Feet

Chapter 1

I sit up in my bedroom dreaming of how the futbal men run. Oh how fast, with quick feet and strong legs. It is a nice thing to think about.

"Grace, time for church."

"Coming mom, I just have to grab something."

I had to grab the soccer ball and my brother's cleats so I could practice. I ran downstairs as fast as I could go without messing up my hair. I started walking to church with them, we didn't have enough money to buy a car so we walked. My body was here but my mind felt like it was somewhere else. I was only thinking about how good it would feel to practice outside in the meadow, the beautiful green, flat, wonderful meadow. I could smell the fresh green grass and I could feel the wetness of the ground soaking into my nylons. What a wonderful feeling.

We walked into the church and we were greeted with hugs. We all wait there standing until everybody is in the church. Then we sat down in silence. The paster George says a few prayers, and told us to think about what we wanted. "Soccer." It dominated my thoughts, I had to blink to remind myself I was still awake. When he finished, we sang a couple songs. After the songs, a basket is passed around in which you put money in. We always put in at least 2 cents each time. Then we  rised to say thanks and we drank wine and ate bread.  Now, Ma is talking to the paster George and now, it is my time to do what I do best.

I went outside and ran right to the meadow. It was like it was calling me and it felt so good. From the smell to the wetness, it was perfect. Something today was different though since I heard footsteps. I was worried, worried that something bad would happen. Then a girl with brown hair and hazle eyes came up on the hill. She was walking towards me but slowly. I just kept playing. She reached out to me and said, "Your pretty good. Can I see the ball?" I was suspicious but I wanted to see how she could play. "Ok, here." I tossed it to her and she caught it. It seemed like there was a pause because the moment seemed slow or, she was just fast. She dropped the ball and did crazy tricks with her feet. She was so fast in everything. She stopped and kicked the ball at me. "You try."

I did but I wasn't half as good as she was. "What's your name?" She paused for only a moment, looking at me weirdly, "Lucy. Why are you asking?"

"You are just so good at soccer, I just wanted to know."

"Well, now you do. Got it?" She was very pushy, strong, firm. I liked it.

"Yes, I do get it." She looked at me again but this time it was a face that looked mad.

"Grab some socks and a better ball and we can practice."

I didn't want to upset her but, my mom didn't know about me and my soccer thing. "My Ma won't allow me, she doesn't know that I do this. I'm sorry, we can play Saturday and Sunday after church but only at those times ok?"

"Yeah, whatever. I just want to play, you know what I mean?"

"Yes. I know exactly what you mean."