The football player and his teacher

Chapter thirty-four - Preparation and arguments

Avery's POV:

My classes started two weeks ago. I have to say that this is the only place I have peace. Blake is everywhere. I feel like he is chasing me. I don't know what is wrong with this boy. He doesn't need to remind me that he is the best player. Honestly, I don't know how he got a place on this team. I can imagine what the rest of the players who tried for this position were. I'm glad I'm on the team, but we need a lot of luck to win the first game. I will do my best. Well, if Blake leaves me to do it. Let's hope that our problems won't be on the field. Otherwise, one of us will be out, and I know who. After all, I am the new one. I haven't talked with the coach yet, but I think it's time for me to do it. I have to say that I haven't heard from the boys for the last three days. Let's say that all of us are busy. Since our classes started, we don't have much free time. Before, we were together all the time. We had some of our classes together. Now I don't even know what they are doing. I never thought I would say it, but I miss my old life. It was simple, and I didn't have any problems. I won't talk about my fights with Ashley. Both with her roommate told me I had to speak to the coach about my issues with Blake. At least I have someone with who to talk. It's better than nothing. I won't lie. If my friends had been here, things would've been better. Before, I was a different person, but my life was better. I didn't have to worry about so many things. It looks like I will carry the whole team. Honestly, I don't have a problem with that. My teammates will let me do it. Well, except for one person. I will be patient with him. Maybe Blake needs more time to accept me. I hope that we won't have any problems during the game.

One week left until my first game with my new team. I am excited and nervous. I want us to win, but I don't know if that is possible. Let's look at it from the positive side. Maybe the other teams are worse. Who am I fooling? This team has won only five games of fifteen in the last season. We need a lot of practice, but we don't have much time. Some people don't have food on their tables, and I am complaining about football. Well, every person has problems. I hope that we'll have some luck.

I finished my second class for the day. I have one more, and then I will be free. I will use the break to talk with the coach. The question is where I can find him. Maybe the lady at the reception can tell me. After all, that's why she is there. I walked up to her and saw that she was on her phone. Well, she needs to pay attention only when there are students here.

- Um, hello.

- Oh, hi. How can I help you?

- Do you know where I can find the coach?

- Well, you can go to the field. If he is not there, go to room 302. Usually, he drinks his coffee there. Maybe you will have luck.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

I decided to check room 302 first. It's closer to where I am now. I went there and knocked on the door. No one answered me. Of course, I tried again but got the same result. When I was about to go, someone finally opened the door. It was my coach.

- Boy, what are you doing here?

- I came to talk with you.

- How did you find me?

- The woman in the reception told me you might be here or on the field. I came here because it was closer.

- Ok, come in. What do you want to talk about with me?

- Blake.

- What did he do?

- Nothing. I tried to talk with Blake, but we couldn't understand each other. What do I have to do? We have to play like a team if you want us to win the game. The problem is that he still acts like the star.

- I will talk with him.

- Can I ask you something?

- Yes, sure.

- How did he get on the team? No offense, but he can't play as well as he thinks.

- Don't you think I don't know it? I had the luck to find these boys. No one wanted to play on the team. I knew I had to talk with you when I saw the way you play. Avery, you are the chance to save this team. Please, don't let me down.

- I won't, but I can't do it if Blake doesn't let me.

- I will talk to him.

- Can I know who I replaced?

- What do you mean?

- I took the place of someone.

- Oh, it was Danny. You didn't take his place. He found a good job and quit the university.

- I don't understand why he doesn't like me. The other boys treat me well.

- Blake wants to be the best, but he doesn't have the skills. You have talent but also have trained a lot to be where you are today. I watched the strategy of your game that day. I wish I could use it in this team. The problem is that it's too complicated. The boys won't understand it. Also, we have only a week until the game. There is not enough time for new things.

- I promise to help you with what I can.

- Thank you. One day, you will be a professional player. I see it.

- I hope you are right.

- Wait and see.

I talked with the coach for a while. Later, I went to my last class for the day. Honestly, I am more focused on the team than my class. I know I have to pay attention, but I have other things on my mind. After this class, I went to my dorm. I took a shower and changed my clothes. Later, I walked out. Ashley was right. The back of the university looks like a park. I sat on a bench and started thinking. I don't know how I can help the team. Soon, someone tapped my shoulder. I looked up to see Ashley.

- Hey, are you ok?

- Yes, I'm fine.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, don't worry.

- If you say so.

- Do you have plans for the day?

- No, but I have a class after half an hour. I saw you here sitting alone and decided to come. I hope you don't mind.

- Not at all.

- Is there a problem? You look worried.

- I talked with the coach. He counts on me to save this team. The problem is that I don't know if I can do it.

- You are a great player.

- Maybe, but I can’t play different positions at the same time. I mean, I can't save the team alone.

- I know you will do everything to win the game. By the way, can I come to watch it?

- Why are you even asking? Honestly, I would love some support.

- I wish the boys were here. They always support you.

- I know, but they are busy.

- At least you can talk with them. Back in the time, phones didn't exist.

- I don't want to imagine what was then.

- A tragedy. One big tragedy. - Ashley said, chuckling

- Yes, or maybe we got addicted to them.

- That's true too.

- You talked with the coach!

I looked up to see Blake. He looked mad. Since we can't understand each other, I have to talk with the coach. He was the only one who could tell me what to do. I didn't want to keep arguing with Blake. I was arguing with Ashley a lot, and I didn't want it to happen again. Now I wish my life had a restart button.

- I don't know what you mean.

- Don't play games with me. If you think you can replace me, you are wrong. I will make sure you get kicked out.

- You know that without me, you can't win.

- Why are you so sure? I have skills.

- Yes, you do. The skills to lose.

- Watch your mouth.

- Look, I don't want to argue with you, so go away.

- I don't know where you came from but go back there. No one wants you here. We didn't ask for help.

- Yes, but I did.

We looked up to see the coach. Ashley got up and walked away. She said that we would talk later. I have the feeling that we'll be in trouble. Let's hope that I'm not right.

- What do you mean? - Blake asked

- I mean that I need his help. I want a winning team, but none of you is helping me. I had to take someone who could play.

- Coach, I can play.

- Yes, like a rabbit. Five games out of fifteen. Do you think that is enough? Also, these were lucky wins. Avery and his team won almost every game, and they were in high school. You will be as good as him if you train more. The boy is trying to help. Both of you need to stop arguing and start working as teammates. If I see issues on the game, one of you is out. Please, don't make me do it.

- I am the captain. I deserve to win.

- Maybe that was my mistake. I gave you a good position, but you don't know how to use it. I expect perfect practice. - the coach said and left

- It's your fault. - Blake said

- Yes, it is. It's my fault that you don't want to listen to what the coach is saying. Stop being selfish and help the team. Otherwise, I will quit. I want to be with teammates who know how to play, not someone like you. - I said and left

Every day things are getting complicated. I don't know what to do with him. I'm starting to think that I have to quit. It feels impossible to play here. The biggest problem is the relations in the team. The boys don't even play together. My expectations are far away from what I am seeing.

I stayed outside for a while. Some fresh air won't be that bad. Also, I need to stop thinking about this team. After some time, I walked back to my room. My roommate, Andrew, was there. Usually, he is always outside. Honestly, we barely see each other. I don't even know if he goes to his classes. It's not like I care.

- Hey, you are here.

- Where else can I be?

- You are always outside.

- No one wanted to go out with me.

- I'm sorry.

- Well, if you do it, I will be happy.

- Thanks, but I don't want to go out now.

- Is everything ok? You don't look much in the mood.

- I have some problems with the team.

- Again? In your place, I would've quit.

- The coach counts on me. I can't stab a knife in his back.

- Why would you stay? If the boys don't accept you, there is no point in being here.

- Because I have nowhere else to go.

- I meant the team. You can focus on your studies and make a great career.

- I want to be a professional football player, not sit behind a desk all day.

- Then, don't give up. This team won't be your last one.

- I know.

Andrew and I talked for a while. Later, he walked out again. It will be a surprise if my roommate sleeps here tonight. Well, it's not my business what he does. I called Ashley, and soon she came. I don't want to go out, but I want to talk with someone. Right now, she is the only person who I want to do it. I might call the boys later.

- Hey, how are you?

- I have been worse.

- I'm sorry.

- For what? You didn't do anything.

- Yes, but I know how you feel. Is there something that can make you feel better?

- No. I don't want to do anything.

- Don't be so hard on yourself. You are doing what you can.

- No, I don't do anything. I regret coming here.

- Why? You were so excited.

- Yes, because I didn't expect that. This team is a disaster. They don't know how to communicate with each other.

- That's why you are here. To help them.

- Nobody wants me here. Well, except for the coach.

- Try to look at it from the positive side. You might gain some experience.

- No one wants to train except when we have practice. These boys are like turtles, and their captain has big ego.

- Hey! The turtles didn't do anything to you. - Ashley said, and I laughed

- True. The whole story is a mess.

- No, it's not. You still have a chance to fix it. I believe in you.

- Thanks. You are a good friend.

- What did you say?

- That you are a good friend.

- So it's official.

- What? I don't understand.

- Are we official friends?

- Oh, um, I guess.

- Are you sure? If you don't want it, say it. I have no problem with that.

- No, I mean, I am sure.

- Let's say that I believe you.

- I'm sorry. I have many things in my head.

- I know. Is there a way I can help you?

- No. No one can.

- Let's go for ice cream.

- Now?

- Yes, now. Get up, and let's go.

- Ok, I won't deny this offer. Will you pay for it?

- Yes, I will.

- Then we have a deal.

Ashley and I went for ice cream. We walked around until dinnertime. Later, we went to a small restaurant for dinner. I never thought I would say it, but I'm glad she is with me. Ashley is a good girl. Honestly, I wish I have realized it earlier. The good news is that we understand each other. Somehow, we managed to stop arguing. We still do it sometimes, but it's not that often. Let's say both of us are busy. We don't have time for that. Maybe that is better. I don't want to spend my life arguing with someone. I will try to keep her as a friend. It might take me some time to adjust, but I won't give up on her. Ashley deserves a loyal friend. I hope that I will be this person. I don't want to disappoint her.