Chapter Seven

No One's POV

After their passionate kiss, Shakir stayed a while longer, before calling an Uber to go home. His cybertruck was towed to his house. It would be out of commission for a few days at least. For the rest of the night, the both of them only had dreams of each other. A few days later, Cook was discharged from the hospital and returned to practice.

The both of them announced their relationship, which the whole team was supportive of, Coach Marx even nodded in approval. Everyone was happy, now that Cook was back. The team's practices became more united and successful, with everyone on the team participating and having fun with each other. Well...everyone except for Mack Hollins. His plans of taking Shakir away from Cook were foiled, and now he was VERY bitter about this.

After practice one day, Cook decided to take the initiative and talk to Mack. He wanted to clear things up with Mack. If they couldn't work together now, there was no ensuring that they'd be able to work together on the field. Besides, Mack was his friend at one point. It felt wrong to end things like this.

When Mack noticed Cook walking up to him, he immediately turned around to walk away, but suddenly, Shakir stood in front of him, blocking his path. Cook's face lit up when he saw Shakir. The two of them knew what to do.

"Wait, Mack!" Cook yelled, "I need to talk to you."

"There's nothing we need to talk about," Mack snarked, looking away from Cook and Shakir, "Now leave."

Cook took a step forward, "No! I won't leave until you talk to me."

Shakir sighed, "Look man, this is for all of us, okay? It's...it's not fucking right how things ended. So...we just want to talk."

Mack jerked around to face Shakir, "You're the last person I want to hear that from!"

The sudden outburst caught both Cook and Shakir off guard. Mack held himself tightly as he turned away once again, in shame.

"I...I just...I was jealous of you, Shakir," Mack admitted, "I know it's immature but..."

Shakir's face softened, and he got closer to Mack, "I...I never knew. I..."

"Of course you never knew," Mack held his forehead, "Of course you didn't. But you were always better than me. You're the better wide receiver."

How did I never notice this... Cook thought, I assumed Mack hated Shakir because I did but...there was more to it?

Now determined, Cook went over to Mack to pat him on the back, "I'm sorry I never noticed...I'm really sorry Mack." Cook could feel Mack's body start to shake.

"And...and when Shakir and you...you guys were starting to get along...and I was so jealous," Mack continued with a shaky voice, "The guy I hated so much, taking you away from me. My best friend...it sucked. I was all alone..."

The two guys began to comfort Mack as he started to cry, "I...I know what I did was wrong! I let my jealousy and rage blind me. I should've...I should've just left you guys alone! I shouldn't have been so...so...stupid!"

"Hey. Look at me Hollins," Shakir ordered, "I've made plenty of stupid ass decisions before. So has James. The most important thing is that we learn and grow from them afterwards. Become a better version of yourself. You can change. It's not too late."

Through sobs, Mack managed to muster out, "Really? Even after everything I did...?"

Cook smiled, "Mack, you've been my best buddy throughout this whole season. There's no way I'd ever abandon you, ever. You'll never be alone. Ever. You have me, the team...and Khalil. We're all here for you."

Mack wiped his tears away and gave a small smile back, "Do you...do you mean it?"

Shakir and Cook took a look at each other and nodded, satisfied.

"Of course we mean it!" Cook exclaimed.

"Yeah, dude. Let's bury this dumb ass rivarly, okay?" Shakir added playfully.

Mack's heart had finally been healed. They all came together and hugged each other. They all started to laugh and smile. Wow, the good ending! Anyways, now that Mack's true intentions had come to light, there was one more thing the boys needed to do.

"Hey, Mack, who was that guy you were with at the pool party?" Cook asked, "Maybe...you guys should get together."

Mack's face turned red, "W-what? Jase Headman...? No...we couldn't possibly..."

Shakir hit him lightly on the back jokingly, "What? You guys are practically perfect for each other. You both like being barefoot!"

"Khalil..."

"Oh...heh...sorry James."

"No, but seriously," Cook continued, "You and Jase could really be something. You should give him a chance. Have you guys talked since the pool party?"

Mack nodded, "Yeah. We've texted a bit."

"Texted? Woah man. You got his number?" Shakir asked, "Well, you're already halfway there."

Mack rolled his eyes at Shakir, but without the same malice that he previously held towards him, "Haha. Well, we're just friends so..."

"Buttttt you two could be more," Cook teased, "At least invite him to the game."

Shakir encouragingly added, "Yeah, who knows? You two could totally hit it off. Inviting him wouldn't hurt."

Mack laughed, "Okay, fine. I'll text him right now and invite him."

The three boys talked some more, then they headed off to their final practice, before their big game.