"Are you sure you're okay, sweetie?" she asks. I take the ice pack back. I nod, but it hurts. My brain feels jostled by the littlest movements. "Yeah," I gasp, holding in any acknowledgment of pain. "I'm fine. Thanks." She glances down, and I catch her eyeing my bruised shins. They took the brunt of the impact. "Football," I explain. She nods. "That's a rough sport," she says. A pause. She walks back to her desk. Then, she stops. She turns around. She looks me in the eyes. Her face is solemn. "Hit 'em harder," she instructs. I nod and almost smile. "I will." *********************************************** It's 1998, and seventeen-year-old Stephanie "Stevie" Rogers is attempting the unthinkable: she wants to be the first female football player at Truman High. Too bad the team, headed by her ex and a sexist coach, won't let it happen. Then of course there's her sexist step-dad, who can't know she's playing football or her life as she knows it would end. If it weren't for her cute guitar-playing best friend, Calvin, all hope might be lost. But with his help, and the discovery of a secret so scandalous it could rock the entire school, she may finally get her time under the stadium lights. *************************************************************************** "You're outnumbered. You need allies if you're gonna survive the season. These guys are gonna have your back. You need them." "I don't need anyone," I insist. "Ha," he hiccups. "Yes, actually, you do." He ploinks me on the nose. I scowl. "No one is invincible." I continue to scowl. He sighs. "Just trust me on this one. Okay?" My face softens a little. He's just trying to help. "Fine," I comply. "But don't expect me to smile about it." He grins. "That's too bad. You're pretty when you smile." "Shut up."