I feel much more confident about this story now that I have a clear plan. Enjoy!
New town, new school, new people. I sighed as I thought of the hell that awaited me on my first day of school. The last time I had been a student had been in the sixth grade and the teacher made me stand up in front of the class and introduce myself. I had been completely mortified. Luckily, I had quickly made friends.
This was a little different, however, because I was entering into my junior year as a new student. Cliques had already been formed long ago and it would be hard for me to get accepted into one of them.
For my outfit I decided on some khaki Bermuda shorts and a blue v-neck t-shirt.
My mom had prepared a feast for me, but my nerves prevented me from eating very much. She looked a little nervous about her first day at work so I made an attempt to reassure her. "I'm sure your new coworkers will love you, Mom."
I'd never known anyone who didn't like my mother. The people who used to work with her all spoke very highly of her. My mom was just one of those people you couldn't help but like.
"Thanks honey. Are you ready to leave for school?" she asked me.
Yes, I was 17 and my mom was giving me a ride to school on the first day.
"Yeah, Mom." I replied.
When we reached the school we both looked around at all the kids walking around. Many girls were squealing and throwing their arms around fellow classmates and exclaiming how long it had been since they'd last seen each other.
I grabbed my backpack and slipped out of the car. "Bye, Mom. See you tonight." I said, giving her a wave as I started to walk away.
"Have a good day!" she called after me. I lifted my hand up without turning around and headed into the school.
The first day was just as horrible as I expected. Every. Single. Teacher made me stand in front of the class and tell them about myself. Teachers here must have a sadistic streak.
At lunch I decided to eat on the quad under a tree that didn't appear to have anyone around it. I had never been particularly good at making friends. I didn't really mind being alone though. I was used to it as I was an only child.
Finally though, the day was over and I could go home and relax away from prying eyes.
Since it was such a beautiful day, I decided to walk home. It was a quick walk, only about fifteen minutes and I had a good time looking at the scenery around me.
When I got home, I decided to go ahead and get my run over with. The night before, I had figured out a route around town that was roughly four miles. I had memorized the route and I was eager to see more of Konoha.
As I ran around, I recognized some of my classmates. They all gave me curious looks from their cars but I ignored them as best as I could. I was in the zone. My running zone.
I was nearing a gas station so I decided to stop and get a drink. As I was reaching in the fridge for a Gatorade someone came up beside me.
"Sakura, right?" they asked.
I looked up and realized it was one of my teachers from school.
"Um, yeah. Mr… Hatake?" I ventured.
His eye crinkled and I supposed he was smiling under that ridiculous mask of his. "Correct. I saw you running earlier and I was wondering if you have thought about playing soccer for Konoha High." He said.
I tilted my head as I regarded him. I had played soccer at my old school and I had really enjoyed it, but I had been nowhere near the best.
"I thought Konoha High didn't have a girls' team?" I asked.
"We don't; not enough girls have ever wanted to play, but if you wanted to you could join the boys' team." He explained.
"I see… but I really don't think I have the skill to play on a boys' team." I said. I didn't want to be made fun of, or just a pity case.
"You have the endurance and that's all I ask for. Everything else we can teach you. Have you ever played soccer before?" he inquired.
"I played forward at my old school. I wasn't very serious about it; I only thought of it as a hobby." I replied.
"Well at least you have experience and know how to play the game. Please consider coming to practice tomorrow right after school at the north track. We would love to have you." He said.
"I'll think about it." I told him.
"Great. See you in class." He said and then walked away.
Shaking my head, I went to the cash register to pay for my drink. I might just go to the practice tomorrow and check it out.
I left the gas station and started the long way home, contemplating the possible outcomes of going to soccer practice. Any way I looked at it there were only good things that could happen.
In the end, I decided to give it a shot. What was the worst that could happen?
