Chapter 40 Chapter Thirty-Seven
Demi's Point Of View
It was just past seven when I stepped through the front door, the scent of Alex’s house-the vanilla scent-still clinging to my jacket.
It was nice hanging out with Chris, we just spent the day talking and laughing and now home was warm and quiet, except for the low murmur of voices coming from the living room.
Curious, I set my backpack down by the stairs and made my way toward the sound.
"Hey" I mumbled, toeing off my sneakers by the door.
There, in the soft glow of the television, I found Alex and my dad, glued to the football game.
The big, leather couch seemed to swallow them in its familiar comfort, Dad's arm casually draped around Alex's shoulders-a gesture that for some reason warmed my heart-.
The TV screen flickered with flashes of green turf and roaring crowds, but the real scene was this quiet moment, just the three of us together.
I hesitated for a second, feeling a pleasant kind of calm wash over me.
The day's noise and rush melted away.
I dropped onto the armchair nearby, watching Dad cheer as his favorite team scored.
Alex glanced over and smiled, the kind of smile that said it was good I was here.
"Hey, you're back” Dad said, his eyes never leaving the game. His voice was warm and easy.
“Just in time for the fourth quarter. Sit down, you're missing all the action," Dad boomed, eyes still glued to the screen. He barely registered me, but that was typical.
Alex, on the other hand, twisted around, a wide grin splitting his face. "Dude! Where were you? We were just saying we needed your whiny commentary" Alex joked making me glare at him.
"Did you have a good time with Chris?"I nodded, feeling the tiredness tug at my limbs but the happiness settle deep inside me.
"Yeah. We just stayed at home watching tv and talking, nothing much” I answered.
“Sounds good," Alex said, stretching out like he owned the space, his voice had a hint of pettiness in it and I knew the attitude is because I’m spending time with Chris.
“You should tell us everything after the game" For a moment, all I wanted was to be exactly where I was, between these two people, safe and seen.
I perched on the arm of the couch, trying to melt into the background.
Dad launched into a yelling spring about the quarterback's questionable life choices,
Alex countered with a complex analysis of the defensive line, and the game raged on.
The game carried on, but I was content just to listen to the background noise, the familiar rhythm of home.
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Omniscient Narrative
The air was filled with the aroma of freshly popped popcorn and the sound of the TV being tuned in to the game.
Demi had gone up to go change into something more comfortable.
The three of them settled down on the couch, ready to cheer on their favorite team.
Demi's father, a die-hard football fan, had been looking forward to this game all week.
He was wearing his team's jersey and had a big foam finger on one hand, ready to show his support, something his wife, Demi and Alex had made fun of him for.
As the first whistle blew, he let out a loud cheer, and Demi and Alex joined in, their voices blending with the sounds of the game.
"Come on, boys, let's show them what we're made of” Demi's father shouted, his eyes glued to the TV screen.
The game was intense, with both teams giving it their all.
Demi and Alex were on the edge of their seats, their eyes following every pass, every tackle, and every goal attempt.
The energy in the room was electric, and the three of them were completely engrossed in the game.
As the game progressed, Demi's mother joined them, carrying a tray of snacks and drinks.
She settled down in the armchair next to the couch, her eyes twinkling with amusement at the sight of her husband and son yelling at the TV.
This was what she loved. She loved having people over in her house.
Which was why she was always moody whenever they would leave the house and it didn’t help that her other kids were scattered around the world.
She was always on video chats with her kids but she still missed them.
"Looks like I've arrived just in time for the fun” she said, passing around the snacks. "How's the game going, boys?"
"It's intense, Mom!" Demi replied, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Our team is putting up a good fight, but the other team is really tough I’m not going to lie"
As the game continued, the tension in the room grew as the score remained tied.
Every play was met with a collective gasp or a triumphant shout, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement.
Demi's father, in particular, was a sight to behold, jumping up from the couch, clenching his fists, and shouting at the top of his lungs with each near miss or close call.
"Come on, ref, that was a foul!" he exclaimed, gesturing wildly at the TV. "Can't you see the blatant handball?!"
Demi's mother chuckled at her husband's antics, shaking her head fondly.
"He's more invested in this game than he is in anything else," she whispered to Alex, who nodded in agreement.
As half-time approached, Demi's mother suggested a quick break, and the boys eagerly agreed.
“I have a feeling our team is going to score soon” Alex said confidently, munching on a handful of popcorn.
“I would hope so” Demi replied, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "We need to take the lead before the other team gets the upper hand or else I swear my dad’s gonna end it” he laughed making Alex laugh along.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the game resuming, and they hurried back to the living room, settling back into their spots on the couch.
As the second half began, the tension in the room escalated once again, and the boys were fully invested in the game, rooting for their team with all their might.
The game took an unexpected turn when the opposing team scored a goal, taking the lead.
Demi's father let out a frustrated groan, while Demi and Alex exchanged worried glances.
‘He’s gonna lose it’ Alex communicated mentally to Demi
‘He definitely is’ Demi replied back, letting out a sigh as he watched his father’s expression
It seemed like their team was struggling to regain control, and the boys felt a pang of disappointment.
“Fuck, we can't lose hope, boys” Demi's father said, his voice filled with determination.
“I know they’re gonna get their asses up, I believe them”
‘Thank God he’s in a good mood’ Demi mentally told Alex
‘I was not ready for a crash out’ Alex replied back side eyeing Demi.
His words inspired Demi and Alex, and they watched with renewed hope as their team fought back.
“Demi sweetie. Please can you come help me here?” His mother said making him get up and follow his mother’s lead to the kitchen.