So High School | T. Swift x OC

eight

Two chapters today because why the fuck not???

Two months had passed since Taylor Swift and Eliot McAddams had last seen each other in person. Despite the physical distance, they had managed to stay connected through a steady stream of texts and FaceTime calls. Their bond had only grown stronger, their conversations filled with laughter, shared stories, and support for each other's endeavours.

Today was a big day for Eliot. His team, the Kansas City Current, had a crucial match against Angel City FC. If they won, they would advance to the semi-finals. The pressure was immense, and Eliot felt it acutely as he prepared for the game. As he laced up his cleats and adjusted his jersey, his thoughts strayed to Taylor. He wished she could be there to see him play.

The first half of the game was intense, both teams fighting hard but neither able to score. The tension was palpable, and when the halftime whistle blew, Eliot walked off the pitch feeling a mix of frustration and determination. It was still 0-0, and they needed to find a way to break the deadlock.

As he headed toward the locker room, one of his teammates, a close friend named Mia, approached him with a knowing smile. She leaned in and whispered something in his ear. "Hey, look up at the VIP box."

Confused, Eliot followed her gaze. His eyes widened in shock and disbelief when he saw Taylor sitting there, waving at him with a bright smile. She was flanked by his cousins, Izzie and Noah, who were equally enthusiastic in their support. Taylor's presence was the last thing he had expected, and it sent a rush of adrenaline through him.

He waved back, his face breaking into a wide, disbelieving grin. His cheeks flushed with a mix of surprise and excitement. Mia, noticing his reaction, couldn't resist teasing him. "Looks like someone's got a special fan in the stands," she said with a playful bump to his shoulder.

Eliot laughed, the tension in his shoulders easing a bit. "Yeah, I guess I do," he admitted, his heart pounding with renewed energy. Seeing Taylor there, cheering him on, meant the world to him.

When the second half started, Eliot jogged back onto the pitch with a new sense of purpose. He felt lighter, more focused. Every time he glanced up at the VIP box, he saw Taylor's encouraging smile, and it spurred him on. He played with a fierceness and precision that pushed the team forward, determined to make her proud.

The match was gruelling, each side battling fiercely for dominance. Eliot's mind was sharp, his movements fluid. He directed his teammates, positioned himself perfectly, and seized every opportunity. The clock ticked on, the pressure mounting with every passing minute.

With just ten minutes left on the clock, the breakthrough finally came. Eliot found himself in possession of the ball, just outside the penalty area. He dodged two defenders with skillful footwork and lined up for a shot. The stadium seemed to hold its breath as he struck the ball with all his might.

The ball soared through the air, curving perfectly into the top corner of the net. The goalkeeper dived, but it was too late. The crowd erupted in cheers as the scoreboard changed to 1-0 in favour of the Kansas City Current. Eliot's teammates swarmed him, celebrating the crucial goal.

Eliot couldn't help but look up at the VIP box again. Taylor was on her feet, clapping and cheering loudly. His cousins were equally ecstatic, high-fiving each other and the people around them. Seeing their joy and support filled Eliot with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and happiness.

The final minutes of the game were tense, but the Current held their ground. When the final whistle blew, signalling their 1-0 victory, the stadium erupted in applause. Eliot's teammates hugged him, their faces glowing with triumph. They had made it to the semi-finals.