The practice field was buzzing with energy. The guys were joking around, tossing the football back and forth, and the air was thick with excitement. I tried to focus on my kicks, but it was hard to block out the laughter and chatter coming from the other side of the field. "Hey, Butker!" one of the linemen called out, waving his arms. "You think you can hit the uprights from here?"I rolled my eyes. "You guys are just jealous you can't kick as well as me.""Jealous? Please, I can throw a ball farther than you can kick it," he shot back, a grin plastered on his face.As the banter continued, I kept my head down, focusing on my practice. But then I noticed her—Hadassah, running drills with the rest of the team, laughing and chatting like she owned the place. The 102 on her back felt like a spotlight, and I could hear the whispers around me."Dude, did you see how she caught that last pass?" one of the guys said, his voice full of awe. "She's got some serious skills for a kid.""Yeah, but it's weird having a 13-year-old on the team," another one replied. "I mean, she's like a little sister to all of us, but she's also kicking butt out there.""Think she's gonna take your spot as kicker, Butker?" someone else joked, and I felt my blood boil."Not a chance," I shot back, trying to keep my cool. "She's just a kid playing dress-up."But deep down, I knew she was more than that. She was good. Too good. And I couldn't shake the feeling that everyone was just waiting for the moment when I'd mess up so they could compare me to her. It was driving me insane.As I tried to concentrate on my kicks, I overheard Hadassah chatting with some of the other players. "I just want to prove that girls can do anything boys can do," she said confidently. "And I think I can help us win some games.""Keep that attitude up, and you'll be a star in no time," one of the guys replied, clearly impressed.I clenched my fists, fighting the irritation bubbling inside me. Why does she have to be so damn happy all the time? Can't she see how much she gets under my skin? With every pass she caught and every compliment she received, it felt like a challenge to me. A challenge I didn't want to accept. She might be good, but I was the kicker. I had my role, and I didn't want her in my space."Alright, Butker!" the coach called out, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Let's see some kicks!"I took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. But as I lined up my shot, I could feel Hadassah's eyes on me. Great. Just what I needed.I kicked the ball, watching as it sailed through the air and hit the crossbar. I cursed under my breath, frustration boiling over. "Nice one, Butker!" Hadassah called out, her voice laced with laughter. "You aiming for the crossbar, or what?"I shot her a glare, but all I got in return was a teasing grin. It was infuriating. I couldn't escape her. She was everywhere, and it felt like the entire team was rallying around her. This is going to be a long season.
