
A breathless Zoe appears behind Colton.
Colton
Were you going to break up with me after homecoming?
Brooke turns to me - betrayed.
Zoe folds sheepishly in the doorframe.
Kelsey
I didn't tell him. I swear.
Brooke's eyes narrow - enraged.
Brooke
Okay, so you did tell someone.
Brooke
I trusted you, Kelsey.
I open my mouth to respond, but I’m cut off.
Colton
What happened to our future, Brooke? Going to college together?
Brooke
That was your dream, Colton. Not mine.
Colton
When were you going to tell me?
Colton
And meanwhile, this whole time you were hooking up with…her?
Vitriol and disgust drip from his voice.
Brooke
No! This was the first time—
Kelsey
What Brooke does is none of your business.
Kelsey
Come on, Brooke, let's get out of here.
Colton holds up his phone.
His finger hovers over a button on screen:
Colton
What Brooke does *is* my business.
Colton
And unless you shut up and listen…
Colton
I'm posting this pic to social.
Kelsey
You can't do that.
Colton
Try me. You want me to delete it?
I immediately know where this is going.
Colton
Fine. But only if you don't play.
Colton
You quit the team. Walk away.
Colton
Brooke comes with me to homecoming.
Colton
We forget this ever happened.
Kelsey
No. No way. Go ahead and post it.
Brooke turns to me, pleading.
Brooke
Kelsey, I'm not ready for that yet.
Brooke
You don't get to decide that for me.
Brooke
Just a few weeks ago you were happy with being invisible.
Brooke
Now you want to broadcast everything to the whole town?
Brooke
You're new here, Kelsey, and you can leave Corbin any time.
Brooke
But this is my home.
Colton
So, what's it gonna be, Covington?
I burst out of Colton's room and run down the stairs, headed for the door.
I make for my car, rifling through my pockets for my keys.
Zoe
Kelsey, please just let me explain. You're my friend, and—
Zoe
You're the one who keeps ghosting me.
Kelsey
I'm sorry for that, I really am…
Kelsey
But this is *so* not about that right now.
Kelsey
He could out me to the whole school - to my dad!
Kelsey
To ruin everything for me?
I find my keys and pause.
Zoe
My whole life I've tried so hard to fit in. Get attention.
Zoe
To get the grades. The guy. Friends. Nothing works.
Kelsey
So, you used me…because you don't have any friends?
Zoe
No! It's just - you showed up, and everyone noticed you.
Zoe
Everyone wants to be you.
Zoe
And you don't even want it.
Zoe
I guess, for a second, I wanted to be noticed, too.
I open my car door, slide in, and start the engine.
Kelsey
Trust me when I say this Zoe—
Kelsey
It's better to be invisible.
Kelsey
That way, no one can hurt you.
I pull away, leaving Zoe behind.
The next week is a total blur.
On Monday, I quit the team.
Coach Wilson tries to stop me.
He asks me to at least tell him why…
Every time I see Brooke in the halls…
It feels like someone’s stabbed me in the gut.
On Tuesday, I try to catch Brooke’s attention after class…
But Colton spots me first and pulls her away.
On Wednesday, everyone casts their ballots for homecoming court.
On Thursday, I watch practice during free period, as Colton runs a drill…
With a scrawny freshman playing receiver…
I watch as he fumbles the ball.
The Cougars don’t stand a chance.
Our teacher turns on the TV.
Zoe fills the screen, reading the results of the election for homecoming queen.
Zoe
This year's homecoming court is:
Scattered claps break out for Bethany at the back of the class.
Cheers can be heard from another classroom down the hall.
Brooke sits next to Colton at a lab bench.
Colton watches the results, excited…
Eagerly grabbing for Brooke’s hand.
Huge cheers erupt from the rest of the class.
Colton stands up and bows, taking it all in.
Zoe
And last, but certainly not least…
Brooke can't take it anymore.
And heads for the door, despite protests from the teacher.
Brooke runs into the hall…
Just as the report echoes from classroom speakers:
Tears form in Brooke's eyes.
I grab the classroom hall pass and leave.
I dive into a bathroom stall and slam it shut.
I sob, tears welling from my eyes.
Outside the stall, someone enters the bathroom and runs the sink.
I try, in vain, to silence my tears, but it's too late—
Brooke
Everything okay in there?
I laugh through my tears.
I know Brooke recognizes my voice.
I sit across from my dad, an untouched milkshake and plate of fries in front of me.
I can see my dad eyeing me, between bites of his burger.
Sgt. Covington
You haven't touched your milkshake. Or your fries.
Sgt. Covington
You need your strength for the big game tomorrow.
I shoot him a confused look—
This catches him off guard.
Kelsey
Isn't that what you wanted?
Sgt. Covington
Is this because of that boy? Did he do something, Kels?
Kelsey
It's not because of a boy.
I fiddle with one of the fries on my plate.
Kelsey
It's because of a girl.
My dad nods, not quite getting it.
Sgt. Covington
Girls can be mean, especially at this age.
He takes another bite of his food.
Sgt. Covington
Whoever your friend is, she'll get over it.
Kelsey
She's not my friend.
Kelsey
She was…more than my friend.
Kelsey
Dad, it's never going to be about a boy.
Then wipes his face with a napkin.
Sgt. Covington
Boy, girl. Football, no football. I just want you to be happy, Kelsey.
Sgt. Covington
I know I haven't done a great job of being your dad these past few years—
Kelsey
Do you think you could ask your boss for a transfer?
Kelsey
Like, to anywhere else?
Sgt. Covington
I can try, but - is that really what you want, Kels?
Later that night, trash bag in hand…
I work to rid my room of everything football.
My uniform, cleats, blue and yellow pom-poms.
I bend over to pick up a pair of shin guards, knocking the framed photo off my nightstand.
And flip the photograph over.
There’s a handwritten note I’ve never noticed before:
"IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO BECOME THE PERSON YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE."
I flip the photograph back over…
And trace a hand over the image of my former self:
Happy, smiling in my football uniform…
Braids sticking out from underneath my pee wee league helmet.
Sgt. Covington
I was wrong.
And find my dad standing in the doorway to my room.
Sgt. Covington
You asked me when I knew I liked Mom.
Sgt. Covington
I had a crush on her when I tried out for football…
Sgt. Covington
But that's all it was - a crush.
And sits down on the edge of my bed.
Sgt. Covington
No, I knew I liked her…loved her…that summer, when I left for Basic.
Sgt. Covington
Most of the other guys at boot camp broke up with their girlfriends before they left.
Sgt. Covington
Figured it was too hard to keep something going.
Sgt. Covington
I even ended things before I shipped out.
Kelsey
You broke up with mom?
Sgt. Covington
Not exactly.
Sgt. Covington
What do the kids call it these days, when you just, disappear?
Kelsey
Ghosting? You ghosted her?!
Sgt. Covington
Hey, I'm not proud of it!
Sgt. Covington
I was scared.
Sgt. Covington
But being apart made me realize how much I loved her. Needed her.
Sgt. Covington
So I wrote her as soon as I could.
Sgt. Covington
Told her I wished I could be a better man.
Sgt. Covington
The kind of man she could marry.
Sgt. Covington
And you know what she wrote back?
I look down at the quote, scrawled in my mother's handwriting.
Kelsey
"It's never too late to become the person you always wanted to be."
Sgt. Covington
You were right, Kels.
Sgt. Covington
It's time we stopped running.
Sgt. Covington
I think we should stay in Corbin. For good.
Sgt. Covington
And this girl - do you like her?
Kelsey
I've never felt this way about anyone before.
Sgt. Covington
Then you should fight for her.
He gets up and heads for the door.
Sgt. Covington
You're way better at football than I ever was.
Kelsey
Thanks Dad, but I play like a girl.
The morning of the homecoming game…
I walk up to the school and look up at the massive billboard.
It’s still graffitied to read: "PLAY LIKE A GIRL."
Determined, I charge inside.
I pass by the decorated lockers of football players…
Over to my drab, civilian's locker, passing Zoe in the process.
Kelsey
I need your help with something.
Kelsey
A favor. As friends.
Zoe
I don't have any friends, remember?
Kelsey
Is that what you want, or just what you're used to?
Zoe
I screwed up, Kelsey.
Zoe
I spilled your secrets.
Kelsey
Zoe, you're my first real friend.
Kelsey
And I'm new to this sort of thing, but…
Kelsey
I'm pretty sure friends fight all the time.
Kelsey
And then include their friends in their elaborate plans to win over the girl of their dreams…
Kelsey
And convince her to go to homecoming with them.
Zoe
That's the cutest thing I've ever heard.
Zoe
This would make such a good essay for your college apps.
Zoe
"Texas High School's First Queer Dance-posal."
Zoe
Can I cover it for the paper?
I wrap my arms around Zoe, pulling her into a hug.
Zoe
Okay, so what's the plan?
