Ian
Present
Iget off the bus, thrusting my gym bag over my shoulder, and head down towards the changing rooms with my headphones plugged in, trying in vain to calm my nerves with music. I go in and sit down on the bench, resting my elbows on my knees and let my head fall into my hands.
Someone shakes my arm. I lift my head just enough to see who it is and find the coach standing in front of me, his arms crossed. I remove my headphones and stand up, in respect.
“You’re worked up. You’re never like this before a game.”
“I’m not.”
He raises an eyebrow and cocks his head.
“Everything’s fine, I’m ready.”
“Not judging by your face. You look like you’re facing your first Pro12, like you’re ready to run to the toilet and heave your guts up.”
“Well, that’s not the case, I can assure you.”
“I hope not, boy, because you’re the captain now, and you’ll be on the field from the first minute of the game. Don’t make me regret my decision.”
“You won’t, Sir.”
“I hope so. For your sake.”
He looks at me for a few more seconds before turning to Scott and John who are pissing around, as usual.
I hear him raise his voice and get them back in line before I stick my earphones back in and let the music relax me, helping me to concentrate on heading outside with the others. I’m one of them, aLion, ready to get on the field and wreak havoc – but my thoughts are elsewhere.
I’ve let someone come into my life and mess with my emotions, my moods and my thoughts. I’m playing a game, about to lay down my hand, aware of what I have to lose.
Everything.
I could lose her too.
For once in my life, I’m taking a risk.
I jump to my feet and take out my headphones, throwing them onto the bench.
“Hey, mate,” Jamie walks up to me with his hands on his hips. “Anything wrong?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Huh. Doesn’t seem that way,” he comments, nodding towards my phone on the bench.
“Just a shitty song, that’s all.”
“A song, huh?” I shrug and start getting undressed.
“If you have a problem or don’t feel like your head’s in the right place right now…”
“I’m great, Jamie.” I say raising my voice a tone.
“It’s my job to make sure you are.”
“Everything’s fine,” I add, softer.
“Okay,” he says doubtfully and starts to walk away, but he speaks again. “I almost forgot…One of the security guys says he let someone in under your name.”
