Page 11 of Chasing Football Dreams

“Yeah, I almost forgot that you broke the law miss-goody-two-shoes,”

“You make me feel like superwoman when I have your support,” I walked my fingers up from his side and paused my hand over his chest.

“You just have me to remind you that you are capable of anything. You were a superwoman before I even met you,”

I shrugged. “Every superhero needs love and encouragement from time to time,”

“And a dose to remind them that they are also just human,” Duncan pointed out.

Chapter Five

“Isn’t it a bit weird to know that he could be your dad?” Wesley asked softly.

“Very,"

I didn’t know what to make of all of this. I think I am still in a state of shock having to process the possibility that all this time, I was not an orphan. I could be a kidnapping victim. And the thought of the orphanage being part of this insane plan made me feel sick. I trusted those people. I lived there, I grew up there.

On cue, Coach Shane blew his whistle and called everyone to the field.

“Friday is an important game. You are meeting your rivals from last year on the field. And far more importantly, this is the game that is going to either take you through to the quarter-finals or take away your victory,”

The team didn’t seem too overwhelmed with the knowledge of last year's defeat.

“We have a secret weapon this year,” Terence announced.

The team agreed with him and a few patted my shoulders.

“And they are aware of that,” Coach Shane shared his concern. “They are going to have their left tackle trained on distracting Zoey from getting her passes out,”

I stepped forward. “What are you suggesting?”

“We need to up your game. And make sure you don’t blow out that arm of yours,” He explained. “We are also going to need at least a few of those long-distance passes of yours during the game,”

The team shared their agreement with nods and hoorahs.

“Friday’s game is the reason why I am here. There will be scouts at this game, forward. The majority of this team caught their attention years ago and they will be looking forward to these few games,”

Coach Shane’s eyes shifted to me. “But all eyes will be on you,”

Everyone turned their attention to me. “You have made headlines with all of your achievements,”

Andrew rested his hands on my shoulders and gave them a slight shake “I think you mean kicking arse!”

“Do you really think they will consider a girl quarterback for the NFL?" I don’t believe that their minds have been changed about how fragile we look to them.

“I do,” Coach Shane guaranteed.

I blinked in surprise.

“I don’t care that you are a girl. You bring talent that many thought was extinguished years ago,”

If only he knew that he was the reason behind my inspiration and that I always had this nagging sense that I was made to play this part. I would sound insane if I had to say it was under his guidance because of the voice inside my head.

“Thanks, Coach,”

“Now, let’s get to it men,” He blew his whistle. “And lady,”

He sent us off to practice and as he promised, he showed me a few new moves to divert the attention of the offense team’s left tackle. I had to stay sharp and be fast. Had to trust my team and follow my gut but most of all, followed the plan of action and made sure my team knew what the plan was.

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