Echoes Of An Alpha

Chapter 31: Unexpected visitor

I got home after a long day and Zoë barged into my room. "This is so unfair" she said angrily I nodded in confusion.

"Just imagine Zara, I asked dad if I could play in the game tomorrow and he said 'No you can't go alone it's not safe Zoë and I'll be at work and it's only Your mom who'll be available' Uhhhhh why does everyone hate me!"

"Okay Zoë relax okay your dad is just looking out for you besides I'm pretty sure it wasn't as bad as you make it sound " I said trying to reason with her.

"Zara you don't get it , this game will determine my future in the team and if I don't play I will never become team captain"

"Okay,okay I have a plan" I suggested and if we get caught we're both dead.

We discussed the plan and this meant that I would have to miss extra classes on Saturday, well tomorrow.

After discussing the plan Zoë pulled me into a hug "thank you for this, you're the best sister ever" she said and Zain got into the room and joined the hug

"This is nice, why are we hugging again?"

"Nothing Zain, why don't we go downstairs didn't you say Raj was coming over right now" Zoë said trying to convince Zain .

"Ohhh yeah let's go then" he said leaving.

"Later Zara" Zain said lastly then left and Zoë turned to me with a smile then followed her brother.

(Saturday morning)

The next morning, I woke up early, nervous but determined. I went through my usual morning routine, making sure not to give anyone any reason to be suspicious. After breakfast, I grabbed my bag and headed out , everyone thought I was going to attend Saturday classes but I was not I was gonna turn a corner somewhere and then go back home to get Zoë for the game.

After everyone left the house I went back in then we snuck out, blending in with the crowd heading to weekend activities until we got far enough to catch a bus to Zoë’s game. She was fidgeting the entire ride, clutching her team jacket and going over strategies in her head. I tried to calm her down, but honestly, I don't think it was working she wasn't used to these things like I was. Skipping classes and sneaking out to an unapproved game? This was nothing compared to what I did back home.

When we arrived at the field, Zoë immediately joined her teammates to get ready. I found a seat in the bleachers, watching the game unfold with a mix of excitement and nerves. Zoë was amazing, moving with confidence and precision, and every time the team scored, she’d flash me a smile. I could tell this meant everything to her, and I was proud I could be here to see it. "Yeah that's my sister right there" I shouted as she scored a goal.

Zoë’s team ended up winning, and she was glowing with pride as she ran over to me afterward. “We did it, Zara!” she beamed, barely able to contain her excitement.

“yes you did!” I grinned, giving her a high-five.

We celebrated for a bit with her team taking pictures they were cool kids, but as the clock ticked closer to 2 p.m., reality set back in. It was time to face the consequences of our little escapade hopefully no one is home yet.

We caught the bus back, both of us a mix of pride and terror. The second we stepped through the front door, we froze. Mr. Henderson, Mrs. Henderson, and Zain were all there, waiting.

Mr. Henderson’s face was unreadable, but I could feel the disappointment radiating from him. Zoë stiffened beside me, her earlier joy quickly fading.

“Zoë,” he said, his voice low and calm, which only made it scarier. “I thought I told you that you couldn’t go to that game.”

Zoë looked down, guilt written all over her face. “I know, Dad… but I had to go. This game was important.”