Superheroes Play Soccer

Chapter 2: Caught and Captured

After school, I was really having trouble getting my anger under control. Since that moment in the hall way, I hadn't really calmed down. I walk down the back road, towards the soccer field. Everyday after school I'd go here, back in Cali. Sometimes I'd study, sometimes just enjoy the sky and the field feels. But today, I was gonna play. I was gonna play hard, just like I use to as a kid. I had always relied on soccer as a bit of a pick me up, and a calm me down. As I jump the gate, I jog over to the side lines where I've hidden my ball under the first set of bleachers. It's just a normal soccer ball, black and white. With a lot of dirt. Giving it a bit of a juggle, I kick it into mid field and begin sprinting after it. It seems like only minutes pass of relentless dribbles and twists and turns. But by the time I'm completely out of breath, drenched in sweat, and knees like jello, I fall onto my back in front of the right side goal and take out my phone. I've been here a little over 3 hours, and all I really want to do is stay here, the rest of my life. But my moment in peace is interrupted by a quite familiar, female voice. "Miss Silverado. What exactly you think you are doing on field at a time like this?" Oh no.... I thought, letting out a deep sigh as I sit up, glancing over the fence. Sure enough, my English teacher Mrs. Garing stands at the line, protecting her eyes with a hand, deflecting the sun. "Uh.... You know, I crash landed here from a skydive." I call back sarcastically, with a slight smirk to myself. "Ha ha. More like crashed from your alien space ship." I hear her say, along with her shoes against the grass. I prop up my arms on my kneecaps, letting my left palm rub against the black ink that trails up my arms. I usually don't show my arms, almost always wearing a jacket or long sleeve shirt. My arms, shoulders, neck chest and back are all covered in this black ink. I had it done before I left California, as a memory of the ocean. It sure did hurt like hell, but definitely worth it. "You caught me. Whatcha gonna do? Suspend me?" I say, glancing up at her. "Perhaps I will. But surprisingly enough Miss Rado, you have skills. And I'm not just saying." She says, and her words slightly take me by surprise. "Well... Thanks Ms. Garing. But I don't think that's necessary. I'm just having some fun." I reply with a slight chuckle. "Well Jade, I might have to suspend you. And I will. Unless, you go to the tryouts being held Friday night here." "Wh-what? No way! I'd completely embarrass myself!" I yelp, standing up now to face her.

The argument went on, until I was forced to agree. It was settled. I'd come Friday night, and I'd tryout just for the fun of it. But the fact is, the tryouts are being held by the Uswnt. United States Woman's National Team. My role models, ever since I was a little girl. Every game, I had been sitting right in front of the tv. I don't think I missed a game. And then every time as soon as the game ended, I'd go out back and practice what I had learned.  It's not that I didn't want to try my best, it's just that I truly thought I'd never become part of this team. I never believed my biggest dream would ever come true. To me, it was just that, a dream. A fantasy. Something I'd go to bed and wake up in the morning, smiling that I had made a goal. But now that I actually had an opportunity, I was completely awe struck. Nothing to say, nothing to feel. I just knew when I got there, I'd have fun, and do my best.

~Friday Night through Monday Morning~

It had been about 2 hours since tryouts began. I had already joined the other players who were trying out in the stick game. We had just finished the tactical part of it, and we moved onto the physical part. On the last day of training, it was the physiological part. Honestly, my body was worn out. My mind had been stretched, but I couldn't be more proud. I shined the brightest I could with my speed, strength and stamina. My mind allowed my mind to think clearly, and I could sense the other competitors looking to me as a leader. Every now and then, I'd notice the coach glancing at me, or watching how I play, what plays and actions I make, and how I make them.    
After the last part had finished, I sat down on the bench away from everyone else. I was a bit out of breath, and took a large drink of water as I glanced around. Even if this was all just for fun, this was definitely the best day of my life. Even if I hadn't made the team, or even met anyone from the team, this was something I would never forget. Just as these things crossed my mind, Coach Ellis walked out onto the side line and blew her whistle to get everyone's attention. "Firstly, I'd like to thank you all for joining me and the election team these past few days. You all worked hard, and showed your own light. But unfortunately, we've only decided to take two of you. First, I'd like to welcome Makena Rogers to the team. I'd like to say what stood out to me was her quick thinking, and her availability through out the entire time here. She was good at getting herself to a good place to really be able to put up a fight in mid field. Second, I'd like to welcome Jade Silverado." As my name was said, I felt like time itself stopped. My heart stopped for a moment, and I froze with complete shock. Even though I personally wasn't responsive, my ears were. "Miss Silverado really stood out among the group. Between her speed and strength, and exactly how long she could hold that up. To her amazing agility and capability to get the ball where it needed to be, each time it was handed to her. She was really able to guide the team to quite a small but big victory, and I truly believe her personality and person would be a great addition to the team. Thank you all again, and the two of you I'd like to talk to before you leave."

What a day that was. And it was certainly a huge doorway to my future. After Ellis finished her words, everyone stood up and hugged, congratulating Makena and myself on making the team. It was the most I had smiled since moving, and honestly it killed my cheek bones. As Makena and I met with Jill, she explained to us how everything would play out. Within two weeks time, school would be taken care of along with moving preparations, and transportation to training. All I had to do was pack, kick back, and wait for Wednesday morning to come. That morning I'd leave my home with my parents, to head off to meet Makena at the airport, where we'd take a first class plane to be greeted by Ellis and some of our new team members in Seattle.