Something Gained (USC Series Book #1)

chapter thirty-three

SOMETHING GAINED
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AIDAN

Adrenaline rushes through my body as I speed down the length of the field towards the goalmouth. Currently, a UCLA player has the ball, threatening to give it up to another one of his teammates.

Just as the UCLA player goes to make a move, Tyson cuts in like a lightning bolt. Tyson runs toward the goalmouth, taking a quick scan of his surroundings. Near one goalpost, Noah, my fellow forward player, stands, jostling back and forth with a UCLA player as they mark each other.

I, however, am free. No player on me just yet. If Tyson passes to me, it allows me to have a clear and unobstructed path to score a goal. Just as I suspected, Tyson locks eyes with me, sending a mental signal to me he will pass the ball to me.

The ball travels across the dewy grass. Once it reaches my feet, I trap it and then run forward so I have a better chance of getting a goal. I attempt a shot, sending the ball soaring through the air.

If this makes it, it may or may not be the deciding shot. We are halfway through the second half. And with our time thinning, I know our chances will be as well if we don't up our game soon.

This game has been fast-paced and competitive. More so between our coaches than anything. The rivalry between Coach Warner and his supposed arch-nemesis is clear as day to anyone who has a pair of working eyes.

I have no doubts that both coaches, that are yelling orders from the sidelines, are striving for a victory.

The ball heads for the corner of the goalpost as UCLA's goalie dives for the ball, slamming onto the ground and missing completely. I wait in anticipation and as though the world is moving in slow motion; the ball hits the goalpost before landing in the goal.

The crowd erupts in hoots and cheers. My close teammates run up to me and pat me on the back.

No matter how many goals I score in my lifetime, nothing will take away the amount of pride it fills me with.

Whilst I return to my position on the other side of the field, I glance around at the stands, hoping to connect my eyes with the one person I want to see most right now. Amongst the thousands of people dressed in maroon in yellow, they still connect with hers.

A wide smile graces her face that just adds to the immense pride I feel right now. I let a similar smile spread across my face. I notice her attire and, despite seeing her before my game, the same feeling I had when I first saw her in my jersey, returns.

Jogging across the field back to my position, I feel... safer. I find security because the girl I love is watching, cheering me on in the crowd.

God, the girl I love. It feels odd thinking about it. But also in saying that... it couldn't feel more right. I love Brooklynn, no matter how much I try to deny myself otherwise. And knowing she is watching me in the crowd sends a rush of comfort and need to extend my limits.

UCLA kicks off and the small feeling of playing that had subsided for a moment washes over me again. All my instincts are on high alert, aware of all my players and UCLAs as well. I survey the field, mentally noting almost all the possibilities that could occur right now.

A UCLA forward player, who had trapped the ball after kick-off, runs down the right side of the field. Floyd wastes no time in tackling the ball off this player and running it down to the middle of the field.

"Noah!" I yell to the freshman, awaiting to have the ball passed to him. "Stay on that player while Floyd runs down the field." During games, I stay rather quiet. I choose not to voice my thoughts, which is room for improvement, as Coach says, seeing as I am the team captain and all.