The Goal

𝟻| 𝙱𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚊𝚍𝚘

Bravado (noun)

- a pretentious, swaggering display of courage.

~*~

It was halftime and the Lakeside Lions were in the lead by just one point. My nerves were on edge as I watched the game progress. I would never get accustomed to seeing someone tackle Nolan for the ball but today was even more unfortunate judging by the fact that that the guy was hungover. Numerous times I watched him trip over the ball but he got back up each time and was helping his team win. 


Christian never failed to perplex me. He stood in front of the goal post, guarding it as if it was a sacred temple. The Redmonte Rhinos only succeeded to get in two goals and I could tell that it irritated my brother.

My eyes managed to stay trained on Caleb as well as he shielded the ball from the competitive team, holding them off long enough so that Nolan could position himself for a great shot. I might've been biased in saying this but our team was astounding.

Seeing Mike and Gabe (our centre backs) shut down the opposing team made my heart expand with pride. I couldn't help but stand up and applaud when Luke (one of our wingers) raced down the field in order to distract the Redmonte fullbacks just long enough for Nolan to get past.


Even though I was supporting my team, I couldn't help but let my gaze stray to Liam Finnegan. He was a damn good striker, I could give him that, having scored both of the goals for his team. Liam could give Nolan a run for his money and my best friend was one of the best strikers our school had seen since the days of my dad and his team. Watching the match was torturous and made me apprehensive in my spot on the bench where the cheer teams remained.

But it was half time now and it enabled me to tranquillize my raging heart. I genuinely wanted our team to win. Maya pat me on the shoulder and I grasped it was time for our cheer squad to get onto the field. Hyping up the crowd earned the teams additional points.

The Redmonte cheer team had already gone up and I didn't know how to feel about it. They were good but they only did a floor routine and chants, no lifts. Perhaps that was where we would score points.

I pushed myself off from the bench and moved to stand in front of the bleachers, sensing the eyes of the entire crowd as well as the soccer teams on us. My eyes found Nolan's supportive gaze and he winked, mouthing that I could do it. Caleb rested on the bench, discussing a plan with my dad and Christian listened intently. I took in a deep breath, willing myself to not faint or throw up.

Maya turned to me with a grin. "You ready, Char?" The glee in her blue eyes was hard to miss. Cheerleading was a passion of hers and she earned her position as Captain.

I studied the crowd one last time, spotting Liam leaning against the wall with his arms and ankles crossed. He sent me a wink and I felt my stomach churn. "I'm ready."