chapter 6

Teamwork and Triumph

Monday morning, I walked into school, excitement buzzing in my chest. "Where have you been?" Liam asked, spotting me.

"I just got here," I replied.

"The tryouts results are out," he said, gesturing to the posted list.

My heart skipped a beat. "Did I make the team?"

Liam smiled mischievously. "See for yourself."

I scanned the list, my eyes widening. "I made the team! I made the team!" I exclaimed, jumping up and down.

Emily approached, beaming. "We made the team!" we chimed in unison.

Liam grinned. "Well, then, see you at practice."

After classes, I joined my friends at the school's outdoor spot, as the cafeteria was packed.

Alex walked in, snatching Martin's snacks. "Hey, drop it," Olivia said.

Alex sneered. "Or what?"

I intervened. "Must you always bully others?"

Alex shot back, "No one asked for your opinion."

Emily stood up to him. "We don't want you here."

Alex taunted, "What are you going to do, blonde?"

Emily's voice remained steady. "You can attack me, but you can't take down all of us. We're six against one."

Alex's expression faltered, and he stalked off.

At lunch, Nicole invited Emily to join the video game team. Henry's eyes lit up, and I noticed our friends trying to bring them together.

That evening, we gathered for the video game session. Our plan was to let the enemy defeat us, leaving Emily and Henry alone.

As planned, only Emily and Henry remained. Henry said, "Don't worry, Emily, I'll save you."

But Emily surprised us, skillfully beating the enemy.

"Wow, Emily, I had no idea you could play!" Olivia exclaimed.

Henry walked out, returning with a copy of the game for Emily. "I've always liked you, Emily. I don't know if you feel the same way."

Emily smiled. "I've always liked Liam, but he didn't return it. I guess I'll give it a try."

We cheered as Henry and Emily shared a heartfelt moment.

The next day at football practice, Alex ignored Liam's request for the ball.

Liam asked, "What do you want, Alex?"

Alex demanded an apology. Liam hesitated, then apologized.

Alex agreed to work together, and our practice improved.

As the practice game with Caleb High School approached, Liam reminded me, "We need teamwork to win."

How will the practice game day go?

To be continued...