Sadly, Tuesday arrived faster than I thought it would and I was up earlier than the usual 2pm, and now sat in the kitchen eating breakfast with dad.

“So I was thinking that you could come to the studio with us today, instead of sitting at home alone all day.”

“I can’t, I have practice today until 8.” I sighed. I really did want to go, but this team was really important to me.

“Oh, well maybe you can go tomorrow?”

“We have practice all week, for the game this weekend.”

“Maybe, after the game then?”

“Sure.” I nodded.

“Well, I have to go. I’ll see you later dad.” I said grabbing my bag.

“I’ll pick you up tonight after practice, alright?” I nodded before running out the door, to avoid anymore awkward conversations.

I was early to the practice, but it didn’t really bother me, because it allowed me to have some extra time to stretch and talk to Amber, who I’ve actually become really close to.

---

Practice had officially began with coach discussing the game this weekend and we were now running plays, but they weren’t going well.

“This is ridiculous, compared to Daniella and Amber we all suck. We don’t have a chance against the other teams.” A girl said as the others nodded along.

“You shouldn’t be so hard on yourselves. We still have all week to work on these plays and drills. We’ll be ready for the game on Saturday.” I said hoping to help the situation, and it was true, I’ve seen them all play and sure some were sloppy with their moves, but they all had potential.

“I know you’re new to the team and all, but we’ve been running the same plays and drills for years, and unless you want to teach us some new plays, then we’re screwed.”

“That’s not a bad idea.” Coach said.

“I’m sorry, what?” I said as my eyes went wide.

“I did some research on you over the weekend, and you’re an amazing player, you’re old coach even said that you led your own team to the championships. You should run practice this week. Teach everyone new plays and just help them improve.”

“I-I don’t think that’s a good-” I was cut off by Amber.

“It’s a great idea, if you’re as good as everyone says, then you should be able to help us. Right guys?” She asked looking around. Surprisingly the other girls all agreed.

“Please, if you do this we might have a chance at the championships.”

“Alright. Let’s do this.” I smiled as they cheered.

I learned all of my teammates names, before showing them some plays. Remembering to critique them to make sure that everything was right. By the end of practice we were all struggling to walk, because our legs were so sore.

“Practice was great, and all the girls are so excited for the game Saturday.” Amber squealed from beside me.

“I thought they’d all hate me for working them so hard.” I chuckled.

“They know that you’re only trying to help us.” She smiled.

“Hey Dani. Here’s all of our number’s if you need anything or whatever, you know. But anyways practice was great today, but maybe go a little easy on us tomorrow, yeah?” She laughed handing me a piece of paper before running off to her car.

“See, what’d I tell you?” Amber smiled.

“Yeah, yeah.” I laughed.

I watched as the rest of the players and coach left, leaving Amber and I to talk amongst ourselves, that was until Chris drove up and honked.

“Do want a ride home, Chris won’t mind at all.”

“Uhh, no thanks. My dad will be here soon, probably just stuck at the studio again.” I smiled.

“Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow” She gave me a small smile before rushing to Chris’s car.

Oh, but how I was wrong. an hour and half later not only was I was still sat at the field, but it had started to rain.

I got up and started my long and storm filled journey home.

By the time I got home I couldn’t walk a straight line my legs were so sore. I walked in and there sat on the couch was my dad and some girl, sucking off each other’s faces. I frowned and slammed the door scaring them.

“Dani, why aren’t you at practice, and why are you wet?” Jaime asked standing up.

“Practice ended at 8, ya know, over 2. Bloody. Hours. Ago. I had to walk home in the rain.” I said dropping my bag. on the ground.

“Oh shit, Dani I’m so sorry.”

“Save it.” I said putting up my hand and walking upstairs.

"Bloody bastard can't remember to pick up his own damn daughter. Bloody hell." I muttered. My legs were sore, I was soaking wet, and I honestly couldn’t be bothered with Jaime’s poor excuse to ditch me to come suck faces with some girl.

I took a quick shower, changed, and grabbed my phone calling Tony. Please pick up.

“Dani, what’s up?” He said.

“Uhm can you come pick me up from Jaime’s house.”

“Yeah, of course. I’ll be there soon..” He said.

I walked downstairs, ignoring both of them, and into the kitchen to fill up 2 big zip lock bags full of ice and then used plastic wrap to keep the bags in place. Just as I was finishing up I got a text from Tony telling me he was almost here.

“I’m going to Tony’s.” I said blankly.

“Dani-”

“Jaime, just let her go. She’s such a bore anyways.” The girl interrupted.

“Bye Jaime.” I said before I turned towards the door and walked out. I saw Tony’s car pull into the driveway and I legged it.

The ride to Tony’s house was quiet, yet comfortable.

When we arrived, Tony pulled his car into the garage before we got out and made our way inside.

“Rough practice?” He asked pointing to my legs.

“Yeah.” I laughed walking to his kitchen and looking for something to eat.

“So ya wanna tell me why you called me at almost 11 to come pick you up.”

“I guess, I owe you an explanation, huh?” I sighed. “Well as you know, I had practice today and before I left this morning Jaime said that he’d come pick me up. So I went to practice and ended up being in charge of it all. But anyways, practice ended at 8, and I sat there for like 2 hours waiting for Jaime to come pick me up and he never did, so when it started raining I decided to just walk home, and when I got there he was sitting on the couch making out with some girl.”

“Wait, he left you at the field for over 2 hours, just to hang out with Ashley” He said confused. Hmmm, so that’s her name. “And he let me come and get you instead of talking to you?”

“Oh don’t you remember, I’m such a bore, it was better that I left..”I said dramatically as I rolled my eyes.

“Did she say that?.” he chuckled

“Yup.” I laughed.

“Well you can hang out here for as long as you want, alright?”

“Can we order pizza I haven’t eaten since this morning?”

So that’s what we did, we sat around eating pizza and just talked. It was nice to be able to just sit down with Tony and joke around. He was the first one who actually tried to get to know me and stuff, and ever since then he’s been there for me, even when my dad wasn’t.

We ended up just hanging out until around 2am, we didn’t even stop the conversation when Jacob strolled in and glared at us.

Notes