Chloe's World

I get kicked out of the game

I was still avoiding Tyler. But I had to keep my promise that I would come and watch his lacrosse game.

I wasn't expecting the game to be so popular. But the whole school ended up coming. Sky and I were lucky to find a spot on the bleachers. Though, we got stuck with the nosebleed seats.

I was a little disappointed that Mason wasn't able to come to the game. But then again, maybe it was for the best. After all, a loud sporting event filled with pep and fun wasn't really Mason's scene.

It wasn't my scene either. But yet here I was.

"I'm nervous," Sky muttered as she stuffed her hands into her pockets.

I waved a hand in dismiss. "Oh, they'll win."

"How can you be so sure?" Sky wondered.

I wasn't. I was just trying to be optimistic. For once.

I looked over at the field. Both teams were warming up. The opposing team wore blue uniforms. All of the boys wore helmets so it was tough to tell who was who. I did my best to try and remember what numbers Tyler and Josh had. Eventually, I recalled that Tyler was six while Josh was ten.

I found them both on the field. They were playing catch with each other. I watched as their coach came over and gestured for them to head over to the bench. A smile wandered onto my face when I watched them high five each other.

"So what happens if they lose?" I asked.

"They are out," Sky muttered. I could hear her nerves in her voice. "But if they win, they move onto the championship."

That was a lot of pressure for one game.

The whistle was blown and both teams got into their huddles. I watched as Tyler took off his helmet. Underneath the lights, I could see the beads of sweat already running down his forehead.

When the whistle was blown again, the players took their starting positions. Both Tyler and Josh headed out. The crowd roared. I had to cover my ears. Even though I was trying to get into the school spirit, I was still a person who preferred peace and quiet.

The game started and Josh was immediately knocked to the ground. And Sky let out a little yelp of concern. It still amazed me how violent of a sport lacrosse was.

But he got back up and started to run with the other players.

The game started out slow. For awhile they just ran back and forth and back and forth. The crowd cheered for pointless things like fowls and shots that almost went in the net.

Tyler was playing well. He seemed to be in the action at all times. The coach only took him out for water breaks. Then threw him right back in.

As I watched him play, I couldn't help but think of the time where he taught me to play lacrosse. And my stomach did a somersault.

Then, about fifteen minutes into the game, the other team scored.

The crowd erupted into boos as the scoreboard changed. The other team showed little excitement, knowing that the game was far from over.

I felt disappointment sink into my chest as the home team jogged back to the center of the field, their heads bowed in defeat.

But Tyler's head was held up high. His lips seemed to be moving. I could only imagine the encouraging, positive thoughts that were pouring out of his mouth.