Redeeming Heart

Rising Rebels

“Why does it feel like I want to hurl?” Briana asked holding her hand over her chest.

I had to push my emotions and fears aside for the sake of them. “It’s understandable,” I noted and acknowledged the concerned looks of each player on my team.

“I am not saying this is going to be easy since we haven’t had a chance to compete and I don’t have the right words to give you strength and hope. My mom was usually the person with the words. I was just the one who obeyed.” Some chuckled and some nodded—sharing their empathy.

“It’s a hard day for all of us, not just me but we’ve got this far. The coach recruited us because we all have something that pulls this team together. Each of you has a skill and without that skill, we won’t be a team.”

“I just want to go out there and kick some ass and at the same time score a few goals. Who’s with me?” I sigh in relief when the girls cheered and showed me that they were ready to do this.

I held out my arm and clenched my hand into a fist. The girls stepped forward and pressed their fists against each other—standing in a circle and huddled up. “Let’s do this, Rebels.”

“Rebels!” The team exclaimed, raising our fists in the air and breaking apart.

I know it was going to be hard to beat their team as they were also looking for a chance to get into the tournament and unlike us, they’ve already won a couple of games which places them way ahead of us but we had to hold on.

The coach walked with me while the team made their way to their positions. “I need you focused in this game, Adams.” The coach reminded me. “I know it is your first game in three years but the girls need you.”

They needed me to place my doubts aside and focus on leading them across the river to better things.

I took a quick glance at the spectators who decided to show up and I was aware that it was only parents and friends of the teams but the pressure was on.

My forehead creased when my eyes landed on a familiar face standing next to the field. He gave me a thumbs up when our eyes locked. I then realized Brandon’s whole team was here. He doesn’t give up and I kind of liked it.

“You can do this.” My mother’s voice echoed in the back of my mind and I felt tears in my eyes when I still recognized her voice. “I have faith in you.” I know they were only memories of her when she gave me reassurance before each game but it felt as if she was right here beside me cheering me on like she always have, and it gave me strength.

“Yes, coach. They can count on me."

I usually hated the silence before a game because I could hear my own heart beating and I always feared my teammates can hear- afraid that they will become anxious when they find out that I was nervous.

A nervous captain isn’t ideal for any team and a lot of pressure is on especially when your team loses because you have to take the blame every time even it is your fault.

Mom always said a captain is the-most-hated person on and off the field. Win they love you. Lose and the whole world blames you for being careless and you are not worthy.

She spoke of experience but the world of hate slowly evaporated when she broke through the thick concrete of hate and build a world of hope for future field hockey players. All races and gender.

She was and is going to be forever an inspiration for me and I will use her wit as motivation to lead this team to greatness.

I met the opposing team’s captain in the centre circle with the umpire. “Heads.” She said before giving me an opportunity to speak. I let it slide for now and promised to take it out on the field.

The umpire tossed the coin to the opening match and luck was on their side.

Her smirk didn’t go unnoticed. “So, sorry, Adams. Second best.” I shrugged and shook her hand.

“Not until the last minute.” I dropped her hand and marched back to my team.

“She’s not the friendliest type,” Clarissa muttered.

“Neither was you.” Megan pointed out.

“Enough,” I said sternly. “We have to get our heads in the game. They are serious about winning this and taking us a joke. Let’s prove them wrong.”

We got into our positions. Clarissa and I were standing a few yards away from the centre circle where the opposing team was going for the first touch of the ball.

“Deep breaths, Sasha,” I murmured to myself, slightly squatting down and pressing my feet into the field as I waited for the first strike of the ball.

The umpire blew the whistle and the ball got knocked off. It was like a war erupted when everyone took their places as the opposing team made a run for it. Instead of swords meeting, it was a sea of hockey sticks chasing after a ball.

Their first goal was a loss as Tammy defended particularly well as she always did. We got our first touch of the ball and it didn’t go too well as we were still trying to get our minds back in the game and find the best solution to get our first point.

Our opposing team were not going to hand the spot over without a fight and they were making a point on the field with every run, struck of the ball and defending techniques but we fought back no matter what.

Drawing close to the end of the game we ended up with a tie and we were given extra time for the team that scores the last goal of the day.

We were given two minutes to have a quick chat with the team. “This is it.” I began looking at everyone. “I had fun out there. I don’t know about the rest of you.” All of them looked tired and out of breath, but they still looked motivated.

“They didn’t think we are going to last this long or make it this difficult for them, but guess what? We did before are worth it.” I added.

“So, let’s finish this and not give up when we are almost there.” They nodded and jogged back over to their positions.

While I was making my way with Clarissa, I raised my head and made the mistake of looking at the booing crowd.

“Don’t,” Clarissa said beside me and drawing my attention away from them. “They don’t understand.” She reminded me.

“We do.” She assured me.

I nodded and got in the centre circle as we held possession. Every rockstar, actor, sports legend etc. was once hated and are still hated but you don’t see them give up.

Guess, I am making my stand today.

I knocked the ball back as hard as I could master making sure one of my players got it. Tiffany did one amazing job when she got the ball and handed it off to Megan who handed it off to Clarissa, who in the end handed it over to me and I slammed it straight through the legs of their goalkeeper and watched in fascination as it connected with the net.

Everything about today was close to what happened during the last full game I had before mom got sick and I couldn’t stop my mind from running back to that day. Seeing her proud smile from all the way from the field and almost hearing her loud cheers before she went down.

My wavering eyes met Aunt Maggie’s and for one single moment I wanted to tear down and cry but I didn’t have time to think about my pitiful life when the team embraced me with hugs and cheers.

I swiftly remembered that we made it and we were finally going to be allowed to compete. We had a fair chance at winning the hockey world cup and maybe even have a taste at the Hockey Olympic games next year.

The captain of the opposing team made her way over to me and held her hand out. “Still ruthless as always.” She said as I shook her hand.

“I won’t be an Adams if I wasn’t.” I watched her frown transform into a smile.

“Good luck chasing down the rest and when you make it to the champions I will be definitely be praying for the other team.”

I shrugged. “I don’t expect anything else.”

“It’s not about hate. You are good and maybe even too good. I feel sorry for the teams who underestimate your will-power.” She walked away leaving me standing there looking at her retreating form.

“Thanks, mom,” I whispered lowering my head.

I raised my head when I heard hands clapping. I frowned when Brandon made his way over to where I was standing. “I think the booing crowd swallowed their vocal cords.”

I chuckled and shrugged. “They will be back.”

“Hey!” Megan ran over to me. “We are heading over to the pub to celebrate.” The last part of her remark her voice turned into an inaudible shriek when her eyes met Brandon.

I suppressed a laugh. “Brandon this is Megan. She’s quite a fan.” He shot her a grin to which I thought she was going to pass out but she at least didn’t.

“Are you joining us?” She asked giving him a questioning but begging look.

He looked at me as if he was asking permission. “It wouldn't be a party if the gladiators are not invited.”