Page 50 of Finding the Forward: Part One
Everyone arrived at the arena where they played their games. The team ate and relaxed in their comfortable dining and loungearea. Ash and a few others played cards after. Others liked a bit of solitude, like Rusty, who had her headphones on and eyes closed.
Mercy sat with Jack, Kaiko, and the twins. Given the five of them kept looking at me, they were probably reading the highlighted bits from one of my e-books.
Finally, Rusty gathered everyone in. “Hey. Before we have our pre-game meeting, I just wanted to tell everyone how proud I am. We have a great lineup and we’re going to have an amazing season. I also wanted to give a special gift to the team member I never knew we needed. Team Mom.”
Everyone clapped as she motioned for me to join her.
Rusty held up a red and black jersey, which looked like the ones they wore during games. Only this one saidTeam Mom.
Tears misted my eyes. For me? “Thank you.”
Liv, the co-captain, joined her. “Um, also, while we love the snacks, we don’t have a snack roster. We were hazing you.”
Wow, they confessed already?
I smiled. “I know. It’s okay, I love making them. Also, I know how hazing goes.”
Like having to suck vodka out of tampons while blindfolded on the fútbol pitch.
They assembled for their team meeting. I went into another room to get some reading done for class.
Eventually, my phone beeped.
Mercy
Meeting’s over. Kaiko needs help with her makeup.
Me
Meet you in the locker room.
The locker room burst with energy as players finished getting ready, getting last moment knees or ankles taped, winging eyeliner, and adjusting their gear.
The players often preferred dramatic makeup, using bold colors, glitter, and a whole lot of liquid eyeliner. Some even wrote words or drew pictures on their faces.
Their locker room at the arena had wooden stalls with their names on them, as well as lockers. With all the red and black, it felt a bit like a fancy club, especially when they had music playing.
The players all had fitted red and black long-sleeved jerseys and tight black shorts. Many players wore fishnets or fun socks, often over cut-proof leggings. They also had knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, mouth guards, and helmets. In skate smash, their jerseys only had their nicknames on the back, no last names, no numbers, which only added to the chaos.
The swings and crushers had red helmets, and the four bullets had black helmets. Though the team’s four swings, which included Ash and Kaiko, had a star on their helmets.
Some players wore ‘rumble vests’ under their jerseys to protect their inner organs. It was a personal choice, except for Mercy. But high school leagues required them, so it wasn’t a big deal for her.
Mercy and Kaiko stood in front of the mirrors at the long vanity.
“Help. Please?” Kaiko handed me glitter eyelashes.
I helped her with her glitter eyelashes and fake freckles.
“You two look perfect, and I’m proud of you.” I hugged both high school rookies. Kaiko was eighteen and lived with her aunt, but it still hadn’t been easy for her.
I glanced over to Jack, the other rookie, who was applying a fake tattoo of a dinosaur on his face. “You too, Jack.”
“Thanks, Team Mom.” Jack was on his own. Often, I got texts asking for help with basic tasks, like unclogging the toilet or what to mop the floor with. Which was what led some of the Knights to think I was the rookie coordinator, which the Maimers encouraged.
Not that either team had one. Each team had someone who helped with logistics, but it was for everyone, not just the rookies.
I pulled my jersey over my shirt, leaving my jacket and coat with Mercy’s things. My heart bubbled with warmth. I had a jersey.
