I mean, two guys hanging out??but you can call it a date if you want.
Again, I’ve put my foot in my mouth.As soon as I reconnect with him, my mind is off to the races, taking control of everything and potentially messing everything up in the process.I’ve no idea where I manage to find the bravery from, but I close our chat before I attempt to get even more bold.The worst thing about being a footballer is being in the closet and not knowing who you can trust with your secret.I fall back into the sofa just as I feel my bottom lip begin to tremble.
Yesterday was my first full day back in training, and my knee, to my delight, has been fine.Today’s training session is what counts though.It’s the one where Gaffer will decide on his starting lineup of eleven players for the game against the Villains.I have a soft spot for them, as one of my footballing idols used to play for them, but I have to put all sentiments aside if I want to break into the first team next year.
There have been rumors in the newspaper that the higher-ups are pushing for me to be the natural successor to our current striker, but with paper talk, you have to sift through the bullshit first.I have to focus on one thing at a time, and right now that’s shooting practice.
I’m thankful that the best goalkeeper in the world, Emi Wilson, plays for my team, because if I had to try and score past him in a real game, I’d end up pulling my hair out.He has cat-like reflexes, and if you miss, he starts laughing at you.Which, as you would imagine, really boils players’ piss.The number of yellow cards he’s got opposing players for their reactions is almost legendary.In the sport, we call him a “shithouse.”
The ball comes to me from Rodrigo, our Spanish left winger.I take the ball out of the air with a feather-light touch and aim for the keeper's bottom right, but it’s thwarted by his big palms.
“Hahaha.You shoot like a baby badger.You need more power in your shots,” he bellows.
I crack a smile at him, “Trust me, I’m only warming up.The next one you won’t see coming.”
“Okay, my friend, okay,” he says, and laughs some more.I smile at him.He’s on my team, it’s fine.It’s fine.
The ball comes in from the left this time, and I manipulate my body so my back is to the goal.I chest the ball down and stop it with my left foot before back-heeling it with my right.I turn just in time to see the ball roll in the bottom left corner.I give our keeper a smile before my teammates mob me.
It’s the only goal I manage to score past him, but I think I’ve earned his respect and a lot of the senior team’s.
I’m doing cool down stretches with some other players when Gaffer strides up to me.
“Johnson.A word,” he says before walking off, expecting me to follow, which I do.
“Yes, sir,” I answer, my voice laced with respect.Most players would kill to be in my position right now, and that thought isn’t lost on me.
“The cup game against the Villains.You’re starting again.Make the most of this and you will be playing in the final at the national stadium.Succeed in that, and well, I think you’ll be in a very good position to be our main striker next season.What do you think?”
I stand there, motionless.What can I say?Eventually, I remember how to form words and say, “Yes, sir, I won’t let you down.”
“Good.Keep smiling too.I like players who play with a smile.It shows that you enjoy it.Never forget that.”
“Yes, sir.Thank you.”
And with that, he’s gone.Play with a smile on my face?It’s what I’ve always done, and this is something I can get on board with from Gaffer.I’m on cloud nine.All I have to do is keep playing the way I am, and I'll be a starter next season.Each day I am proving my doubters wrong, and it feels… It feels amazing.
When I get home, I see I have a message from Kyle, and I open it up with a new smile on my face.
Kyle
Coach has picked me for the first team in the cup game against the Blue and Whites.Hat trick incoming!??
AJ
How odd.My gaffer has picked me in the starting lineup against the Villains.
Kyle
Reckon there’s some cosmic force at play?
AJ
Gotta be.Congrats btw and good luck!
Kyle
I don’t need luck.Good luck to you, though.I’m looking forward to winning the bet.
