Page 138 of Made Better Together

The next day I have Art History class, and I managed to catch up on that homework last night, miracle of all miracles.

“You’ll be so proud,” I say to Jake, as we wait for the class to start. “I’m not behind for once.”

He fake claps, grinning. “Great job.”

Everything’s been fine between us at the lectures since the Hockey House party those weeks ago. I’d spotted him walking hand in hand with the same black-haired girl from the party two classes ago. I appreciate how chill he’s been, regardless.

Plus, his notes continue to be a lifesaver.

“We’ll see if I can keep it up, though. We have an away game tomorrow, so I’ll have less time for homework.”

“Oh yeah, felt. We’re away this weekend for a tournament in Boston.”

“Nice. Durham for us.” UNC is our opponent.

“You still on track to fight for the championship?”

The professor walks in, so I answer quickly before turning around to face forward. “Looks pretty good.”

Coming into this week, we’re currently sitting on ten wins, three draws and only one loss. So many of my teammates are playing better than I thought possible during the summer captain’s practices. Our chemistry’s connecting, making the sum greater than the parts.

I can hear Bree’s response to that: “Except this sum includes the likely Mac Hermann winner.” The top individual award for college soccer. The last issue of Soccer Magazine had included a short article on the NCAA women’s season, naming me as the favorite for the women’s award.

With sixteen goals and seven assists this season, Larsson is hands down the best striker in the college game this year…

Of course, I would love to win it, but the College Cup team trophy means more to me.

When game time comes on Thursday, it’s my teammates who make the first goal—a cross from April to Bree, who heads the ball in.

I get mine anyway, in the forty-third minute, but I’m more thrilled to celebrate them than myself.

“ONE-TWO-THREE-CHAMPIONS,” I shout, leading the chant in the visitor locker room afterward.

I’m starting to believe we have the team to get this done—and that it’s not all on me. Somehow, that makes it even more special.

THURSDAY NIGHT

EDEN: We won!

CONNOR: I watched online. That volley was a fucking beauty.

EDEN: Thanks :)

CONNOR: Like you

EDEN: :)

CONNOR: Can’t wait to see you play in person

EDEN: Someday…

CONNOR: If you make the College Cup championship, no way am I missing it.

EDEN: It’s in Atlanta this year.

CONNOR: Drivable at least. I’ll figure it out.

EDEN: Hide in a corner somewhere?