The bus pulled into the Rosehill High parking lot just after 8 p.m., headlights sweeping across the familiar school sign. But this time, the scene looked different. Brighter. Warmer.
Waiting at the curb was a crowd—teachers, parents, classmates, and neighbors—clapping, cheering, and holding signs that read "Go Wolves!" and "Champions!" Someone had even strung a banner between two lamp posts that read:
"Welcome Home, Rosehill Wolves!"
The door creaked open, and the team stepped out, one by one, into a tunnel of applause. Ryan blinked, almost taken aback by how many people were waiting for them. His heart beat a little faster—not from nerves, but from something deeper.
Pride.
Ben stepped out behind him, his jaw dropping slightly. "Okay, this is epic."
Coach Daniels gave the team a nod. "Go enjoy it. You've earned every second."
Mrs. Harper waved a flag the size of her entire body while Savannah and Anna pushed through the crowd, nearly tackling Ryan and Ben with hugs.
"You did it!" Savannah shouted, eyes sparkling.
"We all did it," Ben said, pointing to the cheerleaders. "Your cheers were magic."
Anna turned to Ryan. "I've never seen you play like that."
He gave a small smirk. "Guess I needed the right audience."
Just then, Sarah stepped forward through the crowd. She was beaming, hands clapping, pride all over her face. Ryan looked at her and, for a second, saw her not just as his mom—but as someone who'd built something too. A new life. A place to belong.
She raised her voice so everyone could hear.
"Alright, listen up!" she called over the chatter. "Since our boys just made school history, and this town's heart might explode if we don't do something... I'm officially announcing—"
She paused for effect.
"Victory party at Whitmore Café tonight! Doors open in one hour!"
The crowd cheered again—louder this time.
"First round of coffee and pastries is on the house," she added with a wink, "and Jack's got something cooking, so don't eat dinner."
Jack, standing beside her, raised both hands. "I've got chili, cornbread, and something special. Let's celebrate the right way."
Ryan looked at Ben. "Didn't think we'd get a parade."
Ben grinned. "Not a parade—a party."
As people started to filter back to their cars, chatting and laughing, the team regrouped one last time outside the bus.
"Tonight," Coach Daniels said, "you celebrate. Tomorrow? We plan next games."
They all groaned in unison, but laughter followed.
Ryan glanced back at the school, at the town, at the people who'd come to welcome them home. He didn't say anything, but in his chest, something settled.
He wasn't just part of the team anymore.
He was part of Rosehill.