What You Don't See

Natalie and A Bottle of Jack

I adjusted the ball so it sat in the center spot and took a small step back, seeing Chase and Jake on both sides of me as my forward wings as we started the game. I felt a slight prickle of chills crawl along my bare arms from the cold November breeze. My eyes quickly scanned the crowd, which was surprisingly large for a Tuesday game. I continued to search the many high school students congested along the right side of the field for Brian. When he had texted me to wish me luck he also mentioned he would possibly be making an appearance with some of the guys on his team. As much as I'd liked to believe he was coming to see me, I couldn't help but feel unnerved by his motives to show up at a rival team's soccer game, especially knowing their reputation as ass holes.

I focused my attention back to the half line and the grungy kid in front of me. We'd played the same team only a week before and the only things I remembered from that game were that we won and their center striker had a serious problem with me being a girl. After playing with guys nearly my whole life, I'd gotten used to their snarky comments and our school became famous for having a girl on their soccer team. My first year of high school with this team was the hardest. Although I had already played with over half the team, it took a long time to earn my spot. Now, after being together for almost four years, this team is my family and they never hesitate to stick up for me.

The kid wearing the sky blue jersey with the number 42 printed in white on the back, stared at me in disgust. I'd remembered his number because of how many times the referee called it out when I fouled against him last time we played against each other. Not my proudest game, but it was worth it to shut him up.

I smirked at his expression and winked at him. He narrowed his eyes and we both turned towards the referee, anticipating the whistle.

When he raised it to his lips I bent my knees, readying myself, and swiveled my head around to ensure everyone was set and prepared. At the sound of the signal I took a deep breath and advanced the ball with assurance and concentration.

Using my right foot I passed the ball to Jake on my left, before quickly assessing the field in front of me. Jake, Chase, and I finished as forwards for the first half with three goals.

The score was 3-0 when we cleared the field. I trotted over to my water bottle, catching my breath, and then joined the team's huddle by coach Taylor.

I couldn't help but advert my gaze towards the crowd out of pure curiosity. Sure enough, there he was, looking fine as ever, standing off to the side with his arms crossed loosely and a handful of other guys- I'm guessing to be his teammates- stood behind him. I couldn't tell exactly where he was looking until I saw his lips tug into a smirk and I knew he noticed my ogling. I waved quickly, cheeks puffed out with water, then turned back around, hoping he didn't catch my embarrassment.

Who am I kidding?

The second half started and I couldn't shake off the feeling of Brian watching me. I managed to keep myself from staring at him, which was not easy let me tell you. We were nearing the end of the game as I sat on the bench watching in admiration as Chase skillfully carried the ball across the field. I yelled out his name in encouragement before coach Taylor called me in to the game and I made my way over to Chase and Jake again. I loved playing with them; we were unstoppable when you put the three of us together. It had been that way for 5 years.

Chase, Jake, and I were approaching the goal line and right when I found an opening, I shot the ball, only for it to be caught by the goalkeeper. I cursed under my breath and turned on my heels towards the ball again, trailing the sidelines of the field directly in front of Brian and his minions.

"Next time hit it with your purse!" I heard one of them howl towards me.

I swiveled my head, not being able to ignore the comment, and noticed them all laughing, not excluding Brian. He was gripping his side, hunched over in hysterics. When he noticed me looking towards them, his eyes met mine.