Page 5 of Anteros' Return

Don’t let Harry or Mike get to ya, it isn’t worth it.

Yeah, night.

3

After a call with Daniel on Sunday, I decided to give helping out a go. I arrived at the pitch on Monday evening to see a bunch of seven year olds working on drills.

What have I signed up for?

“Beckett, over here!” Daniel called from the sidelines, his voice carrying over the pitch with ease as he waved me over. He looked to be in his early thirties, standing with a relaxed confidence that seemed second nature. He wore the football team's cap, a few unruly hairs poking out from beneath.

I made my way over to him. His welcome was much warmer than anyone else’s since being back. “How’s the ankle?”

“Fucked,” I muttered, not wanting the kids to hear. “Hopefully, I’ll be back on the pitch soon, but that depends on my recovery and when the doctors clear me.”

“The kids will lift your spirits. They’re a good bunch.” He smiled before shouting. “Boys, over here please!” Within seconds, they all ran over to him, curiosity sparkling in their eyes. “This is Beckett Ashmore. He’ll be helpin’ us out until he’s fit enough to return to his league.”

All the kids looked excited, all except for who couldn’t have looked more disappointed if he’d tried. He scrunched up his nose, his top lip going as far as meeting the tip of it.

“Ashmore,” the kid said, “you know you’re not as good as they say or you like to believe, right?” His gaze stayed on mine the entire time he said it. And not an ounce of remorse followed. This kid was a savage.

“Liam, that is enough.” Daniel scolded.

“It’s alright, let him voice his opinions.” I chuckled, which wasn’t appreciated by Liam.

“Liam, pitch, now.” Daniel demanded.

“Yes, coach.” He smiled and it was as if a different kid stood before us. One who didn’t just try to take me down a notch.

“Good lad.”

I handed him a ball before he ran off to boot it full pelt at the open goal. “That kid has potential.” Judging from that one kick alone, I could tell the kid had skills.

After the team was dismissed and practising their drills, I watched Liam. He was one with the ball, moving with confidence and grace. He would have easily given me a run for my money when I was his age.

“Liam, come here for a minute.” When I called him over, he froze for half a second. Then he turned, his jaw already tight, lips pressed into a thin line. He didn’t say anything at first, just walked over with a sharpness in his step that made it clear he wasn’t thrilled.

Why does he have so much anger at seven?!

“What?” His words came out clipped and like he wanted nothing to do with me.

“You know, you’re extremely talented. You could go far.” I smiled, but his face didn’t change as he gazed up at me through narrowed emerald eyes.

I crouched down to his level, trying to meet that fiery gaze with something a little softer. “Hey, I’m serious. You’ve got something special. But it takes hard work, too.”

He crossed his arms, his shoulders squared. His brows were furrowed more than I'd ever seen on a young child, which told me he didn't want to hear it. That he wanted to resist. That he'd challenge everything I said. “I don’t care about that stuff. I just want to play, alright?!”

“Playing is great, but think about what you could achieve if you really applied yourself,” I said gently. “Imagine scoring the winning goal in a big game.”

Liam shifted his weight, the flame in his eyes flickering. “I don’t want to be some stupid star. I just like kicking the ball.”

“I started out by just wanting to have fun too.” My smile was nowhere near reciprocated. “If you ever want to talk, I’m here.”

“Yeah, no thanks. I’m good.” He scoffed, looking away like it was the hardest thing in the world to look me in the eye.

“Wow… Look, I just met you, so I have no idea why you have an issue with me, but if you could pack it in so I can give you some tips and tricks to help your game, that’d be best.”

“Nah, I’m good.” He turned on his boot, giving his back to me.“You’re not even that good at football, so why would I want to take tips from you?” And just like that he stalked off towards his team.

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