The Special

Chapter 17

The pang in my stomach makes it difficult to concentrate- much less run in the first place. I push it away as we head outside for lacrosse practice. The sun hits me with warmth and blinds me as soon as I step out to the turf field behind the Talent building we were just in.

"So, you need a stick, cleats, and a facemask," she says looking me up and down for size. Come right over here," she leads me over to a big wooden box filled with equipment," so this is not great but its good for right now. Once you finish your Training, and are in the Specials at the end of this year, we will get you your own stuff. For now, we'll do our best." Robyn explains. The box contains roughed up, scratched, dented equipment. Not much different from the hand-me-down equipment from Tate. 'I can work with this!' I tell myself enthusiastically. She hands me a pink mask, that is just slightly too big, and a stick which is the perfect height and weight. There aren't any cleats that fit me so she tells me I can wear my tennis shoes.

We head out to the field, where she points out a Judge. Robyn explains that she herself can't professionally judge me, so she got someone to watch and give me tips. I smile nervously over to the young woman, who looks completely out of place in her crisp white blouse, tight black skirt, and her clipboard.

I turn back to Robyn, as she gives me directions.

"So we are doing the knee drill, just to see where you're at. So you're gonna run across the short length of the field and with your knees high, I want to see if you can cradle the ball while running- with high knees. Think you can do that?" she asks.

I nod yes, and head over to the sidelines. The Judge gives a thumbs up to start. I take a deep breath, clearing my mind, even though I've been doing this for 11 years.