Extra Time

Prologue

I could tell that Caleb and Ryan were on cloud 9 as the team trudged off the pitch at full time. The rain was pouring down and the boys were all caked in mud. But that didn't stop the smiles on their faces, if anything it made them look happier as they all laughed and spoke about the game they had just won as they walked to the changing rooms.

I stood with my parents holding my umbrella and I just watched them all. Well, in particular I was watching Caleb. He just looked so different today and I couldn't put my finger on why. I mean sure he was the same looks wise, his glossy brown hair was wet through, but he could still run his hand through it the way he always would. He looked over at one point, catching my eye and he grinned at me making me smile in return. I had known Caleb for years as he was my brother Ryan's best mate and he spent almost all of his time at our house due to his mum being on her own and busy at work. But lately, I had begun having what I can only describe as my first crush and of course knowing my disastrous luck it had to be on Caleb. The guy who had looked after me when I scraped my knees when I was younger and the guy who had words with Billy when he was teasing me in middle school.

I was hoping that it would be a fleeting crush because obviously he would never be interested in his best mate's kid sister, and I definitely never planned on telling him!

"Ava sweetie, did you want to go and wait in the car? Its absolutely pouring out here" my mum interrupted my thought process making me jump. She laughed at my reaction.

I smiled "I'm ok mum, I'm happy to wait for Ryan. He must be so pleased with their win today".

"I think Caleb will be happier, there was a scout from the academy today and I overheard him talking to the coach about Caleb. He might be finally getting his shot" my dad interrupted us to say with a big grin on his face. My parents had taken Caleb under their wing and they loved helping his mum out as they had all grown up together.

I left my parents to chat whilst I went back to daydreaming. Ryan and Caleb had always spoken about their dreams to be professional footballers. Ryan's dream had kind of died over the years and he began to focus on his plans for after high school which was just a few months away. Ryan was hoping to do his A-levels and then go onto university where he was hoping to become a doctor. Whereas Caleb was still hell bent on trying to be a footballer and with their team finally gaining notice this season, this felt like maybe he was closer than what he thought.

I was nudged out of my thoughts when some of the parents began clapping as the boys came out of the changing rooms, all of them looking clean and refreshed.

Caleb had the biggest grin as he came over to my parents with Ryan beside him. "So you'll never guess what" he began to say

"He's only finally been bloody scouted!" my brother interrupted him and threw his arm around his shoulder in congratulations.

Caleb rolled his eyes and laughed as my dad cheered and my mum bundled him into a hug. Ryan came to stand beside me and nudged my shoulder with his "what do you think Ava? How cool is it that we may soon know a professional footballer?"

Caleb laughed as he came over to us both, my parents had gone to speak to the coach "I would hardly say I'm nearly a professional footballer mate. I'm years away from that and that's if it goes well"

Ryan laughed "well I have a good feeling about it and speaking of good feelings, is that Amy over there? Hey Ava, tell the parentals that I've got plans and I'll be home later" he winked as he ran over to a group of girls.

Caleb shook his head and laughed "your brother is going to break some hearts when he's a doctor".

I rolled my eyes "oh god don't tell him that, he will be more insufferable that what he already is. I've got girls in my year that only speak to me to ask me questions about him or you".

Caleb smiled "me? Why do they ask you questions about me?"

I internally groaned, why had I said that?! "I'm sure you know the answer to that one already".

He laughed "so what did you think to the game anyway? You know I like to get your perspective".

Me and Caleb would often discuss football matches. Thanks to my many years of watching my brother and Caleb play, it had given me my own love for the game, and I genuinely enjoyed watching them and giving my insight. "Well, it was a good game overall, but I can't help but feel that you could have challenged for the ball a bit more. You seemed somewhat reluctant at times" I shrugged my shoulders whilst he just smiled at me.

"I shall take that on board coach" he winked.

"Caleb! Are you coming?" we both turned when we heard Ryan yell across the field.

Caleb groaned "your brother is relentless. But I guess I better go keep him out of trouble. Ill be seeing you Ava" he smiled down at me.

"See you later Caleb" I said in return as he turned to jog across the field to Ryan, but he stopped halfway and over his shoulder he threw me a wave which made my heart skip a beat and made me wave back in response. Maybe this wasn't just a fleeting crush, and I wasn't sure what I was going to do about it.