Even Our Angels Looked Surprised

Chapter 2

The championship game was practically a blowout. Portland throttled UCLA, and the cloud of frustration around Ali's teammates grew with each goal scored. Just two days ago they had offered the last real challenge of Portland's season.

Thankfully, many of them were joined by family and friends. Kyle was sitting beside her, bouncing his knees and complaining occasionally about the cold. His presence was comforting - and amusing too, because Ali's teammates kept checking him out.

Ali enjoyed bits of the game, but she kept getting distracted. On top of all the emotion, a group of girls a couple sections over kept grabbing her attention. She didn't think she recognized them, but they looked like they must have been from another one of the soccer teams.

They might have come off as a tad obnoxious if she hadn't been so amused by them. Obviously not rooting for either team, they cheered louder than anyone else around them whenever anything notable happened. She just couldn't keep herself from turning to watch them every few minutes. Allie Long, who didn't have any family there and was sitting behind her and Kyle, leaned forward. "They're from North Carolina."

Ali hadn't seen anyone else from UNC. "It's just them?"

"Yeah, but that's Ashlyn Harris." Ali crinkled her nose as she tried to place the name. "You know, from the U-19 team. I think it's just them though."

Long way to drive for a tournament you didn't make it into, Ali thought. She didn't comment though, and Allie leaned back up into her seat for the rest of the game.

With just a few minutes left on the clock, Kyle leaned over and muttered, "Come on, I don't wanna stay for this." Some of her teammates had already filtered out of the stands, but Ali hadn't wanted to be the one to suggest they leave early. A quick nod was her only assent, but she was more grateful than she let on for the escape route. The bleachers made navigating with crutches a challenge, but Kyle stayed close until they got out of the stadium and to his car.

He shut her door before going to the other side and sliding into his old Ford. "I don't know about you, but I could use a drink."

Ali shot a warning glance in her brother's direction. Responsible drinking was not his strong suit. He flashed a grin at her in response. "I promise not to have more than just a couple."

She pursed her lips, trying to decide. "Come on, Al - you could really use a drink. We both know that."

"Ok, fine. But obviously we won't be splitting the drive tomorrow," she gestured down to her leg for emphasis, "so you can't get hammered tonight."

Kyle stopped paying attention as soon as she agreed to his plan. Now they were pulling out of stadium parking. "So where are we going, anyways?" she asked.

"I saw a place on the way in."

Ali shook her head and smiled. "Of course you did."
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Ashlyn and her teammates stayed in the stadium longer than most. After coming so far to watch the game, all of them were trying to eke out every bit of the experience. When the celebrations and awards were over and the stands emptied, they finally had to file out.
Ashlyn kicked at a patch of gravel as they made their way to Lori's jeep. "Well... this is suddenly less exciting..." she let her voice fade out. They were all thinking the same thing.
Yael looked dejected. "I don't know if I can spend another whole day in that thing."
"Yeah, it's a pretty rough trip," Heather agreed.
Lori looked at them all like they were crazy. "Are you serious? You guys are already complaining about the ride back?"
"Well, Lori, it's a long trip. Just because you enjoy being stuffed into your jeep doesn't mean the rest of us do." Heather's tone was innocent, and for a moment Lori was taken aback, but then she just narrowed her eyes at her and climbed into the driver's seat.
When they were all piled in, it was agreed that they owed themselves a few beers for having to make the long drive back to Chapel Hill. Everyone was happy with the decision except for Yael, who was unanimously voted the first-shift driver for the next morning.
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