New Days [Completed]

New Days: Twelve (III)

The crowd grew restless as the minutes ticked by, still giving no indication that the match would begin anytime soon. Although it was not unusual for the matches to start late, there was no doubt that there was something unusual in the air. Perhaps it was the anticipation that had built up and not been realized yet, what with a new team in place, or perhaps it was the grim expressions of that squad that had brought this mood about. Or perhaps, just perhaps, the crowd had felt the sinister aura that was lurking subtly in the corners; a force that would eventually come together and give everybody present a show to remember…

Things hadn’t started well, but there had been no hint that suggested that…all that had had happened would. That the evening would be so…weird and psychotic. I started feeling the negative vibes as soon as the Letterman crew walked in, and although at the time I couldn’t understand it, I came to learn that that was what was called foreboding.  

I’d been told to anticipate that they’d be jerks – no surprise there, seeing how they’d made Nick’s life a living hell, but even then, the aura they exuded managed to stun me. I hadn’t ever met with any of them – neither had Rodney or John, as far as I knew – because though we had been on the team, we hadn’t played them. They were a good team, therefore would never have the chance to play us lowlifes. We’d be knocked out of any tournament before any other team, so it’s no surprise that we hadn’t played too many teams.

And we were in different districts, too, so that made it impossible for us to be playing each other in opening matches. This match was a random friendly, but as to how the arrangement came to be, I have no idea.

*

“Well, well. Look what the cat brought in…not one, but two little birdies. Enjoying the reunion?”  I’d been thinking about other things when we lined up to face one another, but that comment brought me back to the game. I recognized the black-haired, green-eyed boy to be Jake – Nick’s descriptions had been quite thorough.

I took an instant dislike to his turned up, sneering face, and rage started to bubble up within – how dare he? He had no regrets about what he’d done, but having the audacity to bring it up again was  just pushing it. What a <cesnsored>. At least his friends didn't seem so cocky – there was a mild smugness on their faces, but nothing much. 

“Shut up, Jake.” Max spoke, and his voice was shaky. That surprised me. Max seemed to have had difficulty even saying that out, and…it was just strange. These guys had been best friends or something, according to Nick, so why would Max be so hesitant to tell him to shut up? Why would he be telling him to shut up in the first place? 

 My irritation was clouding my thoughts, because it dawned upon me much later, Jake had talked about two ‘birdies’. He'd meant Max...and I was missing something.

“Yeah? And what are you going to do if I don’t, you fa-”

“Jake.” John interrupted him.

Jake turned to John in surprise. It seemed he hadn’t seen him yet. “You’re here too…great, just great. We’re going to be playing a game of f-”

“Jake.” John was much louder this time. His expression was stony, and his voice reflected anger. I was actually in sync with John then, surprisingly. I could understand why he was getting irritated.

“Boys? Are we ready to start?” The referee chose to butt in just then, but before anybody could respond, John spoke again.

“Actually,” we turned towards him, “I’d like to have a word with Jake,” he gestured with his hand, “before we begin.”

The ref looked surprised, but nodded in consent anyway. John grabbed hold of Jake’s arm and dragged him away.

The buzz in the stadium grew louder.