Enhance

Chapter 12 - Tomlinson

Chapter 12 - Tomlinson

Life goes on after the party, everything’s the same. Almost. I keep working hard to improve my skills, staying until late on the field, waking up extra early to keep training, studying to keep my scholarship, and spending time with my mates, seeing Robin at every practice. The only difference is that she doesn’t ignore me anymore, she waves and smiles at me, but we haven’t seen each other and talked since the party. As we started the game season before the championship we are all training even harder and if I want to be a regular soon, I need to improve even faster. When I stay after practice on the field she doesn’t approach, she just leaves like everyone else and I think it’s best, that way I can concentrate even more on what I’m doing.

Robin isn’t exactly a distraction, she’s in fact another reminder that I need to improve, but when she’s around I’m always aware of her presence and I tend to look in her direction from time to time, wondering if she remembers the last conversation we had.

I know I have improved, just not as much as I want to. After the first game the coach keeps an eye on me more than usual and I feel the pressure. I also notice how my other teammates make it even harder for me, which is helpful, you know? I’ve also noticed that Connor hates me even more. I’ve been so near of getting injured just because of him. He’s a really nasty player.

“Tomlinson,” the coach shouts and I run to him. “Are you staying on the field again?” he asks me next and I nod.

“Yes, coach. I’ll leave everything in the equipment room later, as usual,” I reply and the coach nods.

“Keep the hard work, Tomlinson. You’re doing a great job.”

I can’t help the smile from coming to my lips after he says that and I’m still smiling when all my other teammates leave the field, including the coach. I look at the bleachers and see Robin, looking in my direction. I wave at her with a smile and she does the same. I wish she would come down and be with me here, watching me practice, but she’s also busy. In fact, I’m surprised that she comes to every practice, even if it’s for half an hour.

She leaves and I turn around to keep practicing, placing some obstacles for me before I try to score. I try to make it as demanding as I can and every time I have to do it in less time. I’m trying to become faster and more agile as my endurance has improved a lot already.

After an extra hour I’m finally done with training and as exhausted as I am, I gather everything to drop it in the equipment room and then shower. No one is around now and it’s really quiet, which is exactly what I need after being working for so long.

After taking off all my clothes I step into the showers and take my time there, letting the water wash away all the exhaustion of a long day and giving me time to think of other things. I’ve been so focused on football that I don’t even think of Robin until I see her or when I’m about to fall asleep.

I’ve finally managed for her to notice me and remember me, but now I’m so focused on improving, not for her but for myself, that I don’t even have time to use this opportunity to the fullest.

It’s not like Robin and I are now best friends ever and we go everywhere together. To be honest, we’ve just hung out a few times, including the party.

Maybe I should find some free time and try to spend it with her, trying to get to know her a bit better. Maybe I should go to her when the practice finishes next time and ask her if she has some time to spare. Maybe she can stay there with me for a while then we can go for a drink or something. I know she’s busy as well, but I have to ask anyways. I’ll just take a deep breath next time and run to the bleachers before she leaves.