Unhinged √

35.

   I was a nervous kid growing up, then I met Zayn Rodriguez and he always provided me with the confidence boost I needed but as I advanced in age and became aware of my mother's demands for success and excellence, I lost the nerves. I knew what needed to be done and I didn't stop working until I was well equipped to get the job right.

However, as we queue up to march onto the field, I am nervous as hell and I can't exactly tell why. The game is a done deal, everyone knows this, even the opposing team know they are going to lose. Compared to us, they are amateurs, sloppy and under-motivated.

We begin walking out and the nerves spike up, despite the many placards with the number 7 on it, not to mention the ones with my name and lots of hearts, I can't seem to get a hold on it. It is my first match in the club and I already feel like a disappointment. I try my biggest smile and hope it sticks as we shake hands with the other team and get into position.

My eyes go to the side of the stadium where Travis and Ingrid should be but she is the only one there, head buried in her phone. She looks around from time to time and I can't tell if she is feeling out of place, it is her first time at one of this. Travis joins her soon and hands her a coke and all I can think about is that they must have exchanged phone numbers, how else could he have known she wanted a coke?

He isn't a mean guy but he doesn't go out of his way to please people. Why would he even do it for Ingrid? Suddenly, he is pointing at me and Ingrid is waving, I smile as the whistle is blown.

It doesn't take long before the ball gets to me and the second it does, all the nerves evaporate. It's like reconnecting with an old friend, something familiar and it's business as usual. At the end of the first half, we are leading with three goals to nill and our coach cannot be nice enough to wipe the smirk off his face. Second half sees us scoring another goal, thanks to me and when the final whistle blows, I can see the approval on coach's face.

We all retreat back to the changing rooms but as expected, are bombarded by the press on our way. Several of the guys make it through undisturbed but I have no such luck. A mic is quickly shoved in my face as several cameras glare at me.

"Good game Mr. Levinson".

"How do you feel about playing for the lumbers, was it a good call?"

"Two goals on your first game? That must feel good".
The questions keep coming and this time when I smile, it isn't forced.

"Playing for the lumbers was definitely the right call, it has always been a dream really and the team work so far has been amazing. Everyone is so nice, talented and hardworking and from today's game, you can all see that it pays off".

"About pays, most people think you are being overcompensated. How do you feel about that?"

"I believe everyone is entitled to an opinion and the company is competent enough to make wise financial decisions".

Keep it cool, smile always, don't take it personal. Benson's voice resonate in my head, it always does during these things which I guess is expected considering the number of times he recites those words.

"The stadium was packed with your fans, how do you feel about that?"

"It's always humbling, seeing their love for the sport and their support for me and I really appreciate and love them all. Thank you all so much".

I escape and head to the showers but my teammates are clapping as I move into the room, some of them already showered with towels around their hips.

"That was a good deflowering, Levinson". Mark, the captain hails and I laugh. He doesn't have much time until retirement.

"Yeah, you a big shot indeed". Hudson says from where he is leaned against his locker, towel loosely tied around his waist, blue hair sticking out in the red room.