𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒, 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 [𝟑] ✓

35| like winners

      NOVEMBER'S HANDS shook anxiously as she paced back and forth on the freshly moaned grass. The stands filled with family members of both teams along with scouts from all over England; some from universities ready to admit players for early admission. So, as Nova gazed up at the top right corner of the second set of bleachers, her heart rate sped up upon the pair of scouts that wore oxford blue blazers. Letting out a shaky breath, she tightened her ponytail once more before jogging over to where her friends stood amongst the rest of the team, waiting for their captain, Maysie Krohl, to finish discussing with the rest of the seniors.

"I feel like shitting myself..." was the first thing that rang through November's ears as she made it to Evangeline's side. Seemingly, everyone had almost the same thought as they anxiously looked up at the stands.

"watch your language Morgan..." Kristi grumbled as her eyes fixated specifically at the Cambridge scouts sitting front and center.

Everyone radiated an inordinate amount of nervousness that day and everyone had their eyes set on a specific pair of scouts from specific schools.

"I'm going to throw up..." Eva grumbled with her arms firmly crossed across her chest, placing her forehead on November's shoulder to refrain herself from apprehensively staring at the Edinburgh scouts.

"You'll be fine Eva," Dani reassured as she rubbed the brunettes back in a comfortable manner, "you'll do great..."

As consoling as her words were, the tone and voice cracks that seeped through indicated how much fear she really held towards the game. Frankly, she might've even held more fear than Eva did but she was Danielle McLennan and if anyone were to stay calm at a moment like this, it was her. Though, Nova was actually quite shocked that Dani wasn't more nervous considering her dad had came all the way from Texas to watch her play.

"Oh my God-" Dani suddenly squeaked out in a higher and more uneasy voice than intended, causing everyone to take a glance at her. However, before the ginger could respond, Maysie and the rest of the seniors had approached the team after their previous conversation. As much as November knew she had to listen, she couldn't as she sent a knowing glance towards where Danielle looked up at the stands.

With the jittery motion Dani had, Nova couldn't stop herself from trailing her eyes to the stands. Rapidly switching her gaze from person to person, it took a moment to land on the familiar face she had been suspecting to see.

With a big smile plastered on his face, Alan McLennan waved towards his daughter. A grin tugged at Nova's lips as she sank into content, darting her eyes away from the where Danielle's father held the proudest twinkle in his blue eyes. As heartwarming as it was, the man unfamiliar man sitting beside Alan didn't fail to grab anyone's attention. With his nine kids bombarding half of the bleacher row, almost everyone held their stares towards him.

Slowly, Nova glanced forward, attempting to pay attention to their team captain. However, she couldn't hide the small sadness that grew inside her. As happy as she was to be standing on this field, lining up for finals after her first year of high school studying abroad, she wished she had someone there to watch her; her friends and family. Even though she knew they were proud of her, seeing the look Danielle's dad held for his daughter had just made November long for her family and friend's physical support and compassion...

Destroyed. Demolished. That's what summarised the score board after the 45 played minutes of the first half. The eagles were playing well— just not well enough. And the worse part was the various cleat marks, dirt stains, and grass staines imprinted on the Edge Eagle players.

Morgan held an embarrassed look as she approached her fellow 10th years who had played on the field during the shift prior to the halftime whistle. Exhausted, Danielle, Mack, Kristi, and Brianna made their way off the field, basically dragging themselves past the field outline.

"Alright girls.." Maysie began with a sharp sigh, mentally preparing herself to say a speech in hopes to raise the girls spirits, "the score is only 3-7... we can still make it"

"Barely..."

Everyone's eyes darted to Isla Prince as she fixed her blond hair back into a ponytail. The 11th year girl held a look of defeat, much to Maysie's dismay. Though, they all knew that Isla was right. It was near impossible at this point.

"Okay..." Maysie grumbled, beginning to pace back and forth as she looked upon the clipboard used to make plays and lineups. "Okay.." she said again, a little more pump and determination laced in her tone. "Alright... Smits— both of you— left and right wing. Nova, you're striker. Ferguson, you're center mid with me; Prince, Kingsley, right and left. And for defence, we'll have McLennan, Puden, Livvley, and Gorses. You sort yourselves out..."

Taking a glance around at her team, Maysie held a heartwarming smile. Four years of her life had lead to this and truly, the girl didn't care about winning at this point. Seeing the new generation of 10th years that would be in her place in four years time, she was proud to have her captaincy title. She was proud of the upcoming eagle players. With happy tears brimming her eyes, the older girl huddled her team in, ready to say her few last words before her final half as an Eagle.

"Look girls..." she began, glancing at the team and primarily looking at where the 10th year girls had their arms over each other's shoulders, eager to hear what she had to say. "I'm proud of all of you... and honestly, look at the crowd. The family members, friends, scouts... they're here for us... they are here to see us play. Don't you think that's an achievement enough? Even if we do lose, everything we've done this season can be just as well as a win. So let's play like that; like winners."

It took a moment for the girls react but when they did, smiles and approving mumbles had radiated around the group. So, drawing their hands to the middle, they said their last cheer before playing. The last time the seniors would say the eagles chant. The last time November would say it and to be frank, it was a bitter sweet feeling for the girl.

With her cleats digging into the grass, November tightened her ponytail and made her way to the center circle. Glancing around at her surroundings, Nova took in the crowd, the field, her team. Everything she did to get here— not just the things involving soccer— she held nothing but pride and content. Truly, if you were to ask her what she thought her life would be like at this moment one year ago, she would've never thought this. She would've never thought she would be living her dream of studying abroad after being scouted by a prestigious school in Manchester, England. She was simply happy on how things were.

However, as Nova faced her opponent who basically towered over her, the jitters and anxiety she held had rose to the roof as a lump formed in her throat. She had no idea how she was going to get past the player. Though, just as the referee were to blow his whistle, an obnoxious noise emerged from the parking lot. Catching everyone's attention, the crowd and players turned to face where the commotion had been, earning confused mumbles to spread around the crowd. However, the moment Nova had heard the noise, the girl suddenly grew a complacent grin. Truly, her confidence and happiness had grown inordinately upon hearing the sound; the sound of the duck.

Brynn speaks !

been a hot minute, get ready for another hot minute because I'd like to say I'm the MAYOR of writers block.

also, if you saw my sandlot reference, you are ELITE.

✌🏻