Page 42 of Redeeming Heart

“This is it.” I began looking at everyone.

“I had fun out there. I don’t know about the rest of you.” All of them looked tired and out of breath, but they still looked motivated.

“They didn’t think we are going to last this long or make it this difficult for them, but guess what? We did before are worth it.” I added.

“So, let’s finish this and not give up when we are almost there.” They nodded and jogged back over to their positions.

While I was making my way with Clarissa, I raised my head and made the mistake of looking at the booing crowd.

“Don’t,” Clarissa said beside me and drawing my attention away from them.

“They don’t understand.” She reminded me.

“We do.” She assured me.

I nodded and got in the center circle as we held possession. Every rockstar, actor, sports legend was once hated and is still hated but you don’t see them give up.

Guess, I am making my stand today.

I knocked the ball back as hard as I could master making sure one of my players got it. Tiffany did one amazing job when she got the ball and handed it off to Megan who handed it off to Clarissa, who in the end handed it over to me and I slammed it straight through the legs of their goalkeeper and watched in fascination as it connected with the net.

Everything about today was close to what happened during the last full game I had before mom got sick and I couldn’t stop my mind from running back to that day. Seeing her proud smile from the stands and almost hearing her loud cheers before she went down.

My wavering eyes met Aunt Maggie’s and for one single moment I wanted to tear down and cry but I didn’t have time to think about my pitiful life when the team embraced me with hugs and cheers.

I swiftly remembered that we made it and we were finally going to be allowed to compete. We had a fair chance at winning the hockey world cup and maybe even have a taste at the Hockey Olympic games next year.

The captain of the opposing team made her way over to me and held her hand out.

“Still ruthless as always.” She said as I shook her hand.

“I won’t be an Adams if I wasn’t.” I watched her frown transform into a smile.

“Good luck chasing down the rest and when you make it to the champions, I will be praying for the other team.”

I shrugged. “I don’t expect anything else.”

“It’s not about hate. You are good and maybe even too good. I feel sorry for the teams who underestimate your willpower.” She walked away leaving me standing there looking at her retreating form.

“Thanks, mom,”I whispered lowering my head.

I raised my head when I heard hands clapping. I frowned when Brandon made his way over to where I was standing.

“I think the booing crowd swallowed their vocal cords.”

I chuckled and shrugged. “They will be back.”

“Hey!” Megan ran over to me.

“We are heading over to the pub to celebrate.” In the last part of her remark, her voice turned into an inaudible shriek when her eyes met Brandon.

I suppressed a laugh. “Brandon this is Megan. She’s quite a fan.” He shot her a grin which I thought she was going to pass out but she at least didn’t.

“Are you joining us?” She asked giving him a questioning but begging look.

He looked at me as if he was asking permission. “It wouldn't be a party if the gladiators are not invited.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

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