Match

21: One Less

"Hello Tigers.

I have kept in contact with the coach for Team Hawks. He has stated that on behalf of Tanner's poor sportsmanship resulting in injury to two of our teammates, he greatly apologizes and Tanner will no longer be playing this season. Take it as you will.

I also have to inform you all that our teammate, Kacey Baker, will no longer be playing for the remainder of this season. He sustained an ankle injury as a result of the fight from last game. He still wants to come to our matches to cheer us on, but he'll be on the sidelines.

It's unfortunate all of this has happened halfway into the season. I want us to keep our heads high, though. Play well, play fair. I'll see you all on Saturday.

-Coach Ryan"

Cole drops his bag on the ground by everyone else. Teammates have already gathered on the field, taking practice shots at Ashton. He notices a couple of them haven't shown up yet, those being Brett and Nathan. Once he straps on his shin guards, he grabs a ball and meets up with the others.

"This ball's too flat!" Joel sighs aloud.

"You say that about every single soccer ball we own," Graham says, "chill."

Joel looks like he's about to retort back, but holds his tongue. Cole's surprised at how quickly Joel went back to his usual "annoyed with the whole world" self. He has realized, though, that Joel isn't angry at people that much anymore. Only objects. I guess that's a step in the right direction, he thinks.

"C'mon Cole," Ashton shouts. "Hit me with it!"

Cole reverts back to what he should be doing. He takes a couple steps back, aims at the ball, winds his leg and hits it with all he's got. The ball launches up in the air, to which Ashton catches it.

"Nice job!" Coach Ryan claps from behind. "You're really improving, Cole."

Flattery strikes him. He tries to shrug it off, but almost trips on his shoelace.

"Tie your cleats well, though," he says, laughing.

"Got it."

Cole bends down to untangle the shoelaces. While tying them, his eyes suddenly fixate on three people walking onto the field. Nathan, Brett, and Kacey. Kacey is hobbling along the sideline in crutches, guided by Brett.

"Hey Kacey!" Joel shouts.

Kacey stops and turns to face everyone. He gives a funny wave with one crutch. Once Cole finishes tying, he stands up and runs to the back of the line carrying a ball. As he jogs to the back, his eyes watch the other team, Team Nebula. Green envy hits him once he's reminded of their team name. Their jersey colours scream grape purple.

"Eyyy!"

He snaps out of it from Ashton's voice. Approaching him are Daniel and Rubin. They meet up with a shoulder bump.

"What are you guys doing here?" Cole blurts.

The two walk up and fist bump Cole.

"Watching you, dumbass," Daniel says.

Rubin raises an eyebrow. "We're hanging out after this, remember?"

Oh yeah, he thinks. Still, to him, he knows now he can't mess up in front of his close friends.

"How's your head doing by the way?" Daniel asks.

"It only hurts when I touch it," Cole says. "I'm gonna be more careful today."

Rubin crosses his arms over his chest. "What a dickhead, that guy."

Cole nods and then makes a 'shoo' gesture.