The first time I saw Liesel Meminger she was holding onto a fence post for dear life. I didn't think much of it; I just viewed the situation as one of the Hubermann's new foster children being difficult.
It wasn't until two weeks later that I got a proper look at her. My first impression was that she was a medium-height blonde twig. She had come out to play (presumably) and was shoved into the goal, which is what we do to all new kids. I don't know why. It's just always been like that. Since this girl was the goal keeper now, Tommy Muller had been let off the hook. He now played as a mid fielder. However, he was absolutely furchtbar. It wasn't long before he messed up so badly that a penalty was awarded. Naturally, I was asked to do it; I hadn't missed a penalty in eighteen shots. And I really wanted to see how this girl was at being a goalie. I didn't expect much. She was skinnier than me, and I had to share food with seven other people at home!
Before I actually kicked, some of the boys on the girl's team tried to replace her with a bigger, older boy, but she protested, and I found myself doing the same. "No, no, let her stay." I say, rubbing my hands together. It's cold, and my fingers are numb.
I wasn't worried about this penalty in the least. Me against this slight thing...I'd win easily! How could I not?!
I took a few steps back, you know, to get some real oomph into my kick. If I was going to win, I might as well win good.
Only...the girl manages to deflect the ball...
She must have gotten lucky.
What really kotzt mich an is the fact that she has the nerve to look smug. I immediately gather up some snow- mainly mud, but oh well, all the better- and lob it as hard as I can. It pleases me to see it smack her square in the face and wipe that irritating smirk away. I am quite satisfied by this.
"Saukerl." She mutters.
I grin and run off. This girl is actually quite pretty. Not so much with the snow and mud on her face, but still. She's interesting.