Is This Our Second Chance

Chapter 11

As the holiday break came to an end, the last half of the school year started up at full speed. Talks of prom, graduation, college hopes and dreams, and summer excitement could be heard in every corner of the building. Everyone in the graduating class was preparing for their last exams that would be upon them before they know it.

The high school soccer season came under way leaving me with little time to have a social life between homework, practices, games, and home life. Zach attended every single game alongside Kayla cheering me on to every victory. Nobody was happier for me when we qualified for the state tournament.

"Zach, I want you to do something for me tomorrow." I look up from laying on his chest so I can see his face. We were currently outside in the backyard laying on a blanket just hanging out.

"sure, what is it?"

"I want you to wear my jersey to school and to the game."

"You want me to wear your jersey?"

"Why wouldn't I? I want to be able to look up into the crowd and know that you're with me."

"I'd be honored to wear it."

We stay cuddled up until the pizza shows up for dinner. The pair of us laughing and sprinting to the door to be the first to retrieve it. After we finish eating, it's time to call it a night.

"I'm bringing my jersey for you in the morning." I whisper in his ear as he pulls me in for a goodnight hug.

Walking up the stairs and into my room, I couldn't stop myself from thinking how things couldn't get much better than they already were. For the first time in weeks, I fall asleep with a smile on her face.

The sound of my phone getting a notification woke me from a deep sleep. Groaning, I roll over and grab at it to see who was already messaging so early.

Z. Mitchell: Good morning love. I'm going to be picking you up for school. See you soon. Love you.

Grinning like a crazy person, I jump out of bed and throw myself into the shower to get ready for the day. Pulling my hair into a ponytail, I grab a pair of sweatpants and a tank top to wear to make changing later for the game easier.

I sprint down the stairs and retrieve an apple from the kitchen and my backpack from by the front door. I head out and lock up just as he turns into the driveway. As soon as I get in the car and buckle up, he leans over and pulls me into a kiss. I blush a crimson red.

"Thanks for the ride this morning." I say between bites of my apple.

"Not a problem at all. I figure this way I have an excuse to drive you home after the game later tonight." He shoots a grin in my direction. 

I chuckle at his excitement. I'm a bundle of nerves. I reach into my backpack and pull out my spare jersey and set it in his lap.

"Thanks Stella. I seriously can't wait to see this game."

"I don't think I'll make it through the school day without getting sick from the nerves." I gingerly pat my stomach.

"You'll do fine, I promise." He grabs my hand and intertwines our fingers for the rest of the drive to school.

I can't wait for the game. My nerves are a mess as I float from class to class. Everyone I pass in the hallways sends good luck and excitement my way. The halls are decorated with our school colors and all the players pictures have been printed on posters and placed throughout the building.

I ponder over some thoughts as I drone out the math lesson. I've never let anyone wear my jersey before. I promised myself that if I ever got the chance to, it would be Zach. It seemed almost surreal that the time had come and that he was going to be in the stands wearing it.

When the announcement finally comes over the intercom for all the girls' soccer players to report to the bus, everyone starts cheering and giving us high fives. The nerves are evident on all our faces, but so was determination. The bus ride to the stadium is quiet as we all get into our own zones.

When we reach the field, warmups start as soon as we all have our gear on. Moving through the drills helps shake us out of our heads and stay loose. As soon as I scan the stands, I see Kayla with Zach and Brandon on either side of her. Our eyes make contact and she enthusiastically waves and points me out to the guys. I give a wave as I jog into the huddle near the bench where coach is waiting for us.

The ref calls for captains. The coin is flipped and both teams take their respective sides of the field and got into position for kick off. When the whistle blows sounding the kickoff everyone goes nuts. As I take a breakaway, I can hear Zach cheering so loud for me that I'm sure he burst Kayla's eardrums. I take the goalie on a one on one and send the ball flying into the top right corner. The swish of the net is a beautiful sound.

With five minutes left in the game I know we have to hold the score at the 1-0 lead that we have. The skill level increases causing me to do a few rainbows, chops, and crossovers. The scoreboard counts down the last of the minutes and seconds until the final whistle blows hard throughout the stadium.

Everyone in the stands floods the field. Cheers and screams of joy fills the stadium making it hard to hear. I get caught up in a hug from behind as Zach swings me around in a congratulatory circle.

"I'm so happy for you Stella!" He yells loud enough for me to hear over the chaos.

"I love you so much for being here with me for this." I throw my arms around his neck and pull him down to my level for a kiss. A few people start whistling in our direction and giving us more high fives as we pull apart. We each had matching grins plastered to our faces.