like real people do

v

They were up at the 89th minute with no goals from either team. It was not to say the match was boring, there were attempts from both sides, but both teams were intent on blocking each other out.

A whistle.

And now, the most nerve-wracking part of all. A fighting chance. A huge one. But from here on out, anything can happen.

The draw wasn't acceptable, given that it was the semi-finals. A shoot-out had to occur, and the teams prepared themselves for just that. Coach Ben huddled the team up, selecting the five players who would attempt to cling a goal.

Number 9, 20, 28, 10, and lastly... 15— Ryan.

Leanna believed in her son, knew of how penalty kicks were his sweet spot. He trained for this; he knew what he had to do, but still, her breath hitched as she watched him step into the line.

"I can't look!" Valerie shrieked, burying herself in her Aunt Adriana's chest. The little girl was as invested in this game as her mom and brother were. There was a brief moment when Aga chuckled at the little girl's behavior. She is her mother's daughter, that's for sure.

The bigger, older version of Valerie sat next to him, her hands clasped together and just about ready to pray to all the deities.

He wrapped an arm around her, giving her shoulder a good squeeze, "they got this, Lei."

She turned to him and nodded. "They do. They do," she convinced herself, letting the good energy flow through the universe.

Leanna's two friends gave each other a look. Both noticed how at ease Leanna seemed with his touch... the same woman who didn't welcome hugs until years after their friendship flourished. It wasn't sustained, but it was physical contact, nonetheless, and they were very, very confused.

The teams flipped a coin, and the opposing team was granted the first kick. Coach Ben eased up after hearing that; it seemed the odds were in Plainsboro High's favor.

They watched as the first player from the opposing team came front and center, placing the ball down and walking backward to gain momentum for the kick. Leanna wasn't one who wished ill of people, but soccer games were different, and she willed the kick to land anywhere but inside the goal.

Only, it did.

Her breathing grew heavier as the first player from Plainsboro High stepped up into the penalty line.

"He's got this," she whispered, hoping they could bag a goal and ease the pressure for the following players.

The kick was too high, and it hit the crossbar. You could see the visible defeat in everybody's features after that. Even Coach Ben who was usually calm, squared his shoulders in defense.

"It's okay. They're not yet out of the game," he reassured.

And the amateur in all of this (Read: Aga) turned out to be correct. They weren't out of the game.

The score was at 2 – 2 when the last player for the other team stepped into the line. The ball was sent flying, but thankfully, it landed straight into the goalkeeper's hands.

So, now, the team's fate was in Ryan's hands.

If he gets this goal in, it would mean a win for Plainsboro high, and they'd move on to the finals.

Leanna wanted them to win and was glad they had this chance, but the thought also scared the living hell out of her. It was on Ryan, now, and she could already feel the pressure emanating from his figure (she knew her son well enough, could see the slight change in his form even if he was far away).