Black And White

Seventy Seven

Scott held Mitch's hand as they climbed the bleachers.

Scott wanted to just stay on the first row so Mitch wouldn't hurt his ribs climbing up and down, but Mitch insisted that the best view was at the top.

Alex waved at them as soon as they arrived, happy that they'd shown up.

Avi wandered into the game somewhere close to halftime, easily finding Scott and Mitch in their jerseys.

He sat down beside Scott. "Hey. How's the game going?"

"Pretty well. They're winning, so--"

Mitch leaned toward Avi excitedly. "Alex scored a goal!"

"Oh, good." Avi paused a second. "I thought he played in the back though..? Thought it was hard for defenders to score."

Scott nodded once. "It is. But Alex is pretty exceptional. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Yeah, he's pretty--" Avi squinted at him. "Are you trying to make me say something nice about him?"

"Was hoping it would help you realize your feelings for him."

"Feelings? Oh Scott, spare me. Not this again."

Scott just shrugged, his hand sliding along the inside of Mitch's leg. "Figure you'll be happier once you admit it to yourself."

"Shit, dude. I'm just here to hang out, not get analyzed."

"Just trying to help." Scott mumbled. "I'll buy you a burger to make it up to you."

*

It was interesting to watch Alex coach the team as well as be the captain of it.

Luckily all the other team members seemed to be supportive; helping him out in as many ways as they could.

Some of the administration took pity on him as well, and they helped out putting the field back together as Alex met with his team before dismissing them to go home.

The entire team took a knee out in the middle of the field as Alex stood before them, while people flooded out of the bleachers.

Alex scanned all of them. "So... Beyond congratulating you all on such a good game... I'm not sure what else to say. I don't personally feel as though very many mistakes were made, other than our center defense crumbling a little, but... We can work on that at practice. Easy fix, I promise."

Riley raised his hand a little. "Cap? If I may... I also feel like we should spend a day working on more strategic corner kicks.. If that makes sense?"

"Sure, sure. We can do that. Anything you guys wanna do."

The team continued watching him respectfully, not saying much more than what they already had.

Alex looked down suddenly. "Uh... I'm sorry I'm not better at this. You'd think the transition from captain to coach would be smooth, but... It's not. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize." One of them mumbled.

Alex looked up at him, and then saw Avi waiting for him at the side of the field.

He scanned his teammates once more. "I know you all wanna get home, but.. I just very quickly want to say that I'm... I'm sorry about what happened. I know that it wasn't my fault, but... I'm sorry for what his actions have done to this team."

Riley scoffed at him. "We're stronger without him."

"But.. My point is... If something is going on, y'know. And you're afraid, or don't know who to turn to.. I want you all to know that I'm here for you. If... If there's anything I can do." Alex nodded once, satisfied with what he'd said. "And uh, that's all. Great game, you guys. Drive safe, alright? I'll see you at practice."