Music To My Ears | 2gether Short Stories

Taking The Shot - Chapter 10

Wednesday morning's match against the Panthers was the last of the qualifiers for the Knights. They won 4-1, with two goals each from Gulf and Wynter.

A worried Bryce had taken Coach Aof aside after the match, having heard a rumour that someone from another team had been drafted.

"Don't believe everything you hear. I have it on good authority that no decisions have been made by any of the clubs so far. These things take time and careful consideration" Coach Aof explained.

Bryce prayed for patience as he watched Gulf cooling down after the match. His heart lifted as he saw Wynter jogging towards him.

He held out a bottle of water which was received gratefully.

"Your forehead is doing that thing where it crinkles. Did someone bother you again?" remarked Wynter.

Bryce shook his head. "Gulf hasn't spoken to any of the scouts yet. Coach said no offers have been made so far, but a friend of mine from the Falcons said their centre back was approached by one yesterday."

"Ignore them. This happens every year. There's always someone who starts a rumour about an unnamed player from their team being drafted into an unknown FC, just to psych the opposition out on the final day of the qualifiers.

Everyone knows the real offers will be made after the qualifiers end. Don't worry. Gulf has plenty of eyes on him. He's head and shoulders above these jokers" scoffed Wynter.

Bryce felt a bit better, but the ball of fear in his stomach stayed put.

When Gulf and Bryce had told Coach Aof about Gulf's injuries flaring up, he had sworn them to secrecy, advising them to keep the incident strictly to themselves.

"Injuries are used as bargaining chips to drive a player's price down. Your doctor said it's nothing to be worried about, and he's known you for years.

Let me send your file to a friend of mine. She's a sports specialist, she'll put together a regimen of exercises for you to follow that will reduce the strain on your muscles. For now, focus on your game, but tell me immediately if you feel off even slightly."

Gulf had, of course, crushed it in all three qualifying matches, following a strict schedule of warm-ups, massages, stretches and early nights that Bryce had drawn up for him.

"We're still on for dinner tonight, right?" asked Gulf, walking over happily to Bryce.

"Yep. And Wynter's going to be joining us" said Bryce.

"I am?" yelped Wynter. Bryce gave him a meaningful look. "I mean, yes, I am."

"Great! Bry, you happy with my stats? Anything I need to work on?"

"Nope, you're doing everything right. Your averages are good, some have even improved. You executed all our plays to perfection. I'm super proud of you."

Gulf shrugged. "I don't know what tomorrow will bring. But whether or not I make it pro, I'll still be doing what I love - playing football next season. I want you to know I couldn't have done any of it without you. You've always been my strength, you know that right?"

Bryce nodded miserably, guilt gnawing at him from within. You were scared and in pain, and I didn't even know.

"Great game, boys. Winnie, can I talk to you for a sec?" said Minnie. She smiled sweetly at Bryce and Gulf, but there was worry in her eyes that Wynter caught immediately.

"Of course" replied Wynter. Bryce watched them walk away, whispering intently.

*

"Fuck" cursed Wynter angrily.