Despite all this, Joe was frustrated. There was less than one minute left in the game, Southport was ahead and they had the ball. Over the past two quarters, Joe had gotten his hopes up, especially when Bayport had taken the lead for a short time. Those hopes were fast turning to bitter disappointment as it appeared Bayport was going to lose their first game of the season. As Joe paced the sidelines, trying to work off some of the nervous tension, a roar went up from the crowd. Joe’s attention was immediately drawn back to the field. Bayport’s defense was charging off the field, whooping and hollering as they congratulated each other. They had quashed Southport’s final drive, not allowing them to add to their lead – and leaving one last hope for Bayport to pull off an upset.

Joe looked up at the clock and his scowl deepened. There were only forty-eight seconds left in the game. Plenty of time for a few passing plays to get close enough to the end zone for a touchdown pass and a win. But the last few passes Joe had thrown were intercepted; one of them had put Southport close enough to get a field goal. Joe could no longer ignore the fact that the punishment he’d taken in the first half had exacerbated his injuries to the point he could no longer throw the ball with any kind of control. He might as well just hand it to the Southport defense. He wasn’t at all sure there was enough time left to lead the team down the field on running plays alone. Unable to stop the unsettling thoughts from dragging him down, Joe didn’t hear one of his teammates approaching him.

"I’ll make you a deal, Hardy."

The voice startled Joe. He turned, surprised to see Jason Briggs, Bayport’s number one kicker, standing next to him. Jason deserved a lot of the credit for keeping the score so close. During the second half, many of the teams points were earned when Joe got the team within field goal range and let Jason do the rest. Jason had missed the last two attempts, but then again, Joe had just barely gotten within range when the coach pulled him off the field.

Staring at Jason, Joe raised his eyebrows questioningly. For a second his frustration seemed to morph into paranoia and Joe wondered if the truce forged at halftime was now falling apart in the face of his inability to lead the team to a victory.

Jason inched a little closer, his voice so low only Joe could hear. "If you get me close enough, I’ll get us the points to win this game."

Joe glanced up at the scoreboard. ‘We only need three points to win. I only need to get into field goal range,’ he thought. Looking back at Jason, Joe saw absolute conviction in his eyes – he wouldn’t miss this time.

Joe put on his helmet, pulling the chin strap snug. He heard his name and looked up to see the coach motioning to him. Turning back to Jason, he smiled. "You got a deal."

Forty seconds later, Joe had called seven plays, gained two first downs and was now standing on the twenty-five yard line, nervously shifting his weight from side to side. His eyes flickered between the clock, showing eight seconds left in the game, to Jason a few yards further back. He was patiently waiting for the two teams to line up. The rest of their teammates were barely behind the sideline, anxiously waiting and worrying.

Seeing Bayport’s players were now set, Joe took his position on one knee. He wiped his hands on the towel that hung from his waist, thinking how humiliating it would be to fumble on the final play of the game. Time suddenly seemed to pass agonizingly slowly and yet in a blur. The ball came out of nowhere! Joe snagged it, placed it on the ground, turned it so the laces faced the proper direction and gently held it in place with one finger. He felt the ‘whoosh’ of air as Jason’s foot connected with the ball and passed dangerously close to Joe’s face. For a few brief seconds a frightening silence hung over the field. Joe scrambled to his feet and looked towards the goal post, his heart hammering in his chest.

The roar of the crowd coincided with the exact moment Joe was grabbed around the waist and lifted into the air. Momentarily disoriented, Joe thought he was being attacked until he heard the shouts and cheers and felt his teammates thumping him on the back.

"WE WON!! WE WON!!!"

Chet’s voice filtered through among all the others and Joe looked down to see his friend yelling and jumping up to high-five the taller players. Joe also saw who it was who had picked him up and was now holding him aloft – Paul Corby. As the senior grinned up at him, Joe finally let himself believe it.

"YES!" he yelled, pumping a fist in the air. "WE DID IT!!! WE WON!!"

"No," Paul corrected him. "You did it. You and Jason."

*****

Joe sat next to his brother, staring out the car window, unable to wipe the smile off his face. They were on their way to the Shaw’s to pick up Callie and Iola for the dance. The girls had wanted to change out of the jeans and sweaters they’d worn to the football game. Since Iola lived so far from the main part of town, Callie had invited her to change at the Shaw’s. Thrilled at the offer, she had gladly accepted and driven back to the house with Callie and her parents.

Joe thought back to the pandemonium that had ensued immediately after the game. After being nearly congratulated to death by his ecstatic teammates, Joe had been mobbed by his family and friends. While Laura alternated between hugging him tightly and worrying that he’d been injured even further, Fenton beamed proudly, announcing to anyone and everyone "That’s my son!". Once Laura released him, Iola had practically jumped into his arms and smothered him with kisses.

Looking to his left, Joe stole a glance at his brother and his smile grew. Frank, too, had rushed from the bleachers to congratulate Joe on his accomplishment. However, he had stood to the side, watching all the hoopla. He’d looked at Joe wordlessly, but that one look said everything - ‘I’m proud of you, little brother.’ As Joe thought back on that moment he realized Callie had been standing next to Frank, holding his hand. Joe found he wasn’t the least bit jealous. She had smiled and congratulated him and seemed very sincere.

"Here’s the corsage." Frank’s voice snapped Joe out of his reverie.

Joe looked out the window to find they were parked in the Shaw’s driveway. He was so busy reliving the excitement after the game he didn’t even remember the ride! "Thanks," Joe replied, taking the wrist corsage Laura had bought for him to give Iola.

Getting out of the car, he was suddenly overcome with nervousness. This was it; his first real date with Iola! He followed his brother up the porch steps and stood slightly behind him as Frank rang the bell. They heard footsteps and the door opened.

"Good evening, boys," Mr. Shaw smiled, ushering them inside. "That was a great game you played, Joe," he enthused, clapping Joe on the back.

"Thank you, sir," Joe mumbled, feeling uncharacteristically shy.

Frank nudged him into the living room, apparently sensing Joe’s anxiety. They sat on the couch while Mr. Shaw took a seat in the recliner and attempted to engage the boys in conversation. A moment or two later he stood and excused himself to go see what was keeping the girls. Swallowing nervously, Joe glanced at his brother and noted that Frank seemed almost as anxious as he did.

Hearing footsteps on the stairs, both boys stood up. Suddenly Iola was standing in the doorway, smiling at Joe. Seeing her, Joe’s breath caught in his throat and he gasped out loud. She was wearing a short, satiny blue dress that was almost the same shade of Joe’s eyes. It hugged her figure perfectly, without being too revealing. Her dark hair hung in soft waves, cascading over her shoulders and down her back.

‘She looks like a princess,’ Joe thought, absolutely entranced. ‘My princess.’

Joe felt himself stumble forward slightly, as Frank gave him a helpful push. He walked towards Iola, unable to take his eyes off her. Stopping in front of her, he offered the corsage with shaky hands.

"Th-this is for you."

"Oh, Joe, it’s beautiful!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide.

"So are you," Joe replied softly, as he slipped the delicate flowers on her wrist. Bending down, he kissed her lightly on the lips and his nerves suddenly vanished. He was right where he wanted to be, with the most beautiful girl in the world.

Offering Iola his arm, Joe waited until she linked her arm through his and they stepped aside, into the living room. Joe found himself stealing glances at Iola every few seconds, almost unable to believe how lucky he was that she wanted to be with him. He felt her squeeze his arm as she nodded towards the doorway. Looking up, he saw Callie walk into the room. Immediately, Joe turned to look at his brother. Frank’s mouth was agape as he openly stared at Callie. On autopilot, he somehow found his way to Callie and the two gazed at each other as if no one else existed.

‘Come on, Frank. Say something!’ Joe silently implored. He knew Frank was still incredibly nervous around Callie but wanted to make a good impression. Finally he saw Frank lean down and whisper. He couldn’t quite make out what Frank was saying but saw Callie’s face light up in response. She waited while Frank pinned a corsage on her dress, inadvertently sticking himself with the pin. He blushed furiously while Callie giggled softly assuring him with a touch of her hand that it was okay.

After bidding Callie’s parents goodnight, the four teens excitedly left for the dance, arriving at the school a short time later. They entered the gym amid loud music and the excited chatter of their classmates. The song ended just as they walked in. A few students turned to check out the new arrivals and, upon seeing Joe became quiet. The unsettling pattern repeated itself over and over until Frank, Joe, Callie and Iola were the center of attention in the now deathly quiet room.

Across the gym there was a slight shuffling of people, a small opening appeared and Paul Corby emerged, gently prodding Jason Briggs ahead of him. As the two walked towards the Hardys and their dates, Paul motioned Joe towards him. Joe looked at Frank uncertainly, who shrugged in reply as if to say "Why not?" Giving Iola’s hand a squeeze, Joe released it and started walking towards his teammates. Watching Jason’s face, Joe realized he was just as confused as Joe himself. Neither one noticed that Paul had returned to the edge of the students, leaving Joe and Jason standing, alone, in the middle of the gym. And then Paul began to clap. Slowly at first, waiting for the others to catch on and join in. Within seconds, thunderous applause echoed through the large room accompanied by shouts of congratulations and appreciation. Though embarrassed at being singled out for the accolades, two boys couldn’t help but smile at the welcoming reception. Joe knew it was a feeling he would remember for a very long time.

*****

Frank held Callie in his arms slowly swaying to the music and wishing he could stop time. He couldn’t have scripted a better ending for Joe if he’d tried - the way the team had finally rallied around him at halftime, the thrilling win with only seconds left in the game, the reaction of their classmates at the dance. Glancing towards the chairs lining the walls, he caught sight of Joe and Iola, huddled together in a corner and smiled. Their hands were tightly clasped together, as they had been all evening, and they were carrying on a hushed conversation. They hadn’t taken their eyes off each other all night as if they were blissfully unaware they were surrounded by their classmates.

As Joe leaned over and kissed Iola, Frank felt a pang of envy. The two had been trading kisses and caresses as if they’d been together forever. While Frank didn’t begrudge them their happiness, he also felt left out – and a little jealous. Joe made it look so easy, enveloping Iola in a cocoon of affection, yet he hadn’t given Callie so much as a chaste peck on the cheek.

‘Not for lack of trying.’ Frank frowned, recalling the numerous attempts he’d made only to be thwarted each time. ‘It’s a miracle I haven’t died of embarrassment yet,’ he thought, but remembering the way Callie had wordlessly encouraged his advances, Frank’s mood lightened considerably.

As the song ended, Callie pulled back slightly and gazed up into Frank’s eyes, smiling. He swallowed hard trying to ease the sudden dryness in his mouth. Silently, he took Callie’s hand and led her to the double doors leading outside. Stepping out into the night, they found it had turned a little chilly. Callie moved closer to Frank and he easily put his arm around her, drawing her near. They walked towards the football field, stopping under a canopy of trees. Callie turned to Frank and gazed up at him affectionately. With her face illuminated by the soft glow of the moon, Frank thought she was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen.

Slipping his arms around her waist, Frank gently pulled her close. Reaching up, Callie put her arms around his neck. Tilting her head upward, she inched her lips closer to his. The nervousness Frank had felt each time they’d gotten this close suddenly disappeared. He felt overwhelmingly calm, as if fate were telling him this was meant to be. Leaning down, Frank instinctively closed his eyes as he pressed his lips to Callie’s. He had no idea how much time passed while they were in their own little world, but later, he would remember the way Callie fit perfectly in his arms, how soft her lips had been and how he could still taste her strawberry lip gloss…

*****

Joe sat next to Iola, the two of them taking a break from the dance floor. Staring at Iola, Joe couldn’t believe the way this day was ending, especially considering how it had started. It had been a roller coaster ride, both mentally and emotionally, yet despite every bad thing that had happened, Joe couldn’t stop smiling. As yet another Bayport High student stopped to congratulate Joe on his performance, he saw Iola beaming with pride. Joe graciously accepted the praise, feeling a little self-conscious as the young man and his date walked away. Joe turned back to Iola, surprised to see her rising from her chair.

"I’ll be right back," she smiled mysteriously. Giving him a kiss on the cheek, she disappeared into the crowd of students.

Sighing contentedly, Joe settled back and looked around the gym. He finally caught sight of Frank and Callie, making their way onto the dance floor. They seemed to have disappeared a short time ago, although Joe assumed he just couldn’t see them in the crowd of people who had shown up for the first dance of the school year.

Joe tilted his head slightly, watching his brother and Callie intently. It was obvious that Frank really liked her and she was clearly crazy about him. Suddenly, Joe no longer saw the spiteful girl who was intent on forcing him out of Frank’s life; instead, Joe saw someone who made his brother happy – very, very happy!

‘I wonder if he’s worked up the nerve to kiss her yet,’ Joe mused, with a grin. Before he could ponder that any further, the disc jockey started to announce the last dance of the night.

"We’re going to close tonight’s dance with a request," the d.j.’s voice echoed through the room. "From a very special young lady to the quarterback who refused to give up. I couldn’t have picked a more appropriate song myself."

Joe’s mouth dropped open slightly as the words sank in. Someone had dedicated a song to him! The crowd of students parted and Iola emerged, walking towards him with her arm outstretched. The first few notes floated out of the sound system, slow and soulful.

Joe felt Iola take his hand and gently pull him to his feet. She had dedicated the song to him! Shutting out the crowd of people who were now unabashedly staring at the couple, Joe took her in his arms and pulled her close.

‘Would you tremble

If I touched your lips?

Gazing into her eyes, Joe realized it wasn’t just any song…

‘I can be your hero, Baby.

"Joe Hardy, you are my hero," Iola repeated her heartfelt declaration of the previous afternoon, her voice a mere whisper.

Suddenly the crowd of students around them seemed to melt into the background. For Joe, the only person who existed at that moment was Iola Morton. This very special last dance that was bringing a close to their magical night was for the two of them alone. But as Joe leaned down to kiss his princess, he knew in his heart this really wasn’t the end - it was just the beginning.