When I got home I sat down at my computer and put in the camera disk, because my dad taped the whole game. I sat there in shock and awe. In less than 20 minutes I sent the video to Coach Lisa and Val. I got instant replies when my phone rang and saw that I had received 3 new messages.
“OMG! Why weren’t they doing anything?” Val asked in one of her messages. I didn’t have the answer so I told her what coach told me in the game when we were playing:
“They were angry because they didn’t play as much.” I texted. Right after I sent it Lisa texted me back,
“My gosh! I just can’t believe it. Did you see Anny when we put her on Defense? She didn’t do anything. I mean its one thing to be mad but to not try is another story all together.” We all talked for a very long time. That night Val came over and we watched the film that I burned onto a DVD. We got so worked up. Afterwards we met some friends out for a movie. At the end of the night I ended up staying the night at Val’s and we watched the film with her dad.
When we returned to school on Tuesday everyone was talking about how glad they were that we finally won a game. Val and I seemed kinda like celebrities until we saw the other upset teammates. They all hung out together and dwelled on the game. They blew us off all day which really made me tick. When I got on the bus I felt like screaming. I took out my phone and texted Lisa. She agreed with me that they were acting ridiculous. They shouldn’t be angry with Val and I. That night we talked a lot and came up with some ideas to get the team to work together more. The night seemed to end on a positive note, but my dreams decided otherwise. I had nightmares all night and practically got no sleep. The next day was the same as the last. To be honest the whole week was the same as Tuesday. They blew us off and everything we said they would turn around and use against up. By Friday Val and I gave up, we couldn’t take their negative vibe so we just let it go. No one knew what was going to happen at the game if half of them would even show up or if they came but just stood around. I hoped to god Lisa had thought of something.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Chapter 10
When we got back to Ohio it was 4 am and we both walked up to my bunk bed and fell asleep. We spent most of Friday sleeping and working outside with our foot work for the next day’s game. On Saturday we arrived at the field a half an hour early. Coach Anderson was already there so we warmed up by shooting some free shots.
By 12:00 pm we were on the field starting the game. Val stood in goal. I looked back and we winked, I knew what that meant. As I turned around their best player comes down passed me. I sprinted to cut her off. I was in for the first 20 minutes and played very hard. They put me back in as forward for 2 minutes so our offense could take a break.The buzzer blew to say it was the end of the first half. Some of the players wouldn’t speak to each other as if they were in a competition. Coach came over to Val and I as we stood there talking, while Coach Valentine was talking to the team. The score was 1-3. Some of the team mates seemed determined to win while the others stood around looking at the ceiling aimlessly.
I played most of the second half. They would take me out sometimes because they said everyone deserved to play. I agreed, but when we put the other kids in, they’d just stand there and watch the game. This made me so angry! I looked at my coach with fire in my eyes as I begged for her to put me back in. There was 10 minutes left, so she took out defense and put in new defense players. Time was flying quickly as we scored 4 more points! We were finally in the lead! There was 50 seconds left and the opposing goalie dropped kicked the ball to their strongest player. I knew they could tie up the score so I moved in and hit it with my head. I didn’t have time to look up but the ball was out of bounds. With 12 seconds left they had one of their players kick it in and we all fought for the ball! The buzzer sounded, it was the end of the game! We finally won a game! We lined up and shook hands. The other team was not happy at all. And somehow neither was our team! They all were gone without anyone being able to say good job or anything. The coach, Val, and I talked for a little while and she told us that they weren’t happy about hardly playing in the game. This made me a little angry. I just couldn’t understand. We play an awesome game and they still find something to complain about. One girl even said that she might even quit because she only played 15 minutes of a 50 minute game.
By 12:00 pm we were on the field starting the game. Val stood in goal. I looked back and we winked, I knew what that meant. As I turned around their best player comes down passed me. I sprinted to cut her off. I was in for the first 20 minutes and played very hard. They put me back in as forward for 2 minutes so our offense could take a break.The buzzer blew to say it was the end of the first half. Some of the players wouldn’t speak to each other as if they were in a competition. Coach came over to Val and I as we stood there talking, while Coach Valentine was talking to the team. The score was 1-3. Some of the team mates seemed determined to win while the others stood around looking at the ceiling aimlessly.
I played most of the second half. They would take me out sometimes because they said everyone deserved to play. I agreed, but when we put the other kids in, they’d just stand there and watch the game. This made me so angry! I looked at my coach with fire in my eyes as I begged for her to put me back in. There was 10 minutes left, so she took out defense and put in new defense players. Time was flying quickly as we scored 4 more points! We were finally in the lead! There was 50 seconds left and the opposing goalie dropped kicked the ball to their strongest player. I knew they could tie up the score so I moved in and hit it with my head. I didn’t have time to look up but the ball was out of bounds. With 12 seconds left they had one of their players kick it in and we all fought for the ball! The buzzer sounded, it was the end of the game! We finally won a game! We lined up and shook hands. The other team was not happy at all. And somehow neither was our team! They all were gone without anyone being able to say good job or anything. The coach, Val, and I talked for a little while and she told us that they weren’t happy about hardly playing in the game. This made me a little angry. I just couldn’t understand. We play an awesome game and they still find something to complain about. One girl even said that she might even quit because she only played 15 minutes of a 50 minute game.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Chapter 9
I jumped off the bus and sprinted to the house, it was finally Wednesday! When I entered the house I could smell the cookies baking. November was my favorite time of year. We were just let out for thanksgiving break, my favorite holiday. I loved seeing the whole family and most of all loved the family soccer tournament. My cousins’ team would always win because she went to college on a soccer scholarship. This year I was determined to win because I was bringing Valarie with me because her parents are going out of town. We were leaving to pick her up n a half an hour and then driving to Pittsburg to see my family.
“Hey.” Val said jumping into the loaded van.
“Hey.”
“I’m so excited!”
“Me too we will dominate the soccer tournament this year. Jenna’s is gonna wish she would have practiced a lot harder.” We both laughed and ended up falling asleep on the way there. We ran into a pretty nasty snow storm crossing over. When we arrived it was 11:00 and there was 5 inches of snow on the ground.
“Wake up” she said as she shook me. I lifted my head and looked outside and say the snow falling all around me. I couldn’t see very well because of the lack of light outside but what I could see was beautiful.
“We’re here girls.” My father said as the wheels spun into place. We unbuckled and stepped out into the frozen wonder land. We unloaded our things and moved them in. Most of the family was already asleep but my little cousin James was still awake watching “Charlie Brown.” We tiptoed in and talked to my aunt who was woken up by my cousin when I walked in, and then went off to bed knowing tomorrow was a big day.
In the morning we woke up to the smell of stuffing, pies a roasting turkey, mashed potatoes and the faint smell of burnt toast. I opened my eyes and say the parade on TV and everyone sitting around watching it and enjoying some toast. Val looked just like part of the family with both the twins sitting on her lap. My family considered her a long lost member. They always have ever since our 3rd birthday. I went out to the kitchen and found Jenna and my Aunt Peggy cooking away.
“Hey chick!” Jenna said giving me a hug. “Looks like we’ll have to take a rain check on our tournament.” She said pointing outside. I ran over and pressed my cheeks against the frosted window and asked:
“How many inches is that?”
“About 10.” My cousin said handing me 2 pieces of toast. We sat down and watched the parade with the twins as the family kept arrived. At around 11:30 my aunt asked us to help. We took over 5 trips to the store with Jenna. Finally at 6:30 we all walked down to the banquet hall to find a table big enough for 40 people and I watched it quickly fill up. Dinner lasted to 9:45. After that the family began to file out one section at a time. By 12:00 AM we were on our way back to Ohio for our soccer practice on Saturday and game on Sunday.
“Hey.” Val said jumping into the loaded van.
“Hey.”
“I’m so excited!”
“Me too we will dominate the soccer tournament this year. Jenna’s is gonna wish she would have practiced a lot harder.” We both laughed and ended up falling asleep on the way there. We ran into a pretty nasty snow storm crossing over. When we arrived it was 11:00 and there was 5 inches of snow on the ground.
“Wake up” she said as she shook me. I lifted my head and looked outside and say the snow falling all around me. I couldn’t see very well because of the lack of light outside but what I could see was beautiful.
“We’re here girls.” My father said as the wheels spun into place. We unbuckled and stepped out into the frozen wonder land. We unloaded our things and moved them in. Most of the family was already asleep but my little cousin James was still awake watching “Charlie Brown.” We tiptoed in and talked to my aunt who was woken up by my cousin when I walked in, and then went off to bed knowing tomorrow was a big day.
In the morning we woke up to the smell of stuffing, pies a roasting turkey, mashed potatoes and the faint smell of burnt toast. I opened my eyes and say the parade on TV and everyone sitting around watching it and enjoying some toast. Val looked just like part of the family with both the twins sitting on her lap. My family considered her a long lost member. They always have ever since our 3rd birthday. I went out to the kitchen and found Jenna and my Aunt Peggy cooking away.
“Hey chick!” Jenna said giving me a hug. “Looks like we’ll have to take a rain check on our tournament.” She said pointing outside. I ran over and pressed my cheeks against the frosted window and asked:
“How many inches is that?”
“About 10.” My cousin said handing me 2 pieces of toast. We sat down and watched the parade with the twins as the family kept arrived. At around 11:30 my aunt asked us to help. We took over 5 trips to the store with Jenna. Finally at 6:30 we all walked down to the banquet hall to find a table big enough for 40 people and I watched it quickly fill up. Dinner lasted to 9:45. After that the family began to file out one section at a time. By 12:00 AM we were on our way back to Ohio for our soccer practice on Saturday and game on Sunday.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Chapter 8
I looked over and saw Coach pacing the floor, I walked over to her.
“Nervous?” I asked.
“A little.”
“Why?”
“Aren’t you?”
“Yea I guess your right!”
“Yea. Where is Valarie?” she asked as she looked at me in a worried voice.
“She’ll be here. I hope.” Coach looked up at me with a serious look. “I was just kidding.” I said as the other team walked in. My heart fell to the bottom of my stomach. Coach looked at her watch. “Please tell me Val is in goal full time right!” I begged.
“I told her she could be, but not if she doesn’t show up.”
“If who doesn’t show up?” Val asked walking in behind us. We all laughed and I saw a look of relief on Coaches face. We stood in total silence for awhile thinking. When it was interrupted by the buzzer of the previous game. Both teams lined up on the field as we barley exchanged glances. The whistle blew and I could feel the fear as well as determination. Val was on fire. She caught but two shots in the first half. At half time we were down 2-0. I was angry thinking that we would lose badly again.
“Why the long face?” Val said trying to catch her breath as we walked back out to our positions. “We’re only down by two.”
“But two turns into twenty.” I said looking down.
“Not if we don’t let it.” I looked up at her and she smiled. “Now let’s do this thing.” The buzzer sounded the second half. In less than 2 minutes Anny scored a goal with an assist from Joey. Then the other team scored 2 other times. Then our team kicked into gear. Joey sprinted the ball weaving it between the players with Anny and scored another point. I looked over at the side lines and my coach was pacing the floor again looking at the clock that read 2:30. The ball came my way and I cleared it to Anny she made it half way up the field and then passed it to Joey. Right as the buzzer sounded he made the shot! The crowd went wild! Even though we hadn’t won we hadn’t totally lost either. Everyone was pumped! Coach had a huge smile on her face as we went out to shake hands. After the game we were ecstatic! We weren’t complete failures. The good mood carried through the week. It was finally all falling into place.
“Nervous?” I asked.
“A little.”
“Why?”
“Aren’t you?”
“Yea I guess your right!”
“Yea. Where is Valarie?” she asked as she looked at me in a worried voice.
“She’ll be here. I hope.” Coach looked up at me with a serious look. “I was just kidding.” I said as the other team walked in. My heart fell to the bottom of my stomach. Coach looked at her watch. “Please tell me Val is in goal full time right!” I begged.
“I told her she could be, but not if she doesn’t show up.”
“If who doesn’t show up?” Val asked walking in behind us. We all laughed and I saw a look of relief on Coaches face. We stood in total silence for awhile thinking. When it was interrupted by the buzzer of the previous game. Both teams lined up on the field as we barley exchanged glances. The whistle blew and I could feel the fear as well as determination. Val was on fire. She caught but two shots in the first half. At half time we were down 2-0. I was angry thinking that we would lose badly again.
“Why the long face?” Val said trying to catch her breath as we walked back out to our positions. “We’re only down by two.”
“But two turns into twenty.” I said looking down.
“Not if we don’t let it.” I looked up at her and she smiled. “Now let’s do this thing.” The buzzer sounded the second half. In less than 2 minutes Anny scored a goal with an assist from Joey. Then the other team scored 2 other times. Then our team kicked into gear. Joey sprinted the ball weaving it between the players with Anny and scored another point. I looked over at the side lines and my coach was pacing the floor again looking at the clock that read 2:30. The ball came my way and I cleared it to Anny she made it half way up the field and then passed it to Joey. Right as the buzzer sounded he made the shot! The crowd went wild! Even though we hadn’t won we hadn’t totally lost either. Everyone was pumped! Coach had a huge smile on her face as we went out to shake hands. After the game we were ecstatic! We weren’t complete failures. The good mood carried through the week. It was finally all falling into place.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Chapter 7
“Hahaha” she texted.
“Wat?”
“how u kicked Andrews butt on Sunday!”
“I guess that was kind of funny.”
“Ugh excuse me!” I looked up from my phone. “Give me the phone!” My eyes open wide as the phone vibrated as I handed her the phone and she opened it.
”I’m surprised Ms. Beetle hasn’t caught u yet.” She looked down at me and began to text
“This is Ms. Beetle. Hand your phone in now or you will receive an ISI!” she looked down at me “See me after class.” She said as she took my phone out of the room. When she got back she had both our phones and wrote us both up a detention.
“This will teach you what our tolerance is for phones at this school. You both know better.” We looked at each other and both walked out with tears in our eyes and phones in our hands.
“What’s you dad going to say?” I asked looking at her trying to hold back the tears.
“The same thing your mom will say.”
“Were dead” we said simultaneously. We couldn’t think straight for the rest of the day. When we got home we cried to our parents. We were so confused. They told us it was ok.
“Just serve you detention then we’ll give you your cell phones back.” both sets of parents said as if they had planned it. The next day we both served dentition. It wasn’t as bad as we thought. We just acted like it was an extra study hall. After detention we swore to each other we would never text in class ever again.
“Wat?”
“how u kicked Andrews butt on Sunday!”
“I guess that was kind of funny.”
“Ugh excuse me!” I looked up from my phone. “Give me the phone!” My eyes open wide as the phone vibrated as I handed her the phone and she opened it.
”I’m surprised Ms. Beetle hasn’t caught u yet.” She looked down at me and began to text
“This is Ms. Beetle. Hand your phone in now or you will receive an ISI!” she looked down at me “See me after class.” She said as she took my phone out of the room. When she got back she had both our phones and wrote us both up a detention.
“This will teach you what our tolerance is for phones at this school. You both know better.” We looked at each other and both walked out with tears in our eyes and phones in our hands.
“What’s you dad going to say?” I asked looking at her trying to hold back the tears.
“The same thing your mom will say.”
“Were dead” we said simultaneously. We couldn’t think straight for the rest of the day. When we got home we cried to our parents. We were so confused. They told us it was ok.
“Just serve you detention then we’ll give you your cell phones back.” both sets of parents said as if they had planned it. The next day we both served dentition. It wasn’t as bad as we thought. We just acted like it was an extra study hall. After detention we swore to each other we would never text in class ever again.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Chapter 6
That night I had dreams of us winning us the state name for best team ever. When I woke up it was 10:00A.M. “I’m late!” I yelled to my mother. I ran around the house quickly scrambling to be at the restraunt in time. My mom got there 2 min before we were supposed to be there. As I walked in I heard a familiar voice from behind me.
“Hey!”
“You were late this morning to?”
“Yea.” She laughed as we walked into the small diner.
“Hey.” Anny said as she walked with us over to the table.
“Hey girls! Have a seat.” Lisa said giving us both a hug. Breakfast was amazing. Something felt wrong though.
“Lisa can I speak with you.” I asked quietly. We walked outside and we sat down on the bench. “Something doesn’t feel right.” I said as I looked up at her. “Like someone’s missing.”
“Someone is missing.”
“Andrew.” I said looking down. “What he’s too good to go to breakfast with his team?”
“His team doesn’t go out for breakfast.”
“What?”
“He’s no longer on this team.”
“Why?”
“Because there is no I in team. And no one messes with any of my girls.”
“Thanks,” I said as we walked back in. The rest of breakfast went smoothly. But 11:30 the team was on their way to the game.
“You nervous?” I whispered sitting in the back of Lisa’s car.
“Why would I be?”
“It’s you first game since you injury that you might play more than 20 minutes.” I said as we both giggled.
“What are you laughing at?” she asked.
“Nothing” I assured her as we pulled in. She unbuckled and turned around and said
“No matter who we play promise me you will play your hardest.” She had a worried look in her eye. When we entered I saw Andrew on the field practicing. My heart fell into my stomach as my jaw dropped.
“I can’t play coach!”
“What you were so excited.”
“No. I’m just not feeling well.” I said as I sat down on the bench and drank a sip of water. My team ran out on the field. Then coach sat down next to me.
“What is it?” she asked. I looked down and a tear fell on her hand. “What! What is it?” she asked in a panicked voice.
“I-I can’t do it.”
“Can’t what?”
“I can’t beat him. He will eat me alive I just can’t do it I’m sorry coach.” She ran over to her bag and grabbed something out of it.
“Give me your hand.” She said pulling the cap off a sharpie and she wrote Hold Your Head High Heavy Heart.
“What does that mean?”
“Hold you head you head high even when you lose faith. I have faith in you. Now listen closely! I want you to play offence.”
“But I play defense!”
“Do you trust me?”
“Ya.”
“Then you’ll be fine. Just stay on your feet.”
“But—“
“SUBS! Now go! You’ll be fine!” I played the hardest game ever that day. I scored 2 times and set up 4 assists. We ended up beating them 7-5. We had finally beaten him. For me it was great achievement and hoped he had learned his lesson about messing with the Vikings and the power of team work.
“Hey!”
“You were late this morning to?”
“Yea.” She laughed as we walked into the small diner.
“Hey.” Anny said as she walked with us over to the table.
“Hey girls! Have a seat.” Lisa said giving us both a hug. Breakfast was amazing. Something felt wrong though.
“Lisa can I speak with you.” I asked quietly. We walked outside and we sat down on the bench. “Something doesn’t feel right.” I said as I looked up at her. “Like someone’s missing.”
“Someone is missing.”
“Andrew.” I said looking down. “What he’s too good to go to breakfast with his team?”
“His team doesn’t go out for breakfast.”
“What?”
“He’s no longer on this team.”
“Why?”
“Because there is no I in team. And no one messes with any of my girls.”
“Thanks,” I said as we walked back in. The rest of breakfast went smoothly. But 11:30 the team was on their way to the game.
“You nervous?” I whispered sitting in the back of Lisa’s car.
“Why would I be?”
“It’s you first game since you injury that you might play more than 20 minutes.” I said as we both giggled.
“What are you laughing at?” she asked.
“Nothing” I assured her as we pulled in. She unbuckled and turned around and said
“No matter who we play promise me you will play your hardest.” She had a worried look in her eye. When we entered I saw Andrew on the field practicing. My heart fell into my stomach as my jaw dropped.
“I can’t play coach!”
“What you were so excited.”
“No. I’m just not feeling well.” I said as I sat down on the bench and drank a sip of water. My team ran out on the field. Then coach sat down next to me.
“What is it?” she asked. I looked down and a tear fell on her hand. “What! What is it?” she asked in a panicked voice.
“I-I can’t do it.”
“Can’t what?”
“I can’t beat him. He will eat me alive I just can’t do it I’m sorry coach.” She ran over to her bag and grabbed something out of it.
“Give me your hand.” She said pulling the cap off a sharpie and she wrote Hold Your Head High Heavy Heart.
“What does that mean?”
“Hold you head you head high even when you lose faith. I have faith in you. Now listen closely! I want you to play offence.”
“But I play defense!”
“Do you trust me?”
“Ya.”
“Then you’ll be fine. Just stay on your feet.”
“But—“
“SUBS! Now go! You’ll be fine!” I played the hardest game ever that day. I scored 2 times and set up 4 assists. We ended up beating them 7-5. We had finally beaten him. For me it was great achievement and hoped he had learned his lesson about messing with the Vikings and the power of team work.
Chapter 5
After The game that Alex skipped out on Valarie couldn’t wait to talk to her. She tried to call, no answer. So she rode her bike over. Alex’s mom lest her upstairs to see her. She knocked on Alex’s bedroom door.
“Cumin it’s open.”
“Where were you today?” I yelled as I barged in slamming the door behind me.
“Why do you care? I bet you Lisa sent you over here.”
“No. I came over here because I was worried. It’s not like you to skip out on a game.”
“I’m not wanted on that team anyway.” She said shoving all her soccer stuff into the trash can.
“Lisa never said that. She only asked a question. And if you ask me you were just being a drama queen. You wouldn’t even listen.”
“What else did I need to hear? That we were banned from the team?”
“NO! You know what before you go assuming stuff maybe you should get your facts strait.” She said as she ran out almost in tears.
When she left I broke down in tears. I felt so bad for acting that way towards Valarie but I felt even worse that I was acting like a brat to my coach. The week was long and tedious. Valarie didn’t even talk to me. I felt alone. On Saturday I told my mom I was going to ride my bike over to the soccer field for awhile. With each shot on goal I took more tears ran down my eyes. Finally I dropped to the ground and started sobbing.
“Alex is that you?” asked a familiar voice. I looked up to see Lisa hovering above me. She crouched down to help me up. “Are you ok?” I started to sob again and she sat down beside me. “I’m sorry that I accused you two of treating Andrew that way.”
“I’m sorry I ran off. I was being a drama queen.”
“It’s ok. I understand. I thought you weren’t going to come back?”
“A friend re-opened my eyes.” I smile as I wiped the tears off my face. We sat there for what seemed like hours of laughter and fun. She taught me some new moves and I promised I would never act like that again. When It came time for practice Valarie was the first one there.
“Hey” I said.
“Alex?” she said as she swung around and embraced me in her arms. “You’re here! You came.” Both of us with tears in our eyes.
“Were a team!”
“Cumin it’s open.”
“Where were you today?” I yelled as I barged in slamming the door behind me.
“Why do you care? I bet you Lisa sent you over here.”
“No. I came over here because I was worried. It’s not like you to skip out on a game.”
“I’m not wanted on that team anyway.” She said shoving all her soccer stuff into the trash can.
“Lisa never said that. She only asked a question. And if you ask me you were just being a drama queen. You wouldn’t even listen.”
“What else did I need to hear? That we were banned from the team?”
“NO! You know what before you go assuming stuff maybe you should get your facts strait.” She said as she ran out almost in tears.
When she left I broke down in tears. I felt so bad for acting that way towards Valarie but I felt even worse that I was acting like a brat to my coach. The week was long and tedious. Valarie didn’t even talk to me. I felt alone. On Saturday I told my mom I was going to ride my bike over to the soccer field for awhile. With each shot on goal I took more tears ran down my eyes. Finally I dropped to the ground and started sobbing.
“Alex is that you?” asked a familiar voice. I looked up to see Lisa hovering above me. She crouched down to help me up. “Are you ok?” I started to sob again and she sat down beside me. “I’m sorry that I accused you two of treating Andrew that way.”
“I’m sorry I ran off. I was being a drama queen.”
“It’s ok. I understand. I thought you weren’t going to come back?”
“A friend re-opened my eyes.” I smile as I wiped the tears off my face. We sat there for what seemed like hours of laughter and fun. She taught me some new moves and I promised I would never act like that again. When It came time for practice Valarie was the first one there.
“Hey” I said.
“Alex?” she said as she swung around and embraced me in her arms. “You’re here! You came.” Both of us with tears in our eyes.
“Were a team!”
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Chapter 4
“Common!” Val and I yelled in unison! “Move!” What a way to start the new season! Coach had not played me or Valarie hardly at all.
“Coach can you please put us in now?” we pleaded.
“I can’t I have to play you all having the same amount of time on the field.”
“But common look at Andrew he hasn’t been out yet I yelled!” She didn’t answer. The buzzer sounded the end of the game and I went out and shook hands but when we came off Valarie and I were so angry, we ran out of there. She came to my house after and we went outside and passed the ball around some.
“It isn’t fair she only played Andrew!” I said
“I know. He thinks he’s the king of soccer it makes me so angry.” She said slamming the ball into the barn door. We went on and on about it. All week in fact. At Saturday practice he arrived early.
“Hey” we both said.
“You can’t be here right here private practice for the best player!”
“What are you talking about?” Val asked.
“You heard me now get off your killing my vibe!” he wined.
“Who died and put you in charge” I snapped.
“Get off!” he yelled as pushed me away.
“Get your hands off her!” Val yelled! “What’s your problem!”
“You’re my problem!”
“You’re not the king of soccer! You don’t own the field! You’re not the star player and you have no right to put your hands on me!” I yelled
“You’re just angry coach played me more!”
“No I’m NOT!” I yelled as loud as I could. When we turned around we say coach Anderson and the rest of the team staring at us. Coach made all three of us sit out of practice. She told me and Jessica she wanted to talk to us after practice!
“This isn’t fair!” I whispered to Val.
“I don’t even know what that word means anymore.”
“You know this is your entire fault.” Andrew stated.
“Shut up,” we said in unison. Coach Anderson looked over at us with that look in here eye. Andrew smiled and we just sat there miserable until everyone left.
“What in the world got into you two today!” she said crouching down. We ignored her. We knew she had only seen the part where we were being mean.
“Answer me!” we looked up and saw the seriousness in her eye. We had nothing to say.
“That outburst was unacceptable!” she yelled in a quiet voice. “I should make you sit out the next game for treating a teammate that way! You two know better!”
“You didn’t even see the whole thing!” I said choking up.
“What else did I need to see?” she asked sarcastically. I looked up and our eyes met. I couldn’t hold back the tears I ran away from there and jumped into my dad’s car and drove off quickly.
“What did I say?” she asked
“He pushed her coach! Not to mention telling us we were worthless. That’s what more you needed to see! Alex just doesn’t go off telling people off for fun.” Lisa couldn’t believe it. She had made a huge mistake. “I’ve got to go.” Valarie said running to her mom’s car. Alex went home and cried over the phone to Val who was also crying. They couldn’t believe it. Alex didn’t go to the game the next day and Coach Anderson became worried.
“Have you talked to Alex?” she asked Val
“No ma’am.” She said as she kept walking. Lisa tried calling texting and emailing her. Nothing worked. She was afraid she might have lost Alex for good.
“Coach can you please put us in now?” we pleaded.
“I can’t I have to play you all having the same amount of time on the field.”
“But common look at Andrew he hasn’t been out yet I yelled!” She didn’t answer. The buzzer sounded the end of the game and I went out and shook hands but when we came off Valarie and I were so angry, we ran out of there. She came to my house after and we went outside and passed the ball around some.
“It isn’t fair she only played Andrew!” I said
“I know. He thinks he’s the king of soccer it makes me so angry.” She said slamming the ball into the barn door. We went on and on about it. All week in fact. At Saturday practice he arrived early.
“Hey” we both said.
“You can’t be here right here private practice for the best player!”
“What are you talking about?” Val asked.
“You heard me now get off your killing my vibe!” he wined.
“Who died and put you in charge” I snapped.
“Get off!” he yelled as pushed me away.
“Get your hands off her!” Val yelled! “What’s your problem!”
“You’re my problem!”
“You’re not the king of soccer! You don’t own the field! You’re not the star player and you have no right to put your hands on me!” I yelled
“You’re just angry coach played me more!”
“No I’m NOT!” I yelled as loud as I could. When we turned around we say coach Anderson and the rest of the team staring at us. Coach made all three of us sit out of practice. She told me and Jessica she wanted to talk to us after practice!
“This isn’t fair!” I whispered to Val.
“I don’t even know what that word means anymore.”
“You know this is your entire fault.” Andrew stated.
“Shut up,” we said in unison. Coach Anderson looked over at us with that look in here eye. Andrew smiled and we just sat there miserable until everyone left.
“What in the world got into you two today!” she said crouching down. We ignored her. We knew she had only seen the part where we were being mean.
“Answer me!” we looked up and saw the seriousness in her eye. We had nothing to say.
“That outburst was unacceptable!” she yelled in a quiet voice. “I should make you sit out the next game for treating a teammate that way! You two know better!”
“You didn’t even see the whole thing!” I said choking up.
“What else did I need to see?” she asked sarcastically. I looked up and our eyes met. I couldn’t hold back the tears I ran away from there and jumped into my dad’s car and drove off quickly.
“What did I say?” she asked
“He pushed her coach! Not to mention telling us we were worthless. That’s what more you needed to see! Alex just doesn’t go off telling people off for fun.” Lisa couldn’t believe it. She had made a huge mistake. “I’ve got to go.” Valarie said running to her mom’s car. Alex went home and cried over the phone to Val who was also crying. They couldn’t believe it. Alex didn’t go to the game the next day and Coach Anderson became worried.
“Have you talked to Alex?” she asked Val
“No ma’am.” She said as she kept walking. Lisa tried calling texting and emailing her. Nothing worked. She was afraid she might have lost Alex for good.
Chapter 3
With Valries’s injury the team seemed hopeless. We lost every game we played. It was our last game and we were losing 6-0. At half time Coach Anderson told us:
“Common we can do this!” I looked around then someone on the side line caught my eye. My eyes followed her as she came over to us on her crutches.
“Hey guys what are you doing? Common I know you can play better than this.” No one spoke. “You don’t need me to win! There’s no I in team. Now go on and show them who they’re working with.” When she was done we ran out to our positions and played as hard as we could. At the end of the game we won 7-6. As the game finished I ran over to her and hugged her and said:
“Why are you here?”
“I was feeling up to coming plus I need to get used to walking on these things. I’ve got the big spelling bee today! We’re a team we support each other remember.”
“So you saw the whole thing?” I said looking at the ground.
“Yea. That’s why I came to talk to you guys.”
“Well thanks.”I said looking at her and smiled. “So what time is the bee?”
“2 o-clock.”
“Are you excited?”
“I guess I’m really nervous though.”
“Well don’t be.” Coach Anderson said giving her a big hug around the neck. “We’ll all be there cheering you on!”
“You will?” she asked.
“Yea. I was going to be a surprise but oh well.” I said looking at coach Anderson.
“We’re taking you out to dinner after too.” Anny one of the other soccer players said. The day was perfect Jessica was second place and moving onto state. Jessica was recovering quickly. We won or first game and our last of the season and there was only 2 weeks before winter soccer training. For the first time in a long time it felt like it all might just work out!
“Common we can do this!” I looked around then someone on the side line caught my eye. My eyes followed her as she came over to us on her crutches.
“Hey guys what are you doing? Common I know you can play better than this.” No one spoke. “You don’t need me to win! There’s no I in team. Now go on and show them who they’re working with.” When she was done we ran out to our positions and played as hard as we could. At the end of the game we won 7-6. As the game finished I ran over to her and hugged her and said:
“Why are you here?”
“I was feeling up to coming plus I need to get used to walking on these things. I’ve got the big spelling bee today! We’re a team we support each other remember.”
“So you saw the whole thing?” I said looking at the ground.
“Yea. That’s why I came to talk to you guys.”
“Well thanks.”I said looking at her and smiled. “So what time is the bee?”
“2 o-clock.”
“Are you excited?”
“I guess I’m really nervous though.”
“Well don’t be.” Coach Anderson said giving her a big hug around the neck. “We’ll all be there cheering you on!”
“You will?” she asked.
“Yea. I was going to be a surprise but oh well.” I said looking at coach Anderson.
“We’re taking you out to dinner after too.” Anny one of the other soccer players said. The day was perfect Jessica was second place and moving onto state. Jessica was recovering quickly. We won or first game and our last of the season and there was only 2 weeks before winter soccer training. For the first time in a long time it felt like it all might just work out!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Chapter Two
The next morning I woke up to my obnoxious alarm clock!
“Monday” I groaned and pulled the covers back over my head! I got ready and ate very quickly because I was already late for school so my dad had to take me! When I got to school I met Valarie at my locker.
“You feeling any better?” she questioned
“Ya I guess, but that was the worse game we have ever played!”
“”I know but we tried though that’s all that cou--. Alex look who it is Tray Carter the hottest boy in school!”
“Hey Alex,” he said as Val pushed me forward and ran off.
“H—hi Tray” I said as I looked around twirling my hair and my face got rosy red.
“The teams are up for basketball in PE today and you and Val are on my team.” He said looking down at the ground.
“Cool. Well I’ve got to go.” I mumbled
“Ok cool. See ya later!” I turned around and my face became all red with a huge smile from end to end.
Fifth period came quickly. I met Tray in the hallway and we walked in together.
“Hey what’s going on between you and Tray?” Val asked quietly.
“Nothing,” I snapped back. Our teacher came out and split us into two teams Tray was on Jess’s and my team for basketball. The game was going by quickly as the other team made taunts and rude gestures to our team. We were down two points I knew this would be the second lose of the week. Then someone passed the ball back to Jess and I knew if anyone could change the game it was her. She jumped in the air and the crowd went wild as she made the three pointer. The we heard her scream HELP! I looked over and I saw her holding her ankle and I ran over to her.
“Are you ok!”
“She’s fine get up valentine!” yelled the angry classmates.
“Get help!” I yelled to Tray knowing she was not ok. We called an EMS and she was taken to the hospital. My mom picked me up early we rushed to the hospital and as I ran in and met Lisa my soccer coach in the waiting room with the rest of my soccer team.
“Is she ok?” I said sitting down next to Lisa.
“No one knows.” She said looking up. “We haven’t been able to see her.” I looked around and then I went up to the desk and asked when we were able to see her. The receptionist said two people could go in. Lisa and I decided to go.
“Hey you ok?” I asked her
“Ya just a sprain nothing major.” She said as she clicked off the TV. We talked for a little while then Lisa looked at me and I knew she needed to talk to Jess.
“Are you ok?”
“Sure,” she lied.
“So what happened?”
“I panicked.”
“How, what are you talking about?”
“Well I made a three pointer to win the game and everyone was booing. I got distracted and came down on my ankle!”
“Why would they do that?” Lisa said as she sat down beside her.
“People at school don’t treat me the same. It’s just different”
“Try me!”
“I’m just different you know Alex and I are kinda tomboyish. So we’re not the most liked people in school. It just gets old after awhile you know.”
“I know exactly what you mean! I was the same way!”
“You were?”
“Ya. I learned that you just have to let it roll right off your back like a duck and water droplets. Don’t let it get to you. You are amazing, smart, fun, energetic, and you have a great personality! Don’t ever believe otherwise!” she said then the doctor came in.
“You can go home now Miss Valentine!” she said in a rough voice. Lisa got up and was about to leave when Val said:
“Thanks but there is one other problem."
"What?"
"I made it into the spelling bee-"
"Wow Val! That’s great!"
"Exactly but I know pictures will be taken and I prefer not to have my crutches with me on stage, and that's where the problem will start! Trust me!"
"Well just ignore them. If they insult you give them the look that says wooooow, grow up!!”
“Thanks! For being there for me!”
“Hey you’re like my little sister! I’m just a text away!”
“Monday” I groaned and pulled the covers back over my head! I got ready and ate very quickly because I was already late for school so my dad had to take me! When I got to school I met Valarie at my locker.
“You feeling any better?” she questioned
“Ya I guess, but that was the worse game we have ever played!”
“”I know but we tried though that’s all that cou--. Alex look who it is Tray Carter the hottest boy in school!”
“Hey Alex,” he said as Val pushed me forward and ran off.
“H—hi Tray” I said as I looked around twirling my hair and my face got rosy red.
“The teams are up for basketball in PE today and you and Val are on my team.” He said looking down at the ground.
“Cool. Well I’ve got to go.” I mumbled
“Ok cool. See ya later!” I turned around and my face became all red with a huge smile from end to end.
Fifth period came quickly. I met Tray in the hallway and we walked in together.
“Hey what’s going on between you and Tray?” Val asked quietly.
“Nothing,” I snapped back. Our teacher came out and split us into two teams Tray was on Jess’s and my team for basketball. The game was going by quickly as the other team made taunts and rude gestures to our team. We were down two points I knew this would be the second lose of the week. Then someone passed the ball back to Jess and I knew if anyone could change the game it was her. She jumped in the air and the crowd went wild as she made the three pointer. The we heard her scream HELP! I looked over and I saw her holding her ankle and I ran over to her.
“Are you ok!”
“She’s fine get up valentine!” yelled the angry classmates.
“Get help!” I yelled to Tray knowing she was not ok. We called an EMS and she was taken to the hospital. My mom picked me up early we rushed to the hospital and as I ran in and met Lisa my soccer coach in the waiting room with the rest of my soccer team.
“Is she ok?” I said sitting down next to Lisa.
“No one knows.” She said looking up. “We haven’t been able to see her.” I looked around and then I went up to the desk and asked when we were able to see her. The receptionist said two people could go in. Lisa and I decided to go.
“Hey you ok?” I asked her
“Ya just a sprain nothing major.” She said as she clicked off the TV. We talked for a little while then Lisa looked at me and I knew she needed to talk to Jess.
“Are you ok?”
“Sure,” she lied.
“So what happened?”
“I panicked.”
“How, what are you talking about?”
“Well I made a three pointer to win the game and everyone was booing. I got distracted and came down on my ankle!”
“Why would they do that?” Lisa said as she sat down beside her.
“People at school don’t treat me the same. It’s just different”
“Try me!”
“I’m just different you know Alex and I are kinda tomboyish. So we’re not the most liked people in school. It just gets old after awhile you know.”
“I know exactly what you mean! I was the same way!”
“You were?”
“Ya. I learned that you just have to let it roll right off your back like a duck and water droplets. Don’t let it get to you. You are amazing, smart, fun, energetic, and you have a great personality! Don’t ever believe otherwise!” she said then the doctor came in.
“You can go home now Miss Valentine!” she said in a rough voice. Lisa got up and was about to leave when Val said:
“Thanks but there is one other problem."
"What?"
"I made it into the spelling bee-"
"Wow Val! That’s great!"
"Exactly but I know pictures will be taken and I prefer not to have my crutches with me on stage, and that's where the problem will start! Trust me!"
"Well just ignore them. If they insult you give them the look that says wooooow, grow up!!”
“Thanks! For being there for me!”
“Hey you’re like my little sister! I’m just a text away!”
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Chapter One
As I ran off the field I slapped the other player’s hand. We were losing 10-0 and there was only two minutes left. I could feel the tension rising in my coaches and in me as well. I sat down on the bench biting my lip.
“Are you ok Alex?” Coach Anderson said sitting down next to me.
“Sure,” I replied trying to catch my breath.
“What’s wrong, there’s something wrong I can see it in your eyes.”
“Nothing.” I said in a bland voice.
“You’re lying!” she said with a small smile. “What’s wrong?”
“I know I can beat them. Look at our position we have no offence. So when defense wants to pass they have no one to pass to!” I explained
“I knew there was something wrong,” she laughed as the buzzer sounded the end of the game. We all ran on the field to line up. As we all walked off the field our heads hung low. My friend Valarie ran up and said
“What a game!” I looked over and gave her a glance. She didn’t say any more. As I walked out my coach caught me.
“Hey it’s ok we all have our days. Don’t beat yourself up over a silly game.” I turned around quickly
“I want us to be the best. I know we are the best. I’ll see ya at practice tomorrow.” I said as I walked out the door. As I jumped in the car my dad said,
“Awesome job out there bud.” I looked at him,
“What game were you watching?” I said as I shut the door. He began to drive,
“Why are you beating yourself up over this game?” he said as he looked over,
“Common dad you saw our position. You saw how we played. It’s not like us.”
“Well it’s not like it’s your fault or anything.” She said as we pulled in the driveway. I ran out of the car and yelled
“I’ll be back soon I’m going to practice for awhile.”
“Be back in time for dinner.” He yelled
“Ya, ya.”
BAM, BAM, BAM, was heard all around as she kicked the ball into the barn door. She could hear her mother calling her in the distance as she kicked the ball. When the ball came back to her feet she dribbled the ball back up to her house. She snuck a cookie when her mother wasn’t watching.
“I heard you had a rough day today.” She said as she put dinner on the table
“O ya.” I said as I sat down and shoved the cookie in my mouth.
“So how bad did ya lose?” my brother taunted.
“Oh get lost Justin, you can’t even score a goal.” I snapped back. I gave him a nasty look and my dad began grace. Dinner at our house was quiet unless I won a game. Dinner was over at about 6 o-clocks so I had enough time to run back outside for a couple more rounds. After I kicked around the ball some more I laid down and looked at the first stars in the sky. I closed my eyes and wished for our team to win our next game. At around 8:00 my mom called me in as I got ready for bed I couldn’t stop thinking about the game.
“Are you ok Alex?” Coach Anderson said sitting down next to me.
“Sure,” I replied trying to catch my breath.
“What’s wrong, there’s something wrong I can see it in your eyes.”
“Nothing.” I said in a bland voice.
“You’re lying!” she said with a small smile. “What’s wrong?”
“I know I can beat them. Look at our position we have no offence. So when defense wants to pass they have no one to pass to!” I explained
“I knew there was something wrong,” she laughed as the buzzer sounded the end of the game. We all ran on the field to line up. As we all walked off the field our heads hung low. My friend Valarie ran up and said
“What a game!” I looked over and gave her a glance. She didn’t say any more. As I walked out my coach caught me.
“Hey it’s ok we all have our days. Don’t beat yourself up over a silly game.” I turned around quickly
“I want us to be the best. I know we are the best. I’ll see ya at practice tomorrow.” I said as I walked out the door. As I jumped in the car my dad said,
“Awesome job out there bud.” I looked at him,
“What game were you watching?” I said as I shut the door. He began to drive,
“Why are you beating yourself up over this game?” he said as he looked over,
“Common dad you saw our position. You saw how we played. It’s not like us.”
“Well it’s not like it’s your fault or anything.” She said as we pulled in the driveway. I ran out of the car and yelled
“I’ll be back soon I’m going to practice for awhile.”
“Be back in time for dinner.” He yelled
“Ya, ya.”
BAM, BAM, BAM, was heard all around as she kicked the ball into the barn door. She could hear her mother calling her in the distance as she kicked the ball. When the ball came back to her feet she dribbled the ball back up to her house. She snuck a cookie when her mother wasn’t watching.
“I heard you had a rough day today.” She said as she put dinner on the table
“O ya.” I said as I sat down and shoved the cookie in my mouth.
“So how bad did ya lose?” my brother taunted.
“Oh get lost Justin, you can’t even score a goal.” I snapped back. I gave him a nasty look and my dad began grace. Dinner at our house was quiet unless I won a game. Dinner was over at about 6 o-clocks so I had enough time to run back outside for a couple more rounds. After I kicked around the ball some more I laid down and looked at the first stars in the sky. I closed my eyes and wished for our team to win our next game. At around 8:00 my mom called me in as I got ready for bed I couldn’t stop thinking about the game.
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