Act like a lady, Play like a man

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

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I've realised that I have a new calling in life, and it is to be recruited for a spy agency or something, simply for my uncanny ability to stay hidden from people when the situation calls for it. Like today, I've hidden myself from Dom's evil self all day.

Unfortunately, my hide and seek game must come to an end.

It's finally time for our first training session, and I've been hiding in the changing rooms like a wuss, surrounded by preppy cheerleaders that won't stop snickering at me. I've been in here for nearly 15 minutes, shaking like an Australian when the temperature drops below 20 degrees, with cold sweat patches forming under my arms. And I just can't manage to grow the balls to walk out. We're supposed to be out there in 5 minutes. That's all the time I have left, 5 minutes to find the courage to not only have my first training session as part of the boys team, but also defend myself against Dom's assault after yesterday's food fight incident.

I hope someone has an ambulance on standby.

And then Charlie is there, standing in front of me with her cranky face on, probably because I'm still hidden away instead of strutting around, filled with confidence, like I should be. In the typical form of my best friend, she does one thing I never would have expected, or thought to do myself.
She brought Cameron here with her.

Just looking at him gives me all the hope in the world that everything will be okay. He has a way of doing that, just gives you a look, and you feel like you can accomplish anything, climb any mountain. It is because of his unwavering support that I've even come this far with soccer. He may be my cousin, but he is more my family that either of my parents, or my own older brother. If I could have one wish, it would be to live with Cam, but we're both still living at home, and his parents have the same view of me as my own. Basically, a disgrace.

"Let's go Jack, it's time to face the music." And that's all it takes. I leap to my feet, give Cam a quick bear hug, slap Char on the booty and jog out to meet the boys.

The first thing I notice is that they're all huddled around Dom whispering about something. I know immediately that this training will be hell, and decide to start the war zone early.

"Hey Dom, did you manage to get the banana out of your always perfectly styled hair?"
His eyes snap up to mine, piercing my soul and sending shivers down my spine. The contact holds while Dom shoves people out of his way, bearing down on me. I want to move, step back, but I know if I submit this early on, nothing will change. And now he's in my face.

"I mean, I would say I'm sorry, but I totally thought the mashed banana would be a good addition to all the product you use, you know? I was just trying to help a bro-"
"You're dead Jackie Evans. I will ruin you." Dom doesn't even flinch as he says this, face totally expressionless, posture rigid. This dude really doesn't like being embarrassed.

"Alright, break it up you two." Mr Ewan interrupts our little stand off before it can escalate, thank god.
"Everybody in, we're gonna do some basic training to figure out positions and get to know each other as a team with our two newbies. I expect all of you to treat them as part of the team, understand?"
There are a few mutters scattered around between the boys, but noting that convinces me they'll listen to Mr Ewan. At least not with me, anyway. Hunter already appears to be fitting in with the guys perfectly.

I roll my shoulders and start mentally preparing myself for whatever coach and the boys try to throw at me. No matter what, I can't quit.

"So we're just going to start with a bit of juggling to warm up, everybody grab a ball and get going, I want to see how much control you all have." What Mr Ewan really means is that he will be checking to see if Hunter and I can master the basics. Lucky for me I already know I can.