Beautiful Goodbye

Chapter 17: I'm Sorry For Being Needy

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“Listen champs,” Coach bellowed in that classic british accent of his. “First game of the season. You know I’m not a fan of long pep talks so I’ll make this short.” He paused. “Before you go out there think of the reason why you’re playing this game. Why are you here? What motivates you to play this game, year in and year out? And when you get out to that field remember what it is, who they are, and use them to guide you to where you should be. And that is to go back into this locker room as champions."  

One team gave out an applause and everyone else did the same. Coach is one good pep-talker. So before the game officially starts I thought of the reason why I was here. What motivates me to be here. I’m sure it’s because of my love for this game. I can’t imagine what else should I be doing. I’m also playing for my Dad because he supported me all throughout. I realise that this season he won’t be here to say he’s proud of me. Stop thinking of sad thoughts, Alex. And I’m playing for Cassandra. I realise that she’s all that I have left. She’s supported me and had always been with me. I don’t know what I’d do without her.  

“Okay, huddle up team!” Our team captain, Enrique, announced.  

“You heard what Coach said. Let’s go back here champions”, he said. “1, 2, 3, Go team!” We all shouted at the top of our lungs.  

And then our team’s assistant handed us each Gatorade in shot glasses. It’s sort of a pre-game ritual for the team. On the count of three, we drank the gatorade shots in one swig. And that was enough for us to get prep up.  

One by one, we got out of the field. When it was my turn, I was overwhelmed with the cheers and jeers of the people on the stands. My gaze sought my friends who were seated near the field. I saw Allen and Amanda. Surprisingly, Jayce was sober enough to be here. But what’s even more surprising was that Leanne was also there. I think these two are on to something. I surveyed the bleachers and didn’t see Cassandra anywhere. Where the hell could she be? She said she’ll be here. I smiled to my friends before swallowing up the disappointment of not seeing Cass.  

To concentrate in the game, I concluded that Cass was only running late. The hospital must be really busy. I tried to play my best, not trying to look at the bleachers to check on her. I think I’ve succeeded quite well since I was able to make a goal for the first half of the game. Coach gave me a thumbs up and I was hyped so much I momentarily forgot about my absentee girlfriend.   

After making a goal for the team, I felt that the old Alex is back. The team was on high defence. For the second half, our only strategy was to not let the other team goal. I was too caught up with the excitement of it all that for the rest of the game, all I thought about was winning.   

There was only two minutes left on the clock. We were successful so far in keeping the score 1-0. But I wanted more.   

I wanted another goal. And I found the perfect opportunity. That’s it if Philip cooperates. Yeah, shocking. Coach put him in as sub for Holden who got his knee injured.   

I made eye contact with Philip and executed a hand signal which represents ‘cover for me’. I was shocked when I received a nod from him and not the expected glare.   

Number 21 was blocking my every move that’s why I needed Phil to distract him. When we were nearing the goal, Philip swooped in and blocked #21. It was enough chance for me to break hold of his guard, and position myself to kick the ball to the left side of the net.