Page 30 of If Everything Was Easy

“Made you a smoothie.” Ashley handed me a large cup.

“Thanks.” I grabbed my bag I’d packed the night before. “Ready?”

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” She giggled as she slipped her shoes on and we rushed out the door.

The ride to the stadium didn’t seem to take as long as usual, and when we climbed out I just stood there. The concrete towered in front of us and thoughts of the last time I played here swirled in my head. “You got this,” Ashley reassured as we began to make our way into the locker rooms.

The entire team erupted into squeals and laughter when they saw me, and Coach gave me a nod that said she was happy I was back. “We only have three practices before game day. You think you can do this?” Sara seemed unsure as she tied her cleats.

“I was born to do this.” I nodded as I tossed my bag to the side. “Let’s do this!” I shouted as we all made our way out onto the grass.

It was a warm day, but it felt great. Every step, kick, and swerve across the field felt right. I dribbled and took shots like I’d nevermissed a practice. We’d been at it for two hours when the coach called us over to set up scoring drills.

“I want you to take the ball down there. Two on one.” Coach pointed to Sara and Ashley, and then me.

This was the move that hurt me. Guess she was testing me to see if I was really ready. I moved far down the field as Ashley and Sara got in position. Ashley gave me an encouraging nod as I made contact. I dribbled up the sideline, tapping away, watching for someone to pass to. This was a two on one, so no one was there, but normally you would pass here. I ducked to the left to avoid Sara sweeping the ball from me, spun so my back was to Ashley, and kept control of the ball. As soon as I was in shooting range, I pulled back with my left foot, and took a shot. The ball soared into the top corner of the net, right where I was trying to place it.

Ashley let out a whoop as I fell to my knees. I was back. I could do this. We were going to win. I leaped up, flipping in the air before jogging back to where Coach was waiting to set up the next drill. “I freaking love this game!” I shouted as I fist pumped. It was then that I saw him.

Up in the stands with his feet propped on the seat in front of him, was Carter. He was wearing sunglasses and a white tee. It was hot today, and there was no breeze so I knew he was uncomfortable, but he came for me. I waved as I grinned up at him in proud excitement. I remember my dad telling me about all the times he’d sit in the stands for Mom’s practices. He waved back as I rushed to meet up with the team. I glanced at the blue sky quickly and whispered a thank you before joining the team.

“Alright” —Coach clapped me on the shoulder— “you ready to win this game Saturday?” I nodded. “Let’s show them what a comeback looks like.”

Chapter 20

Ava

Game day. I haven’t had a game day in months. I used to have rituals that I stuck to, but the last several months have shown me that I can do things differently and still be successful.

I packed my bag and slipped into my uniform. Number 18 would grace the field once again. After braiding my hair, I grabbed a headband, and went to fill my water bottle. “We’re going to kick ass today.” Ashley was bouncing on her toes. “Are you nervous?” She peered at me as if I’d hit her or something.

“Not nervous, just worried I’ll let everyone down.” I nibbled the inside of my cheek.

“You were at practice this week, right? You did see how you kicked all our asses on the field. How your boyfriend shouted from the stands that you were amazing. You’re a beast out there.” Her smiled softened. “We all know this. You need to know it, too.”

You’re a beast. The words echoed in my head. I hadn’t heard that in years. “You’re right.” I laughed as I flung my arm around her shoulders. “We’re celebrating tonight when we win.”

“Ooh. You’ve already got a victory celebration planned?” She began walking toward the door. Ashley always drove to games.

“Sort of. Carter planned it and said you could come if you want.” I smirked. “Don’t ask me what it is, because I don’t know.” I laughed as we headed to her car.

The locker room was abuzz when we got there, and I worked to put myself in the zone. I closed my eyes and pictured the ball soaring into the goal. I murmured a quiet prayer for my safety and my leg holding up before Coach came in to give her pregame speech.

We gathered around and as Coach spouted off words of encouragement and teamwork phrases, everyone slowly looked at me. “Ava’s back, but you guys have to help her. She can’t carry the entire team,” she warned. “We can win this if we all work together.” It was then that the buzzer went off, signaling that it was time to run out the tunnels.

As I burst into the sunlight, the crowd erupted, some coming to their feet, cheering my return. It was a surreal feeling. Number 18 signs were everywhere, but there was only one I was looking for. Carter had told me that he’d have a number one fan sign right behind the bench. When I saw it, I smiled the biggest smile. He was waving it along with one of those foam fingers. Right behind him a few rows up were my dad and Madi. I rushed over, and waved. “I love you, Soccer Star!” Carter shouted. “Let’s win this.”

As his words hit their mark, I froze. We hadn’t said ‘I love you’ yet. We’d alluded to it, but never uttered those words. I shook my head as the team gathered around. I needed to focus. “What’s wrong?” Ashley could tell something was off.

“He said he loves me,” I whispered as tears pricked my eyes.

“Oh wow. Do you love him?” She cupped her hands on my shoulders.

I thought about it for a moment. “Yeah, yeah I do.” The realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

“Great. Let’s show him.” She pointed to the field. We rushed out and took our positions. I was playing forward and as soon as I got the chance to break away, I did. I rushed down the field, dodging defenders as I raced into scoring territory. I took a hard kick and sent the ball soaring. It hit the goalie’s fingertips and swished into the net. The stadium became deafeningly loud as the crowd screamed in excitement. I leaped into the air and rushed back to get set again.

The game continued at a fast pace, and when we finished, I felt like collapsing. We won four to two, with me scoring two of the goals. When I came out of the locker room, Carter was waiting in the tunnel. “Nice game, Soccer Star.”

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