But this wasn't ten months ago.
I touched the ball with my right foot, shifting it slightly left. The defender missed me by inches. The goalkeeper committed, diving to his right.
I struck the ball with my left foot, sending it sailing into the upper left corner of the net.
The crowd exploded.
And I was back.
My team jumped on top of me, shouting and grinning. It wasn't just any goal for us. I scored it, and I didn't mess up. My heart swelled from the way they all supported me and ruffled my hair in the process.
But my eyes were glued to section C, watching Nova and Rosie screaming their lungs out for me. I saw tears streak down Rosie's cheeks and her grin widen when she caught my eyes.
This was all because of her. Of course, I put in the work, but she was there every step of the way. And all I wanted to do was wrap my arms around her and squeeze her tight.
Instead, I smiled at her, and she smiled back. Having our secret little moment in the midst of chaos.
We went into halftime up 2-0. My goal plus another from Maddox off a corner kick. In the locker room, Coach praised our defense and encouraged us to keep the pressure on.
“Dex,” he said, pulling me aside. “Hell of a goal. How's the knee?”
“Good, Coach. Strong.”
He studied me for a moment, then nodded. “You look different out there. More confident.”
“I feel different.”
“Good. Keep it up.” He squeezed my shoulder and moved on to talk to the defense.
Max dropped onto the bench beside me, grinning. “So. That was pretty fucking great.”
“Thanks for the assist.” I smiled at my best friendas balance slowly returned. He could have taken that goal on his own, but I was glad he trusted me enough not to.
“Thanks for finishing it.” He took a long drink of water. “Maddox seems very pissed off with Nova wearing your jersey.”
I hummed. “Guess, he is not as observant as he thinks.”
Max laughed. “He asked me if there's something between the two of you.”
“What did you say?” I asked.
“I told him wrong girl,” Max grinned, and I gave him a puzzled look. “Come on, you can't fake that chemistry between you and...”
“Okay, okay, got it,” I hit him hard so he wouldn't say Rosalie's name.
“She's good for you.”
“I know,” I grinned. “It's fucking scary... caring about someone this much.”
Max laughed. “Tell me about it.”
We sipped our water quietly, and my friend glanced at the rest of the team. “You know you need to tell Aaron at some point?”
“Yeah, but I want to give us time to figure it out first before all the judgment.” Max nodded in agreement. “Does it make me delusional to think he is going to be cool with it? He is cool with us spending time, bonding over recovery... I think he is going to be fine with it.”
“Unless you break her heart.”
I let out a sad laugh. “It's not something you can control, but I don't want to do that.”
