The Female Kicker

Chapter 12

Today was the day of my dad's death. It was the 1 year anniversary. I don't really know how to put that so it's not creepy or weird. Soon I began to think of our last moment together. I was beggining to cry and decided enough sadness for right now. So finally, I got out of bed, grabbed some workout clothes, a towel, and headed toward the bathroom. I hopped into the shower and within 5 minutes, I was out. I got dressed in a black Nike sports bra, a grey tank top, and some soccer shorts. Grabbing my hairbrush and 2 hair bows,  I dutch braided my hair. I quickly grabbed my phone and went into the hall, yelling at my brothers to get up. I walked downstairs to the kitchen.  Upon reaching it,  I walked to the cabinet and grabbed a granola bar then poured myself a glass of milk.  Looking up, I saw Austin walking down the stairs on his phone.  I was about to call out to him because he was going to trip over a box I hadn't noticed before. But then I remembered when he wouldn't make Blake give me my stuff,  so I let him trip.  He tripped and I started laughing hysterically. I walked over to him to offer him my hand but he had other plans.  He grabbed my hand but instead of me pulling him up, he pulled me down.  I stifled a laugh and fake glared at him but sat up and reached out to the box.  Where did this come from? Sitting it on my lap, I noticed a note reading, "To Kaylee" so I opened it. Inside, consisted of some football gear, some other football stuff, and saints fan wear. There was even a framed picture of all the players, even Kade. At the very bottom of the box I saw a little note reading "Love the team♡" I think we're all finally getting along.  They're learning to accept the fact there's a girl on the team and I'm learning that boys can be a hand full.  Even with 6 brothers, these guys still surprise me. Some of them still don't agree with it but oh well.  I zone back in only to find the team staring at me.  When did they get here? I thank them and notice that Austin has gotten up and Blake and Kade have came down the stairs.  Noticing that I'm still on the floor,  Austin grabs the package from me and Blakey offers me his hand. I take it and he helps me up.  I make sure to point out to Austin that you're not supposed to pull someone down when they offer their hand to you like a normal person. The team makes a hug line,  like the ones at funerals for the family, because they all know what today is. Unfortunately so do I.  It may not be the weekend but the whole town has arranged for there to be no school in honor of my dad.  Ah I love it here. Today was my good classes day, Agriculture, Science, History, and P. E. but so much for that since there was no school. Not that I'm complaining. We all don't know what we should do today so Hunter suggests we go bowling. "Eww no man." says Carter. Kyle says "We could go to the park and play around" but fun killer Bryan just had to have a say, "We need to practice for the upcoming game if we wanna win.  It's against the Lions." The team groans knowing that one,  he's right and two, the lions are really good. So I compromise. "How about we go to the park and practice? Maybe play a few scrimmage games?" The team agrees and that's what we do.  I'm a way better captain and QB than Bryan. After we all get into our cars, we arrive at the park about 5 minutes later. Piling out, Roger and Ford grab some footballs and equitment for our game from Masons truck.  After about an hour of warming up, some conditioning, and a whole lot of running, we start the game.  The team captains are for blue team, Bryan and for red team, Austin. Dang I wanted to be captain again. Hunter, Lucas, Aiden, Ethan, Hudson,  Jacob, Blake, and Mason are among the first to get picked. Next up to be picked are, Carter, Roger, Zander, Ford, Brandon, Evan, John, and Gunner.  Leaving Gavin, Colton, Kyle, Kade, and myself. Kade wasnt picked because one, "he didn't want to play", two,  it wasn't uneven, and three, he's just the water boy.  Feeling bad, I asked everyone if it'd be okay if he was the alternative,  for anyone who wanted to switch out, they said yeah.  So we started the game and I was on red team. Within the first 15 minutes,  red team had scored a goal and blue team scored 2. I look over to Kade and he's on his phone.  Returning my attention to the game,  I notice a teenage boy watching us. Ignoring it, I focus. Blue team fouls and I get to kick the ball.  Stepping up to the ball,  I run back, and kick it.  It fly's through the air, hitting that boy in the head.  He wasn't even playing attention. Slightly embarrassed,  I run over to him and asks if he's okay while repeataly apologizing. Turns out his name is Chase and he just moved here from Texas.

"Was that you who just kicked that?" asked Chase.
"Yeah sorry about that. We're just practicing for our next football game" "
What do you mean our game?"
"Oh I play football with the guys.  I'm the kicker"
Looking dumbfounded, Chase just looks at me. "Anyway I gotta get back to practice. Sorry about your head."

Grabbing the football and running back over to the field we continue the game. Nearing the end of the game blue team have scored 15 goals and the red team has scored 15 goals as well. For the tie breaker, the boys, not including Kyle and Bryan because they had to head home, have decided that Chase and I have to go out on a date. If Bryan gets mad, red team wins and if he doesn't care,  blue team wins. "Oh joy" I mumbled and everyone laughs.  Because it was about dinner time, we all headed home. Reaching home, Kade, Austin, Blake, and I all walk inside and see mom cooking.  Baby Dylan is watching reruns of Blues Clues and Luke is upstairs playing video games. Mike and Alex are still away at college. And I'm guessing the girls are around here somewhere. Feeling exhausted I go up the stairs to my room and grab my pajamas and head to the bathroom. Jumping in the shower I make sure to see if my towel is hanging up. It is and within 15 minutes I'm out and dressed. My hair is still braided so I leave it be.  My mom calls us down to dinner. Because Luke hasn't come down I go up and knock on his door. "yes..? " he asked. "Dinner " I say.  He responds "coming". The door opens and the 2 of us walk down to dinner. Upon reaching it I notice that the Walkers have joined our big family. Oh but Sarah's hereeee. Yay but then again ew Bryan especially since I'm in my pjs. Speak of the devil. Bryan and I make eye contact. Quicky looking away I notice Kyle shooting a questioning look to Kade, Austin, and Blake. Well whatever. Noticing the seating arrangement, I wince,  I'm stitting across from Bryan but at least I'm next to Sarah and Blake. Joy to the world 🎶 haha I'm so ready for Christmas.  After dinner,  we all head downstairs to the basement to watch some Friday night football. Bryan and Kyle's parents chat with my mom as the kids disburse. After an hour or so, my mom calls us all upstairs for an announcement. "So the Walkers are going on a business trip" yasssss goodbye Bryan!l But they can't bring the kids with them" you gotta be getting me... "So they'll be staying here..." my mood falters real fast "for the next month or two " I'm sorry you said whattt!?