My Traitor Girl

Chapter Eight

Well that is another week of training completed and it's been a long week. I need a drink so I'm going to go out. Although I can't stay out too late with having a game tomorrow.
Using my brain, I decided it's better to call a cab to the pub instead of driving. It's not too busy in here which Is what I prefer right now, no one bothering me too much. It's still fairly early and I've had a few drinks, not too many though I don't think. I step outside for a bit of fresh air. I'm leaning against the wall just looking at my phone. I keep looking at the messages from Kacey. It makes me feel like crap knowing that I haven't replied back to her. I don't deserve someone as special as her in my life, I'm already messing up my friendship with her and she doesn't need that.

"Hi, are you Jacob?"

I look to my right and it's a teenager with an adult. I plaster a smile on my face and respond to the teenager.

"How you doing mate?"

"I'm great thanks Jacob, I hope you are too. Please can I get a photo with you? You play for my favourite team."

Aww bless him. I lift my arm to place my hand on the lad's shoulder once he's moved closer to me and smile while the adult takes the photo.

"You watching the game tomorrow?"

"Oh yeah, he doesn't miss one game, do you son?! Thanks for letting us come over and ask for a photo, I hope you didn't mind us bothering you."

I laugh...

"Oh no, it's no problem. Hope you both enjoy the game tomorrow. Good to meet you both."

The adult shakes my hand and I give a high five to the lad, then they walk away. I can tell how excited they are just by meeting me, I hope they couldn't tell that I'm not in the best of moods. It's not the fans fault that my life is turning out rubbish.
After a few minutes, I'm back inside and having a few more drinks. I check my phone for the time and curse to myself when I realise I should be heading back home. I never stay out this late on the night before a game. It's important to me to be able to play to my best ability.
Today I've had another game and like the last few, my head hasn't been in them. I've made a few mistakes. My boss has shared a few crossed words with me and I don't blame him. I'd be annoyed if I was him. The one constant in my life most recently is drinking. It doesn't bother me drinking by myself either. It just helps me numb how low I've been feeling.

Going out tonight is on the cards. A few of the lads have arranged to go out so I'll be meeting them shortly.
Several times they've tried to engage in conversation with me and I'm just too busy focusing on drinking. They're a good bunch because I'm sure if they were anyone else, they'd have probably punched my lights out by now. I don't deserve them either. Ahh that brings Kacey to mind. The guilt of everything is just too much to bear.
It's took me a while to realise that everyone else disappeared. I do remember vaguely they were saying goodbye and even asked if I needed anything before they left, now I think about it. I've lost count on how many beers I've had, and I stagger my way outside. The security guy is helping me walk, I didn't think I was that drunk, am I?? He helps me climb into a cab and tells them where to send me. I'm confused. How do they know where I'm going?? Oh crap. I'm going back to the house. It doesn't even feel like a home. It's just a place where I'm sleeping. Not that I'm sleeping that much. I can't remember where I last had a proper decent night sleep.
I wake up to a chill down my spine and a creak of the neck as I open my eyes. Where the heck am I? Why am I looking at the sky? I sit up, even though I suddenly feel a little dizzy, I glance around me and I'm in the front garden on the lawn. Damn. Where are my keys and my phone, oh and my bank card? I screw up my eyes enough to try to see my front door. There I see my belongings. My keys hanging in the keyhole. I stumble towards the door. I pick up everything off the floor and turn the key. Once I'm inside, I check the time. Crap! I need to get a move on. I run to the downstairs toilet, rinse my face in the sink and relieve myself on the toilet.
I grab my training bag which is from yesterday that hasn't yet been washed but that's the last thing I'm worrying about right now. I grab my keys, phone, and my sunglasses. My head is pounding and the sunshine is blinding me.
Thankfully, I arrive at the stadium just in time. Don't even ask me what my speed was driving here, I'd be surprised if I don't get a speeding ticket. I see Richie sprinting towards me.
"Hey buddy, jeez man look at you. What happened to you last night?"
I see the concern etched in his expression and I shamefully look down at the ground. Then Peter appears beside me, ruffles my hair with his skinny fingers much to my annoyance. Although to be honest, he's probably neatened it up. I hear them laughing between themselves.
"Jacob, why don't you grab a quick shower while the boss man is talking to the press?"
Silently, I nod at Richie, grateful that he cares. Gotta admit, it feels good to have the hot water cascading down me and I feel slightly more awake now. I quickly wash my hair as well as my body. It takes me not even five minutes to dry and dress. On top of my kit, there's a banana and a bottle of water. There's a packet of mints. When I'm with the rest of the team, I thank Richie and Peter.
This game is a testing one, I've lost count of how many fouls I've received but I did manage to help assist. Which meant Ken was able to get us a goal. That's my only decent play though. The boss doesn't look best pleased with me. But I hear my name being called...
"Hi Jacob, that game looked like it was a challenge for your team, how do you feel about it?"
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"Everyone did a brilliant job, we put our best foot forward as to speak. I know that I can only learn and improve for our next game."
—-
"Cheers Jacob, for talking to us."
I thank him and disappear to the dressing room. The boss is waiting for me. He has a few choice words for me. I apologise and promise to be better next time. He tells me he's there if I need someone to chat to. We talk for a bit before I shower and dress again.