User blog:Prince12/Chapter 23: I'm Not Alone

Hey there! It's been almost a year since I last posted a chapter. Life has just been crazy and everything changed since the last time I typed. Anyway, today I have an interesting chapter that I'd like to share. It's a chapter about Relationships, Football, and new Ministry ideas for Jesus Club. Check it out! And remember, all chapters are typed up on here in script form. Enjoy!

Starring:

Lizzy Coble

Kyle Nelson

Lindsay Tucker

Ryan Jenson

Jared Larson

Jonah Wahl

Alex LaMunyon

Makenzie Morace

Gabe Anderson

Chad Riverstone

Olivia Sorensen

Blake Mullenuex

Zach Schnieder

Heather Kershner

Hunter Haberman

Daniel Tucker

Settings

Setting 1
Cougar Foot Ball Field

Setting 2
Hallway

Setting 3
Football Field

Setting Four
High School Commons

Setting 5
Chad's car/Lizzy's Front Porch

Part 1
It was a few days after the crazy events with Mick and the girls. It was a brand new afternoon when Ryan was trying to practice his wide-receiver skills with the other guys. He didn’t really know how well he was doing yet, but he was getting there.

Jonah: *Gets ready to kick-off the ball so Ryan can catch it* HIKE!! *kicks it*

Jared: Go, RYAN, GO!!!

Ryan: *Runs, jumps, barely catches the ball, falls to the ground when Jonah starts running towards him to tag him* Oooff..

Gabe: Nice try, bro. But the key is not to just run and jump for it like that; otherwise it makes it harder to get past the line and automatically makes it a first down.

Jonah: Exactly. Let’s try this again.

Gabe: *Gets ready to hike the ball so Jonah can kick it off* HIKE!!

Ryan: *Runs towards the ball, catches it, but gets tumbled over by Gabe who body slams him into the ground.* MERCY!!

Gabe: You okay? *Helps him up*

Ryan: Yeah…

Jared: Ryan, we have to better practice your skills for this as soon as possible. The Home-Coming Game is coming up soon! We want to make coach proud!

Ryan: I know, man. But how am I supposed to do this in very little time?

Gabe: You need someone to give you some good tips.

Ryan: Like who?

Jonah: I could.

Ryan: Really?

Jonah: Ryan, I’ve been an athlete since elementary school. I know Football and I can help you improve your wide-receiving skills.

Jared: That’s a good idea, Ryan. If anyone can help you in a short amount of time in the best way possible, it would be Jonah.

Ryan: Can you help me before the Home-Coming game? It’s in another week or so!!

Jonah: Yes. But it’s going to take a lot of practice… You will need to make this your top priority--after homework, of course.

Gabe: You think you’ll be able to handle that?

Ryan: I’ll do whatever it takes.

Jared: Way to show integrity, Ryan.

Jonah: Well if you’re serious, then, let’s start practicing after school. I’ll show you the 5 main tips to being a good wide-receiver.

Ryan: Sounds like a plan.

Part 2
Meanwhile, Lizzy and Kyle were walking together to their 6th period class when Lindsay was standing in the hallway, waiting for them…

Lindsay: There’s the lovely couple I love so much..

Kyle and Lizzy together: Stop it.

Lindsay: *continues* Aww, come on… You know it’s true. *smiles*

Lizzy: If you say so.

Kyle: Anyway Lindsay, how is the play going?

Lindsay: It’s going good! I got the part!

Kyle: Congratulations! I’m happy for you.

Lizzy: She worked hard for it. *to Lindsay* I told you could do it.

Lindsay: Thank you. *bell rings* Uh-oh… It looks like we are late to class. I’ll see you both later. *runs to class*

Kyle: We should get you to class too.

Lizzy: While we’re at it… *smiles*

Kyle: *Looks at her* What?

Lizzy: Let’s do something tonight.

Kyle: Like what?

Lizzy: I don’t know.. Something different. Something fun.

Kyle: Food to go? Go on a nice walk somewhere at night?

Lizzy: Yeah, let’s go get something to eat tonight and bring it back to my place. We can talk on the back porch.

Kyle: Sounds pretty romantic.

Lizzy: Do you like deep conversations?

Kyle: Depends. Like what?

Lizzy: Personal matters.

Kyle: Maybe. It depends on the matter.

Lizzy: I guess we’ll just have to find out *as they walk to Lizzy’s class*

Kyle: Here you are. *stops in front of her class and looks into her eyes, smiling* See you tonight?

Lizzy: *looking back into his eyes* It’s a date. *smiles and walks into her class as he walks off to go to his class*

Part 3
​​​​About an hour later, Jonah was out on the football field practicing with Ryan and Chad.

Gabe: Alright, Jensen! When I throw this ball, you want to receive it and run.

Ryan: Copy that!

Gabe: HYKE!!

Just then, Jonah threw the ball over to Ryan, but once again, Chad jumps in front of him and catches the ball as he body slams Ryan into the ground.

Chad: My friend, this is what you want to prevent. You need more strength and speed in order to get the ball before I do!

Jonah: I have an idea. Let’s try something different.

Ryan: Like what?

Jonah: I’m going to show you the 5 best tips to being a good wide-receiver. It’s going to take strength, agility, hand-eye coordination, and speed… As well as body control. Chad, come over here.

Chad: Alright. *walks over*

Jonah: Okay, Jensen, the first thing you need to do is have the proper stance.

Ryan: How do I do that?

Jonah: First, come over here and stand next to me and lean forward a little bit. Chad is going to stand about 3 feet away from you.

After Jonah said that, Ryan stood next to him with his Chad walked up and stood right in front of him, leaning forward.

Jonah: Good. Now remember, it depends on where the ball is coming from. If you know Gabe is going to be throwing the ball to you from your right side, keep your right foot out in front of you and your left foot behind you. If he throws to you from the left, then put your left foot in front and your right in the back. Depending on the direction he throws, always keep your back knees bent.

Ryan: Like this? *does everything he said to do*

Jonah: That’s right. Second, you want to start with a burst. Simply put, you want to run while crouching when I shout “Hike”. This will apply pressure off of the football so the defense will not be able to get to you or the ball as quickly. You need to be quick in this. Chad, stand back. HIKE!!

Ryan: *runs exactly the way he’s directed*

Jonah: Good. Now third step, you need to have a good release. Pretend Chad the Defense’s backer. If he is pressing you, you want to have your hands up in a fighting position. If he’s in offense, you can have your hands down when you do this. So get into your stance and Chad is going to get right up on you, pretending to press you.

Ryan: *gets into his stance as Chad stands 3 feet away*

Jonah: If you have an outside release and Gabe throws it on your right side, you want to attack and jab in and then jab out. This way, Chad will have to back up a little bit when he sees you coming towards him, giving you more gateway to run your course towards the ball.

Ryan: So I’m not attacking him?

Gabe: No. You’re just approaching him, but the goal is to get past him so you can get the ball and run towards the touchdown.

Ryan: Alright. *tries it*

Jonah: Great! Now fourth step: When you see the ball coming at a distance—wide out—you want to catch the football with your eyes. Always keep your eye on the ball and catch it with your eyes before you catch it with your hands. I’m going to throw the ball to you multiple times and you catch it.

After Jonah said that, Ryan did so, keeping his bent and his back straight, with his eyes and hands following the ball as it came.

Jonah: Perfect. Finally, we’re going to go over body language. Defense can tell your body language when doing your routes. Always choose different body language, so they don’t know what to expect! When in doubt, when your defense comes at you, act like you’re going towards them, giving no indication you’re going to turn left or right until you’re right in front of them. Then you’ll be able to get past them and throw them off guard.

Ryan: I see.

Just then, they went over the routine a couple more times and coach walked in.

Coach Vaughn: Jensen, I am impressed with how well you’re doing! You’re going to make a very good wide-receiver.

Ryan: Thank you, Coach.

Coach Vaughn: In all honesty, I think you’ll be going places real quick, as well. I might even consider you for new team captain. *walks off*

Jonah: Did you hear that? You’re going to do great in the game this week. Let’s practice some more and show him what you’ve got!

Part 4
About an hour later after school, the Jesus Club was about to have their monthly meeting. Blake and Lindsay wanted to ask for ideas from the group about some new ideas to expand their ministry in order to reach more people.

Blake: Thank you all for meeting with us today. It’s been a fun time so far, between our prayer meetings and the mini outreach we did. But I think we should do more than just pray and hand out food.. I think we need to do bigger than that.

Lindsay: Yeah, I agree. We need more outreaches. Do any of you have some ideas on what that would look like?

Makenzie: I think I might have an idea.

Lindsay: What were you thinking, Makenzie?

Makenzie: We could serve hot chocolate at the upcoming Football Game.

Lindsay: That’s one idea, but there isn’t a lot of time. Since we’re towards the end of October, Football Season is almost over. That is a good idea for next year, though!

Makenzie: I see.

Zach: We could have a Pumpkin-Carving Contest. Heather: Yeah, we could do that. I know! What about a Multicultural Thanksgiving Feast?

Blake: How would that look?

Heather: We could do several different foods, serving in several different ways.

Makenzie: I like that idea. But where would we have it?

Heather: Let’s have it right here at the school! I’m thinking either in the Cafeteria or in the Commons.

Blake: That is one amazing idea. As for Pumpkin Carving, I’m listening.

Zach: Same question goes to where we could have it---maybe in one of the same spots?

Lindsay: I think the commons might be better for Pumpkin carving. But these are all really good ideas!

Blake: I really like the idea of the Multicultural Thanksgiving.

Makenzie: Except what would that look like?

Daniel: Simple. Several different international foods.

Zach: Not so simple. They won’t be authentic.

Blake: Since we don’t have anyone who actually knows how certain foods would be, they will be as authentic as we can make them.

Lindsay: Any other ideas?

Hunter: Yes! What about driving people to their destinations on Thanksgiving? There are several people out there who need help getting to where they’re trying to go.

Lindsay: You know, I think that’s a great idea!

Daniel: Along with that, I think going into people’s yards and raking their leaves free of charge would be a nice way to serve. It will open their hearts and clean up the town!

Blake: Well done.

Hunter: You know, I’m starting to think this isn’t just for some weekly outreach…

Heather: Hunter’s right. I’m thinking there’s a theme here.

Zach: Really?

Makenzie: Like what?

Hunter: Thanksgiving.

Heather: Right! You know what I think?

Daniel: What’s that?

Heather: I’m thinking the Lord wants us to focus on Thanksgiving--to reach out to the community and show them what the true meaning of Thanksgiving really is and why we actually celebrate it.

Daniel: I think you’re right!

Lindsay: I think we should also allow those who are homeless or don’t have their families to come to the High School for an amazing Thanksgiving Feast.

Heather: Absolutely brilliant.

Blake: Well, team. It looks like we have a plan! We can discuss more of this as it gets closer to Thanksgiving. Let’s pray this thing out and meet more again real soon!

Just then, Daniel prayed the team out and they all left the building.

Part 5
​​​​Meanwhile, Kyle and Lizzy were just driving back to Lizzy’s house from a dinner with Alex, Chad, and Olivia.

Alex: Man, I love the food from Denny’s is so good!

Lizzy: Me too. I especially love their ''Mac ‘n Cheese Patty Melt Rocks! ''

Kyle: Why do they call them that?

Lizzy: I have no idea.

Olivia: So are you two about ready to take the next step?

Lizzy: What do you mean?

Chad: You know, go deep… Into very deep conversation with each other.

Lizzy: I’d rather not talk about that.

Chad: Why? How long have you guys been together?

Kyle: About… 6 months now?

Olivia: Wow. And you haven’t started deep conversations with each other?

Kyle: We’re not really those kinds of people.

Olivia: Well, Chad and I have already been doing that.

Kyle: What? You two have only been together for a month now!

Lizzy:  You’re moving too fast.

Olivia: No, I think you’re moving too slow.

Alex: I think every couple is different and works at their own pace.

Kyle: Alex, no offense, but what do you know? You’ve never been in a relationship before.

Olivia: Yes, but he does have a point.

A few minutes later, Olivia and Chad dropped Kyle, Lizzy, and Alex off outside Lizzy’s house. Alex started to walk home.

Lizzy: Thank you both for the dinner!

Olivia: Anytime, girlfriend! You two have a good night. *she and Chad drive off*

Lizzy: I’m really thankful we have nice friends.

Kyle: Yes, I guess it’s nice to double date sometimes. Even though Alex was third-wheeling.

Lizzy: More like fifth-wheeling.

Kyle: Right.

Lizzy then started looking down towards the ground with a slightly sad face.

Kyle: Are you okay?

Lizzy: Yeah, I’m fine.

Kyle: No, you’re not. What’s wrong?

Lizzy: It’s nothing, really.

Kyle: Come on, Lizzy. I know something’s wrong. Talk to me, please.

Lizzy: Well…. Honestly, I’m just dealing with my parents.

Kyle: Did you have a fight?

Lizzy: Honestly, yes.

Kyle: Did they hurt you?

Lizzy: No. They’re not physically abusive towards me.

Kyle: That’s good…

Lizzy: Are yours?

Kyle: *grumbles and looks toward the ground*

Lizzy: No way! Why didn’t you tell me?

Kyle: Well, they used to be, but not anymore. When I was little, my dad would beat me to death.

Lizzy: Why didn’t anyone call for help?

Kyle: We were in a spot where we couldn’t. Thankfully, he changed and he no longer does that anymore.

Lizzy: Well, that’s a relief.

Kyle: Yeah… But we were talking about you. What happened with your parents?

Lizzy: It was just an argument, like always.

Kyle: About what, you don’t mind me asking?

Lizzy: It was an argument over something dumb. They’re just over-protective of me.

Kyle: Why is that?

Lizzy: I have no idea. They just always have been.

Kyle: Are they strict?

Lizzy: Oh yeah. Probably two of the most strict parents ever.

Kyle: How so?

Lizzy: They wouldn’t let me have you over if they knew about it, they ground me for months—things like that.

Kyle: Why wouldn’t they let me come over? Is it because I’m your boyfriend?

Lizzy: It’s that, plus the fact they don’t want any underage boys over here alone with me.

Kyle: Why?

Lizzy: Hey, baby, are we playing 20 questions?

Kyle: No, I was just asking. It’s ok if you don’t want to talk about it.

Lizzy: I don’t.

Kyle: Okay. At least your parents were never like mine.

Lizzy: I almost had to experience that.

Kyle: How so?

There was an awkward pause.

Kyle: It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it…

Lizzy: This is something I don’t mind telling you….

There was another pause.

Lizzy: I…. I was actually adopted.

Kyle: What?? Why didn’t you ever tell me?

Lizzy: Not a lot of people know.

Kyle: Still… Why were you adopted?

Lizzy: My biological parents didn’t want me… And they weren’t good for me.

Kyle: Were they abusive?

Lizzy: Yeah. Thankfully, I didn’t have to experience that. I’m sorry you did.

Kyle: It’s not your fault.

Lizzy: Except I do understand where you come from when it comes to parents.

Kyle: Well, I’m glad to know I’m not alone…. What would have your name been if you weren’t adopted?

Lizzy: Elizabeth Axtel.

Kyle: Axtel? Interesting name.

Lizzy: I don’t have that name.

Kyle: Yeah, Lizzy Coble suits you better.

Lizzy: Thanks, baby.

Kyle: Well, it’s getting late. I should probably get going.

Lizzy: That might be a good idea before my parents get back.

Kyle: See you at school tomorrow? *smiles at her*

Lizzy: Yes you will. *smiles back*

Kyle: I’m really glad to have you in my life, Lizzy.

Lizzy: Me too. When I think about how thankful I am to have someone like you, I’m glad to know I’m not alone.

There it is! Nearly a year after the last chapter, Chapter 23 is finally here! It was a little long, I apologize. Next up, I have a treat for you! Stay tuned for the upcoming two-part Chapters of Chapters 24 & 25 where I feature the premier of High School Musical, as well as a performance from Strawberry Lumps!