The Team // A Formula One AU

Alex

I'm running through the park, glancing at the neon goalposts, wondering what to do now I'm finally in possession of the ball. Nico's coming at me, and I'm running at him. I want to keep the ball but I can see what's happening before it is. I tense all of my muscles as he begins to slide and I bend my leg to jump over him.

But I'm so close, it could be a penalty if I fall.

I don't want to be injured.

We could win if I get a penalty.

But I don't want to cheat.

I jump and I fall into the grass. I'm not hurt, but I am scared. Weird Old Phil blew his whistle. He's pointing to an imaginary spot in front of the goal. Nico is yelling that he didn't touch me, waving his hands in the air in irritation. But no one else saw me. No one noticed.

Max is too fast for me to own up to my cheating. "Who's taking it?" He jumps out of the crowd and Daniel volunteers himself enthusiastically.

"Good run Alex," he pats me on the back as I get up and walk past him. He doesn't know. No one knows.

I hastily go back into my position and I hang my head.

"What's wrong?" Pierre must see the look on my face. "You're winning."

"It shouldn't have been a penalty."

He stares at me, uncomprehending. "Yes it should, it was a foul."

"I..." I look around and lower my voice despite being in acres of space. "I dived."

I start violently. Daniel scored. It's three-one as I walk backwards and try to look happy with everyone else. Oh no. Training practically over and the only thing I've done all morning is cheated. On purpose. Deliberately.

Daniel passes me the ball and I curse inwardly. Why didn't I just pass it instead of diving like an idiot? I run aimlessly and pass to Carlos. It's not like I'm bad at it. The match is going perfectly for my team but I'm tempted to turn around and score in my own net. Tom is holding up three fingers, meaning I really don't have long left to fix this. I look forward to see Carlos tricking defenders in slow motion, getting ready to cross the ball in from the right hand side. We're going to score again. The ball floats perfectly down to George's head and he puts it like a bullet into the back of the net.

I hear Pierre whoop, entertained despite being on the other team, and Daniel lets out an animalistic yell, making me smile despite myself as the pigeons scatter from the trees around us. I guess it doesn't matter, I'm not the only reason we're winning. I find Carlos clapping my back again and before I realise it the game is over, four-one to us.

I jog underneath a tree to finally get some shade. George sits beside me, energetically discussing his goal with Lando and Charles.

"I've never scored a goal like that," he grins, pouring water over his head. "I guess it just helps that I'm quite tall."

"Maybe you should've been a footballer instead of a race driver," Charles jokes and Lando giggles.

"I'm awful at football. The only thing I know how to do is keepie-uppies."

"At least you've got the energy for it though, I just can't in this heat. I'm glad the game was only half length."

They continue talking as Tom hands out orange slices and starts setting up cones for whatever weird game we're playing next. Then Peter appears with a trolley full of weights and I let my head fall back onto the grass.

"What's wrong Alex? You played well too, it's just a shame Nico tripped you in the box."

I sigh silently before lifting my head to look at my friends.

"Did you see what Peter's got? I think fitness training is over, it's time for the weights."

George looks over and groans as he rolls his eyes. Charles doesn't look much more impressed, and Lando's probably wondering which one he could roll fastest down the hill.

For a second I forget about my dive, and then I try to tell myself it doesn't matter. It's not like I need another Gina session just because of one mistake. As long as I'm not cheating when it counts when I'm on track, there's nothing to worry about.

"Right lads, that's enough sitting around. Come over and see what we're doing here..."