HAZE (On Hold)

Part 40

The whistle blows to end the scrimmage session and Hailee heads over to the sidelines to grab a water bottle and absorb the words coming from the coaches and other players.

Julie moves over beside Hailee, "You played really well today."

"Thank you, that means a lot coming from you. I think that now that I'm starting to get more familiar with the positioning and responsibilities, I'm actually starting to enjoy being in the midfield. I like feeling as though I'm always part of the play and having the ability to not only go forward and create scoring opportunities but also I'm seeing the importance of being able to come back and help defend as well. I guess as a forward I knew to come back and help out, but I never really saw it from that perspective before, you know?"

Julie laughs and nods, "I know exactly what you mean. Good luck at the U20 Camp, Haze and I hope to see you patrolling the midfield for them in the World Cup."

Hailee hugs Julie, "I appreciate all your help and I'll do my best to make you proud."

"Hey, that's my kid, Ertz, get your own or find your husband and make your own!"

Julie and Hailee bust out laughing as Kelley, Alex and Allie approach them.

"I'll talk to you later, Haze."

The three players hug her, "When are you leaving?"

"Not until after breakfast tomorrow."

"Cool, then you're buying us supper tonight," Kelley responds.

"Worms!"

"What? Haze never lets me pay for anything when we go out, she's like my sugar momma or sugar kid? I don't know exactly but you get what I'm saying right?"

"Doesn't mean you get to take advantage of it or her all the time, Kel."

"It's fine, Alex, I really don't mind."

"But I do. We are going out tonight and Kelley is paying for everyone."

Alex looks at Kelley, "Don't even think of trying to get out of it or I'll call Kam and tell her."

"You don't play fair, Janice."

"And that's why I'm your friend and you love me." Alex smiles at her making Kelley laugh, "All right Chipotle on me."

Hailee, Alex and Allie all shake their heads to the that.

"We are going somewhere nice to celebrate our new middie and to send her off to U20 camp in style."

"I'm not old enough to drink, Alex."

"That's okay, kid, Worms drinks enough for all of us."

They go through their cooldown and recovery on the field and then back at the hotel before calling it quits for the day as some of the players are needed for appearances.

Hailee, Jade and Tessa head back to their rooms, grab showers and then climb into their beds to crash for a bit before grabbing a late lunch together.

"You guys looking forward to being back at camp with our friends?"

"I miss Storm and can't wait to hold her."

"And do other things, huh Jadey?"

Jade smiles, "Maybe, that too, it's been way too long if you know what I mean. Oh wait but you don't being as though you've gotten some action lately, haven't you?"

Hailee gives a look towards Jade, "You promised that would stay between us."

Tessa speaks up, "It's okay, Haze, I already know about you and Tierna; the gossip line is strong amongst the players."