"Come on Cade! Pass the damn ball!* Our team captain shouted at the right side of the box, it was barely a few seconds to full time. The scores were 4-3. All we needed was this one goal and It'll be all square. I could pass and maybe he'll score but I'm in range too, and the other team probably expects me to pass. Maybe I should take the shot. I ignored my teammate's shouts and cut outside,aiming to curl it at an angle the goalie couldn't reach.
My teammate's eyes widened "What the hell Cade! Pass it already! I have a....." He trailed off when I got into shooting motion and pulled the trigger. The ball shot between two center backs and curled towards the top left corner. My mouth curled upwards into a smirk but my hopes instantly hit rock bottom when the mortifying sound of the ball rattling the cross bar cut into the air like butter with a hot knife, completely derailing our team's chances of turning the match around.
The final whistle was blown and the opposing team's spectators erupted into shouts of commendation. My teammates however, groaned in frustration as the victors rejoiced their well earned victory. I slumped on the ground, exhausted and still not believing how I fumbled that chance. I was quintuple sure that it would go in. I could feel the piercing glare of my teammates bore into me. If looks could kill, I'd be long gone
The captain walked up to me, giving me a disapproving look. "Was it that hard to pass the ball? I had a better angle than you. If you passed, this wouldn't have happened." He then sighed "Congratulations, you fumbled our chance to go to the nationals. I hope you're happy with yourself." He told me then walked passed me leaving me in a pool of guilt and shame. I stayed there, thinking about what happened. It was pure bad luck, of course it was, luck and I were like like poles of a magnet. Bad luck followed me like a shadow, it was always there and I can't do anything about it.
I stood up, walking with my head hung down in shame as our spectators tutted in utter annoyance. I went to the showers and took a cold bath. After that, I went to change to my tracksuit. It was painfully akward in the changing room -Everyone was looking at me with disdain as they talked about me behind my back. I ignored them and proceeded to leave the venue. I wasn't willing to stay until to the interview, where I'd have to explain how I feel after wasting a golden chance.
The coach spotted me on my way out of the venue. He gave me a firm look. "Where do you think you're going?" He asked. I stammered "M....my aunt needs me home. She said it's urgent" I lied. He stared at me for a moment then sighed, "I have something to tell you before you go then." He paused, as if looking for the right words.
"I'll have to kick you out of the soccer team*
I blinked, confused. Did I hear that right? "Wait, what...why?" I asked, not believing what he was saying right now. "Your team work skills are lacking, I've told you before to work on them, but it seems that you aren't even trying. And now, that cost us an Important match. I have no choice but to let you go. You're not valuing our team in any way." He said frankly, without even sugar coating it
"I'm trying. I swear I am!* I pleaded but he shook his head, not having any of it. "I'm sorry Cade, but my decision stands. I hope you find another place where you'll be comfortable." He said, then walked past me. Leaving me alone to process what he said. My hands balled into fists as frustration gripped me like a vice.
"Damn it! Why am I just.....Ugh!*
I took my anger out on a pebble on the ground, kicking it as hard as I could and watching it skitter across the ground. I then took a deep breath to calm myself. Being mad won't help anything. I might as well head home before something else happens that'll mess up my day even more. The walk home was quiet, I came across a bunch of kids playing tag beside the street. I envy them, they get to do anything and no one will so much as bat an eye but when I do anything, someone will always find a way to judge and shun me for it.