Priceless / l.h. (Hiatus)

chapter four

November 2004

Today was the final day of tryouts and I was more than excited. Out of all the sports my parents put me through, soccer is my favourite. I jogged out of the boy's change room and to the group of people. I stood next to Calum as the coach instructed how today was going to go.

It was just a normal soccer game, boys against girls. He said we weren't going to pick positions this game, just a free for all with a goalie. Calum and a few other boys from our team switched between goalies. That was Calum's position last year. I played midfield last year. 

We lined up, ball in the middle and started to play as soon as the coach blew his whistle. The first half of the game was good. It was a bit intimidating. The older kids were very competitive and aggressive but I fought through. 

But the second half, everything got even more intense. Fights broke out and curse words were said, which shocked me. It obviously shocked the coach too, as he would call time outs when any would happen. 

But now it was my turn for the ball. I kicked it between my feet and headed towards the goal.

"Pass it to me, Luke, I'm open!" A boy named Andre called at me.

I glanced over at him and moved forward and waited for the right moment to pass it. I found the moment and went for it. It was a long shot, but I went for it. I watched as Brooklyn bolted to block it, but before she could get to Andre, a boy from my class placed both hands on her and shoved her to the ground. My eyes widened and the whistle blew, making everyone stop.

"What was that?" The coach yelled, walking towards the boy who pushed her.

I saw Brooklyn struggling to her feet so I stepped forward and held out my hand. She looked up, took it and I pulled her to her feet. She wiped dirt from mouth and wiped off her knees. I cringed at the burns they had.

"You alright, Fay?" Coach asked.

She nodded.

"You, Grayson, hit the showers. You lose your spot on the team," Coach demanded.

"What?" The boy cried, "I told you it was an accident!" 

"I watched it with my own two eyes, no one accidentally pushes someone with that much force," Coach yelled and the pointed towards the changerooms. 

"Do you need to sit out?" Coach asked Brooklyn. She shook her head again and mumbled an "I'm fine."

We took back our positions and continued the game. It ended up with the boys winning by two points, but it was a close game. I started to get nervous, almost everyone who played was good. There had to be at least thirty students trying out, and only fourteen made it on the team. The coach stood away from the students and wrote a couple things down on his clipboard before calling us back over.

"I have the team made out," He spoke when we all got over to him.

A couple people mumbled "already?" but I just looked at Calum, a worried expression on my face. He patted my back, but I could tell he was nervous as well. 

"Two goalies, five midfielders, four defenders and three forwards. Obviously, not all of you would play at the same time, but we need extra players to switch between. So we'll start with goalies."

I looked over at Calum who picked at his nails. I know he really wanted this position. 

"Dana Hall and Calum hood." Coach said.

My jaw dropped and I high fived Calum.

"Yes! Yes!" Calum screamed, jumping up and down.

I was happy with him, but it was hard to show with my nerves over taking me.

"Now defense," Coach said, "Andre Snyder, Irma Alison, Scott Lyons and Gabriel Vargas."

The ones picked cheered but I somehow felt more sick. Eight more names to be called out. 

"Midfield," Coach said, making me cross my fingers. "Naomi Moran, Elias Palmer, Kevin Cain, Lillian Scott and Sandra Richardson."

My heart dropped. Calum placed his hand on my shoulder causing me to flinch. 

"If you're not on the team, I won't be, I can't play without you," Calum said.

I sighed and listened to the coach start to list the players on forward. "Dario Rickman, Brooklyn Fay and Luke Hemmings."

My jaw dropped for the second time today. Calum slapped my back as did a couple other people. "

"Forwards?" I yelled, too loudly. "That's insane!"

The coach laughed at my yelling. "You're a strong player, Luke, I believe you could go far."

I smiled and thanked him. And that ended tryouts. A lot of people left with frowns on their faces and others couldn't stop smiling. I fell under the smiling category.

Calums parents were once again going to drive me home but when we left the change room, I saw Brooklyn kicking the ball once again, but not as well as last time. Maybe she was upset, I don't remember hearing her name called.

"I'll be right back," I said to Calum and took off, running in her direction.

"Brooklyn!" I yelled, catching her attention.

I stopped in front of her and held out my hand. "You're a good player, I'm sorry you didn't make it."

She looked at me and slowly shook my hand. "What do you mean? I got on forward with you."

I looked at her. "What? You did?" She nodded. "Oh, I'm sorry, I was so nervous I must have not heard anything. Congrats!" 

She smiled at me. "Thanks, you too. And thanks for helping me up earlier."

"It's no problem, that boy was a jerk anyways." I shrugged. "Are you okay?"

"My leg kind of hurts, but I'll be fine," She said with a smile.

"Well anyways, Calum's waiting, I should go." I said, turning to look at Calum who was sitting at the bench.

"Bye, Luke," Brooklyn said.

"See you tomorrow!" I yelled as I ran back to Calum.

Calum started laughing. "Does Lukey have a crush?" He teased.

"I don't have a crush," I said, crossing my arms. "She's just a good player."

"Mhmm," Calum hummed. 

I just ignored him and silently followed him to the car, my smile from earlier finding my face again.

I was gonna combine what's now going to be the next chapter with this one but this chapter is 1000 words so I think that's pretty good for now. :-)