Story:A Friendship Rekindled
A Friendship Rekindled
Written by Trivol
After the game, Theo glanced down in his locker and sighed, closing the door lightly. They hybrid took off his jersey and stuffed into his team sports-bag. His thoughts swam through his head as he changed into his winer attire. He knew that Jake was one of the most talented players in the league. He played his best and that was all that mattered. Theo retrieved his jeans from the bag and noticed his present for Jake was wrapped in "Merry Christmas!" decorated with hollies and berries.
‘I should give this to him while he’s here,’ Theo thought to himself. ‘I’m not sure if he’ll like A Cappella, but it’ll be good to branch out the fox’s musical tastes.’
He wore his tight-fitting undershirt over himself and wearing a long sleeve shirt to keep his arms warm. Finally, he wore his leather jacket before taking his leave with his bag strapped over his shoulder. The hybrid walked through the corridors of the stadium, hearing people talk about the game and the most intense moments. Some people noticed Theo walking about and rushed towards him, with pen and paper in hand. Theo smiled as he happily obliged, giving out autographs for them. The fans smiled in turn and asked for selfies with him. Theo did so and posed for a few pictures.
After taking snapshots with them, he made his way to the home team's locker room. Surprisingly, the locker room was very quiet. He thought there’d be some noise after coming back with a win. It was certain that even though they stumped the Summit in the 4th quarter, he knew Jake was far better than he was.
He opened the door and managed to see Jake sitting down in the bench, slowing changing into his regular clothes. Jake looked down into his bag, before glancing at the hybrid while holding onto his extremely large shirt. He gave him a blank stare and spoke softly. "Hey there, Theo. Don't worry, the team's gone to celebrate."
"I see," Theo said while taking a few more steps towards the fox. "Shouldn't you be celebrating? You deserve it after all."
Jake put his jersey in his bag and remained sitting down on the bench as he maintained conversation with him. "I can't drink in this country, considering I’m a minor. Also, I have been wanting to talk to you as well."
Theo walked closer, and glanced at the tall fox. “Oh, sure. What’s on your mind, Jake?”
Jake cleared his throat, and glanced up towards his friend. "First of all, you did good out there. I am surprised that you kept up with me, Theo."
"Heh, let's say I have been practicing a lot before today’s game. I have been looking forward to playing against you," Theo said. He took some time to reflect on his words before his mouth would enunciate his thoughts. "Jake, let me say that you have a lot of good things going for you. You have a mother and a bright future ahead of you. I guess I was meant to draw life’s shortest straw."
Jake remained silent for a couple seconds, before asking for clarification. "How do you mean?"
"I will tell you once you get older, Jake," Theo mentioned as he took out his gift from his sports-bag. “Hey, I got something for you. I know this is late but Merry Christmas.” His brown forearm extended towards the fox.
Jake smiled upon accepting his gift. “Thanks Theo, though I didn’t get anything for you.”
“It’s all right, Tallfox,” Theo smiled and ruffled the fox’s blonde hair. “You don’t have to get me anything. Just want to hear your thanks after you have listened to it. It should be ear-candy and pleasant to your ears when you take a listen to them.”
The hybrid sighed and took his seat next to the fox.
“Look, Jake,” he said while placing his elbows on his knees and crossed his fingers. “I know you may have something against me which I don’t blame you for having. I was rather selfish of my actions and jealous of my friends who were drafted. I held onto that rage that I had and took it out on you. I’m sorry. My agent told me to let go of the past and start fresh. So, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to start afresh and make things right again. Let me be the first to say that you’re the most talented player I’ve met and considered to be a rival and a good friend.”
The fox gazed back, snickering as he stood up, looming over Theo as he patted the hybrid’s shoulder. “Heh, you’ve gone soft Theo! No one can surpass the Firefox! It’s all right. I forgive you. I felt really sorry for you when you didn’t get drafted. Glad to see you’re on the Spirits.”
“Thanks Jake. Also, if you keep talking yourself like that, it may backfire on you!” Theo snarled a bit but he did it in a fun gesture kind of way. “What is it that you want to say to me, Jake?”
Jake smiled down at the hybrid and ruffled between Theo’s ears. “I’m thankful that you played your best tonight. Even though you lost, I respect you highly as a player. Also a really good friend as well.” His blue eyes gazed at the hybrid’s.
Theo’s eyes teared up after Jake spoke his thoughts. “Jake, definitely great and an honor to hear you say that,” He wiped his tears away and smiled.
“Heh, all right Theo.” Jake said as he playfully slugged his shoulder. Theo snickered and pushed him slightly. The fox was indeed kind-hearted and a whole lot more that Theo didn’t realize how friendly he was despite his rather tall and large appearance.
Theo and Jake had a good time exchanging banter and even giving some playful ruffles on each other’s hairs. Both of them had a good time and both of them saw the GM of the Summit, Ms. Vicki Turner. Theo stood up immediately and gave her full attention, bowing curtly. “Hello Ms. Turner. Hope you don’t mind me keeping your son occupied for a bit.”
Vicki chuckled softly and shook her head. “No, I don’t mind it. However, it is pretty late for Jake to be up this late.”
Jake complied, nodding his head. “Yes mum.” He said while holstering his bag over his shoulder, gazing down on Theo. The fox stopped and loomed over his friend, placing his hand on Theo’s shoulder. “Theo, thanks for giving me something and always thinking of me despite your busy schedule. Thank you, and I will listen to these CDs when I get a chance. I will give you a call when I'm available.”
Theo nodded and smiled. “Sure thing, Jake. Take care. Have a good night, Ms. Turner.”
“You too, Theo Rockwell. Continue working hard this season. You certainly amazed me with your performance tonight,” Vicki said before both took their leave out of the building.
Theo waved his paw and watched them go. The hybrid certainly appreciated Jake’s light-heartedness and gentle spirit. ‘You’ve certainly changed, Jake. You’ll be fine without my help. I was concerned for you after draft day but you seem to come to terms. Good luck to you in your season.’
Theo smiled and took his leave from the locker room. He readjusted his bag over his shoulder, and made his way towards the street. He hollered for a taxi which came to his assistance. The hybrid told him the hotel and drove off towards his destination.