Team8s and Counting

132. Kicking Off a New Adverture

It was your typical Saturday morning in the Team8s house. Everyone had made it downstairs, and we're now enjoying a delicious breakfast. Usually, breakfast went pretty slow, but today was different.

"Come on, Dimey." Needle said, "You need to finish up soon, you have your first soccer practice today!"

Dimey had been an active kid for as long as anyone could remember. His energy seemed infinite, and he was always bouncing around the house, keeping his parents on their toes. When Needle saw a soccer clinic for kids his age online, she just knew she had to sign him up for it.

Dimey looked up from his plate of pancakes with wide eyes, syrup smeared on his face. "Soccer?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement. "Like, real soccer with a ball and everything?"

Needle smiled, reaching over to wipe the syrup from his cheek. "Yes, real soccer. You're going to be running around, kicking the ball with other kids your age. It's going to be so much fun!"

Coiny, sitting at the other end of the table, chimed in. "You're going to be great, Dimey. Just make sure you listen to your coach and remember to have fun."

Dimey's excitement was contagious. He practically leaped out of his chair, his breakfast now forgotten. "I'm ready now! Let's go, let's go!" he shouted, bouncing on his feet like he was warming up for a game.

Needle chuckled and shook her head. "Hold on, you need to get dressed first!" Needle guided Dimey to the mudroom, where she gathered up all the soccer equipment he needed for the clinic.

"What are those, mommy?" He asked.

"These?" Needle held up a pair of small, bright yellow shin guards. "These are shin guards. They protect your legs while you play soccer. You'll be running a lot, and sometimes kids might accidentally kick you, so these will keep you safe."

Dimey's eyes widened with curiosity. "Do I get to kick other people, too?"

Needle laughed. "Well, not on purpose! It's all about the ball. You're just trying to get it into the other team's goal. But if someone gets in your way, these will help protect you if things get a little rough."

Dimey took the shin guards, inspecting them like they were a new toy. "Cool! What else do I get?"

Next, Needle handed him his cleats—tiny shoes with rubber spikes on the bottom. "These are your soccer shoes. They help you grip the grass so you can run faster."

Dimey eagerly pulled them on. "I'm going to be the fastest player ever!"

Needle chuckled at his son's enthusiasm, seeing a little bit of her in him. "Come on buddy, it's time to get in the car!"

The entire car ride to the field, Dimey could hardly sit still. He was bouncing up and down in his carseat, excited to learn his first sport.

"Don't use up all your energy now," Needle warned him, "You'll need it at practice."

The minute Needle parked the car, Dimey quickly unbuckled his seatbelt and headed towards the field. Needle followed him, trying to keep up with all his energy.

As the two of them got closer to the field, Needle squinted her eyes, thinking she saw a familiar face. Is that who I think it is? She thought to herself. The minute they made it to the field, the face looked back at them, and Needle confirmed to herself that it was indeed who she thought it was.

"Pen?" She said to him.

"Oh my gosh," he said, surprised to see Needle. He ran up to her and gave her a hug, "It's so nice to see you again!"

Needle was just as excited to see him, "Same. I don't think we've been in the same room since my wedding!"

Pen grinned, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, it's been ages. Life's been pretty crazy, huh?"