"Give it up, doll!" Matt yelled from the bleachers. He and his cronies from the football team (aka SOCCER team) sniggered as I positioned the ball in front of me, a few feet farther from the obstacles I've set up.
You see, I'm practicing for try-outs. Apparently, this Uni I'm in is so sexist that they only have an all-boys football team. Though, in the competitions, there's no rule that girl's can't play. So I set my goal to be the very first girl to get in the team. Coach has already given me the recognition. So has the captain. I only need to gain recognition from the other members of the team, which is very frustrating with Matt around.
I felt beads of sweat rolling down my forehead, my cheeks, and reaching my neck. There were a few on my nape as well. It was already evening, the towering lights surrounding the field were blazing. At least, I thought they were but because exhaustion was slowly taking over my system, I wasn't so sure. But I couldn't give in. I had to push through my limit.
Sniggers and more banter came from the bleachers but I tuned them out. I knew in myself that I was above them, seeing as they put so much effort into bringing me down. I pitied them but I can't help the smile creeping up my lips as I felt a surge of excitement, running through the field. The ball in my control. I moved fluidly, like the ball was a part of me.
Bam! I crossed the obstacle and went for goal.. It went in, of course.
I faced the bleachers. Matt's and the rest of the team's mouths were agape. Dumbstruck by my performance.
"Any comments on that, hotshot?" I called out to Matt, and took a bow.
"Amateur play. I could tell you a thousand flaws with your technique and ball handling but I'd rather not. It wouldn't get into that big head of yours, anyway." He retorted as he came to me, and I swear, I would've ripped his head off if 'he' hadn't come.
'He' being Liam Payne. Captain of the football team/My best friend. He was walking towards us, still wearing his 'play outfit."
Play outfit, meaning he's participating in a school play, a musical to be exact(he has some wicked pipes, I tell you!), and at the moment, he's still in his costume.
His white shirt, which looked a size-too-small, accentuated his defined muscular built. His jeans rolled up a bit at the hem, and his hair was at it's 'natural state'.
"Break it up." He stated firmly once he reached us.
"This dumb b*tch started it! If she would ust give up and leave our team alone, you wouldn't hear a single word from me!" Matt blurted out, his face turning red.
"What the hell is your problem, a**hole?!" I couldn't hold myself back any longer.
"You don't belong in the team!"
Liam stood in front of me, hiding me behind him protectively.
"Matt, you're suspended for 5 plays, and I don't want to see your face in the team meeting tomorrow." Liam said calmly. Matt's eyes grew furious, his nostrils flaring.
"You have no authority!"
"Yes, I do. And I also have the authority to kick you off the team, if you don't leave this instant." I could hear the threat in Liam's voice.
Matt stayed put, glaring at Liam, then eventually gave up. He turned to me with anger in his eyes, "Just because you have our captain, doesn't mean you're in the team. You still have to get our approval, and hear me, I won't forget this." He said in the most threatening way he could muster and walked away.
That struck a chord. I don't want to admit it but what if Matt had a point? What if I got the coach's approval because of Liam? And Matt and the others saw through it? Even though I wasn't really using Liam, did it really appear that way?
I was on the verge of tears when Liam pulled me to him. His strong arms wrapped around me tightly as I crashed onto his chest. I felt like a ragdoll, my knees were weakening.
"Don't listen to them, Andrea. I saw you from across the field, you were amazing out there." Liam whisphered as he caressed the small of my back, calming me down.
A small smile tugged up my lips. "How come you always know what to say at times like these?"
"Because," He held my chin up, his other arm wrapped around my waist, "I'm being honest here. They couldn't admit that you could beat their sorry bums in a football match."
I grinned at him as his hand moved up to my cheeks, tracing where my teardrops fell. Worry crossed his flawless face, his brown eyes drooped and his perfect lips pulled down to a frown.
I wonder if he knew...
I wonder if he knew how much I loved him..
Probably, not.
I never really had the guts to tell him. The fear of him not loving me back was hard to cope with. Plus, how can I ruin our friendship? For all I know, he might be sweet and caring to other girls as well. That's so him, really. Sweet, caring, and gentle.
I pushed myself away from him, regretting it the moment I lost contact of him.. But I didn't show it. I kept my grin.
"With my knowledge and understanding on the football game, I think I should be a lot better at football." I said in a Godfather-like tone.
His lips tugged up to a smile, and I swear I heard an angelic choir.
"C'mon. I'll take you home."
"Will you sing to me along the way?"
"Of course.. Oh, and by the way. Stop by practice tomorrow. Don't ask any questions."
I nodded. I didn't bother interrogating him as exhaustion was starting to take its toll on me.
************************************************************************************************************
"Oh my God." I mumbled at the sight of the field.
"Too much?"
Liam stood in front of me, in the middle of everyone, holding up a boquet. On each side of the field, a group of people held banners saying, "Andrea Zamora, I love you."
The people on the bleachers cheered as I walked up to Liam.
"What is this?" I asked, still in a daze.
"This is my way of telling you that I've been in love with you since.. Forever! You brought me nothing but happiness. I experienced a lot of things because of you and with you..." He took my hand. "Without you, I'll probably be just boring-old Liam Payne." He placed my hand on his cheek. "You are what keeps me going, Andrea.:
I felt an overflowing feeling of euphoria, bursting within me.
"So, be mine?" Liam asked pleadingly. His brown eyes, unwavering.
I nodded my head, not able to form any words, and in an instant, our lips met. His molding with mine perfectly. Gentle and reassuring.. That's how it felt.
The people cheered, his team ran towards us, breaking the moment completely.
"Congratulations, Andrea!" Zayn, one of Liam's best mates in the team, handed me a uniform.
"You're in the team!" Louis cheered, and so did Niall and Harry.
I felt my eyes blur with tears. "But wait, you want me in? What about Matt?"
"He's off the team. Coach kicked him out. Besides, we always wanted you to join. He was the only one in the way, 'cause he's co-captain and all that." Zayn shrugged.
"Why was kicked out?"
"Caught using steroids." Harry answered while shaking his head.
"You should've seen coach's face, he was downright furious." Niall added.
"So what happens now? Who'll replace him?" I asked.
"You are." Liam answered, patting my head.
"What? I don't deserve that! I just got in the team!"
"Nonsense! We all know you're really good. Take it!" Louis said, and the other boys nodded approvingly.
Before I could run around and jump for joy, Liam pulled me in and sealed me in a kiss.
