I Thought I Was A Devil

Season 6 Chapter 1

Initially I thought that Julie was just acting and soon they will come begging at my feet, but I was wrong. Instead of approaching me, they pretended everything was normal and never brought up the topic related to bringing me to the team. I started ignoring them, hoping they will atleast ask me what was going on but everything went down the water thanks to Maria. “You know what? If I am a devil, she is mother of all devils. Tsk”, I couldn’t believe that Maria will actually stab me in the back. I trusted her!! Jeez!! I hate you!!

Nah, just kidding. I am rather impressed that she outsmart me and was actually looking forward for her next move. I wondered what trick she would play to force me to join the club willingly. Emilia has been spying on me ever since that day, and like I suspected, she didn’t show any interest in training the team, rather only criticizing and mocking them, making the members feel worthless and break their confidence.

What concerned me each one of them looked extremely stressed and lacked motivation. Bella looked drained and her face was pale, while she kept on having mental breakdowns feeling that she will mess up the game, everything was that witch’s doing, I cannot let that witch mess around my friends’ life anymore but wait…..why should I even interfere? Who am I to interfere with the club? What rights do I have anyway? Unless they beg me to join, I can’t do anything regarding it. I don’t want to get my hands into further troubles. Why don’t they beg me? I want them to persuade me and make me feel special, come on, come to me, convince me that you can’t do anything without me, that…..you all are useless without my presence.

“Lies……” I should stop lying to myself…..I knew at this point they didn’t even needed me but my pride didn’t let me approach them and I kept waiting in vain. It was the night before the match, when I felt restless and finally ended up knocking at the door of Jules. I have been trying to avoid Jules as much as I could after that incident. Even though I ‘forgave’ her, I couldn’t let my boundaries crush under her feet by completely allowing her to return to my life, as if nothing ever happened. But today…..I couldn’t bear to wait any longer and my impatience took over my impulse.

Jules: (she opened the door looking tired and stressed) Anne……please let me sleep…..we have a big day tomorrow. (She said sighing)

Me: Ah….sorry, I just wanted to wish you luck. (I smiled)

Jules: Thank you. (She replied with a faint smile before closing the door)

I stared at the closed door in disbelief for a second before returning back to my room. “I see…..so now these morons don’t need me anymore huh.” I thought to myself while searching for a cigarette in my wardrobe. “Fine”, let’s see how long they can keep up their façade, taking out a new package of cigarette, I walked up to the balcony and rested my body against the railing. It was time to step up my game. I was about to light a cigarette when my phone started ringing, it was Maria. I rolled my eyes before picking it up.

Maria: Hey. (Her voice was filled with confidence)

Me: What do you want after ruining my plan? (I sighed before placing the cigarette in between my lips)

Maria: Don’t forget to carry you jersey tomorrow. (She says with a hint of sarcasm)

Me: I am not coming tomorrow. (I replied before lighting the cigarette with my left hand)

Maria: I know that you will not only come tomorrow but also bring your jersey along with you. (She said laughing softly)

Me: Nice try, and even if I did go to school tomorrow, I won’t play along with your schemes. (I said before inhaling the smoke)

Maria: Well shall see, who wins tomorrow. (She says before disconnecting the call)

Me: Tsk, that witch. (I murmured before placing the phone in my pocket and enjoying the cigarette) I wonder, what plans she is cooking behind my back. (I smirked knowing that she has successfully gained my attention and made me curious about her next move and decided to play along instead of refuting, to see how far she can go with her schemes.)

The atmosphere was electric as the ground buzzed with anticipation, a sea of students eagerly awaiting the arrival of the opposing team. The football field stood immaculately prepared, flanked by rows of seats on either side, poised to host the thrilling match ahead. A referee, carefully selected from a neutral school, stood ready to ensure fair play and integrity throughout the game.

Classes had been suspended for the day, underscoring the significance of this momentous occasion. For the female football team, this match marked a historic milestone – the inaugural game following the establishment of their club. Excitement hung palpably in the air as the players readied themselves to etch their names into the annals of school sports history.

As the crowd buzzed with excitement, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of detachment from the energy surrounding me. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Maria’s schemes and my own conflicted emotions about the team. Despite my reluctance to get involved, a part of me still felt a pull toward the game, toward the camaraderie and competition that had once fueled my passion for football.

As the opponent team arrived, I couldn’t help but notice a familiar face with her short red hair reaching up to her shoulder and green eyes filled with excitement. She shakes hand with Julie while introducing herself and her team.

Lucia: Hello, nice to meet you. I am Lucia, captain of the female football team in Schlossberg Academy.

Julie: Nice to meet you, I am Julie. (Her body trembled slightly due to stress, as she stares at the face of this red head who was filled with confidence.)

A sudden pang of unease gripped me amidst the excitement, prompting an impulsive retreat into the anonymity of the bustling crowd. Seeking solace, I slipped away towards the familiar sanctuary of the school building. Inside the quiet confines of the classroom, I found respite, positioning myself before the window, a silent observer detached from the fervent emotions swirling outside. Here, I could watch the unfolding drama of the match unfold without the intrusion of trivial sentiments.

The match was about to begin, as the team members gathered around to plan strategy, Emilia pretended to help by staying around for the discussion. The two team captains met in the middle of the pitch with the match referee for the toss, as the referee tosses the coin, Julie calls for heads while Lucia went for tails. Unfortunately the match itself begin with a loss for the team, as Julie didn’t get heads and Lucia was free to select the goalpost for the first half. Both of the team takes their position, as our team went for 4-4-2 formation, with Maria and Choon Hee as the forwards, Victoria, Hope, Christina, and Jules were in midfield, while Lotte, Bella, Ratree, and Irina as defenders and finally Julie as the goalkeeper.

Wait…..even though the formation was good, why did they leave defense so weak? Something doesn’t feel right…..I am sure they aren’t expecting to depend solely on attack?....that’s not possible, they won’t make such basic mistakes, I am sure there is some plan. They won’t ruin their own game, just to force me to join……right?

To be continued....