The football player and his teacher

Chapter eighteen - Spring plans

Avery's POV:

I had to do another science test. This time, mister Fitz wrote me an A. We did what Ashley suggested. I was in the front row, so he could see that I didn't cheat. If that is not proof, I don't know what else is. I don't understand why this man doesn't like me so much. I haven't done anything to him. It's true that I haven't paid attention in his class. In my defense, it wasn't only in his. Before, I was another person. Thanks to Ashley, I have changed. For the last two months, I have been studying a lot. My grades improved, and even my parents accepted that I wanted to play football. When I go to university, I won't have the same problem. At least, that's what I am hoping. This time, I plan to study. It won't be the same without Ashley, but I will do it. Again, football will be a priority. Maybe one day we can meet in the streets of New York. Part of me wants this to happen, but the other one no. What has happened in high school should stay there. I have nothing against her, but we are not friends. Well, not officially. I won't lie. We spend a lot of time together, mostly studying. During the spring vacation, she can rest. I will continue training. The men from the university like me, but I need to show some skills if I want to be part of their team. The boys on the football team are probably in their third or fourth year. Let's hope I won't be the only one first year. I don't think the boys will make fun of me because of that, but you never know. After all, the most important thing is your skills, not your year. Honestly, I deserve someone to treat me like that. I have done it to many people. Thanks to Ashley, I stopped. It's not interesting anymore. Well, she will always be my single lady. I hope when I move out of town, my life will get better.

It's spring vacation. I have to call the university. The two men said that someone would like to talk with me. What if it's the coach of their team? I would like it if we could talk. To be part of a football team became my dream when I went to high school. I watched the games with our team. I learned a lot from them. Something interesting is that when I was in eighth grade, they let me watch their practices. Once, I even played a game with them. One of the boys said that I had a chance as a professional player. I didn't believe him, but then I started thinking about this. That is how everything started.

I woke up but didn't get out of bed. I checked the time on my phone, and it was 9:30 am. There was a message from Ashley. She wanted to know if I had plans for the day. Honestly, I need to stop going out with her so often. The thing is that I like it. It's good to have company by your side. After ten minutes of thinking, I decided to call her.

- Good morning. I saw your message.

- Yeah, um, forget about it.

- Why?

- You probably have plans.

- Actually, I have only one thing to do.

- Which is?

- To call my university. Then I am free. If you want, we can go out.

- Won't you be with your friends?

- Yes, but I have the whole vacation for that.

- If you say so.

- Look, I am still in bed, so let me get ready. You can come home.

- You are still in bed?

- Yes, why?

- Nothing. It's almost 10 am. What about breakfast?

- I can skip it and move to my lunch.

- No comment. - she said, and I laughed

- Get what you need and come here. I will call my university and later, we can go out. Is that ok for you?

- Perfect.

- Awesome. I will go now. See you soon.

- Yes. Bye, Avery.

- Bye, Ashley.

Finally, I got out of bed. I went to the bathroom and later got changed. When I was ready, I walked into the kitchen for food. I was hungry. Skipping breakfast was not an option. As a boy, I need more energy. All I ate was a sandwich. The thing is that I can't cook. Maybe I can tell Ashley to make us lunch. I probably won't do it.

I finished my breakfast and went to take my laptop. I will write the university an email. There was a knock on the door, and I went to open it. That was Ashley. She is quick. Both of us went back into the kitchen. I refreshed my emails and saw a new one. I don't know who checks the emails, but they are quick.

- What is that? - Ashley asked

- Five minutes ago, I sent an email to the university. Now I have an answer. - I said and opened it

- It says that their coach wants to talk with you now. There is a link for a video chat.

- Should I do it?

- Don't ask me. That is your career.

- Which means?

- Answer. Now.

- Ok, ok.

I clicked on the link and opened it. That was a web page. I quickly checked myself on the camera to make sure I looked good. After five long minutes of debating, I joined the meeting. It was only one man and me.

- Hello.

- Hi. You must be Avery. I watched you playing on Friday.

- Really? I appreciate it.

- I have to say that you have skills. I'll be honest with you. Some of the boys on the team can't play that well. The thing is that I don't have a choice. Athletes at the university are not many. That's why I wanted to talk with you. I want to know if you are interested in playing on my team. If I give you the opportunity, will you use it?

- Yes. I mean, I would love to. I have wanted to play football since I have come to high school. Playing for your team is an opportunity for me.

- I have heard that you want to be a professional player. Is that true?

- Yes, it is, sir.

- I can't guarantee that our university can help you with this, but you can use the chance to train.

- It's ok. I train all the time.

- Honestly, I watched the way you play carefully. You might train a lot, but you also have talent. I have seen many boys training all the time, but they are still not as good as you. If you keep your pace and train enough, I think you will be successful. Maybe one of the best in the country.

- Really?

- Yes. All you have to do is keep pushing. It's not easy, but I think you can do it. Another important thing is the relations between the team. Your team is one of the few I have seen playing so well together. If there is a problem between some of the boys, you can feel it in their games.

- The boys are my friends. We are often together, not only in practice.

- That's good. I don't have much time, and I will say it shortly. If you come to play on my team, I will make everything possible for you to have a full scholarship. Is that enough for you?

- That is more than enough. Thank you.

- Good. I'll send you all the information that you need. One thing which I have to mention is that you might have to spend your summer here.

- What? Why?

- I want to see how you will play on my team. Playing with your friends is one thing. Let's say some of my boys don't accept new players quickly. I want to be sure that all of you will understand each other well.

- If it's necessary, I will do it.

- Thank you. I have to go now. Bye, boy.

- Bye. - I said and ended the meeting

A whole summer without my friends? I won't lie that I don't like this. It was visible that after high school, we'll separate. What I didn't expect was to happen so soon. This university is a golden opportunity, but I want to be with my friends. I felt eyes on me and looked up to see Ashley. She didn't say anything the whole time.

- What?

- Are you ok? Everything was well until he told you that you had to go early.

- I planned to spend the whole summer with my friends.

- I'm sorry. It looks like you have to choose.

- What do you mean?

- To go or to stay here.

- Ashley, this is a golden chance. I can't miss it.

- Your friends will be happy for you.

- Honestly, I wish we could still play together.

- The question is if the boys want the same.

- I never asked. I was afraid of the answer.

- You can use the spring vacation to talk with them. I'm sure the boys will understand.

- Things became hard quickly.

- No one said life was easy.

- That's why you shouldn't attach to people.

- If the boys are good friends, the distance won't be a problem.

- Why are you so sure?

- Many people survived the long distance. Also, this will be only four years. Then you can be with them once again. Who knows? Maybe all of you will have a team. It will be the best one in the country.

- I would love that.

- Then do it.

- Do what?

- Make a team with the boys. You can talk with the coach. I'm sure he can give you great advice.

- You realize this is not easy.

- True, but it's not impossible either. I will help you with what I can.

- Thanks, but no. Right now, I don't want to do anything.

- If you say so.

- Let's go out. I don't want to stay here all day.

- Ok, no problem.

Both with Ashley walked out. It was almost lunchtime. There is one good small restaurant an hour from home. The whole walk was silent. I don't know what to tell her. Honestly, I don't know why I told her to come home. All I want now is to be alone. Well, I know she won't leave me. We ordered food and waited for it.

- Are you still upset?

- I'm not upset.

- Will you tell me what the problem is?

- If I knew, I would tell you.

- You know it, and it's called I miss my friends.

- Very funny.

- Talk with them. If you want, I can call them. I think I have Jason as a friend online.

- Since when have Jason and you been friends?

- I added him by mistake.

- You could've removed him.

- Don't tell me you are jealous.

- Jealous of what?

- That I added him but not you.

- Yeah, right. I am so jealous.

- At least you admit it.

- What? I didn't admit anything.

- Keep denying it. That only will make it worse for you. - Ashley said, chuckling

- Watch your mouth.

- You can't do anything.

- I can shut it.

- How?

- Do you want to know? - I asked and leaned closer

- Actually, I'm good.

- That was easy.

- I hate you.

- Same here.

Ashley and I argued for a while. Later we continued eating. I feel like I will miss this when I move out of town. Well, we'll be in the same one. Let's hope that I won't see her. No offense, but sometimes she plays on my nerves. After lunch, we walked around the town. Ashley wanted us to go to one park. It was too far away from home. I won't complain. Maybe she has a reason to go there. It took us more than an hour of walking, but we finally arrived. To my surprise, it was empty.

- Can I know why we are here?

- The park is far away from the center. Not many people come here.

- I noticed that. Why are we here?

- When I want to be alone, I come here.

- Let me guess. You come here to read a book.

- Sometimes I do that, yes. Mostly I do it because it's quiet. I have a lot of things in my head.

- If you want to be alone here, why did you bring me?

- Because I wanted you to see this place. It will make you calmer.

- What?

- I don't know why someone would make a park so far away, but there is a reason. Maybe the person who did it wanted to be alone.

- You are crazy.

- Yes, crazily in love with this place. - she said, smiling

- Can we go now?

- Why? Don't you want to be here?

- What do I have to do here? There is no one. Also, I don't know if any swing or rink is stable.

- We can find out. - Ashley said, looking at me

- Don't you think about it. I'm going home. You can have fun here.

- Why do you have to be like that?

- Like what? A grown-up person?

- Boring. If you grow too fast, you will never enjoy life.

- Look, I have more important things in my head.

- Ok, let's go.

- Thank you.

- You're so not welcome.

- And you are a drama queen.

- Me or you?

- I am the king.

- Only in your dreams.

- At least I have one.

- I have them too.

- Are you dreaming about me? - I asked and moved closer

- Ew, no. Gross.

- I know you secretly want to date me.

- I know I want to punch you.

- You will never be able to do it.

- Don't be so sure.

- Prove it.

- No problem. - Ashley said and slapped me

- What was that?

- You wanted me to prove it.

- I didn't think you would do it for real.

- Never mess with me.

- Lesson learned.

The rest of the day, Ashley and I kept bickering and arguing. Honestly, I don't know why we even go out together. It's visible that we can't spend one hour without being mad at each other for something. At least, soon, we'll graduate. Because of her, I am happy that I have to go to New York early. What I don't like is that I have to spend my summer without my friends. Well, I wanted to be a professional player. I have to pay the price for that. It's not a big deal. One day, it was going to happen. I hope that the boys in my new team will accept me. I don't want to deal with drama and jealousy.