Forget Enemies, Try Mates

Chapter Five

Chapter 5

After School Coach led me out onto the match to meet the team. Because it’s been so stereotypical so far, I decided to describe this cliché-movie style. Slow motion, wind fan blowing my hair back, dramatic walk with a sway of the hips as all heads are turned toward me. Of course, Cody and Dylan and Blake all had to be on the team, that’s just how my life seems to work, but this time was different. Instead of walking into a brick wall, I’d hit a hill. A challenge. And boy, did I love it. I couldn’t help but break into a confident smile as I saw their faces. The other thing I noticed of course, the only other girl in the entire 16-person team. Coach looked at me, before looking up. The other thing I noticed, of course, was this – that one other girl was Kim.

“Ok Team. Meet your new player.” He signalled between us with a hand. I smiled. “Any questions?”

A few arms flew up.

“What teams has she played in before?”

Coach looked at me expectantly. “I was Captain of the Mighty Crabs for the Past Three Years and I was part of England’s youth Squad when they went to play overseas. In between I just practiced.”  I answered. There were a few stunned expressions, a few ‘wow’s. I resisted the urge to smirk, pulling my hands tightly behind my back. There were a few more hands.

“The Mighty Crabs? As in The Three times winner of the Youth Championships?” I nodded. There were more amazed faces. I continued to play with my hands behind my back.

“When did you start playing?”

“In a way, when I was three. Me and my Dad used to kick balls around. But properly, I began when I was 5. I became a part of a club at 6.” I answered. He nodded.

Last question.....

“Are you single?”

I laughed along with everyone else. “Technically. But only since recently.” There were cheers, and I laughed again.

“Ok. Join your team.” He pushed my back, so I went over to stand between Kim and the boy who’d asked the first question. “Today we’re splitting into teams of 8 and practicing game play. Nothing too hard, since Joey’s sprained his ankle. May we all respect that even though he was injured, he still put in the effort to turn up.” Coach finished, his arm twitching. “Ok,” He brought up his arm. “Split down my arm.” We shuffled to one side. Ok, I’m with Kim and Joey. But the other side has Blake and my Bo- and Cody and Dylan, which should be Ok as I used to be able to beat them, blindfolded, with one hand behind my back. However, they’ve probably been practicing....

“Ok team.” Joey called, wordlessly making himself Team captain. “We have to make sure we keep an eye on their defence as well as their attack. Oh, and newbie, keep an eye out for Blake. Remember that.” Ooh, someone’s the big one round here..... Sounds good. I can’t wait to see how they’ve improved. “Ok, we’ll need one person to sit out for the first part.”  Joey continued. I offered myself. “Why?” Joey asked.

“Because this way i get the chance to get to know you all. See how you play, what style you use, assess weakness and strength. Then, when I get in, I’ll know not just my own team but the other as well.” I explained, smiling slightly.

“Ok. Let’s go, team.” Joey pulled everyone away. I went to the bench to watch, only to see Cody had been sat out. I smiled, plucking myself down next to him. He barely acknowledged me, staring mysteriously at Blake. I waved a hand in front of his face and, as if it were the first time he’d seen me, he jumped in fright. I chuckled soundlessly.

“When’d you get here?” His voice was slightly shocked.

“A few seconds ago.”

“Oh.”