You Belong With Me (A Sequel to "What Once Was")

21 so in love

The following week, I wandered onto the field with Lacey because we were to start soccer today. The football team was on the field next to us, practicing because they won yet another game, which sent them to the next round of states. This next round determines who goes to the quarterfinals.

"Look at how good they look," Lacey commented as Ryder and Braxton threw a ball back and forth.

"I know. We really got lucky, didn't we?"

She smiled and began to lace up her cleats. "I like to think they are the lucky ones."

"Good thinking. You're right."

After getting our gear on, we decided to warm up a bit because we were early. As we took shots on the goal, many of the girls began to show up. Really, I didn't know many of the girls on the team. However, Ella was amongst the group.

"Is she any good?" I asked Lacey.

"She's decent. Better at soccer than volleyball," she said as the coach showed up.

Dave has coached the soccer team for years. Lacey and I know him well because we played for him the other years. Well, Lacey all three, and for me, only freshmen and sophomore year.

"Well, if it isn't Miss Ainsley. It's great to have you back," he said.

"Great to be back, Dave."

He chuckled, "well, once everyone has their gear on, I'll have you and Lacey lead the warmups."

"Sounds good, David," Lacey responded.

This first practice was easy. All we did was scrimmage the JV team.

Lacey and I played up top, which we love to do because we get to work together. It was definitely weird playing with this team because they are all new people to me. Not many seniors came out to play, so really, Lacey is the only person on this team who I know personally.

There is Ella, too. I was actually not disappointed with how she played. She would pass the ball to me, which is better than the Beverley girls. Also, she had good footwork, but not the best foot when it comes to taking long kicks.

During the last half an hour or so of practice, the football team came by to watch since their practice was over.

Therefore, I was actually enjoying playing with Ella, but once the team arrived, she started acting like Ella again. With Ryder amongst that group, she stopped passing and trying to do all the gameplay herself, and then would get mad at everyone else when she lost the ball.

"Maybe pass the ball next time and we won't have an issue," Lacey bit as Ella complained loudly at one of the other girls. 

"Why would I when no one else can even dribble properly?"

Lacey and I shared glances. "How many goals have you scored during this scrimmage?" asked Lacey.

Ella stared at her and Lacey smiled. "Yeah, that's what I thought. David, we need a sub!"

So with only a few minutes left in the scrimmage and someone else playing in Ella's spot, things were going well. The girl who was playing in Ella's spot is named Kinsley. I guess she's a sophomore, who Dave wanted to move up to varsity because she played well last year. He was right.

She passed the ball to me, and I dribbled it. I juked around a defender and saw Kinsley open once more, so I gave her the ball. At that point, Lacey was wide open for a shot, so Kinsley passed it to Lacey, who put it right into the goal. Braxton cheered loudly for her.

"Kinsley, that was amazing!" I exclaimed as I ran up to her.

She smiled, but seemed a little nervous. Lacey also ran up to her. "Yeah, we stan people who actually know how to pass."

When practice was officially over, I met up with Ryder, who was waiting by the gate that led onto the field.

"You played well," he said.

"Thanks, babes. How was practice?"

"Good. We watched the video of the team we're supposed to play, they look really good."

"Okay, but you guys also made it to quarterfinals last year. Just push through because I know you guys can do it again. Heck, you guys can even win the whole thing with how you've been playing."

"I hope that's the case."

-

On Friday night, my dad pulled Ryder off during the second quarter because he was limping. That was not his best idea because we were now at risk of kissing quarterfinals goodbye.

"Dad, please just put him back in. He said he's feeling fine," I begged halfway through the third quarter. Our backup QB had not gotten us a single touchdown. The only way we have scored is through field goals.

"Just give Titas one more shot. I don't want to screw James over. He has a bright future."

As if the football Gods were listening to me, the next play, Titas got sacked big time.

"Alright, warm him up," said my dad as he ran onto the field.

"Ryder, come on," I called to him.

He hopped up from the bench and I grabbed a spare ball. We threw back and forth for a minute so he could get warm again.

"I believe in you, bring us back," I said as he slipped his helmet on over his head.

"Will do," he responded before jogging onto the field. 

It was honestly incredible to watch Ryder play. Literally on the first down, he got us a touchdown.

It's just amazing to see how much he has improved. Prior to knowing him, he was good. He was definitely one of the better QBs in the country, after all, Notre Dame still has their offer on the table. However, between then and now, he has moved up in the rankings. People know who he is... after all, he is one of the few five star quarterbacks in the country with several offers from colleges.

"You're amazing," I commented as he jogged over to me.

He laughed softly. "Love football almost as much as I love you."

I placed a hand on my heart and smiled. "I'm honored."

With Ryder back on, the rest of the game was a breeze. The other team's quarterback threw an interception, so Ryder got an extra chance to score, which he did. By the time the whistle was blown which signaled the end of the game, we were leading by 13... prior to Ryder going on, we were quite far behind.

"Congrats to the Bears! We will be seeing them in the quarterfinals next week over in Sacramento! Give them a hand!" announced the announcer.

Cheers broke out from the stands while the players celebrated in the middle of the field. It's crazy to think that just two years ago, we were lucky to win a league game. Now, we're one of the only two undefeated teams in California (the other being Beverley, of course). It's honestly incredible being a part of this team.

Before heading home with my parents, I found Ryder. He pulled me in for a big hug.

"Great job, Qb."

He kissed the side of my head. "Thanks for letting me play."

"Always. Can we hang out tomorrow?"

His hand rested on my back. "Of course, pretty. Want to come over for dinner?"

"I'd love to... my parents are waiting, but I'll text you."

"Great. Safe travels, Ains."

Ryder placed a final kiss on my forehead and then I hurried over to the parking lot, where my parents were waiting in the car.

"I can't get over how well they are playing," said my mom.

"I know," said my dad. "When I took them on, I was expecting to maybe win the League...not see ourselves in the quarterfinals for a second year in a row."