A "soccer" for you

Chapter 2

[Mary's POV]

After that day, when Stephanie showed me around, she became my best friend, or actually, she was my only friend, but it was better than being alone. We had lunch together in the cafeteria and also sat together in English class.

She kept my mind away from Kris and his stupid minions, whom I was lucky enough not to look at outside from practice, as we were in first semester, and they were in their fifth semester. So, they were a couple of years older than us and their classes were in another building opposite to ours.

I quickly learned that Stephanie was Kris’s sister, but I didn’t want to tell her what was going on because I was afraid it might ruin our friendships if I did.

“But why do you work for Kris’s soccer team?” She suddenly asked as we were done for today, and I was heading toward my locker.

“I need the money, or else I can’t afford to go here, as you already know, my Aunt and uncle don’t have the money as they're already paying for my cousins' college education.” I explained to her.

One of my cousins was at Yale University, which was my cousin Freya, and my other cousin William was at NY University. Freya was two years older than me and William three years older.

“Yeah, I know, but I just want more time with my bestie!” She replied as she hugged me, which made me laugh.

“Oh, and before I forget, I thought we could go shopping on Saturday if you’re free?” She cheered, which made me frown a bit.

“I would really like that, but I honestly don’t have the money or the time. I have to help coach Miller at the upcoming tournament this Sunday.” I replied, sending an apologetic glance which made Stephanie pout her bottom lip.

“Fine! But you owe me next, then,” She insisted as she jumped into my arms.

“I promise!” I giggled as she let go.

“See you tomorrow, girl!” She yelled, waving her hand as she walked away. I couldn’t help but laugh, she was so opposite me, but I loved how she made me feel, not letting me crawl back into the dark hole I had been living in.

I ran over to the practice field and the team was already getting ready as they were tying their boots. But as I walked by the mens changing room, my stomach twisted.

“Guys, chubs has arrived!” Lukas yelled, making everyone glance in my direction. I chose to ignore it and just do my thing before walking back out.

I started taking notes of what the coach was teaching the guys. I hoped that if I started practicing on my own, that I might have a chance to get into the female soccer team next summer.

“High knees boys! — no slagging” coach Miller yelled. He made them do a warm-up session, before they went through some high-speed exercises, as he made them shift places and pass the ball rapidly between them, to improve their coordination skills. Finally, they had a training match, before the coach blew the whistle.

“Well done boys, now go in and take a bath, then I will see you on Sunday, for the big tournament!” he yelled, which made me turn to him with a confused expression.

“Won’t you be here for the training session on Friday?” I asked him, as I started picking things up.

“No, I have some things to settle, so the guys are training on their own this time.” He explained, making me feel a bit uneasy.

“So, I’m going to be here by myself on Friday, is that what you're saying?” I asked nervously.

“Don’t worry, I trust you, I know you got it under control.” He replied, putting a hand on my shoulder.

“It’s not that I’m worried about!” I thought to myself, not daring to tell the coach, so I just nodded and sent him a small smile, before he left, as I continued to finish up.

“What is this?” I suddenly heard Kris’s voice, as I saw him pick up my notebook from the bench.

“Nothing, give it back!” I yelled, but he didn’t move at the impact when I tried to get it. A smirk appeared on his lips as he held it up where I couldn’t reach for it.

“Any secrets you would like to share?” He asked as he started looking through the notebook.

“I said give it back!” I hissed, but I suddenly fell to the ground as Lukas pushed me.

“Oh, don’t worry, you get it back!” He replied as he looked at the others, handing it to Tommy, who flipped through the pages.

“I never knew you were into soccer, just a shame that you can’t play, chups!” He laughed, as I tightened my hands so hard, holding back the tears, but then my eyes widened in horror as Tommy started ripping my notebook to pieces, before he threw it at my face.

“What? No 'thank you'? You have your notebook back!” Lukas laughed in a sarcastic tone. I didn't respond, so it didn't take them long before they left, while I just sat on the ground. When they were out of sight, I started to pick up the pieces while I cursed them under my breath.

I couldn’t believe they had to be so cruel. I hadn’t done anything to deserve this kinda treatment. I dried my tears away, picked up my things as I slowly started to walk home.