Play Like A Girl

chapter seven

The first day of practice- well not even practice- conditioning, wasn't as bad as I imagined. I always make sure to stay in pretty good shape, so I wasn't worried about that, I was more worried about Adam. He kept his mouth shut and stayed away from me for the most part. Thank god he did, we had a lot of stuff to work on. Our first game was only a week and a half away.

Of course we ran, distance and sprints, but varsity got it easy. Even John and Collin were wincing, talking about their freshman days. Well- it was mainly just me and Collin with a side of John. Ever since that get together three or four days ago he's been acting a little more awkward than usual.

"Have they talked to you any more about the pictures," Collin asked durning a water break.

"Nope." I shrugged my shoulder.

John rolled his eyes while Collin scoffed. We were then herded back onto the field and paired up with partners.

I got paired up with Drew, who was acting a little shy. We were doing partner ball handing, which was a walk in the park. About half way through Ross pulled me aside.

"Meet me in my office after practice please," he muttered only loud enough for me to hear. I nodded my head and watched as he walked away...and pulled Adam aside as well.

We both did what we were told, and after practice we quickly gathered our water bottles and made our way to Ross's office- completely aware of each other's presence.

We got there just as Coach was unlocking it. He ushered us inside and Adam took a seat while I stood just inside the door.

"Adam, it would be better if you just confessed now," Coach began. Adam looked up at him and Coach raised his eyebrows. "Well?"

"I'm sorry," he said as he glanced at me. "Yes, I did it. And I regret it."

Coach Ross looked at me sympathetically. I wasn't sure what to do, I was just standing there awkwardly.

"Two day suspension. Office rules. You are to miss the first game, and don't expect to play much the second one either," Ross said sternly. "And you will be at practice when you come
back from your two day suspension."

"Okay, okay." Adams voice was shaky, I never imagined I would ever experience him like this. "And when I said I was sorry," Adam turned to look at me. "I really meant it. I really am sorry."

"You should be sorry, and glad. You're lucky the law isn't getting involved in this. She's a minor. It was completely up to her mom to not press charges, you should feel lucky."

"I am. I'm sorry and I realize I'm lucky."

The two looked at me, like the expected me to say something. And I did.

"Why did you do it then? You picked on me, you had nearly no reason to do that."

"I know. If I am being completely honest, it's because you're good. Like, really good. I was scared, you're crazy talented." I shifted from one foot to another as he kept talking. "And I was scared and jealous. And I understand my consequences completely, but I just wish I could take it all back. I know me saying this won't change anything, but I feel better knowing that you know this, or heard me say this. And I won't be a dick anymore, I promise."

I laced up my cleats in the locker room, by myself as usual. First game, don't' screw it up. I sat there on the old wooden bench taken deep breaths, waiting for the knock signaling its time for me to go outside with the rest of the team.