Haven Harbor • a.i. •

Chapter 41

The sunny and clear skies made for the perfect weather for the game.

The game was taking place at the small stadium (if you could even call it that) behind the school. It wasn't really a stadium, more like one set of 20 year old metal bleachers on each side of the manicured field.

Strangely, a cop car was parked outside the stadium which was weird.

When we arrived inside the gates I sent Ashton and Calum to get us a spot in the stands while I walked Ender down to his team mates all in their yellow jerseys. Ender sat down on a bench to change into his cleats and I crouched down next to him.

"You're going to do great, End. I'm proud of you for making the team." I smiled up at him.

"Thanks, Car." He gave me a little grin and tied his shoe laces.

Once his shoes were tied I gave him a quick hug and watched him run off with the rest of his team so Coach Robin could get them in a huddle to discuss strategy.

I left the sidelines and joined Ashton and Calum in the stands. I took a seat next to Ash who put his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to him.

My eyes began to scan the other team across the field and I immediately became worried. All of the kids on the opposing team were huge, one kids red jersey barely fit him. The kids on our team were average size for their age except for Ender and it was obvious to tell. Ender had always been on the smaller size for his age since he was born a few weeks early. That was why I was still able to pick him up at his age.

"What is it?" Ashton asked and I looked up into his sunglasses where I couldn't see his eyes through them.

"Look at those kids on the other team. They're huge." I said, worry evident on my face. "Ender's going to get crushed."

"He's going to be fine. If the coach didn't think he could play then he wouldn't put him in." Ashton assured me.

"Ender's fast, Car. He'll be fine." Calum added from the other side of Ashton and I nodded, biting my lip.

A referee in his black and white striped uniform jogged out into the middle of the field and blew the whistle. Both teams ran out to take their positions and I became increasingly anxious. I wanted Ender to win his first game so badly, but I also wanted him to stay uninjured.

Ashtons fingers slid between mine and he gave my hand a squeeze.

Ender was the center forward so his job was to score goals and distract defense to give room for the midfielder, so he was positioned closest to the opposing teams goal.

The game started and my eyes followed Ender as he ran, his teammates passing the ball to him so he could kick it in the goal. The first time he went to kick it the goalie blocked it.

"That's alright, End! Keep going!" Calum yelled out and I smiled.

The next time Reid passed the ball to Ender he kicked it, the goalie missing it.

"Yes!" I cheered. "Way to go Ender!"

"Told you." Ashton nudged my shoulder and I leaned up to kiss his cheek.

"Shut up."

By the mid part of the game, Ender's team was winning.

"He's doing really well." Calum smiled at me.

The team took a fifteen minute break and started up the next half, the next team coming on even stronger and harder than they did the first half.

The abrupt ringing of my phone in my pocket took me out of my trance from watching the game. I took it out to see who it was but didn't recognize the number.