Indecisive Heart

Chapter 8

That was one of the best practices I've ever been at. I wasn't worried about impressing anyone or working my butt off to get my coach's attention. I was just having a good time playing the sport I love. I barely even thought about getting the captain's position all through practice. Once practice was coming to a close and Coach was getting ready to make the announcement, I started to get nervous again.

"Alright girls gather 'round" he said. We all formed a circle. This is it. The moment of truth. Coach Portman started a speech. "This has been a great preseason so far, girls. I see a lot of potential in this team, and we don't even have all the players yet! Tonight I will give the honor of being a team captain to 2 players who have shown time and time again what it means to be a captain. A team captain is someone who not only is an exceptional athlete on the field, but a great peer, a great teammate, and a great leader. A team captain is an athlete that encourages, inspires, and leads their team, even when times get rough. A captain is someone who lifts their teammates up, and teaches them not only how to be a good athlete, but a good teammate as well. They should not only be an outstanding athlete, but an excellent student and peer also. A team captain..." I started to zone out after a while of listening to Coach Portman describe what a captain is. I was thinking to myself, "Am I all of those things? Do I qualify to be a team captain? Or am I just good at lacrosse and that's it? Am I encouraging? Inspiring? Am I a good peer?" I had no idea. I was starting to doubt that I'd be picked.

Finally, when Coach got done telling us what a captain should be, he got to the point. "Okay, I am pleased to announce that our first team captain is... Jaime Kurt!" We all clapped for her. She's one of the seniors, and one of our best players. Once the clapping stopped, it was silent.

We were all waiting for Coach to say the other name. My heart was pounding in my chest. He spoke up again. "And your second team captain for the Brookstown High Lady Saints lacrosse team is... Sadie Nolan!" I let out a big breath I was holding in as all the other girls clapped and patted my back. I can't believe it! I'm a team captain! "Thank you guys! This means so much to me" I said.

We all packed up and as the other girls started to leave, I approached Coach Portman. "Hey Coach, I just wanted to thank you for giving me a captain's spot. It means so much to me. I promise I won't disappoint you." He smiled and said "I know you won't Sadie. You're an extraordinary athlete and a team player. I know you'll do just fine as a captain."

I went back home and as soon as I opened the door, my family was waiting inside. "Sooo?? Did you get it???" My little sister Olivia asked. They were all waiting to hear my answer.

"I got it!!!"

They all screamed and all our excitement resulted in a group hug. "I'm so proud of you Sadie. You worked so hard for this!" My mom said. "I agree. I couldn't be more proud of you." My dad added. Sophia came up to me and gave me a hug. "I knew you could do it" She said. Anthony and Olivia both hugged me after her. "I can't wait to watch you play!" Anthony said. "I can't wait to tell everyone my sister is a team captain!" Olivia exclaimed. I laughed and thanked them all. I had to go call Rory!

"Soooo? She asked as soon as she picked up the phone. "Rory, you're speaking to a Brookstown High TEAM CAPTAIN!!" I heard screams on the other side of the line.

"Sadie, that's so great!! I'm so happy for you. I knew you could do it."

"Thanks Rory. And there's... something else." I hesitated. It's too late to turn back now. "What is it?" She sounded worried. "Finn talked to me at the end of the day today. It was a strange conversation." She gasped. "Well?? What did he say??"

I recited our whole conversation from earlier today and then waited for her response. For a little while there was silence on her end.

"Rory?" I asked. "Yeah yeah, I'm still here. I'm processing." She always had to take things down to their most minute detail. "So, he basically begged you to text him over break, even though you're going to see him in person?" She questioned. "He made me promise." I said.