Epilogue

The stadium was filled as James kicks the soccer ball down the field. Cheers fill his ears as he gets closer to the goal. This was it, this was the shot that determined who was winning State. "Kick it!" Clint yells when James gets a clear shot. Hearing his adoptive father's words James takes his shot. The ball soars as the goalie tries to block the ball from scoring. The ball scraps across the tips of the goalie's fingers causing the ball to fly into the goal. The buzzer goes off announcing who won State. The fans in the stands uproar as James's team mates tackle him with joy. James smiles with excitement as he jumps, and hugs his teammates back. "Yes!" He screams with his fist in the air. He scans the stadium to find Bobbie and Clint cheering wildly at the victory. They notice him looking at them. Bobbie jumps up and down waving at him with pride swelling in her chest while Clint nods his head approving of his victory. James smiles lovingly at his adoptive parents.

After the game James walks back to the buses with his teammates. "Soo James," The redhead next to him says with a big smile. James looks over to his best friend waiting for him to speak, "There's going to be a victory party when we get back to the school. And since you are the team captain, and the one who scored the winning goal, you need to be there."

"As lovely as that sounds..." He drawls out really not wanting to go out when he gets home.

"Oh! Come on, James!" The redhead bursts disappointed, "It's senior year! The year of greatness!" He exclaims with his hands out. James laughs as they walk closer to the busses where everyone is gathered. A pretty blonde looks over to their direction catching James's attention. His friend notices the exchange of flirty eyes between James and the blonde, "You know, Claire, will be there." His friends nudges his elbow into James's side. James blushes knowing that Claire has always had a crush on him.

"Griffin, stop." James laughs while turning to face his friend, "I'm tired of back wood parties." James admits.

"Hell! This is going to be the party of all parties." Griffin encourages. James puts his hand on his friend's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, man." James says leaving his friend in disappointment. He walks towards his parents who are waiting for him by the busses.

"James!" Bobbie exclaims when she sees him. A smirk flickers across James's lips as he hugs his excited mom. "I'm so proud of you!" She exclaims as she hugs him tightly. James releases Bobbie when he looks at Clint.

"Get over here, hot shot." Clint says opening his arms open. James chuckles while he gives him a hug. "Francis wanted to be here, but he's off in Africa right now." Clint says once they stop hugging. James rubs the back of his neck feeling disappointment even though he already knew that.

"Yeah, I know." James admits trying to hide his disappointment, "That's what happens when you are a National Geographic photographer." Bobbie notices his disappointment.

"Don't worry, I got the winning shot on video." She says giving him a reassuring smile.

"So, I heard there is going to be a victory party tonight." Clint says with a teasing smile. James looks away with heavy sigh.

"Did Griffin talk to you?" He asks knowing his friend's tactics.

"What if he did?" Clint asks with a mocking smile.

"Then I'm going to beat him up." James announces now looking in the direction of Griffin. Griffin looks over at James with a shrug knowing that he did in fact talked to Clint.

"You should go." Bobbie encourages. James squints his eyes at her suspiciously.

"Shouldn't you be discouraging me from a party that will have alcohol?" James asks pointing out the obvious. Bobbie smiles soft before speaking.

"I trust you." She says.

"Dad?" James asks turning his head towards Clint. Clint looks at James with big eyes.

"Woah, don't asks me." Clint says putting his hands up. James laughs at their odd behavior.

"I might go." James says loud enough for Griffin to hear.

"yes!" Griffin yells from a far. James rolls his eyes when he hears his friend. "Let's go." Clint says grabbing James's bag for him to carry. Bobbie puts an arm around James's shoulder while they walk towards the car.

"I can't believe you are only a few inches taller than me." Bobbie says with a teasing chuckle.

"I'm 6'1 that's pretty tall." James says while rolling his eyes. Clint laughs while they get into the car.

James pulls out his phone, and head phones before turning on some music. He notices the date while they drive down the interstate. He shallows dryly having memories flood his mind. "You know, what, I'm really tired. I don't think i'm going to go to the party." James croaks. Bobbie and Clint look at each other knowing that voice all too well. "Alright." They both say while they drive all the way home in silence.

"It's been eleven years." James hears from behind while he flips through photos of his parents. "God rest their souls." James cringes when he hears Bobbie speak those words. James stands up from the kitchen table still feeling the sting of their death. "Where you going?" Clint asks while he watches James stand up.

"I'm tired. I'm going to bed." James says before he walks towards the stairs. He runs up the stairs feeling empty. He shuts his door and locks it before putting in his ear buds. He lays on the bed while he plays some coping music in his ears. He shuts his eyes feeling the sweet numbness enter into his body. After years of pain towards his parents death he eventually grew numb to it. When the pain would sneak up on him, he would force the numbness to return. He hears a knock on the door making him come out of his meditation.

"James? Are you okay?" Bobbies voice was etched with concern. She was really the only one who knew about his worsening depression and anger. He was strong, and dealt with it just fine. But she couldn't help but be concern. James walks over to the door, and opens it. He smiles watery at her before he collapse into her arms. She holds the tall young man while he cries in her shoulder. He broke every time around this year, and every year she was waiting for him. "It's okay, sweetheart." James nods his head knowing she's right. He takes in a shaky breathe before standing up straight to look at Bobbie. She touches his tear stained cheek with a soft smile.

"I love you." She says with a smile. James smiles remembering that he does have a mother even though his biological one is dead he gained a new mother.

"I love you too." He says back feeling better.

It's been eleven years, and the pain was settling in his heart. But what he'll find out will disrupt the debris again causing new pain. This is just the start...

Author Notes: Hey guys! So the story will be on my profile under the name Truth between Lies. I've had so much fun writing this story, and cannot wait to write about older James! Hope you all enjoyed this story! :)

-C.R.