They Call Me Blades (Harry Styles)

Chapter 2

"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars." -Khalil Gibran

"Hey, Ellis," Harry's rough, British accent booms around us. I knew enough about him to know he moved here freshman year from England, but I have only seen him in passing or on the field and I've never talked to him before this.

"Hi, Harry." I stretch my arm out for him to shake. "Since you're the team captain, I'll be talking to you about preventative techniques and fun stuff like that. I just ask that you make sure your fellow teammates do what I say, to keep them from injury. You know where the athletic office is, right?"

I've never actually seen him come up to get wrapped or take an ice bath or anything, which is strange because almost all the players do.

"Yeah I think so, right next to the gym." he says.

"We have a big game tomorrow, so after practice the whole team is going to meet there. Round up all the others and start heading up. After, we can go set up for team dinner." Coach Lee says and Harry says a quick "Yes, sir." before getting the other players.

Oh great, a big team wide meeting in my office. Why this is hapening, I really have no idea but Lee isn't one to argue with. This will be a trip.

I hop into my car and start my drive back up to campus, passing all the boys as they run back up as their last requirement for practice. I wave as they make goofy faces at me and park my old, beat-up truck in one of the front spaces.

I really do love these guys, even though we don't talk during the school day. I'm sure they don't want Blades to ruin their reputation. After school is different, they are sarcastic and funny and we have a fun time together. This is something that I share with all the boys, excluding Harry.

I honestly don't think it's because of a malicious reason; he is just so focused on his sport that he has no time to goof around.

I enter the room just before the sea of sweaty bodies comes rushing in, and I start to work on the thing that I love. I have wanted to be a physical therapist ever since I can remember, so taking care of athletes comes as second nature. In the midst of wrapping Charlie's bad ankle, Coach Lee starts talking about the game tomorrow. While manuvering through the cramped room to tend to the boys, I try to keep up with what Lee is saying. He talks about hard work and having passion for soccer; a typical motivational speech to get everyone pumped up.

"Michals, anything to add?" I pop my head up and nod, while moving next to where he stands.

"Ok, guys, make sure to get a good night sleep and eat a lot tomorrow. Your body will be able to perform better with a lot of carbs and protein in your system, but don't eat right before the game starts. I'm assuming you don't want to get sick. Also, take it easy tomorrow and stretch even more than usual," I tell them and they nod along. "That's all I have, Coach. Good luck tomorrow, guys, I'll be there so don't screw it up," I say and they all laugh.

If this how it could always be like, all laughes and smiles, school might actually be tolerable.

I park in the driveway of my house, after finishing up with soccer stuff, and walk in. "Good to see you, dear," my foster mom, Kay, says as I walk into the door, Lilly and Griff following close behind me. "How was your day?" she asks while helping Griff put his coat up.

"The usual." I shrug, brushing off her question, and go to the fridge to find something to eat.

"I made lasagna for dinner, do you want me to make you a plate?" she smiles brightly at me, I return it with a nod and she makes the three of us plates full of delicious food.