Shattered Asylum

Chapter 23

I didn't see Madison in History today, probably went home and cried to her daddy.

Now, I'm sitting on the bench in the locker room, trying to calm my nerves as I get ready for the big game. I feel like I need to throw up and...well, do more than that. My stomach's a mess, twisted with nerves and excitement all at once.

"I'm so nervous," Kristina says from next to me, pulling on her socks.

"I am too," I admit, trying to steady my breathing. "But it's going to be fun."

I tug my shin guards on, adjusting the straps. A couple of girls from the team burst into the locker room giggling, their phones in hand.

"Their new video is hilarious. Did you see the way Vinnie fell?" Olivia snickers, leaning against the lockers.

"And Grayson.." Maya lets out an exaggerated sigh as she pulls a bottle of cold water from her bag. "He looked so hot, it's not fair."

I pause mid-lace. What video?

Kristina and I exchange a look, but neither of us says anything. We finish getting ready and head out onto the field. My nerves spike as soon as I step outside. Everyone from school seems to be here today.

Usually, it's just parents and a hand full of students scattered in the stands. But tonight, it feels like the whole town has shown up. The chatter, the energy, it's buzzing, electric.

Grayson told me he'd be coming, which sends a nervous flutter through my stomach.

Focus, Aven.

~

It started to rain during halftime, the refs debating whether we should continue. "Keep moving while I talk, ladies," Coach Sherry says, her voice cutting through the drizzle.

"We have forty minutes to win the game. Let's stay aggressive and step to the ball. We're tied now, and I don't want them getting another point. Aven, I'm putting you at center mid. We need you all over the field." She nods at me with a determined look.

The rain lightens to a soft sprinkle, the perfect weather to run in. As we take our positions back on the slick field, I jog in place to keep my blood pumping, my nerves buzzing with adrenaline.

The opposing team starts with the ball. They're sharp on offense, skilled at passing and moving upfield, but their defense crumbles under pressure.

I've been shadowing their star player, Number Ten, who's dangerous with the ball but reckless when challenged. She's already on a yellow card; one more foul, and she's out. Time to see if I can push her over the edge.

The whistle blows. They pass it back to Number Ten, and Olivia sprints toward her, trying to intercept.

Number Ten deftly nutmegs her, the ball slipping between Olivia's legs as she loops around. I step up, cutting her off and steering her toward the touchline.

She attempts a flashy rollover but stumbles, giving me the opening I need. I steal the ball and sprint toward their goal, her frustrated groan echoing behind me as her coach screams at her.

Kristina is open. I yell her name and pass her the ball. She traps it expertly and goes for the shot.

The goalie dives, catching the ball and quickly running out to drop-kick it upfield. I track the ball, trapping it with my body as it lands. Their coach's frustrated yells echo across the field.

Scanning for an opening, I spot Savannah waving her hand. I pass it to her, but Number Five intercepts, charging toward our goal.

I sprint back, catching up just in time to nudge her off balance with my hip. She retaliates by kicking at my shin guards, her frustration evident. Two of her teammates swarm me, trying to corner me like a pack of vultures.