Chapter 5: The Team

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Taylor's POV

I never thought of my aunt and uncle as scary or intimidating. They are always kind people and rarely raise their voices. But seeing them now, my uncle towering and my aunt scowling, I would much rather be at home with my dad who exiled me. 

"So, we got a call from the school office today Taylor." My uncle says. 

"Are are they saying how great I'm doing already with with my classes?" I say trying to play it cool.

"On the contrary, they told us they saw you skipping half the day with some Erin girl." For some reason, I get angry when my uncle dismisses her as no one important. 

"Listen she's more than just a 'girl'. She has been extremely helpful today and I learned a lot today from her. Yes, I skipped school to go downtown with her so she can show me around. Yes, we should've done it after school because that would've made more sense but she had volleyb-"

"Alright Taylor, calm down, we didn't know how close you two were. Since you didn't get into too much trouble we'll let off with a warning. Don't let it happen again. I know that making friends can be exciting but we just don't want you to go down the wrong path. My husband and I think that your father is wrong for what he did but don't let that get to you and make bad decisions. If you make bad decisions he'll think that he made the right one when he clearly didn't." My aunt says.

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again, I promise. It was an in the moment decision and it was fun but I should've been focused on the important things." They both nod their head in agreement and watch as I walk to my room. I never meant to disappoint them I just have had a hard time adjusting and Erin makes me feel at home. 

Once I get to my room I decide that tomorrow is gonna be different. I, of course, am gonna hang out with Erin because she is the only person I know at this school. I don't know what we are but I won't rush things. I think I am going to ask her about the football team. It will keep me out of trouble and will make me happy being here without my friends and team back home. 

After taking a shower I hop into bed ready to take on what tomorrow will bring. That's when my phone goes off. Confused, I find my phone and look at it. 

'Did you forget about us already? The first day of school and you're not gonna give us the deets?' -Hayley

I smile as I open my phone. Max, Kylie, and Haley, well mainly Hayley, seem to be very curious about my first day at the new school.

"Hayley chillax, it was nothing major, just had a super hot chick walk me around school, made out in the bathroom, and went downtown for half the school day. Nothing big I promise"

'That's my man! Getting all the ladies without even trying! Wish I could say the same about myself lol' -Max

'I'm glad your first day was good Taylor we miss you.' - Kylie

"I miss you guys too trust me, I'm even thinking about trying out for the football team here to keep my mind off things."

'Your totes gonna be the best one out there Tay, believe me, I don't think there's anyone better than you on that field' -Hayley

'Hey! What about me? I mean she is pretty good not gonna lie, but hey!' -Max

"I am going to do my best, I wish  I didn't even have to be here."

'It'll be over before you know it, Taylor, just make the best of it. And you know that if you need anything we're here for you.' -Kylie

"Thanks, guys I appreciate it. I'll keep you updated I promise, stay out of trouble Max, and Kylie keep an eye on those two for me lol"

'Wooowww. You better keep us updated Taylor, and you know I'll stay out of trouble.' -Max

'You know I will.' -Kylie

And with that, I went to bed anxious yet excited to see how tomorrow is going to go.

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I wake up, suddenly nervous for the day ahead of me. I grab my clothes for the day, a pair of Nike sweatpants, my Nike workout shoes, and a hoodie. I go downstairs with my school stuff and grab a quick breakfast. My aunt and uncle see me with a surprised look on their faces. 

"What? You've seen me eat before right?" I say with a smirk.

"Of course we have honey it's just that you're never this, well, awake in the morning." My aunt says with a laugh. 

"Yeah, we just wanna know what gave you this sudden burst of energy and motivation to get the day moving faster than snail pace." My uncle says making all of us bust out laughing.

"Well for the record it's not drugs so you don't need to worry about that. Erin and my friends back home have told me I should try out for the football team. And I'm honestly considering it. I guess I just can't wait for things to feel more normal."

"That's great sweetie, I forgot you played football, I don't know why we didn't think of that sooner." My aunt says.  

"I can already tell this is gonna be good for you Taylor. If you need any equipment or anything let us know we will be more than willing to help." My uncle says.

"Thanks, guys I really appreciate it. I'm gonna see what I have from home and get ready for tomorrow." I head up to my room and go through my stuff. I managed to grab most of my football equipment before I left my house. My shoulder pads, cleats, and an old practice helmet I was able to keep are all here waiting to be brought back out again. 

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I walk into school with my duffel bag in tow ready to give Erin the big news. I finally found her by her locker and hug her from behind. 

"Guess who?" I say with a smile. 

"Hmm, Chaning Tatum?" She says laughing.

"Nope, even better." I say turning her around. I give her a kiss on the forehead and smirk.

"Guess what Erin Hanks?" 

"What Taylor Nash?"  I show her my duffel bag with my gear in it.

"Yours truly has found the courage to try out for the football team." She instantly starts beaming and jumps up and down squealing with excitement. 

"Wow, I didn't think you would be this excited." I say laughing at her antics.

"Of course I'm excited! This is gonna be great! I'm so proud of you, even if you don't make it on the team, which you will, I just want you to know that I still think that you're the best around."

"Thanks, Erin, I appreciate it. Meet me after school and you can watch the football god in action." Erin starts to blush and laugh.

"Alright, I'll see you after school Taylor Nash."

"See ya, Erin Hanks." I walk to my locker with even more confidence than before. I can not wait for these tryouts now, I'm ready to show this school what I'm made of, one play at a time. 

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