The Final Season

Chapter 26

Chapter Twenty-Six

Davis' pieces of advice were the only words I could think about as I stared at the ball. They separated me from the silence that filled the stadium. In this moment the weather seemed to be colder, I seemed to be more tired, and the pressure seemed to be more intense. Still, the only thought formulating in my mind was that Davis had chose me as captain for a reason--and chose me to take this shot. He showed immense trust in me, trust I didn't even have in myself, but I needed to be strong. You won't get anywhere being just physically strong. You need the mentality too. That's what separates champions from second place.

The whistle blew, and it was the most unpleasant sound I've ever heard in my life. I wasn't ready to decide yet. I wasn't ready to trust myself, but I didn't seem to have a choice in the matter. In a complete spontaneous manner, I ran toward the ball, my mind void of thought, and kicked the ball in the direction that felt right. The idea of not thinking something as important as this through, scared me, but I kicked the ball with as much force and confidence I had anyway, somehow leaving my fear behind. The ball flew to the left, and I watched the goalie go in the opposite direction.

As if the play was set in slow motion, I watched the ball move through the air, and I feared that history would continue to repeat itself today. I'd make the same mistake as I did last year, and Davis would have the same facial expression when I missed. Instead, the ball, with it's own determined course, met the back of the net, and my shoulders sagged in relief. I could have cried. I almost did.

Bodies attacked me and they swarmed me in hugs. I wrapped my arms around them, and silently thanked anything and everyone. The crowd erupted into cheers, portions stayed seated, the obvious spectators on the Warriors' side. I looked over at the bench, and the girls on the side were on their feet and cheering. Olly was clapping his hands, his cheeky smile made things even better. Davis had both of his hands on his head, and his fingers locked in his hair, usually he did this when he was upset, but the smile he always had after a goal returned, and when he saw me looking in his direction, the smile grew. It was different from any other time he showed his white teeth. It was full of pride, and grew wider and wider by the second. I smiled back, knowing that it was contagious, and laughed when Beth hugged me again after everyone else let go, interrupting the moment I wasn't quite ready to let go.

I reminded everyone that the game wasn't quite over. There is still twenty minutes left, and the score is only tied. I'd prefer not to have the game settled by penalties at the end of the game. We needed this other goal, and with twenty minutes left, we couldn't let our guard down, or allow another goal. There was no room for any additional mistakes. We needed one more goal, and I knew it was going to be hard to get.

"Alright girls, lets go, communicate, stay on your marks," I heard Davis call out. I listened to his voice. For once, his tone helped calm the jitters I had for the twenty minutes ahead, but it also caused butterflies to resonate in my stomach. Not the butterflies people have when they like--have some stupid crush or whatever. No way. Just--he made me nervous. I didn't want to disappoint him, and the thought of disappointing him frightened me. Strange though. How his voice can soothe and send me on edge all at once.

Carly became much more rough as time elapsed. Every second she pulled at my jersey, elbowed me, and kicked at my right ankle. She knew I was injured, and she was using it to her advantage. It was low for even her, but it was working. My ankle was becoming more difficult to endure. It throbbed constantly, and to a point where I began to limp momentarily. Davis saw. I knew he did because he began looking towards the bench and I stared in horror, and began to sprint on my ankle, for no apparent reason at all, considering the ball was on the other side of the field, but I sprinted either way. There was no way I was going to let this stop me. There was no way Davis was going to take me out.