Season 7 Chapter 16

Me: So, how is it going? (I asked while placing a cigarette between my lips, as I leaned against the balcony.)

It was around 7 PM, the street lights were already on, people walked down the streets, the restaurant was buzzing with customers, but Naomi sent me upstairs asking me to rest. Jules has been out since an hour or two, and I had nothing better to do, as I took the liberty and dialled Maria's number. The cigarette smoke rose mixing with the air.

Maria: Anne, you were right. (She sighs in relief.) Julie isn't as useless as I predicted. Not only did she convince Coach to hold an evening session, but she also personally called each of us, requesting us to join the practice.

Me: (I sighed hearing her words) She needs to toughen up. There was no need to request those idiots. If there is practice, those morons need to join, end of story.

Maria: She did say, that if we don't join the practice, we can leave the team. (She says in a whispering manner, so that no one can hear except me)

Me: Passive aggressive huh. (I said taking a long puff) So how is the practice? (I asked while staring at the street)

Maria: Uhm….(she hesitates) Bella didn't show up….so….they are kind of losing their motivations. (She sighs in disappointment)

Me: Hm….I see….(I said while tapping the cigarette, as the ashes fall on the balcony floor.) Alright, I will talk to you later. Take care.

Maria: Take care. (She says before disconnecting the call.)

I placed the cigarette against my lips taking a long puff, as I dialled Bella's number, but each time, it was out of reach. I frowned feeling frustrated, then let out a sigh before lighting another cigarette. There was lines of stress on my forehead, as I took another long puff to relax my mind. I tapped my feet, feeling impatient, as my eyes moved nervously. If Bella was to backout at the last moment, it would be a huge loss not only for the team but also for her.

As the night deepened, the city's hum faded, leaving me alone on the dim balcony with my thoughts. The cool breeze did little to ease the tension as I stood there, lost in contemplation. My cigarette burned down to its last ember, mirroring the dwindling hope inside me. I flicked it away into the darkness and lit another one with a weary sigh. It was already my third, but even as my chest tightened, the smoke failed to ease the stress. The phone vibrated in my hand, pulling me back to the present. A message from Maria.

Maria: Julie's been trying to reach Bella too, but no luck. What should we do?

I sighed with disappointment over my face, before tossing away the half burned cigarette, and walking back to my room. Sitting at the corner of my bed, I shook my legs feeling restless. "What should we do?" The question kept repeating in my head. "What can we even do?", there was hopelessness.

My thoughts were interrupted by a slight knock on the door. I took a deep breathe, and putting the phone in my pocket. I sprayed mouth freshener in my mouth, to reduce the cigarette smell, before walking towards the door, and opening it. Jules stood there still in her practice outfit, covered in sweat and dust, she was out of breathe, her curiosity was mixed with concern.

Jules : Bitch, how many did you smoke? (She rolls her eyes) And why didn't you reply to Maria? She got so worried, that she send me here to check on you. (She pinched the bridge of her nose frustrated)

Me : Three…I guess? (I rasped, my voice rough from the smoke, followed by a cough that scratched at my throat)

Jules: Yeah, figured as much. That mouth freshener won't do shit, you need to bath in perfume if you want to hide from Naomi. (she said with a sarcastic edge. I stared at her for a second, then gave a thumbs-up.) This Bitch…..jeez. (She muttered) Are you trying to kill yourself? (She sighs)

Me: Wish dying was so easy. (I said with a smirk before coughing)

Jules: (a frown of concern spread over her forehead) Anne, do you think, this plan will work?

Me: Uhm….(I hesitated, I was about to say something when my phone vibrated, as I took it out of my pocket and checked a new text, then a smirk played on my lips) Have I ever failed? (I said looking at Jules with renewed confidence.)

Jules: (her eyes narrowed as she watched me with suspicion.) You're up to something, aren't you?

Me: (I shrugged, pocketing my phone as the smirk stayed on my lips.) Let's just say, I have a feeling things are about to take a turn.

Jules: (She crossed her arms, still catching her breath from the intense practice.) You better not be bluffing, Anne. The team is barely holding on, and if Bella doesn't show up—

Me: She will. (I cut her off.) Don't worry, I will take care of the matter. You should have something, and take rest. (I said with a wide grin, as I pat her shoulder) Goodnight.

Jules: (she frowns) Goodnight, Anne. (She says before retiring to her room) who knows what she is planning now…..(she says murmuring to herself)

The next morning, instead of entering class, I headed straight towards the rooftop. My heartbeat increasing with each step, hoping that my prediction is right. I pushed open the door, as a wide grin appeared on my face. "Caught you…." I thought as I noticed Bella sitting on the roof.

Me: Why are you sitting at my hiding spot? (I said closing the roof door behind my back, before laying on beside Bella.) The weather is warm today. (I said placing my hands under my head.)

Bella: Don't sleep on the floor, its dirty. (She sighs)

Me: Are you trying to avoid my question? (I asked raising my brow)

Bella: (she hugs her legs while hesitating) I don't understand what you are trying to say.

Me: Why are you hiding from your responsibilities? (I said before sitting down)

Bella: Am not hiding. (She avoids eye contact)

Me: (I stared at her, letting the silence linger before speaking again) Bella, come on. You know better than to lie to me.

Bella: (She stayed quiet for a minute, her fingers tightening around her legs as she hugged them closer to her chest before she finally speaks up) Wouldn't it be better to quit than to disappoint others?

Me: What do you mean? (I raised my brow)

Bella: You already know Anne, I am useless. If I play, I will only end up pulling the entire team down. (She holds back her tears)

Me: (I sighed, leaning back on my hands as I looked up at the sky) So, what's the solution?

Bella: Of course quitting! Its better to quit than letting them down! (She starts getting agitated)

Me: (I stared at her with a calm demeanour) But, do you really want to quit?

Bella: (frowns) What do you mean?

Me: If you really wanted to quit, why did you text me, instead of texting Coach? (I said referring to the text that she sent yesterday night) Bella, you don't really want to give up, do you? (I said looking in her eyes for an answer)

Bella: Anne, you already know that I am a failure. (Tears rolled down from her eyes) Don't you remember, how I embarrassed myself on our first match? If you didn't show up that day, we would have lost….because of me.

Me: (I took a deep breath, before sitting down, and holding her hand) Is one failure enough to disappoint you?

Bella: Anne….you don't understand….(she said biting her lower lip.)

Me: Bel…trust me, nobody knows failure better than me, and how it feels to give up. Each day, it eats you like an insect feeding on your flesh. It hurts, but you know what hurts more? The regret. (My eyes were fixed on her) I don't want you to face the same. Trust me, regret is much worse than failure.

Bella: What are you even talking about? You? Failed? (She laughs slightly) Don't joke, how can someone like you face failure?

Me: Bel, no one is perfect in this world. (I said with a smile) Bel, you are much better than you think. I have watched you grow.

Bella: But….(she hesitates) What if I disappoint them?

Me: Even if you really disappoint them, why does it matter? (I frowned) Do you really think that they would blame you?

Bella: Won't they? (She hesitates)

Me: Just like you can't depend on one person for a team game, similarly, you can't blame one member for the defeat of whole team. (I placed my hands on her shoulder pressing it softly) Its your time to prove them wrong. Bel, I replaced you on your first match because of your injuries, now its your turn to replace me and shine on the field.

Bella: (Her eyes met mine, a mix of uncertainty and determination) You really think I can do that?

Me: You don't trust my words? (I smiled warmly)

Bella: I do. (She smiles)

Me: (I stood up, offering my hand) Then stand up, and come with me. (I said smiling, she stares at me for a second before taking my hand)

Bella: Anne, I won't let you down. (She says with renewed confidence) I will give my everything.

Me: I know. (I said placing my hand around her shoulder.) I know.

Bella and I descended the stairs side by side, her shoulders set with newfound resolve. Her eyes shone with renewed energy and expectation, though traces of self-doubt lingered. I knew that, in time, they would fade. After classes, we met at the football ground, as I stood beside Coach while we watched the team practice.

Aoi: When I gave you ultimatum, I knew you would come up with a crazy idea, but seems like I underestimated your ability. (She sighs) How is your pain? (She glanced at me with worried expression)

Me: Its still there. (I replied with a shrug)

Aoi: You should be taking rest, instead of moving around so much. (She folds her arms)

Me: I am fine, don't worry. (I grinned trying to reassure her. As we spoke, we noticed Mr. Henry advancing towards us, with a bakery package in his hand and a wide smile over his face, as he waves at us.)

Henry: Hello Ms. Aoi, and Anne. Anne, how is your injury? (He says looking at me, while his eyes glances at Ms. Aoi.)

Me: Its fine. (I smiled) How have you been?

Henry: I am good as well- (he was cut short by Coach)

Aoi: What do you want, Mr. Henry? (She raises her brow giving an impatient stare) As you can see, we are busy with the upcoming tournament, so it would be better if you don't waste our time. (She said coldly)

Henry: Uhm….(he hesitates then smiles) I actually brought donuts for you…(he says blushing) I-Its your favourite, right?

Aoi: (she bit her lower lip, hesitating) Thank you, but, I don't want them.

Henry: (his smile faltered, but he quickly recovered, masking his disappointment with a chuckle.) Oh, no worries, Coach Aoi. Maybe some other time. (He shifted his gaze to me, trying to salvage the moment.) Anne, would you like some?

Me: (I glanced at Coach's icy expression before extending my hand and grabbing a donut) Thank you, Coach Henry. (I said with a smile.)

Henry: (he smiles cheerfully) Its my pleasure. (He then glances at Aoi, and forces a grin) Then, meet you next time. All the best with your practice. (He says before turning around and walking off)

Aoi: (she sighed, rubbing her temples.) He's persistent, I'll give him that.

Me: (I glanced at Coach, with a smirk as I leaned against the fence) Why don't you give him a chance?

Aoi: (frowns) What do you mean?

Me: (I hesitated and shrugged) He is a good guy, why don't you just give him a chance?

Aoi: Anne, I already have someone else in my life. (She sighs) And Mr. Henry deserve someone better than me. (She stares at him, as he speaks with his team) Someone who would truly love and understand him.

Me: Then why don't you tell him that clearly, instead of indirectly hurting his feelings. (I asked feeling confused)

Aoi: Because….(she looks at me.) He never really told me, that he has feelings for me, then why should I bring it up like a fool? (She pauses, then looks away) It's just easier this way, Anne. If he doesn't say anything, I can pretend I don't notice. Keeps things simple, don't you think?

Me: (I scratched my head feeling frustrated) Agh….love is so confusing!

Aoi: (she laughs softly) You will understand when the time comes.

Me: (I tilt my head raising my brow) Are you happy?

Aoi: (she bit her lower lip hesitating, then avoids my eyes) Happiness is subjective. (She said rubbing her arm, feeling uncomfortable and tried to change the topic) Julie! Be more alert of your surroundings!

Me: Coach?....(I hesitated, while trying to call her.)

Aoi: Jules! What's wrong with you?! Is that how you play football? Where is your concentration?! (She says advancing towards the field, as if running away from my questioning eyes. I stood there for a minute, watching her, it felt like she was hiding something.)

To be continued...