"The Cut"

Chapter Six- Punk'n Metallic

CHAPTER SIX- PUNK'N METALLIC

By Friday afternoon, there was an unfathomable amount of hype among the students at FHS.

 Homecoming was only one week away!

 The big game against Wakefield was Saturday, as well. It was one of the last two games of the season which would determine whether or not the varsity team would make it to State Championships.

 Jared Fullman placed immense pressure on his team and was relentless with their training. He had worked every member to the bone and was determined to win a second title two straght seasons in a row.

 Chase seemed to be his main target lately, but that was no surprise because of his position. He was the best center forward in Fairview and scored more goals in one season than FHS had combined in the last five.

 Chase could take a lot of heat, but he was growing more and more agitated with each practice. The team had already changed and ran five laps for warm-up.

 They returned to the field, where Coach Fullman met them with his clipboard and whistle in hand. He spun it in wide circles while he rehearsed his planned strategy .

 He cleared his throat loudly and blew the large, stainless steel whistle with full force.

 FWEET!

"FUCK YOU, FULLMAN. YOU AND YOUR FUCKING WHISTLE." thought Chase.

"Alright, men, let's hustle! I want you guys to bring it in for a quick de-briefing. Cooper, quit dicking around and get your head straight. You need to be prepared for tomorrow, not screwing off."

 Chase looked at Evan and he shook his head. "Was this guy for real?" Evan was reading his mind. Chase would not back down from Coach Fullman, whether he was his superior or not.

"Right. Since I was definitely the only one 'screwing off' while running laps, right? COACH?" He challenged sarcastically.

"Cut the smart-ass attitude with me, Cooper. I won't tolerate it on my field. Straighten up or else you can...."

 Chase cut him off, "Or else I can WHAT exactly? I'm the best forward you've got! What are you gonna do before tomorrow's game? Replace me with Hanson or Miller?" he scoffed in disgust.

"If necessary, then, yes, I will make the appropriate changes." said Coach Fullman sternly and Chase looked him square in the eye. The tension between them could be cut with a knife.

 Chase bent down with his hands on his knees and caught his breath from running. He was exhausted from the emotional and physical stress overload.

 Bailey and Carson watched from the sideline of the freshly-groomed field and Bailey commented out of concern.

"Uh-oh."

"Uh-oh, what?" Carson sighed, pretending not be terribly interested in the soccer practice. She adjusted her gold Guccification headband and smoothed the top of her hair.

"Looks like your boy is getting an ass-chewing from Fullman. I feel bad for Chase. He always singles him out! Such a douchebag." Bailey remarked. She peered across the field and shook her head.

"Yeah, well, Chase needs it sometimes. He thinks he's 'all that'. As if he carries the whole damn team." Carson scowled, as she briefly studied him. He caught her eye and gave her a quick half-wave.

"See? Case in point-he's not even focused."

She ignored him and began stretching for cheer practice. She couldn't be bothered by Chase or Coach Fullman at the moment.