Second-Chance Soccer by Michael Ray

Author:Michael Ray
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: 9781434291574, 9781434291585, fiction, Stone Arch Books, Jake Maddox JV, friendship, teamwork (sports), social issues/bullying, sports & recreation/soccer, social issues/friendship
Publisher: Capstone
Published: 2014-05-12T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

UNINVITED GUESTS

“Hey, don’t let us interrupt this episode of Soccer: Dork Edition, Carver,” Jake called. “What’ve we got here? All the rejects from last year’s intramural teams?”

Cole and Jesse laughed at Jake’s joke, and Alex just shook his head. Not only was Jake insulting Alex, now he was making fun of all of the other guys on the field, too.

For a guy who only has two friends to back him up, Jake sure has guts, Alex thought. Nasty guts, but guts nonetheless.

“Why don’t you just get out of here, Jake?” Alex said, walking toward the front of the crowd. “We weren’t bothering any of you. We’re just practicing.”

Jake put his hands up and mocked excitement. “Oooh,” he said. “Practicing for your big tryout next week? You should just save your time and energy, Carver. There’s no way you’re getting on the team. Not the way you play. And not if I have anything to say about it.”

Alex folded his arms across his chest. “You sure seem awfully worried about me making the cut, Jake,” he said. “Otherwise, why bother giving me such a hard time about it?”

There were a few oohs from the rest of Alex’s soccer pals. Jake seemed momentarily stung that Alex was fighting back. But it didn’t take long for the other boy to snap back.

“I’m not worried,” Jake sneered. “The day you make the team is the day I’d quit, anyway.”

“Well, the intramural teams would be happy to have you, Jake,” Ty called. “Maybe you could bring us water or something.”

Jake laughed meanly, but both Cole and Jesse were starting to look a little uncomfortable. Especially since Jake seemed to be digging himself deeper and deeper into a hole.

How can either of them stand being around a guy who talks and acts like he does? Alex thought in disbelief.

“Like I’d ever think about playing on some no-talent, intramural team,” Jake shouted. “No real athlete plays in those leagues!”

Alex was about to stick up for his friends and former teammates when Errol stepped forward. He held the soccer ball in the crook of his arm and stared Jake down.

“What’re you looking at?” Jake snapped at him. He looked ready to hop off of his bike and take a swing at Errol.

“I’m looking at sad, wee little footballer,” Errol said quickly in his thick accent. “I see a bloke who’s about to wet his keks when he gets shown up next Saturday.”

Jake looked confused. “What are you even saying?” he snapped. “Speak English, why don’t you? No one can understand a thing you just said.”

Errol pointed at Jake, and his face grew serious. “Oh, I think ye heard me just fine, friend,” he said. “Every last word.”

There was an awkward silence as Jake struggled to come up with a response. When he didn’t have anything to say, he moved back toward his friends.

“Whatever,” Jake muttered. “C’mon, guys. Let’s go. We should leave these losers to their little playtime.”

As Jake and his friends peddled away down the street, Alex walked over to Errol.

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