Hailsmith Academy

Chapter 23: String of tension

I was grateful to be back at school.

Of course it came with a whole load of college stress, since applications were starting soon. The early decisions had already started, and all the Ivy League kids had already applied just about anywhere. I'd applied to a few places, but I felt like after that last mid term score, I'd definitely get deferred.

At least I was away from Jason now though. That's all that mattered. Well, at least except for the lacrosse team. After thanksgiving dinner, Evans had tried to come back up to talk to me but I didn't let him. I just locked the door and drowned him out with my headphones. It wasn't worth the drama to listen to him.

Now that we were back, I had a newfound determination to focus up on my education. Sure, most of the important stuff was over, but if I wanted something to boost my applications for the regular round, I have to really work on it.

I quickly went back to my room once school was over, changing into my lacrosse clothes and walking to the field. There was still half an hour left before practice, but I wanted to get a head start.

I simply warmed up, jogging rounds and doing some stretches. I ran up and down the bleachers for that extra cardio effort too. Panting heavily, I sat down on the bench to take a break, just as Evans showed up.

He looked surprised when he glanced towards me, making his way over and putting his bag down. I ignored him, walking away before he could even open his mouth to speak. Maybe I was being a little childish, but I didn't care. I needed to keep my head in the game during practice if I ever wanted to play an actual match.

The rest of the guys walked in a few minutes later, some alone and some in small groups. Jason walked in alone, looking solemn as he called for everybody to huddle up. Coach was there this time as well. Turns out, he does start to get serious eventually.

"All right boys, as we know lacrosse season is going to begin in less than two months now." Coach spoke. "Now, I know my brilliant co-captains here are more than capable of running this team, but I want to start seeing double the effort from ALL of you. Let's get that championship!"

Everyone hollered in agreement, all hyped up to get out in the field and start playing. After warm up, we went directly into a match without doing any drills. I was determined to prove myself. Up until now, I haven't had much of an impact around here, except that one goal I scored ages ago, and the dumb fights I've had with my brother and Evans. I have got to change my reputation.

The game started, with our team lagging behind a bit. I'd been put on the same team as Jason this time, since Coach had made the teams. Our team continued to lag behind for two quarters of the game. The other team seemed to be on fire today; especially Evans. He'd scored over half the goals.

The game went on. Jason had put me in the mid fielder position, so I did the best I could from there. I saw so many great opportunities to try and take the ball to score, but I stopped myself. I didn't want to take it too far and embarrass myself again. However, after a few more bad minutes, I couldn't take it anymore.

Daniel came running right at me, and this time I ran towards him instead of moving away. He almost looked shocked under his helmet, but he kept running. Just when it seemed we were going to crash, he realized I wasn't going to stop and he passed the ball over to Evans on his right.

I quickly skid to a stop in the grass, changing directions in the fastest pace I could muster, leaping up into the air to intercept the ball.

I caught it.

Evans seemed to be frozen to the ground in awe, but I didn't stop to see his expression. I quickly turned and ran in the other direction, towards where our goal was. I looked around for someone to pass it to, but everyone was marked. I pushed myself even harder as I ran ahead, swivelling around the defenders and scoring.