Blood Commentaries

the game

The next day was game day. Drew had been mia all day, probably practicing and getting in the headspace. The other boys had been playing gta, and Danny was becoming increasingly nervous for the game. He was still in a lot of pain from both of his injuries, but he supposed it didn't matter since he would probably be on the bench for most of the game. He wasn't very good, but he still enjoyed being on the team with his friends.

In the afternoon, the boys made their way down to the turf, where Drew was pretending to dodge invisible players. He made a couple large strides into the 8, and made a bounce shot. Their goalie missed it, and Drew sighed before beginning to ream at him.

"Are you joking man? This team we're up against has not one, not two, but THREE star offensive players. It doesn't matter if our zone is tight, if they're good enough, or run a play, they could demolish us!"

"Drew, man," Cody called, "Stop harassing Mic."

Mic looked like he was about to cry.

"I don't have time for mercy," Drew told him with a glare, "I can't play today."

Silence fell across the field.

"What do you mean you can't play?" Kurtis asked slowly. Drew turned to the group, revealing his sickeningly pale face and protruding dark circles.

"I feel like actual shit," he said, "If I go out there I don't know if I'll be able to-" he sneezed- "Uh, well, I might pass out or vomit or something."

More awed silence. It's not like Drew was the only good player, but he was their secret weapon. The key was, they ran their foolproof play, and Drew was wide open, rolled the crease, and scored. They needed him.

"Shit," Noel said quietly, "Are you sure?"

"Yes I'm sure," Drew snapped, "You really think I wouldn't play unless it was serious?"

Before anyone could respond, the sound of bus doors flying open sounded from behind, and the group spun around to see the opposing team making their entrance. They were all tall and muscular, with harsh faces. They shot glares at the boys. They made their way over to the far side of the field, immediately beginning to run around in two lines.

"Let's go boys!" Drew shouted, "Four laps, cradling, then into dynamics."

With five minutes left before the start of the game, Danny turned and watched the opposing team finish their drill. They were definitely good, not missing a single pass. His stomach churned with butterflies, and not the good ones. He found himself chewing at the end of his grape flavored mouthguard nervously.

"Okay, huddle up boys," Called Drew. He scanned the group as they gathered around in a circle. "This is a big game, if we win this one we are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs."

The boys hollered with approval.

"Alright, let's go with our usual starters," said Drew.

"Who's going in for you?" Kurtis asked.

Drew frowned. "Where's Bao?"

"Home sick," Noel replied.

"Are you kidding me? That tosser! Danny, you're in for me."

Danny froze. "What, me?"

"Yes you," Drew said with a glare.

"But you're on the draw!" Danny cried.

"Danny oh my god, step up! This is your shot to actually contribute!" Noel said, jabbing him in the side with his stick.

Danny nodded, and the boys held their sticks in the middle of the circle to do their cheer, but the other team beat them to it.