Beautiful Goodbye

Chapter 17: I'm Sorry For Being Needy

I held my breathe as I hear the audience dramatically gasp. One moment there was silence and then there was a ring of applause. I looked at the net and saw the other team’s goalie bracing his head on the floor. I scored. I felt a huge ass grin form on my lips. I scored. I fcuking scored.  

My team mates all came running up to me and two of them lifted me on their shoulders as the audience screamed for our team’s name. We fcuking won, motherfcukers.   

When my team mates put me down, I walked up to Philip, who for once was not a jerk face in my eyes. I tapped his shoulder. “Good job, dude. That was a nice defence.” I complimented and his eyes widened in surprise. Without him, we wouldn’t have made that goal.   

“Thank you. Ditto. That was an awesome kick.” He complimented back. I smiled at him. He’s not much of a douche after all. Misunderstood maybe.   

I patted his shoulder one more time before I turned around and walked to the bleachers. I see the same faces—Allen, Amanda, Jayce and Leanne.   

Looking up to where they were seating, I called, “Hey guys.” Like a comedy show, they all looked at me at the same time. I snickered at the synchronisation.  

“Dude! Great game! Who would have thought you can manage 2 goals in a game?” Allen said rhetorically.  

“Congratulations”, Leanne piped in, grinning at me widely.  

“Thanks for coming. Again didn’t expect to see you here”, I said to her.   

“Oh you know, I can’t pass up the chance to see you running around the field, chasing balls.” I laughed at the insinuation. On the corner of my eye, I see Amanda glaring at me. Why is she even here if all she’ll do is eye me down? I ignored her.  

“You here with Jayce?” I smiled knowingly at them.  

“Yeah, he’s my ticket in”, she joked.  

Putting an arm around Leanne’s shoulder, Jayce piped in. “Just admit it babe. You just can’t help it.” Leanne groaned and got out of his hold.   

“Anyone knows where Cassandra is?” I asked them but really asking Amanda indirectly.  

Allen shrugged. “She said she’ll be here.” Amanda was the one to answer.   

“So,” Allen bellowed, clapping his hands together, “Shall we go to a celebratory dinner?” Not in the mood.   

“Nah, you guys go ahead. I’ll probably eat with the team. You know first game of the season tradition.” Yeah, as if that exists.  

“Okay. But if you change your mind we’ll be at Yellow Cab”, he said despondently. “See you soon.” He said.   

Jayce gave me an awkward fist bump and Leanne smiled and said goodbye.     

I headed back to the locker room to get changed. When I got there, only a few people were left. I asked Nick where the others were and he said they were at Randy’s for the celebratory dinner. Huh, I guess tradition begins now. I said I’ll see him at Randy’s and then made my way to the showers.  

I hurried with the shower to get to the dinner on time. I wouldn’t like to be the only one absent.  

“That took you long enough”, a voice called as I got out of the locker room. I knew that voice all too well.   

“Cassandra, glad you could come”, I replied passively. I couldn’t put myself to mask what I’m feeling. I’m sad and disappointed.   

“Alex, I’m sorry”, she apologised. She did look sorry and whatever her reason was I know it was valid. So I know my anger would not be justified. But right now I don’t want to hear it. She didn’t come when she said she’ll be here.