Sarah's change in life

Chapter 8

The next couple of days Kate and I did just that. We researched as if our lives depended on it. Well, mine kinda did. My soccer life anyway- which was one of the most important things to me.

It was hard to research though. We didn't have much evidence. All we had was the picture that had scratched out almost everyone's faces. It didn't help much though. I mean what much could you do with it?

It was Friday afternoon.

We were finishing up practice by scrimmaging. Coach Fargo and Coach Barnes had decided to team up once again. They had been doing that a lot lately. So we were scrimmaging with the boy's team. Which wasn't working out at all for me. They had put James and Rachel as captains of the two teams...since they are the captains, ugh. Normally I'm one of the first people picked, but due to the fact that both of the captains hate my guts I was chosen last. Which meant I was stuck with James and he had no say in the matter.

Our team was getting the crap beaten out of us. Every time James had the ball he wouldn't pass to me. Even though I was wide open and could have a good shot on goal I rarely received the ball. It was quite ridiculous in my opinion. Even if you hold a grudge on someone you should leave that off the field. We needed teamwork to get goals and to win.

Coach Barnes finally blew his whistle indicating the end of practice. "Well, that was something else", Coach Barnes whistled. Coach Fargo nodded her head in agreement.

"James I expected more from you, son", Coach Barnes said shaking his head.

I looked over at James and saw him hide in shame.

"Okay, that's a wrap", Coach Fargo said. "See you all Monday."

I shook my head and started storming up to the locker room.

I didn't get far before someone pulled me back. I stopped, but didn't turn around. I was furious at the moment.

"I'm sorry, okay?" I heard James' voice whimper. "That was wrong of me. Like really wrong. And I...I'm sorry."

I rolled my eyes and turned to look at him. "You do realize soccer is a team sport, right? You have to work together in order to succeed." I hissed.

James stared at me with wide eyes. "Look, I said I was sorry. This has all been a mess", he said.
                  
I sighed. It was true. "It has been. James, I've missed you."

James shook his head. "This doesn't change anything. Sarah, I can't be seen with someone who betrays her team so easily."

"You don't actually believe that was me, do you? I'm telling you James. I was sabotaged. I don't know by who, but I'm going to find out." I stated.

"Sorry, but I'm not sure if I can believe you", James whispered.

"What about the whole 'innocent until proven guilty' thing, huh?" I cried. "You can't believe everything you hear without some kind of facts!"

"The picture is the proof, Sarah. I hate that you did it. I do, I really, really do. I loved hanging out with you. But the guys have made a pact. We aren't allowed to hangout without you outside of these joined practices", he cried.

I stared at him. This was so dumb.

"James! Someone else brought that photo! Someone else graphitized your locker room. You know me! You know I'd never hurt people on purpose. I hate stupid pacts like that." I shouted at him. I needed to knock some sense into him.

"I hate these pacts too Sarah. But they're right. I have to go", he whispered staring at me with those beautiful blue eyes I've slowly fallen in love with.