THE NEW RIVAL
546 Words
Chapter Two : The New Rival
The whistle blew.
I stepped onto the field, but my eyes remained fixed on Ethan.
He was standing in my position like he'd been there for years.
I hated how comfortable he looked.
“Lena.”
I turned.
Coach was watching me.
“Focus.”
“I am focused.”
His expression said he didn't believe me.
“Then prove it.”
I clenched my jaw and moved into position.
The training session began.
For the first few minutes, I ignored Ethan completely.
Or at least, I tried to.
He was good.
Annoyingly good.
His passes were accurate. His movements were quick, and he seemed to understand the game without needing instructions.
Maya ran past me and whispered, “Okay... he's actually good.”
“Don't encourage him.”
“I didn't say anything to him.”
“You were thinking it.”
She laughed.
I rolled my eyes and concentrated on the game.
Coach divided us into two teams.
Of course, Ethan and I ended up on opposite sides.
Perfect.
The ball came toward me.
I controlled it, dodged one player, then passed it toward the goal.
A second later, Ethan intercepted it.
I froze.
He looked at me.
Then he smiled.
That stupid smile.
“You're going to have to try harder.”
My jaw tightened.
“Give me the ball.”
“Come take it.”
I stared at him.
Was he seriously challenging me?
I ran toward him.
He moved quickly, but I kept up.
I reached for the ball.
He shifted.
I shifted with him.
For a moment, neither of us moved.
Then he passed the ball to one of his teammates.
“Too slow.”
My eyes narrowed.
“Enjoy it while it lasts.”
He laughed.
“Is that a threat?”
“It's a promise.”
Before he could answer, Coach blew the whistle.
“Break!”
Everyone stopped.
I walked toward the bench, breathing heavily.
Coach called Ethan over.
I couldn't hear what they were saying, but Ethan nodded.
Then Coach turned toward me.
“Lena.”
I walked over.
“Yes?”
“You and Ethan will be practicing together after school.”
I stared at him.
“Together?”
“Yes.”
“But—”
“No arguments.”
I glanced at Ethan.
He looked far too pleased.
Coach walked away.
Ethan picked up his water bottle.
“Well,” he said, “looks like we're partners.”
“Don't get excited.”
“I'm not.”
“You're smiling.”
“Maybe I like annoying you.”
I folded my arms.
“Then you're going to have a terrible time.”
He chuckled.
“We'll see.”
He walked away.
I watched him for a moment before shaking my head.
There was something about Ethan Hayes that irritated me more than it should.
Maybe it was his confidence.
Maybe it was the way he had taken my position without even apologizing.
Or maybe...
I just didn't like the fact that, for the first time in three years, someone had made me wonder if I was actually good enough.
I picked up my bag.
One thing was certain.
I wasn't giving up my position.
Not without a fight.
- Writer
