As much as I hate to admit it, I actually enjoyed playing soccer with the girls. Plus Wally was a pretty good coach. He got me understanding and playing the game after half an hour into training.
We trained for an hour and then got changed and made our way home.

"Fancy going to the park and seeing if the guys are there?" Wally asked.

I nodded. "Sure, sounds fun."

We went to the park to see Chad, Hoagie, Maurice and Peter playing...yep, you guessed it...soccer. These guys actually are addicted.
Chad had always dreamed of being a professional sports legend, so would constantly play a game in his spare game, I guess he'd just rope the others into it.

"Fancy another two players?" Wally called as we walked up.

Maurice nodded. "Sure, more the merrier."

Chad bit his lip and grinned at me. "Looking tight in your gym gear Kuki."

I looked at my clothes, realising that I was still wearing the soccer kit.

"Whoa, what's that on your leg?" Chad scoffed. "It's like you put varnish all over your leg and it dried and shrunk."

I bit my lip in embarrassment.

"Back off you twerp!" Wally snapped. "Haven't you ever seen a burn before?"

"Wally, it's okay." I said with a sigh. "He's just jealous that I can whoop his ass."

I ran suddenly, kicking the ball from his foot and dribbling it around him as he chased me. The other guys laughed and joined in.

"Where'd your skills come from?" Chad chuckled, he grabbed me around the waist and I squealed with laughter.

He picked me up and threw me over his shoulder.

"I can't let a girl get to be any better than me." Chad sniggered.

I could sense a hint of jealousy or anger in Wally's voice. "Come on man, just put her down."

"Kuki Sanban!" I looked up to see my mum staring at me with disgust. She held Apollo's leash in her hands.

Chad cleared his throat and put me down. I stared at my mother, waiting for a lecture right there and then.

"Home, now!" My mother hissed.

I sensed that she was in no mood to argue so did as I was told. She waited until we'd dropped Apollo back and were home before she began to speak.

"You said you'd be back by half 7 and you're not, so I have to walk next doors dog for you...I do and I find you frolicking around with boys...you're bare legs on show...your scar in full view..." She began.

I shook my head. "I wasn't frolicking mum, we were just joking around."

"He was touching you all over Kuki, you don't know what boys like him are like." Mum shouted.

"Yes I do!" I exclaimed. "Chad's a flirt, but he wouldn't do anything."

"Is this what you'll do if I allow you to go to soccer?" Mum tutted. "Well that's it, you're not to go any more. You need more study time anyway."

I buttoned my lip and sighed.

"It's about time you started acting your age Kuki. You need to learn to be more ladylike." Mum sighed.

I stared at her and then made my way up the stairs. Diving onto my bed in a sulk.
I didn't go downstairs until I decided to go to the tree house. I informed mum and said no more to her before walking out.

…

I sighed heavily as I walked into the tree house.
"Hey Numbuh 3."

I looked to see Wally sat in the couch, he gave a smile and I replied with a small beam before flopping on the couch next to him.

"What's up?" He asked.

I looked up at him. "What?"

"What's wrong?"He asked again.

"Nothing?" I shrugged. Looking over to him, I could tell that he wasn't convinced.

"Is it your mum after seeing her at the park?" He asked.

I nodded. "Yeah. She says I've got to be more 'ladylike' and act my age. She told me that I can't play soccer any more"

Wally scoffed. "that's a little harsh."

I sniffed. "it's like they don't even want me as a daughter sometimes. I mean, Mushi's so much naughtier than I am but she gets away with everything. I've never skipped school or done something that they've told me not to do like she's done so many times, but they never see that, all they do is nag at me and tell me how I could be better. Comparing me to other people's kids."

Wally placed a hand on my shoulder. I looked to him and rested my head on his shoulder lightly. I'd never done this before, but I really just wanted some comfort. He didn't seem to mind much, although he seemed to tense up a little, I then felt his arm unsurely lift and rest on my shoulders.

"Parents never see the good in their own kids." Wally told me softly, then gave a nervous chuckle. "Mine are always asking why I can't be more like you."

I gave a small laugh. It was true, Wally's parents adored me, if I ever went to Wally's house they'd make such a fuss and treat me like their own daughter. Sometimes I wished that I could have Wally's parents, they're so fun and laid back. They don't push Wally too hard, plus they make time for him.

I glanced up to Wally and met with his eyes. I stole a quick glance at his lips before lookingback into his eyes. The sound of a closing door made us both jump. I looked over to see a smirking Abby stood in front of us.

"Numbuh 5's sorry to interrupt." She chuckled evilly.

Me and Wally exchanged glances before I sat up. Wally then decided to sat up from the sofa.
"I'm just...going to my room." Wally stated. Then he walked out.

I followed him with my stare but locked my gaze on Abby as he passed her. She was grinning at me knowingly with her hands on her hips.

"What was going on there? Sorry Numbuh 5 came in at the wrong time." She told me, sitting next to me.

I shrugged. "Nothing, I just kind of got a little upset."

Abby frowned. "Why? What's up girl?"

I told her about going to soccer practise and then playing with the guys in the park, and about being caught playing around with Chad by my mum and how she got the wrong idea. I then told her about what she had said to me.

Abby sighed. "Girl, parents suck, especially controlling ones."

I nodded.

"But from Numbuh 5's POV, you need to have a little fun. Just don't tell them that you're doing soccer, say you're studying at Numbuh 5's or something, Numbuh 5 will cover for you."

I beamed. "Thanks Numbuh 5."
I pulled her into a hug. Abby wasn't my best friend for nothing.