Page 33 of Redeeming Heart

“I always hated it when I disappointed mom,” I admitted.

Aunt Maggie gave me a sincere smile. “There wasn’t a single day she was disappointed. Maybe a bit worried that you rarely showed any interest in boys but besides that, she was proud.”

“You have so much of her in you. Her strong spirit and stubbornness. She always called your talent and skills, magical, because you did everything effortlessly and at one time, she was worried that she was forcing you to become what she never did.”

I shook my head and gave her a reassuring smile. “I truly loved being part of something that she was passionate about. Somehow it motivated me to chase my dream but with her gone,”

“You can still chase your dream. She is right there watching you excel in life. Supporting you and looking out for you. We might not see her but her spirit will forever be with us.” Aunt Maggie emphasized with us by resting her hand over her chest where her heart was.

She lives inside of me and Aunt Maggie.

“I will do it,” I spoke the words with courage.

“I will make her proud of me again.”

Aunt Maggie cupped my cheek. “You would make her proud by following what you love and doing it for yourself. This is your life and it matters.”

“Where were you when I started drowning in my sorrows?”

“Right there, drowning with you.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Coach Peterson did a double-take when he saw me arriving with the team.

Aunt Maggie took me shopping for new gear once I informed the team that I will be joining them. I haven’t considered sharing the news with my father because I had no clue if he would be happy for me, and we haven’t spoken since Brandon’s game.

“Guess, the team finally convinced you to join.” He noted with a smile.

I nodded. “I realized what I was missing and it is against the law to lose like that since we are all the best.”

He shook his head in disbelief but still cracked a smile. “Good to have you on the team, Adams.”

“Good to be back but what is our next plan or who are we facing before we can start facing the states?” I asked.

“You haven’t lost your touch, Adams.” He remarked and introduced the rest of the assisting coaches.

“Since we lost our first match, we are obligated to win the rest of the matches that are left. To face the states and of course pro-teams.”

“Do we have a name?” I queried.

Everyone shook their heads. “Since we are the last and the best of past teams. I thought we can call ourselves Louisiana’s Rebels.” I suggested.

I heard murmuring between the girls before smiles unraveled. “Oh, hell, yeah,” Briana exclaimed with the rest of the girls following with cheers.

“Outfits? We weren’t wearing matching outfits the last time and it kind of sucked.” Nicole asked.

We all agreed and looked at the coach for answers. “Leave that up to me,” Clarissa announced. “I am pretty sure my sister would be more than willing to help us out.” She added.

“So, what’s next?” Megan asked, showing her excitement of wanting to start with drills.

“Picking positions,” I noted.

It was chaos when no one knew what the hell was going on and didn’t have any experience. We are supposed to be able to play more than one position as there are only five replacements per team.

“You are of course center-forward,” Megan said.

Every girl picked their position and we sorted out any arguments and confusion making sure everyone was happy with the decisions made. We finally started with practice and the coaches picked drills to test our fitness levels.

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