A New Life in Modern Family

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Chapter 7: A New Friend

Post-Tryouts – The Locker Room

Jon ran a towel through his hair, steam still rolling off him from the shower. His muscles ached—a satisfying ache. Football was fun. Different from martial arts, sure, but it had its own appeal. Strategy, teamwork, adaptability—it had everything to keep him from getting bored.

And judging by the coach's reaction, he definitely made the team.

But there was no official position for him yet. That was fine. He was new, and he knew he'd have to prove himself.

After getting dressed, Jon stepped out onto the field, the setting sun casting long shadows across the grass. Most of the team had gathered near the benches, talking, laughing, celebrating.

Except for one guy.

A big, muscular guy standing off to the side, away from the rest of the team.

Jon frowned. He looks familiar…

The dude was built like a tank, probably the strongest player on the team. And from what Jon saw during tryouts, he wasn't just strong—he was good. Really good. The other players were solid for high school, but this guy was on a different level.

Jon decided to introduce himself.

Jon walked over, hands in his pockets. "Hey, man. Jon Hale."

The guy looked up, surprised. Then he cracked a small, nervous smile. "Terry. Terry Jeffords."

Jon snapped his fingers. That's why he looks familiar! He recognized the name, but the guy in front of him wasn't the muscle-bound sergeant from Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He was just a sixteen-year-old kid, a shy one at that.

"You were great out there," Jon said. "Easily the best guy on the team."

Terry scratched the back of his head. "Uh, thanks. You were pretty amazing too. Never seen anyone pick up the game that fast."

Jon shrugged. "Beginner's luck."

Terry gave him a yeah-right look. "That wasn't luck."

Jon chuckled. "Alright, you got me." He nodded toward the rest of the team. "Why are you over here alone?"

Terry sighed. "Just transferred. Haven't really talked to anyone yet. And, uh… I get nervous around new people."

Jon grinned. "Well, now you've talked to me. That's a start."

Terry smiled back, a little more at ease. "Guess so."

The two chatted for a while, talking about football, training, and their favorite foods—Terry was very passionate about yogurt. By the time Terry had to leave, Jon knew they'd get along just fine.

Jon was about to head home when he spotted Jay and Alex waiting for him near the parking lot.

Jay clapped him on the shoulder. "Kid, you killed it out there!"

Jon grinned. "Had a good coach."

Jay smirked. "Damn right you did."

As they talked, Jon felt something. A shift in the air. His instincts flared.

Without thinking, his hand shot out—

SNATCH.

A football was inches from Jay's head, but Jon had caught it mid-air without even looking.

Jay and Alex stared, wide-eyed.

Jon turned, spotting a couple of guys playing catch in the distance. One of them had clearly thrown too hard.

With a casual flick of his wrist, Jon tossed the ball back perfectly. The guy who threw it gave him a thumbs-up before turning back to his game.

Jay blinked. "What the hell was that?"

Jon shrugged. "Just good reflexes."

Jay stared for a moment longer, then shook his head, muttering, "Damn kid's a ninja."

Alex was still staring at Jon like he had just rewritten the laws of physics.

"How—how did you do that?" she asked.

Jon smirked. "Magic."

Alex narrowed her eyes. "I hate that answer."

Jon just chuckled.

Jay clapped his hands together. "Alright, enough standing around. We're getting ice cream to celebrate."

They sat outside a small ice cream shop, enjoying their treats as the evening breeze rolled in.

Jay leaned back, watching the cars go by. "So, kid, what position are you thinking of playing?"

Jon licked his spoon thoughtfully. "Quarterback."

Jay raised an eyebrow. "Really? Most guys with your speed and reflexes go for wide receiver or running back."

Jon nodded. "I thought about that. But I don't just want to rely on my physical skills. I want to think my way through the game. I want to use strategy, tactics, outplay the other team before the ball's even snapped."

Jay's lips curled into a small, approving smile. "Huh. Not bad, kid."

Jon leaned back, looking up at the sky. "I know it won't be easy. I just started playing, and quarterback's probably the hardest position to master. But that's why I want it. It's a challenge. And I like challenges."

Jay chuckled. "Well, you picked a damn good one."

Alex, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke up. "You really love this, don't you?"

Jon turned to her. "Yeah. I think I do."

For a moment, Alex just looked at him, an unreadable expression on her face. Then she shook her head and went back to eating her ice cream.

Jay finished off his cone and smirked. "Alright, kid. You've got your goal. Now let's see if you've got what it takes to reach it."

Jon grinned. "Guess we'll find out."