I sprint forward, and I can almost imagine the Coach yelling profanities in my peripheral vision.
I focus on the crowd going wild, the adrenaline pumping in my veins, and my team who follows me.
Aiden and Xander sprint on either side of me so we form a triangle. I dribble past one from defence and pass the ball to Xan who changes the direction with one masterful touch to Aiden.
I push in the last defender’s back and make sure we’re at the same line.
Aiden runs forward like a bull in between two defenders and passes me the ball. I don’t bother to keep it in place. I shoot it while it’s still in the air.
The crowd goes wild. I don’t even get a chance to see the ball inside the net. Aiden tackles me to the ground and the entire team plus the bench form a pile on top of me.
It’s impossible to breath, but I laugh anyway. It paid off. The gamble paid off.
This isn’t even only about the game anymore. This is about the fucking zombie I’ve become the last two weeks.
After I walked out on Astrid and never looked back because I was playing it safe.
That’s not me.
And it’ll neve
r be.
Xan and Ro carry me on their shoulders and I shout alongside them.
This victory is for us, not only me.
That’s probably the difference between me and Aiden. He’s too individualist to play the game right.
And the reason I’ll make sure he’s not the captain once I’m out of here.
The guys lower me when we reach Coach Larson. He stares at me with a disapproving glance, and all the guys grow silent.
“That was a dangerous stunt, Captain.” Coach grins. “But a damn good one at that.”
He headlocks me and I accept the taunting punches from everyone.
“Coach.”
He and the rest of the team straighten at Uncle’s voice.
“Mr King.” Coach Larson shakes Uncle’s hand. “You should be proud of your son and your nephew.”
“Right. Of Course.” Jonathan’s voice is completely neutral.
Aiden and I exchange a look and roll our eyes.
“Someone is here for you, Lev.” Uncle points to a man dressed in a three-piece suit and looks so much like the type Uncle hangs out with.
Wait. This is…
“Mr Jeremy?” Coach Larson who’s always composed almost stumbles on his words. “It’s an honour to meet you.”
“The honour is all mine, Coach.” Jeremy shakes Coach’s hand. “You’ve built an impressive team.”
He turns towards me. “Levi King?”
“The one and only,” Xan shouts.