The alarm blares, cutting through my dream of pitching another no-hitter. I groan, slapping my face a little and rolling out of bed. My muscles ache from yesterday's game, but there's no time to dwell on it. The morning routine waits for no one, especially not me.

I shuffle to the bathroom, splashing some cold water onto my face, needing to freshen up. I stare at my handsome reflection, seeing my dark hair tousled and messy, brown eyes still half-asleep, and a faint shadow of stubble on my chin. I grab my toothbrush and get to work, trying to wake myself up. School is in a few more hours.

After another ten minutes and taking a fresh hot shower, I manage to change into a plaid shirt, blue jeans, and a pair of red and white sneakers. Styling my hair a bit, I race downstairs, already smelling something good. Heading to the kitchen area, breakfast is a whirlwind. Mom's already up, bustling around the kitchen with a coffee cup in hand. Dad's reading the Maybrook Gazette newspaper at the oak dining table, his usual stern expression softened by a hint of a smile as he sees me.

"Morning, son," He says with a smirk, folding the paper in the process. "Big game yesterday."

"Thanks, Dad," I reply, grabbing a couple pieces of toast from the center.

Mom slides a plate of scrambled eggs in front of me. "You were amazing, honey. Absolutely amazing!"

"Thanks, Mom," I smile as I scoop a bunch of eggs onto my plate alongside some bacon strips and some fruit pieces—grapes and cantaloupe slices. Taking a large bite, I try to dig in.

Ethan is getting to the table, scooping his servings and devouring his breakfast. After a few minutes, he looks up, giving me a nod. "Ready for another day of glory?"

"Always," I say, grinning.

"Remember, it's what you do that makes your day glorious," Dad says.

"Got it from some sort of fortune cookie, Dad?" Ethan asks, baffled.

"Nope," Dad replies just as he gets up and sips the rest of his coffee. "Your grandpa always told me this. It's nice to mention this to my two sons."

I look to Ethan as we share a gradual smile. Ethan doesn't want to burst out laughing. After all, Dad got it from Grandpa. We shouldn't dare mock it. But Ethan is trying not to speak in fear he might actually laugh. I take the more measured approach.

"I got it, Dad."

"See, this is why I like you, Slater," Dad says.

"Hey! What?!" Ethan reacts a bit surprised. "I thought I was your favorite."

"Maybe. Just not today," Dad winks with a sly smirk. He goes on to grab his coat and his briefcase just as Mom is giving him a thermos cup filled with coffee. He heads on out, "Boys! Do good!"

As he leaves, Mom walks over to Ethan to give him some words of encouragement. "It's okay, Ethan, you know your dad still loves you." Ever the sweet mother she always is.

Ethan nods just as she pats his shoulder and kisses his forehead.

"Need me to give you a tissue?" I ask sarcastically.

Ethan pretends to laugh as he throws a piece of bacon at me.

"Hey!" I try to dodge, missing that piece, but a piece of grape gets me in the face.

"Score!" Ethan raises his hands up as if he is giving a touchdown.

Hoping Mom doesn't see me, I flick a piece of toast at him. Ethan rather uses his mouth to grab it and nods his head like the doofus he is. I laugh as I try to finish breakfast in time.

***

As it is the first Friday of the spring semester, stepping into the giant hallway of Bayman High is filled with the usual chatter and madness. Lily's waiting for me by my locker, her face lighting up when she sees me. She's wearing her dance uniform, her blond hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, and her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Morning, superstar," She says, leaning in for a kiss.

"Morning to you," I reply, feeling a surge of affection. "Ready for your practice?"

She nods. "Always. You?"

"Got a lot on my plate, but yeah, ready as I'll ever be," I say.

After grabbing some of the stuff I need from my locker, we walk to first period together, talking about the upcoming junior prom, everyone knowing we are about to go there together. Lily has friends in the Junior Prom Committee, one of them being Susan. Susan likes to give us juniors some teases of what the prom's theme is going to be. All I know is that it is going to involve something to do with nature. I hope it's a jungle theme, yet Lily senses it has to do something related to the city park. Regardless, the school knows. I know we are going to go to that prom together. That's for sure.

Though as I spot Riley nearby, he goes on to remind me. "Good luck, third place."

Third place? I think, knowing he's referring to the expected Bayman King ranking. I let it slide as I let Riley have his five minutes of fame. As Lily is doing her best to try and talk about our upcoming date, it's hard to let the Bayman King contest get lost in my head. The school has already been buzzing with excitement, whispers and bets flying about who amongst the selected male junior legacies is going to win and what the dares might be. Trying to find that delicate balance, I want to keep Lily happy. But I ponder about those dares. What could really be my dare?

Classes blur by in a haze of lectures and assignments. Between math problems and history notes, I find my mind still drifting to the unknown dare, to what it will take to win. I know the competition is fierce, yet I'm determined to prove myself.

Lunchtime is a welcome break. I sit with Jake alongside some of my fellow teammates, Noah and Leo. The cafeteria is filled with the usual noise and energy. Jake's already halfway through his chili hotdog when he looks up at me, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"So, any word on the dare yet?" He asks, lowering his voice.

I shake my head. "Not yet. But I'm ready for whatever they throw at me."

"I'm ready too," Noah adds. He's a fellow legacy junior, and his older cousin, Gregory, won last year.

"Good attitude," Jake says, grinning. "Just remember, all you guys got this. We've got your back."

"Thanks, man," I say, feeling a swell of gratitude.

Noah nods in agreement. Lily soon surprises me and joins us, her tray balanced precariously as she slides into the seat next to me.

"Hey, have you guys heard about the new exhibit at the museum? The astrology one?"

Jake raises an eyebrow. "You mean astronomy?"

She rolls her eyes. "Yeah, whatever. I thought it might be fun to check out."

I nod, intrigued. "Could be cool. When is it?"

"Next weekend," She says, taking a bite of her salad. "We should go; maybe that could be another date."

"Sounds like a plan," I say, smiling, making sure I keep her happy.

The rest of the day flies by quick, a blur of classes and then later a few hours of baseball practice. After practice, I notice Jake texting me, reminding me of his get-together.

Jake: Don't forget.

Me: I won't bro, I won't. I will be there.

***

Once I get home, I'm exhausted, though there's still homework to tackle. I plop down at my desk, cracking open my algebra and chemistry textbooks. Trying to focus, I even put on some music to keep me awake. Can't really fall asleep knowing what's about to come soon.

A little while later, I check the clock.

6:30 PM

Jake's party is in an hour. I rush through the rest of my homework, struggling to change into something decent. I settle on a pair of dark jeans and a navy button-down shirt. Casual but not sloppy.

Since my parents have already given me permission to go, they are heading out for the evening. The best chance for me to get to Jake's party is for me to do something I can't stand to do. I have to beg Ethan for a ride. It frustrates me. I would love to grab an Uber, but apparently, there's no available driver. And seeing the time ticking away, Ethan is my best shot. As much as he irks me to the bone.

Heading to the family room, Ethan's lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone while occasionally glancing at the TV.

Ethan spots me. "What do you want now, Squidward?"

"Squidward?! That's a new one."

"What do you want?"

"I need a ride," I plead.

"I don't know, man," He puts his head down, not ready to respond.

"Come on, Ethan!"

After a few minutes being lost on his phone, Ethan looks back up, smirking. "What's in it for me?"

I groan agitatedly. "Seriously? Just drop me off at Jake's."

He stretches, enjoying my frustration. "Fine, but you owe me one."

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks. We need to go now!"

***

As we drive to Jake's, Ethan teases me about the party. "Remember that time you begged me to cover for you when you snuck out to see Lily?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Yeah, thanks for that."

"Thank you...I had to lie to our parents. Mom was so set on looking for you, and I had to keep her calm."

"But the best thing is that you helped me out."

"Yeah, that's what an older sibling does for the more annoying, selfish 'baby' sibling."

"Really?!" I can't believe he has to say that.

After we further discuss other memories between us covering for one another, Ethan pulls up to Jake's house, the party already in full swing. Music blares from the speakers, and the smell of barbecue fills the air.

"Have fun, little bro," He says, ruffling my hair.

Trying to stop him, I hastily hop out, joining the throng of partygoers. The backyard is packed with familiar faces, all celebrating and enjoying the night. Lily finds me almost immediately, pulling me into a hug.

"You made it, it's about time!" She says, her smile bright.

"Wouldn't miss it," I reply, kissing her cheek.

Jake then spots me and shoves a red plastic cup into my hand. "To the no-hitter king!" He shouts, raising his own cup.

"To the king!" The crowd echoes, and we all drink. I savor the moment, the sense of belonging and triumph.

After a while, I get a tap on my shoulder. It's Noah, looking serious, and another fellow junior legacy, Brett, who is tall and lean with an easy smile.

"Hey, we need to talk?" Brett states.

"Sure," I say, following them to the front porch.

We lean against the railing, the cool night air a welcome relief from the packed house and craziness happening in the backyard. Brett speaks first.

"So, word is the real meeting is tomorrow. You ready?"

"Yeah, I'm ready," I say, though my mind races with possibilities. As it gets closer, not knowing the dare actually scares me. Nonetheless, completing the dare is essential in getting that Bayman King title.

Noah chuckles. "Man, you know for sure about your dare?"

"Nada," I shake my head.

Brett shakes his head as well.

Not knowing what our dares could be, I remember some of the crazy stuff guys have had to do in the past. Like a few years ago, Marcus Clark had to get a new temporary tattoo every week. And then there were the Guidry twins – total opposite dares. One had to live off found food in school, the other was reciting poetry during morning announcements. It was insane.

"This year's going to be epic," Brett says, raising his cup. "I can feel it."

"I'm winning that title," I declare confidently.

"I don't doubt that, but don't forget about Riley."

"Riley is going to do whatever it takes to win."

"Well, we need to make sure he loses."

"May the best man win," Noah adds, grinning.

After a shared handshake, we each head back inside the house, getting back into the party atmosphere. The wild electric pop music is thumping louder. The party continues, a blur of laughter, dancing, and camaraderie. For now, I'm on top of the world, not knowing what tomorrow brings. Realizing I will learn my dare.

Pray that it's good.