Page 17 of Redeeming Heart

“I want you to join the hockey team I am putting together.” He said straight from the shoulder.

I wasn’t given many opportunities to return to field hockey and basically, there was no hope of returning because most of the teams in the US came to an end.

“In what world? There isn’t a single team left in Louisiana. Even colleges and universities in the US stopped offering scholarships.”

He smiled at me. “Not according to the sports director.” I frowned at his remark.

“I’m starting a hockey club that would be able to compete internationally.” He explained. “And I’ve already approached a few old players who are looking for a chance to compete and many of them successfully agreed to be a part of my team.”

“Then why did you come here if you already have a team?” I wasn’t amused by his small visit to the pub.

“Because nobody is close as good as you. There is not a center in New Orleans that has your talent.” I think he was exaggerating. I faced many good players when I used to compete that can take my place any day.

I shook my head. “Field hockey met its end years ago because everyone rather become an ice-hockey player and there hasn’t been a field hockey team since 2006 who competed in the leagues.” I would remember it because my mother was one of those players.

“Everything is going to change this year.” The coach replied, pushing an envelope towards me.

“I was given the okay to put a team together and have them compete in the leagues, and if we win every game- including winning the cup. We get a chance to compete in the Olympics.” It has always been my mother’s dream to compete in the Olympics but she never made it that far since she fell ill.

“What happens if you put a team together but no one would want me on their team?” I broke the hockey code when I started a brawl during a match.

I became a disgrace and nobody was interested in scouting me including the so-called scholarships and bursaries I’ve received months before my mother’s sickness took a bad turn.

“Let’s face it, Adams. You have a lot to do to prove yourself but I believe in you because you’ve got your mother’s blood coursing through your system. Don’t let that talent go to waste because of one bad apple.”

CHAPTER TEN

“Who was that you were talking to?” Aunt Maggie asked coming up to me after noticing the exchange of words.

“He is a director of some kind of adult film and offered me a role,” I said with sarcasm catching the amused look of the bartender who was working the late shift with me.

“You have to be a non-virgin for those kinds of roles.” She hit back with sarcasm of her own.

I smiled at her. It felt fun to joke around with someone sarcastic as me and so many memories of us spending together crossed my mind. She didn’t feel like an aunt but more like a sister with a wild spirit like mine.

“So, are we going to talk about sugar-daddy?” She playfully teased, shooing the bartenders to do their work when she caught them eavesdropping.

I decided to show her the card coach Peterson handed me. “He is a hockey coach and is putting a team together.” I clarified.

I unraveled the expression on her face and realized she must be thinking about what my next move will be. “That’s great, Sasha! What did you say? Are you going to think about it?” She asked, sharing her enthusiasm.

“I rejected him.”

Her expression dulled. “Oh,”

She didn’t need to ask why I did because I think it was pretty obvious and she was aware of my situation. My mom was at my side every step of the way, teaching me, supporting me, and informing me of things that no coach ever could.

Going on that field without her in the crowd was something I couldn’t quite get over. I was barely making it through a day without her.

“She wouldn’t want you to give up. That I know for sure.” Aunt Maggie noted with a knowing smile.

“I don’t think I am quite ready to face that uphill, yet,” I admitted.

She nodded, understanding where I was coming from. “Time waits for no one. Once it passed, it’s gone and you don’t get a second chance. You are still extremely young and have a chance to catch up before it’s over.”

I stared at the business card coach Peterson left behind while a mountain full of scenarios crossed my mind.

My mother used to believe that a second chance was a sign from the universe to tell you that this is your path, but how can I trust something that took someone I loved away?

---