Running Towards A Place

A Crippling Blow

Eddie's POV

We went into the second half 2 goals to none. I felt the pressure of performing well subside a little, bit not completely. Coach Tyler rallied us up at half time, motivating us to keep the standard up and the keep pushing.

I was made up when I turned to see Brandon at in the stands. He said he was going to be busy so I was over the moon, especially that he got to see me possibly perform at my best. That was a huge motivating factor in itself.

Half time soon fell away and we filed back out onto the pitch. We kept the focus and went out strong as a team.
"Let's go cougars!" Becca roared, seconds before we kicked off. There was a brief eruption of cheers from the crowd and it was Go time again.

Instantly, I noticed a shift in Utah's attitude. They were out for blood. Something had switched and they were playing tough. I caught a break a few minutes in but I had no space whatsoever, they completely smothered me, my only options were to force my way through or to pass back. We had frustrated them so much and they were now on us. I passed back, not wanting to waste my energy yet. I clamped my fist in frustration.
"Ed!" Coach Tyler called, "take your time, just keep hold of the ball" he yelled, using his hands to direct his booming voice. I nodded.

15 minutes passed. No goals, just frustration from both sides. I saw a hint of an opportunity from a throw in just past the half way line. The ball came to me, and I flipped around the midfielder before making strides down towards the goal. A quick sneaky one two with Becca and I made some space. This was my chance. Probably my last chance. With all my effort and focus, I strode down the pitch. Seconds later I felt a defender chomping at my ankles. She edged closer with each step. Fuck. Then the next thing I know, I'm knocked out of the way. Full on thrown out of the way my a mighty smack, wiping me out. I felt nothing but pain and could see nothing but blackness.

My eyes flicked open, surrounding me were my teammates.
"Ed, Ed mate, come on" they were heckling. As I realized what happened, I cried in agony. The pain was too much, tears escaped from my eyes. "Stay still hun, the medics coming" one of the girls reassured me. I tried to figure out what hurt the most, my head, my side or my leg.
"Ed, your heads bleeding like fuck, I'm gonna hold this against it" I heard Becca's familiar voice as she pressed her headband against the side of my head.
"B-Bleeding?" I stammered, why was I bleeding. I began to panic. The medic then appeared, not helping my discomfort.
"Hi mate, I'm just gonna check you over ok, there's an ambulance on it's way but I'm going to assess you ok" the man in the BYU tracksuit informed me.
"Ok" I sobbed, confused and in agony. He asked me where hurt most and other questions that I struggled to answer.
"Can we call anyone for you?" He asked.
"Brandon!" I blurted, he completely slipped my mind, "I want Brandon!" tears escaped from my eyes as I laid hopeless and restlessly on the ground.
"What's his number?" The medic asked, kneeling beside me.
"He's here! He's watching!" I tried my best to stay composed but I was scared.
"I'll find him" Becca placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder before pushing herself up to hunt down my Brandon.
"Darling I'm here!" moments later I heard that thick and soothing accent. My eyes filled to the brim with tears again. He knelt beside me, serious concern in his chocolate colored eyes. "I'm here" his expression was serious and laced with worry.
"I'm scared" i whimpered, shakily reaching out for his hand.
"You're gonna be ok, I'm here" he held my hand tightly with both of his.
"The ambulance is Here" the medic informed us. I didn't want to move. It would only hurt and I didn't know if I was ready for that.

Half an hour later I was being wheeled into the emergency room. My left leg encased in a bright red splint, the red matching the sickly blood that had spilt from the side of my head and onto my shirt. All the while my hand stayed firmly within Brandon's grip.
"I want my mum!" I cried as they left me and Brandon alone in the back of the ambulance.
"I know darling" Brandon's face looked regretful. He lovingly, stroked the hair from my face. "I'm here, I'll make sure they look after you!" he planted a soft kiss on my temple.
"It hurts" I sobbed, trying to suppress the tears.
"We'll be at the hospital soon, they'll fix everything" his thumbs stroked the back of my hand. "I'm not leaving you baby" he left a sweet kiss on the back of my hand. I closed my eyes and focused on Brandon's soothing words, breathing deeply through the pain.