The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die (GirlXGirl)

Chapter 33: The Fight to Heal

I wandered through the school hallways, the buzz of students around me fading into a dull thrum as I maneuvered through the crowd. Lockers clanged shut, laughter erupted from groups of friends, and the lingering scent of cafeteria food hit me like a bad memory. Each step felt heavy, the tension in my chest tightening like a noose, a cocktail of uncertainty and determination swirling within me. As I turned a corner, a brightly colored poster snagged my attention, plastered on the wall near the gym entrance.

SOCCER TRYOUTS! it proclaimed in bold letters, accompanied by a vibrant drawing of a soccer ball soaring toward a goal. My heart raced at the sight. Soccer had always been more than just a game for me; it was an escape, a sanctuary where I could channel my anger, frustration, and sadness into something tangible. The thought of trying out felt daunting yet exhilarating, a way to reclaim a part of myself I had almost forgotten. I could already picture myself out on the field, the sun shining down as I kicked the ball, the grass beneath my feet—everything else faded away in those moments.

But doubt slithered in like an unwelcome guest. What if I wasn't good enough? What if everyone else was some kind of soccer genius? These thoughts spun in my head like a tornado, each one trying to drag me into a pit. Then Marie's voice broke through the chaos, flickering in my mind like a neon sign: You've got this, Dylan! That warm encouragement wrapped around me, pushing back against the cold grip of my insecurities.

I shook my head, pushing the doubt aside. No more hiding. I was tired of feeling like a ghost, a shadow lurking in the corners of my own life. This was my chance to break free from the shackles of self-doubt, to prove to myself that I was strong, both physically and mentally.

After school, I gathered my gear—a pair of battered cleats that had seen better days, a black jersey that hugged my toned frame, and shin guards that bore the scars of past battles. I tossed everything into my backpack, feeling the familiar weight settle in as I prepped for what lay ahead. Slipping on my favorite pair of athletic shorts, the fabric felt soft and reassuring against my skin. As I walked toward the field, adrenaline surged through my veins, muscles coiling with anticipation. The late afternoon sun cast everything in a golden hue, shadows stretching long across the path. The scent of fresh grass mingled with the earthy aroma of nearby trees, grounding me as I focused on the upcoming tryout.

When I arrived at the soccer field, the vibrant green grass contrasted sharply with the bright blue sky. A group of girls was already gathered, some stretching, others gossiping as if they were prepping for a catwalk. I felt a flutter of nerves settle in my stomach but quickly crushed it underfoot. I wasn't here to shrink away; I was here to fight for my place. I had worked too hard to let fear dictate my actions.

Spotting AnnMarie on the sidelines, bouncing on her toes like she was trying to lift off the ground, I felt a little fire ignite. She flashed me a wide smile, dressed casually yet stylishly, hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and as she waved, my nerves began to melt away. "You've got this, Dylan!"

Taking a deep breath, I joined the group, feeling a mix of excitement and determination. Coach Daniels, a tall woman with an athletic build and a no-nonsense demeanor, called the girls to gather around. "Welcome, everyone! I'm Coach Daniels. Today, we'll be doing a series of drills to assess your skills. Remember, this is about finding the right fit for the team. Just give it your best shot!"

I nodded, feeling the heat of determination simmering in my chest. As the drills kicked off, I threw myself into each exercise with fierce energy. I wove through cones, dribbled the ball like it was an extension of my body, and unleashed powerful shots on goal that sent the ball rocketing past the makeshift goalkeeper. Each thud of the ball connecting with my foot reverberated through the field, a satisfying rhythm that matched the pulse of my heartbeat.