The Final Season

Chapter 23

Very Important Note: Okay guys so I just wanted to let everyone know that this story is almost over! I think I have about 5 chapters left maybe? Maybe more? But it's almost over either way. I am however writing a SEQUEL! (That is if ppl are interested in one) let me know in the comments plz. And two: I think I really need to make a point of this because I've been getting it a lot--this story isn't a romance--well at least that isn't the main thing going on here. A lot of people want Iris and Davis together but I just don't think it will be realistic to have Iris shove her tongue down his throat when it's her coach and he's not single. Kind of weird right? I hope you guys still choose to read the story and thanks for all of the support already given, honesty love you guys(don't be weirded out by that lol)

P.S sorry for this extra long annoying note.

Chapter Twenty Three


Iris's Pov

I wasn't going to come today. I was going to be a typical teenage by staying in bed all Saturday, but these were my teammates, and whatever happened between Davis and I had nothing to do with this game and them. I owe it to them to be here, but watching them play the way they were was the most frustrating feeling on Earth, more frustrating than not being out there myself. They're doing it to make a statement, and I should be flattered because they're willing to throw away something we've worked so hard for because I wasn't there with them, but I'm not flattered. I'm glad I have these great friends, and teammates who would go out of their way for me, but I don't want it to end like this. We have worked hard, and whether I'm out there or not, I want to see them win, for me, and for them.


"Holy shit," Austin muttered beside me as the Spartan girl scored the goal just before halftime. He looked over at me and I shrugged my shoulders. "Davis is so pissed,"


He should be, I thought to myself. I hope he's upset, because he knows how I feel. I still hate him, I will always hate him. I hate him, I hate his class, I even hate the name Tyler now. I wish I could switch classes and get Mrs. Nobis, she's nice, I hear she's kind of boring when she teaches, but I'd take boring over a lying, heartless demon in a heartbeat. I'd even sit in the front row and take notes when she spoke. I'd do anything to get out of his class, and away from him, but my counselor says I can't. According to him, I'm doing exceptional work with Davis, and we're almost done with the first marking period. It's too late, and I'm stuck with him for the rest of the school year.


"Do you want anything from the concession stand?" Austin asked beside me and I shook my head.


"Actually can you get me a water," I asked as he got up. He smiled and nodded and I smiled back. If it weren't for Austin, I would have lost my mind a long time ago. He's keeping my mind off of this whole thing, and I guess I've come to accept the fact that my season as a Lady Red Devil is over.


I looked back at the field to watch Davis grab his stuff and then walk off. I turned my head to look at the girls who were still sitting in a cluster at one end of the corner, with Olly kneeling beside them with a clipboard in his hand. They weren't paying attention to him and I was slightly annoyed because I love Olly, and he's a nice guy. Ignoring Davis is one thing, but Olly doesn't deserve it.


I got up from the bleachers and walked onto the field. I crossed it and the refs looked at me questionably. I said nothing and continued walking. When I reached the team they all looked up at me.


"Iris what are you doing here?" Val asked coming up to hug me. Everyone else remained sitting and Beth didn't even look at me. I had a feeling she was upset with me for some reason but I didn't know why.


"I came to watch you guys play but I guess I'm wasting my time," I said and Olly stood up and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. I hugged him slightly before returning my attention to the girls again. "What are you guys doing out there? Are you seriously going to let them off that easy? You think they deserve to go to the finals instead of us? You want to give them bragging rights?"


"We don't want to play without you," Zoey muttered looking up at me.


"Are you guys nuts? You see me here don't you? I'll be with you every step of the way but you guys can't just throw the game like this, and not for me either because thats dumb. We should be winning this game, and we still have a half left so lets get to work before it's too late."


No one said anything and they all picked at their nails.


"What's wrong with you guys? Don't you want to beat the Warriors? I know you guys have been wanting that for so long," I reasoned.


"You want that more than anyone on this team and it's not fair that you won't get the chance to do it," Val said again.


"Guys, winning is winning. You guys beating the warriors is the same thing as me being there with you. I will still feel just as happy, so please can we play some actual soccer so I don't have to cover my eyes out there on the bleachers?" I asked and got a chuckle out of most of the girls. Beth still said nothing and I realized it was going to be tougher to get an agreement out of her. "Come on group hug," I said and they stood up, "Beth you too," I said and watched her walk away from the group. I looked between the team and then at her. Olly pushed me aside and motioned me to go to Beth, as he took over with the girls. I thanked him and then jogged over to Beth who was getting a drink.


"What's your problem miss sassy," I said bumping my hip with hers.


"Iris I'm not in the mood for you right now,"


"Harsh," I said jokingly and she didn't smile. I sobered up and ran my fingers through my hair. I wasn't good at talking if I couldn't joke around as I did so. Being completely serious about something wasn't something I enjoyed doing. I didn't want to think about what the actual situation was, but now I was. I know I told the girls that them winning with or without me would be the same thing, but I really don't believe that. Sometimes people just have to say something that sounds good, because other people need to hear it that way. The truth really isn't needed, but my truth would be that it won't feel the same. I wanted to be able to hold the trophy with my team and go out celebrating for our win, but it's not going to happen. I know they'll still consider me a part of the team and want me to celebrate with them, but I'll feel like I have no right to. I'll feel I didn't contribute in the finals in order to be celebrating and it sucks to know that.


"Well what's your problem then?" I asked, remembering that Beth was still in front of me, and angry.


"Nothing," she muttered indifferently and retied her hair.


"So then go out and play like the Beth I know,"


"I'm not playing," she said indignantly.


"Why?" I asked frustrated.


"Because we were suppose to play together Iris," she admitted in frustration, "we made that pact in the beginning of the year that we'd win together and then you go and get yourself kicked off the team."


"It's not my fault, you know Davis is a jerk and--"


"But it is your fault! It's his but its yours too! You shouldn't have been on the field last game. He told you not to and you still went. He was trying to keep you safe. He's wrong for kicking you off, but you're wrong for not listening to him."


I didn't want to argue with her. I wanted her to play her heart out on the field considering this is our last year of high school soccer. If I told her that it was Davis's fault, she would only get more upset, but it is his fault. He shouldn't have kicked me off in the first place. I was fine. I could have played--so I did. If Beth was put in that same position, I know she'd do the same. It's easy for her to say I should have stayed off the field, but she didn't know what it was like sitting on that bench when I should have been playing.


"Whatever," I said tired of fighting with her, "it's just a waste of a season for all of us then."


So Beth isn't going to play, well there are plenty of girls on the bench who are willing to try. It's her loss really, I don't understand what satisfaction she's getting from this, I mean I'm the one who got kicked off. I don't need her to give up everything she has worked for, for me, I never asked for that. I never wanted that.


I walked away from her and the frustration she brought onto me, and made my way to my next problem--Davis. I definitely didn't want to see him right now let alone talk to him, but I needed to. He couldn't just walk away from the team. Sadly, we needed him to win. Olly is great and he's great at what he does, but he's not assertive enough..and well Davis is, he's borderline scary. Sometimes scary is needed. I can't even count how many times Davis has shouted and had me on edge, but it honestly helped during the game--most of the time.


I scanned the parking lot for his car and saw him sitting in his driver's seat with his phone to his ear. One of his hands supported his head as his elbow rested against the car window. He looked defeated, and I should enjoy seeing him like this, but it isn't as satisfying as I thought it would be. I want to back out of talking to him, and if it wasn't for the locket wrapped around my neck, I probably would have.


He looked up at the same time as I approached his car. He muttered a few words to his phone and then shut it off. He opened his car door and stepped out--and his shocked face didn't go unnoticed. He didn't expect me here, and I think he didn't want to see me. I'm not offended, because he's the last person I want to be face to face with, but I have to, because of my team, and because of this game that will continue it's downhill path if he's not there.


We stared at each other for a moment. I don't think he had anything to say. I don't think he was prepared to see me standing here in front of him after everything that was happening. I wasn't sure if I should jump right into it. Maybe I should have told Olly to come down here and talk to Davis. I'm not great with people, and I'm definitely even worse with communicating with Davis. I sighed slightly and fixed the beanie on my head.


"What are you doing out here?" I finally asked.


"I'm ready to leave and go home," he mumbled.


'While the game is still going on," I asked with scrutiny, "what kind of coach leaves behind his team when they need him."


He laughed and I rolled my eyes.


"They don't need me. They've made it very clear that they are done with me and this season," he said and his voice shook with anger and hurt. He must feel like everyone gave up on him, and left him without giving him a chance. At least now he knows how I've felt this past week. He gave me no chance to show him I was fine, and he just gave up on me.


"They do need you," I said hating the fact that I had to tell him this. "They can't win without you, and they're just mad because you kicked off one of their friends, but they'll get over it. You just need to know that they need you, and that they are trying to win this game now, but they need you to do so."


He stared at me and then sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at him, waiting for his response. "I can't just go back," he finally said. "I just told them I was done with them and the season, and that I'm not coming back. They will never take me seriously again."


"Seriously do you really care what they'll think? Don't tell me you're getting all girly and sensitive now," I said and he laughed, which followed with a smile.


"Thanks Grey," he said and I didn't want him calling me Grey. That was our thing before, when we still at least spoke, but now we don't speak at all and he can't just call me by my last name again like everything is okay with us again, because it's not. I still hate him, and I will always be upset with him for what he did, and the only reason I talked to him at all was because of the team. Because they needed him--not me.


"You should get back before second half starts," I told him and then turned around and went back to the bleachers where Austin was already sitting with my water bottle in his hand. I smiled and sat next to him and he looked over at me and smiled, and then handed me my bottle.


"Thought you ditched me," he said and I chuckled and returned my attention back to the field, and watched Davis walk back on. The girls were all huddled in their circle and Davis jogged over to them and put his hand over all of theirs. They looked over to him and smiled slightly and he smiled back, before he turned his head toward the bleachers and made eye contact with me. I looked away and noticed Beth sitting on the bench by herself, picking at her nails.


I sighed internally and hated that she was refusing to play. I then got an idea and needed Austin to help me out with it, and I knew that he would in a heartbeat. I jumped onto the bleacher and pulled Austin up with me. He looked at me like I was crazy and I just laughed.


"COME ON BETH!" I shouted and nudged Austin who followed my lead shortly after. I began jumping on the bleacher and clapping my hands like a complete maniac as I cheered for her. Everyone looked over at Austin and I, the spectators, players from both teams, and the coachs. "WHO'S THE BEST? BETH!" I said making a joke out of Valerie's cheers for us that one game against the warriors. I could see them all laughing, and I could see Beth cracking a smile. "We need you Beth!" I wouldn't stop my madness until I saw her get up off that bench and start playing, and slowly, I watched her get up and walk over to the huddle.


"You can stop now!" She shouted back and I laughed and jumped off the bleacher, but couldn't help but feel good about myself while I did. I felt like the heroine of today.


"Maybe I should have been a cheerleader," I told Austin who sat down beside me and he laughed and wrapped an arm around me.


"As long as you come cheer for me on my next game," he joked and I rolled my eyes.

~

I watched the girls all huddle up and jump on each other on the middle of the field, as the speakers announced their win and that they were on their way to finals. I smiled, happy for them, but I couldn't sit here and watch, knowing I wasn't apart of it. I was glad that they got their act together and turned the game around to win 3-2, but I wish I was down there with them. I bet they're excited for finals, they can definitely win this year, they're strong enough mentally. "Can we go now?" I asked Austin who agreed right away and led the way to his car. The car ride back was quiet and I thanked the music for keeping it from being awkward. I loved that Austin wasn't pushy. I know that he knows I'm upset over how everything happened, but he's letting me deal with it on my own terms, and by myself at that.


When we made it to my house, I thanked him, and he probably thought I meant for the ride, which I was thankful for too, but I meant everything. For being here. For becoming my friend, or whatever we are, I'm not sure. For understanding that I like my space, and for not nagging me. For everything.


I walked back into my house that I knew would already be empty. My parents and Max went to the mall today and I already told them that I would be going to the game. They still think I'm on the team, because they never asked, and I never told them otherwise, and I definitely wasn't going to now. I haven't even told them about my ankle. It's been perfectly tolerable, there are times when it hurts to walk on it, but the pain is something I can handle, and the last thing I want to do is visit a doctor who tells me I can never play soccer again.


I grabbed my mac and cheese off the stove and walked over to my window when I heard the doorbell ring. I looked outside and saw Davis standing there. I moved away from the window and took a spoonful of macaroni. What was he even doing here? I didn't want to see or speak to him. I've already done enough for today.


"Iris, I know you're inside, your car is in the driveway," he said ringing the doorbell and I scoffed, "and your lights are on."


I quickly jogged over to the light switch in my dining room and shut it off. It was the only light on and I wasn't sure why considering there was still daylight.


"That was smart," I heard Davis say, "now I really know you're here." I rolled my eyes and walked back into my living room. There were windows that let me see Davis perfectly, but that only meant he could see me too, so I shut the blinds, and didn't care that he watched me as I did so. I sat down on the couch smugly, and turned on the tv to watch the highlights of Manchester City and the Spurs.


My phone vibrated on the table and I picked it up.


I'm not leaving.


I rolled my eyes and hit the reply button.


I'll call the cops


I set my phone down and crossed my arms over my chest and scowled at it when it rang again. Still he finds a way to bother me. Will I ever catch a break?


Still won't leave.


I groaned to myself as I texted him back: hope you freeze, I set my phone back down and turned the volume up on my tv. There is nothing he has to say to me. Nothing at all, so he's just wasting his precious time on me. My phone vibrated again and I sighed. There was no way I was going to be able to enjoy my Saturday unless I got rid of this parasite on my doorstep.


Just give me a minute, that's all I need.


I crawled back over to the window and peeked through the blinds. He was seated on the steps with his phone in his hands, and his elbows on his knees. I stared at him for a few more seconds and cursed under my breath for wanting to know what he is going to say. I grabbed my cardigan off the dining room chair and pulled it on. I slipped on a pair of vans and then opened the door quietly. I shut it behind me and stared at his back.


"You have a minute,"I told crossing my arms and he turned around to look at me.


"Are you going to sit down?"


"Do you want me to?"


"Yeah,"


"Then no, I'll stand." I told him and he shook his head and chuckled slightly. I'm being immature, but that's what he always claims I am: an immature eighteen year old who doesn't know how to act her age, so I might as well keep acting like it.


"Thank you for today," he began and turned his head so that he could look at me. I thought it was only going to be a brief glance, but he just stared at me, and I began feeling uncomfortable not knowing what he was thinking.


"Is that all you had to say? Can I go now?"


"Can you please just sit down?" He asked and I sighed.


"Fine, but I'm not doing it because you asked, my legs just hurt from standing."


"Right,"


"You know I can leave and not listen to what you want to say," I told him not appreciating his skepticism.


"Look, what I came here to say was thank you for today,"


"You already said that,"


"I'm not finished," I could hear the annoyance in his voice.


"Well then continue,"


"I would if someone stopped interrupting me," he said pointedly and I rolled my eyes, "Oliver told me about the talk you had with the girls,"


"So?" I asked shifting uncomfortably and looked away from him and averted my attention down at my street that was quiet.


"So I think that was very considerate of you. Without you we wouldn't be at the finals," he insisted and I resisted the urge to scoff. I did nothing, he just probably feels guilty for kicking me off, and he should.


"If that's all..."


"Come back to the team," he said and my head snapped in his direction. He was already staring at me and I narrowed my eyes at him. His words only brought back the anger that I was doing so well at keeping hidden. Now it was all surfacing and I couldn't stop myself from lunging at him. I pushed us both backward, and then straddled him. I brought my fist back and aimed for his jaw but he grabbed my wrist and kept me from punching him.


I scowled and tried pulling my hand away. I went to slap him with my free hand, but soon that was taken by him too. "You think you can just kick me off and then ask for me to come back like it's nothing?" I asked with rage, and tried to control my breathing. His hands were still wrapped around my wrists, but he pressed them against his chest so that I couldn't try to pull away from him again. I was leaning forward slightly because my arms were pulled that way, and my hair was covering a part of my face, and splayed over his shoulder, "let go of me!"


"I thought you want to be on the team,"


"You can't just kick me off and then expect me to want to come right back. Do you not get that I hate you? Like I really hate you."


"Considering you tried to punch me, I guess I can see that," he said smiling and it only made me angrier. I tried pulling my hands away, which only led to him pulling them closer to him, and I lost every ounce of control I had, and fell against him. My face was centimeters away from his, and I could feel his heartbeat against my palm that he still held against him. If he would just let my hand go, I could punch him, and then I could get off of him because being this up close and personal with him was not something that happened everyday(or ever).


I licked my lips out of habit, and the fact that it was cold out side, and they felt cracked. His eyes followed my movement. I waited for him to make eye contact with me again, and he finally did, "can you let me go now?" I whispered.


"Are you going to try and punch me?"


"Depends on what comes out of your mouth,"


He stared at me for another moment before I felt his hands loosen up on my wrists and I pulled away and got up from him. I was sure that I'd be blushing right now if I wasn't already red from the cold. Never have I gotten that close to a guy, and definitely not a teacher at that. Then again, I never tried punching one before either.


"Look, I know kicking you off was kind of overboard,"


"kind of?" I asked.


"Iris shut up and let me speak," he said and I crossed my arms and waited for him to keep going, "kicking you off was overboard but I don't regret it," he said and I was suddenly feeling the urge to punch him again. "You needed to understand that I'm the coach, and I'm the one that makes the decisions. I sat you out because you aren't suppose to play--"


"but I can--"


"Iris," he warned and I sighed and let him continue, "you aren't suppose to play, so I sat you down because that's what I'm suppose to do. I'm responsible for your well being, and I didn't want you getting hurt. I get that you think you're fine and that you can play, but you can't just go around thinking you can do whatever you want. That can get you in some serious trouble, and not just in soccer, in life. You need to understand that I took away your jersey because you were being reckless, and I would do it all over again if it meant that I was getting through to you."


"You could have just talked to me. You kicked me off and I didn't get to play my last semi-final game," I said my eyes watering slightly, "do you know how much that bothers me?"


"Yes maybe I could have done it differently, but I don't think you would really listen to me if there was no actual consequence."


"You should have just let me play when I told you I was fine," I muttered.


"You weren't fine,"


"I was,"


"You weren't Iris,"


"I'm fine why does no one listen to me?" I nearly shouted. "I've been dealing with this ankle for long enough to know that I was fine. I was fine then and I'm fine now,"


"I still don't think you're okay today,"


"Then why are you asking me to come back?" I asked.


"Because it's your final season. You deserve to finish it properly, and I was wrong for trying to take it away from you. If you say you can handle you're ankle then fine." I stared at him in disbelief and realized that this was his way of apologizing to me. Giving me my spot back was his way of saying that he was wrong for what he did.


"I was wrong for not listening to you too," I muttered incoherantly but he heard me because he tried to get me to repeat it again, and there was no way that I was going to do that. It was already hard enough the first ime around.


"So can we call it truths?"


"On one condition,"


"You can't punch me in the face," he said quickly and put his hands up to defend himself and I laughed.


"No, not that. We can't have these stupid fights anymore. I can't take them anymore," I admitted and he smiled and agreed. We both stood up from the steps and I realized that his initial minute he needed to explain himself turned into nearly ten.


"I can't believe you were really going to punch me," he said in disbelief as he leaned against the railing of my porch.


"Believe it," I said as I leaned against my front door and grabbed the door handle and he laughed and shook his head.


"Do you really hate me Grey?" He asked solemnly.


"Sometimes," I said smiling as I opened my door and winked at him before closing it.

~~~

Iris is back!!! How do you guys feel about that?

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