Alone and Broken (Zianourry)

Chapter Three - Tuesday

Niall's Point of View

This morning was no different. I did my usual morning routine and wore similar clothes that I wore yesterday except today I decided to wear a black long sleeve instead of just a t-shirt and sweater.

I went downstairs and grabbed an apple due to needing nutrients and energy for the game later today. I also grabbed a water bottle and put it into my sports bag. My dad works later in the morning on Tuesdays so he had to take me to school since my mom was already gone. I waited on the sofa, staring down at my shoes.

"Let's go, little bitch," I heard my dad growl as he made his way towards the door. I hurriedly stood up and grabbed my bags and sat in the front seat of my dad's Audi. He turned on the radio to NPR. I was fiddling with my fingers before finally getting the courage to speak.

"So, um, I have a game today," I whispered.

"And? Do you expect me to show up?"

I gulped and looked down.

"N-no.. I just wanted to let you know in case you were wondering why I was arriving home late tonight," I stuttered. Secretly, I did want him or my mom to show up. But I knew he was going to say no. They haven't gone to one single game since I began playing football which was when I turned 5. They might hate me but I don't hate them. It's my fault they're marriage has been on the edge. We finally got to my school after an uncomfortable silence.

I grabbed my bags and awkwardly said bye before he drove off to work. I sighed as the team started to approach me. I faked a smile and we began talking about the game before the bell rang.

As I was passing the hallways, students and teachers were wearing jersey's and were in full school spirit. Soccer is a big deal in this town, more than basketball and football. My school, Freedom High School, and our rival school Abraham Lincoln High were considered the best in the county and possibly the state. Thanks to me, Freedom High hasn't lost a single game since my freshmen year.

I sat down for History and tried to stay calm. Abraham Lincoln's team is a tough team, even if my team always ends up beating them. Due to my smaller, fragile frame, the rival team always tries to go towards me and try to knock me down. It may not look like it from the outside, but it sometimes really takes a toll on my already bruised body. I sighed and pushed my worries away for now and tried to focus on Mr.Dole.

-
I tied my cleats and stood up and looked at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a hoodie over my uniform till the game started and I sighed. The rest of the team was already outside on the field warming up till the game started.

"C'mon, Niall. You beat them every time.. Why is today any different?"

After 5 minutes of giving myself courage, I slowly made my way out of the locker room towards the field where the crowd cheered as soon as they saw me. I smiled, blushed and waved. I made my way towards my team and began warming up with them until Lincoln's team showed up. When we began doing suicides across the field, me leading, I noticed they began arriving. Soon enough we cleared out of the field so they could warm up and so we could discuss our plan.

"Team captains," the referee, Paul, yelled. I slowly dragged myself towards him where Tomlinson, the other team's captain, was already waiting.

"Okay, I know you guys already know the rules so I won't say much," Paul looked at me. "Niall, just take your sweater off when you start playing."

I nodded and looked up at Tomlinson and blushed and looked down when he was already staring back. We shook hands and walked back to our teams, me jogging back.