Just a Matter of Time

Elisha

12 years ago

Walking out onto the soccer field, I took a deep breath, letting the excitement of the game wash over me. The stadium lights bathed the field in a bright glow, and the roar of the crowd was a familiar backdrop to my high school games. As usual, my parents weren't here, but I wasn't alone. I spotted Amara in the stands, her vibrant cheer and familiar face giving me a boost.

As I warmed up with my teammates, their chatter filled the air.

"Hey, Elisha," one of them called out with a grin. "Your biggest fan's here again."

I glanced up to see Amara waving like a maniac. I could hear her try to shout my name as if I couldn't see her which was pretty embarrassing on both of our ends

Another teammate smirked. "You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say she's practically your personal cheerleader."

"Seriously," another chimed in, "When are you going to make it official?"

I began shaking my head. "We're just friends. She's been coming to my games since elementary school."

One of the guys nudged me playfully. "Sure, sure. Just friends."

I couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. The truth was, Amara's presence meant a lot to me. She had always been there, supporting me through thick and thin.

"Alright, enough of that," I said, trying to refocus. "Let's get back to the game."

As the game progressed, I caught glimpses of Amara cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines. Her unwavering support was a comfort, and even though my parents were absent, I felt a strong sense of solidarity from her.

During halftime, I made my way over to the stands, navigating through the crowd to where Amara was sitting with a few of our friends.

"Elisha! You're crushing it out there!" Amara shouted as I approached the stands, her voice cutting through the noise of the crowd.

"Thanks," I said, offering a modest smile.

"You guys have to win!" she yelled, her competitive spirit evident. "I mean it's practically 8-2. You have this in the bag. I also brought you some coconut water, it's good to stay hydrated and get electrolytes." She said forcing me to take the water

I noticed my teammates glancing over, their grins widening at Amara's enthusiastic support. They seemed to enjoy the spectacle, which was annoying.

"I don't like coconut water" I mumbled as she stared at me like I was a child in trouble

"Drink the damn water and get back on the field!" she shouted scaring me a bit as I grabbed it and headed back on the field

The second half of the game was tough, and despite our best efforts, we couldn't turn things around. The final whistle blew, and the field was filled with a mix of disappointment and exhaustion. My teammates and I exchanged subdued words of encouragement, trying to keep our spirits up.

I looked up at the stands and saw Amara's face fall. She looked heartbroken, her usual fiery spirit dimmed by the outcome. I made my way over to her, my heart heavy with the sting of defeat.

"Hey, it's okay," I said gently as I reached her.

She turned to me, her eyes wide with frustration. "It's not okay, Elisha! You guys played so well, and then—boom! We lose. How does that even happen? You were so close. I can't believe it. I wanted you to win so badly!"

I stood silently, letting her words tumble out. Her passion was evident, and even though I felt the loss deeply, I was touched by how much she cared. It was cute to watch her friction

Her voice began rising with intensity. "It's like everything was lined up for you to win, and then it all just fell apart. You worked so hard, and it feels like a punch in the gut to see it not pay off. You should be more upset!"

I couldn't help but smile. Her passion and care were overwhelming, and as I listened to her, I realized just how much she meant to me. Her support was more than comforting; it was everything.

"Why are you laughing? You just lost the biggest game," she said, her brow furrowing in confusion.

I shook my head, still grinning. "I'm not laughing at the game. I'm laughing because I didn't realize you could be this intense about soccer. You're taking this loss harder than I am."

She shot me an incredulous look. "Of course I'm intense! I'm passionate about this, and you're my best friend. It's only natural to care!"

"Alright, alright," I said, holding up my hands in mock surrender. "I appreciate it."

Her eyes softened as she saw my smile. "I just hate seeing you lose. It's like when you try so hard, and it doesn't work out, and you're left with nothing. But I'll be there next time, cheering even louder. You'll win, I know it."

I looked at her, my heart swelling with emotion. Her unwavering support, her fierce determination—it all spoke volumes. I realized in that moment just how much I loved her. She had been there for me through so many ups and downs, and her presence was a constant source of strength.

Amara rolled her eyes but managed a small smile. " I'm taking you home, and we're going to celebrate like you did win. Deal?"

I raised an eyebrow, amused. "You're taking me home? How about I drive us both?"

She shook her head stubbornly. "Nope. My treat. Besides, I've got the perfect plan to lift your spirits. Just trust me on this one."

As we walked to the car, I couldn't help but tease her a bit. "You know, I never said my spirit was down."

"You don't have to act all tough around me," she said with a wink.

We climbed into the car, and as we drove off, I felt a warmth settle in my chest.

As I glanced over at her, I realized how integral she had become to my life. It wasn't just about her being there for the games or the big moments; it was about how she had been a constant presence through everything. Her support, her energy, her very being—they all played a crucial role in my life, and I was grateful beyond words.

I thought about how she had always been the loudest cheerleader at my games, no matter how tired or discouraged she might have been. Her unwavering support had always been a source of strength for me, and now, more than ever