Author's Note:

Hey! I am taking on board some constructive criticism, which is always welcome as it helps to shape me as a writer so a big thank you, I really mean that! I had a few reviews in relation that the chapters had been very school centered and mainly around Nessie's friends. I agree, although I was wanting it to make it look like Nessie was trying to move on and maybe it hasn't come across that way. Some chapters like 7 and 8 are actually just one day, and there was a lot to write, if that makes sense so I spread it out Chapter 7+8 are school centered with the end going back to Jacob and 9 is Nessie and Lottie which leads to the events that happen in 10 (and due to me making a silly mistake some of you have read it). I can't really change them as they lead on to plots I have for the future. Jake had been dealing with Becky so there hasn't been a lot of interaction but there are some nice moments between them which you shall see; I do try to balance it out - there is so much going on in my brain with this story it can get a little intense! Some of you do like reading about the school side of it, which has to happen, Ness is at school! And some of you like reading about Nessie and Jake, and I plan on doing some centred J+N stuff. I hope this all makes sense! I enjoy reading all your reviews and I have had some great input from the American side. Obviously I am a Brit so there are things I have to look into so it has been a great help. And I hope we finally get a wedding at some point of this story! And I wanted to say thank you for sticking with it, but also if you have an idea - throw it my way cos there is a few I have rolled with and they have turned out to be fab! I got an amazing one from DawnMac and I've snowballed it but its gonna be quite a few chapters away, so thanks hun!

Also, I am not sure if anyone has noticed, but I have changed my pen name to the title of my story; The Nessie Chronicles. I hope this isn't too confusing. I had been thinking about it for a while and I felt it was better. I Hope this doesn't put anyone off and I think you should still get notifications when I update. If the notification is off could someone please let me know?

So enough rambling! On with the story...

CHAPTER 7

Different kinds of Try-Outs

"Please call me George," he smiled. "So, you were thinking of July? Reverend George Molesworth flicked through his diary as he drank a cup of tea.

Jacob and I were sitting inside the Reverend's house, on an old style patterned sofa, his wife was pottering about the kitchen, and moments ago she had brought out a tray with tea, cups, saucers and tiny little cakes. She had been discreet and stayed out of the way. "We would love July," I took a sip of my tea. We had finally got our appointment fitted in on Thursday after I had finished school. "We would like the seventh if possible."

George looked at the dates of the diary. "Seventh of July? It's a Saturday…." He frowned. I don't have it. I'm sorry, I have had this booking since last year."

Oh. I bit my lip and I could feel Jacob looking at me. "What dates are available?"

George had a look. "I know you are still in school, and I know you would both like time to take for a honeymoon….what about the fourth of August? I know you go back to school on the twentieth."

I looked at Jacob and he nodded. "It doesn't matter about the date, as long as we get married," I smiled. "Any is fine, but you're right; we would like a decent honeymoon."

George took a pen and put our wedding date into his diary, he closed it slowly. "I do want to have a chat with the both of you. About marriage."

Jacob took my hand in his. "Okay."

"I understand Nessie, that you are eighteen, Jacob; you are twenty two. You are both able to marry legally. And I have to be objective here, Nessie, you are only eighteen. Do you both understand the vows that you are going to make to each other? Nessie, you are still at school, and still have another year to complete. It is quite unusual to have someone who is married who is still at school, I just want you to know what you are both taking on."

He wasn't being condescending, he was being honest. I took a deep breath. "George, I have known for a while how much Jacob actually means to me. In a way," I had to be careful how I said this. "He has always been my 'guardian angel' so to speak. He has been a family friend since...forever. He is my constant. Being with him," I looked at Jacob, into his deep brown eyes and I could see myself reflected back. "Makes me happy, loved and secure. I love him so much that really, marriage is only the next step, to us it's not a big step. We've been through the big steps already."

George nodded and he indicated to Jacob to continue, Jacob turned to look at him. "I love Nessie. That's it. Pure and simple. She is my soul mate. My reason for being here. Nothing else matters to me apart from her happiness," he hesitated, biting his lip. "The wedding is our next step, and like Ness said, it isn't a big one for us."

"I sense something has happened recently," George coaxed.

I took a deep breath. "This isn't something that is common knowledge-"

"This is a confidential meeting. Nothing will be discussed out with this room. I can promise you that," George sat back in his chair, running his hands through his short black hair.

Jacob squeezed my hand, reassuring me with a smile. "I miscarried last week, that's why we had to cancel the appointment," I said quickly, now biting my own lip. "We hadn't planned on having a baby, and at first it was a shock," I said quickly but it didn't numb what I heard myself say. "But then the news sank in and we were looking forward to becoming parents. I woke up last Thursday….and…."

"Nessie lost the baby," Jacob finished my sentence; he looked down at our interlocked hands.

George nodded, placing his diary and pen onto the table; I could tell he was choosing his words. "I am sorry to hear that Nessie, Jacob. I really am. Loss is loss, no matter what stage life is at. But here you sit, carrying on with your own life, shows just how mature you both are. I do believe that marriage would suit the two of you," he smiled, nodding to more himself. "How have you both been since losing your baby?"

I took a breath. "It was hard at first, I'm not going to lie but, and it has only been a week but we are both moving on. There are moments when we both feel it gets to us but," I looked at Jacob. "We have each other."

Jacob smiled. "It has been tough but we both have to move on by living, not moping and wondering the 'what ifs'," he looked back at George. "We are dealing," he said, ending that part of the conversation.

"Then I would be happy to perform the ceremony for you. Although Jacob you have some traditions from your tribe you would like to incorporate?"

"Yes….If that is something you don't mind?"

"Not at all. I will speak to….Sue Clearwater?" I nodded to confirm he was right. "We will come up with something for you both. Is there anything you would like specifically?"

"We just want a simple ceremony, then we are having our reception on La Push Beach. We would like to be married at five pm," I added. "Oh…how much are your services?"

George sat forward in his chair. "I just ask for a donation to the church. We have an organist that usually charges fifty dollars if that's reasonable," we both nodded. "I would recommend flowers for the entrance of the church and some for up at alter. We usually take them to the local nursing home afterwards."

Jacob reached into his pocket and pulled out his check book. He leaned over the table to retrieve the pen that George had been using, then wrote out a check, he tore it out and handed it to George. "Is this enough?"

George took the check as he took a drink of his tea. He looked at it then spat out his tea, coughing and choking, wide eyed as he dropped the check as if it was infested. He took a napkin, wiped the tea from his chin and sweater, trying to stop himself from coughing. "I can't….I can't possibly accept that Jacob, are you mad?!"

Jacob's head snapped back as he belly laughed, having to let go of my hand to hold onto his stomach. It had been the first time I had seen him laugh like this since last week; I started to laugh with him. "That wouldn't be the first time I heard that George," Jacob said in between laughs.

George tried to compose himself, coughing slightly as he picked up the check. "This is for ten thousand dollars Jacob! I cannot take this, it is far too generous."

Jacob shrugged. "I can afford it George. I wouldn't have written it if I didn't think I could afford it. Please. Take it. I am sure the church could do with some minor renovations."

George looked at the check, then towards Jacob and I. "But….But."

"No 'buts'. I expect that to be in the church funds by the end of next week," Jacob said with finality, George understood that he wasn't messing around.

"Well….thank you Jacob. I honestly don't know what to say. The pews could do with being replaced, possibly a new floor. Thank you," he got up from his chair, crossed the small space and took hold of Jacob's hand and shook it vigorously. "Would you like another cup of tea?"

"Yes," Jacob laughed. "Yes I would. I would like to know more about you George."


Jacob was swirling patterns on my hand as we lay on my bed at the cottage late on Thursday night. "Date is set; I have spoken to the tribe elders, they are happy for the reception to be on the beach as long as it is tidied up after. The boys said they would see to that."

"Thanks honey," I was leaning against Jacob, my back against his stomach, he was sitting up, leaning against the wall. "He was nice, wasn't he?"

"He was. Is there anything else you want to sort out?"

I thought for a moment. "We are going to need caterers, but that is something I think Alice would like to do, the whole reception area will need to be draped for my family in case it's sunny."

"Yes, Alice could get creative."

"I think she would like that. She can't tell what the weather will be like so far in advance, I am hoping it will be warmish but clouded over," I paused. "I must be the only bride that has ever wanted an overcast day."

"We will sort it out either way Ness. They will all be there. What about tailoring? I was thinking of using the tailor that Alice used for Paul."

"I think that would be good. I know Alice likes to organize that so I don't mind her sorting those details out."

"What about your dress?"

"Mom, Lottie and I are going to Wendy's wedding dress boutique. Just the three of us. Well, just Mom and I the first time, then Lottie to get her fitted for a bridesmaid dress. This is something I get to do with Mom."

"She will like that."

"I hope so."

We lay in perfect silence, our heartbeats meshing together to make one beat. "Ness…."

"Mmmm?"

"I….I know that we haven't been, well…intimate since…."

"I know."

"I just want you to know, there isn't any rush," he said quickly.

"Thank you. I don't feel ready for that yet."

"And I am not asking; I just want you to know that there is no pressure, no hurry. When you are ready, I am ready, not until then." I turned round to face Jacob; my head on his shoulders, his arms encircled me, bringing me closer. "I just don't want what happened to change us."

"I know," I pressed my lips against Jacob's neck, feeling his pulse beat against them. "I love you Jacob Black."

"I love you too Renesmee Cullen," he leaned down to kiss me tenderly on my lips. He kissed me again and again and again.


I woke up in Jacob's arms on Friday morning, smiling, feeling refreshed. I looked over at the clock. "Damn!" I shot up out of Jacob's arms, still in my clothes from last night. "Jacob!" I shook him gently. He stirred then stilled. "Jacob!" I said a little louder. "Its eight am!"

Jacob's eyes blinked open, he looked around then quickly got out the bed. "Crap, I'm going to be late!"

"It's alright for you, you're the boss. I, on the other hand, need a shower." I ran into my en suite, I could hear Jacob on the phone as I quickly washed my hair, throwing some conditioner in. "JACOB! CAN YOU CALL LOTTIE? TELL HER I'LL GET HER AT SCHOOL PLEASE!" I got out, brushed my teeth, towel dried my hair, running a comb through it. I left to see Jacob just finishing a call; he nodded, winked as I ran into my closet. I picked up a pair of boyfriend jeans, trainers, a long t-shirt with a large sequin butterfly on the front and a purple longline hoody. I took the hairdryer, just drying and straightening the front of my hair, the rest would dry itself when I ran to school. I walked out my closet to see Jacob still sitting on the bed.

"That was like watching a Tasmanian devil," he chuckled.

"I can't be late, have English," I rammed my phone into my school bag.

"Don't you have the afternoon off?"

"Not today, Lottie has try outs for the hockey team. I'll come back here for my stuff, then we meet the Garfield team off the bus at three, then we have at least a few hours of try outs,"

I grabbed a few books from my shelf, shoving them into my bag, along with my brush with a hair band and my purse, then rushing to grab something else when Jacob grabbed my hand. "Calm down chica!" he kissed the back of my hand then tugged me in between his legs. "It will only take you five minutes to run to school. Make sure you grab some food. And chill!" he chuckled. He tugged my hand down so that my face met his, he kissed me tenderly on my lips, I reciprocated, taking my hands and holding his face in them.

A minute of tranquility passed and we both stopped. "I have to go," I kissed his nose.

He smiled. "Of course you do," he slapped my behind. "Off with you then before I decide to keep you here!"

I giggled, grabbing my bag, rushing out the door. I was at the main house and in the kitchen, grabbing some pancakes that Esme had left out for me. I could hear Esme upstairs, she flitted down. "You got them then?"

I nodded, a full mouth full of food which I didn't fancy spraying onto my Nana. She smiled, Carlisle appearing from outside, putting his arms around her waist. "Late are we my dear?"

I swallowed what was in my mouth. "Yes! I forgot to set my alarm."

"I see that," she tugged a lock of my damp hair. "You had better go," she handed me a steamed up Tupperware box that had more pancakes inside.

"Thanks Nana!" I grasped the box from her hand, kissed her on the cheek, grabbed my bag again, reached into the fridge for a bottle of water then ran outside the kitchen doors. The cool, fresh air hitting my face as I ran full pelt through the forest in the direction of the school, my hair billowing behind me. I hunted yesterday after visiting the minister; my thirst satisfied.

I let my mind wonder as my body took over, ducking and diving through the trees. I thought about later and what the tryouts would bring. We were already a sufficient team, we had proved that by winning and getting into the nationals, but would our team be receptive towards the newcomers? Would the newcomers work well with our team? Before I knew it, my pondering had led me towards the edge of the forest. I froze in place, realizing where I was; the place that evil, psychotic sub human had shot at me.

The trees were providing me with cover as I peered out, making sure no one could see me. Coach Clapp was eating a large roll as he walked into the gym, he was also peering round to make sure no one was watching him. There goes his diet. I reached into my bag, looked at my phone which read eight forty am. There was no one around so I made a dash to behind the gym, then made a trip around the building and walked to the entrance so it looked like I came out of there. I walked casually to our bench to find I was the first one there, taking out my little compact mirror and brush. 'Oh dear' I thought as I looked. There was a leaf poking through my hair above my right ear, I removed it, flicking it to the floor. The rest of my hair looked curly and windswept; I dragged the brush through it, which made it thicker. The ends were a little damp, so I stuck with the windswept look.

I took the box of pancakes out and started to demolish them. I was famished this morning, making quick work of the first few. Esme must have thought I was really hungry; she made me about twenty. "Nessie, you need to chew!" Graham laughed, sitting down to join me. I screwed my face up at him then tried to smile with a mouthful of pancake. I offered him the box, and never one to say no; he took one. When he chewed it for a few seconds, his eyes rolled into the back of his head. "Mmmmmm," he finally swallowed. "Who made those? It was like sex in my mouth!"

I choked on the pancake I was eating. "Esme. She adopted Edward, so she is kind of like my Nana."

"Tell her she can cook! She can cook for me any time!"

I offered him another one and he took a pancake without hesitation. "Help yourself. There's loads."

"Sweet!" he said mid chew. We ate them in companionable silence. Graham wiped his hands on his trousers as he swallowed. "How do you think it will go later?"

"The tryouts? It will either be good or a disaster. Won't know until later," I shrugged. "How are you anyway?"

Graham's smile fell from his face. "I am ok. Family is fine. Just…sometimes…well you guys are all paired off, apart from Megan and sometimes it can get a little lonely."

"No chance with your ex?"

"Nada. It's done and dusted."

"You're young. You are only seventeen."

"I know, but you guys have someone and I would like to have someone"

"You will find someone when you are not looking, that seems to be the way it works in this place."

Graham took another pancake. "You think?"

"Yeah."

"Good. There is only so much my right hand can do," he said seriously then started to grin as I elbowed him softly in the side. "Ooof! Aw Ness, you made me drop my pancake!" he looked at the ground. "Do you think the ten second rule applies?"

"No! Well, have another. There is still ten left. But I take it everything else is ok with you?"

"Yup, its fine. I work a Saturday morning and some shifts during the week at the nursing home. It's not the best work but its good money."

"At least you work," I pointed out.

"My parents, mainly Dad said it would be good for me. That I need to learn what working is like. I will have college or uni tuition paid for by them but they wanted me to understand the value of money, which I do. I only work between ten and sixteen hours because of school"

"I like to think I understand the value of money but I haven't worked yet. I would like to do some volunteer work in the summer, but I have some plans. Like getting married," I snorted.

Graham snorted as well. "Yeah. Mind you, you will have a husband that would provide for you."

"I know, but I don't know how comfortable I would be with that. It all depends on what life throws at me really."

"True. I know Dad likes me to learn about the world. He had to and because of that he thinks I have to as well. Sometimes I mind, sometimes I don't. I do wish Dad would tell me if he is proud of me or not, he did when the whole Ethan thing went down but in regards to school. I mean; I am not the best at my school work but hockey has given me some drive, I really enjoy it. More than I thought," Graham looked at his half eaten pancake.

"You are really good at it."

"Despite my size. I am not exactly big."

"Size doesn't account for everything. You are good at defense. Maybe you should learn offense. Put it to Lottie today."

"Yeah, I should. I would like to take it further."

"Like playing professionally?"

"Uh huh. I'd like that but whether I am good enough…." He trailed off. "My grades are average, I know I am good at the defense but I want to show that I am a good all rounder."

"Then prove it later," I took a pancake. The parking lot was filling up. Lottie's car had pulled up, Megan and Kirsty were walking towards us.

"Thanks Ness. You are easy to talk to."

"Anytime Graham," I took the water out of my bag, taking a long drink.


"Ugh! Classes today were so tedious!" Lottie complained. She was driving us back to the school.

"I enjoy history."

"I know you do, I do and I don't, really depends on the subject. Maths…well, when I choked on that nut I seriously considered not asking for help," Lottie joked.

"We are cutting it fine," I looked at the clock which read two forty-five pm.

"Don't remind me! It's not my fault that someone slept in, leaving all their gear at home and I had to go and get it with said person," she gave me an irked look then she smiled.

I reached into my bag to retrieve the brush and hair band, I started to plait my hair at the nape of my neck. "I'll get Esme to make some more pancakes."

"Thanks. I can't believe you and Graham finished them all!"

"They were good."

"I wouldn't know," Lottie stuck her nose in the air. We had come to a stop in the town, waiting for traffic to clear.

"About Graham."

Lottie was concentrating on the road. "Mmm mmm…."

"He admitted earlier that his grades are average. He was indicating that he might try and play hockey professionally," Lottie looked at me staying silent. "He is going to ask you about trying out for playing offense. Not to leave defense, but to try and be an all rounder."

Lottie turned her head to look at the traffic as she thought about what to say. "I could do. Get him to work in my place. I think Tom, Toby and Emma make too good of a team to split them up and I don't want to do that so close to a game. But if I take me out, or put me in goals, or sidelines, then he could take centre."

"Do you think he would be any good?"

"We can find out today. It means I can watch everyone play," she moved forward past the traffic lights. "He should have said."

"We were only talking today. I think he finds it hard to discuss stuff like this. I mean he is a guy."

"True. I should mix it up a bit, but we can't risk you playing incase…well you know."

"I know. It wouldn't be safe."

"Anyway, I know the whole team is coming. This will be interesting cos not everyone will make the cut."

"Some are going to leave upset."

"They have to deal I'm afraid. This is our team," Lottie said bluntly as she pulled into the school. "And they will get told that."

I laughed. I could see some students going into the gym. "Is this open to an audience?"

"No," Lottie shook her head, parking up. She looked into the direction I was staring. "I wonder if there are some people trying out from here."

We got out and retrieved our things from the boot of the car. We walked into the changing rooms to see Adeline, Kirsty, Megan and Emma already changed. We got changed quickly, locking our things into Coach Clapp's office. We all kept a hold of our equipment, putting them into the sports hall, Lottie catching up with Graham. "Hey, I need to stay on the sidelines today so I can judge, will you take my place please?" Graham nodded and smiled. "Gareth, Greg? I need one of you to take Graham's place in defense," she instructed. They both nodded in compliance. As Lottie was ordering her team around, I noticed that there were a few students trying out from the school. They appeared to be in Emma's year or below and they all looked nervous. Fair play for them trying. I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. "Hey, we need to go and meet them outside."

I left my equipment in the gym, following Lottie outside to see a white bus pulling in. Lottie waved to Holly, who waved back. As the bus got closer I could hear Lottie gag. "What's up?"

"I don't like bus fumes. Never have."

I burst out laughing. "I learn something about you all the time. Since when?"

"Since I was wee," she smiled. "Just one of those things."

The Garfield team filed off the bus one by one. Lottie and I shook their hands as they got off, Lottie waited until they were all off the bus. "The changing rooms are easy to find, once you are all changed just meet us in the gym. You will do warm ups before I put you on," she instructed. "Not all of you will make the cut; there are some from the school in there too. Just do what you can," she smiled, I saw some of them look at each other with uncertainty. This was them not that long ago, being the top team of this state. Everyone was talking to someone creating a buzz of voices throughout the gym. Coach Clapp sat down in his usual spot. I went over to my pile of equipment and sat down next to Megan who was staring at the girl who had short, blonde spiky hair who was talking to the girl with red hair; for the life of me, I couldn't remember their names.

I was checking the laces on my trainers were ties properly when the gym suddenly became quiet. I looked up in Megan's direction. "Awesome!" she whispered.

Kevin had just entered the hall. He was holding a hockey stick in his hand. He smiled slightly when he released he just garnered everyone's attention. With him being six foot four, built like Emmett, the stick looked tiny in his large hands. He walked confidently over to Lottie, who was trying to contain a smile. I quickly looked at Holly who retreated to her team, who all now looked a little perturbed. "I've come to try out," Kevin said calmly.

Lottie crossed her arms. "Can you play?"

"Kirsty has been teaching me," He found his girlfriend who was beaming at him; he gave her a small wave.

"What position?"

"Any, but defense would probably be my strong suit."

Lottie nodded as she bent down to pick up a clipboard, marking Kevin down. The buzz of the gym perked back up but someone always peered over to him. "Out of curiosity, why hockey and not football? You would be perfect for football."

"I don't like the jocks. They are idiots. And rubbish at football. I can play, I can play good but I wanted to try something different. This being very different," he looked around the gym.

"Ok, I will give you a fair shot just like I will everyone. We shall see how good Kirsty has been a teaching you," she slugged him on the arm.

He passed me and I grabbed his arm, reaching over so that only he could hear. "I would like you on the team Kev. Show me what you are made off. Use your size."

"Yes Ma'am!" Kevin whispered, walking over to sit with his girlfriend. I smiled; this was going to be interesting.

Lottie put her clipboard down. She was wearing a whistle around her neck and she blew it sharply, making everyone stop. "Ok guys. Some of us are going to warm up. I am going to do this by class, so younger ones are first. My team will play yours. They will change around as I see fit. I won't be playing so I can watch, Coach will watch as well and my team will feedback to me too. For those of you that don't know, I invited Holly's team here to give them a shot. We will eventually have three teams in total rather than two so I am looking to fill six spots. I play center and goals which is why our team has eleven players rather than twelve. I want to have seventeen on my team in total. We are going to warm up first by teams so that you are not cold when you play." She turned to face Holly's team. "I want you to remember that although you guys are a team, I want you to give it everything. Think of it as an audition," she turned back to the twelve students from our school. "Same applies to you. Once you have played, you will stay and watch the others. Each game will last ten minutes, three minutes left in the game, I will ask a member of my team, to take the next lot for a warm up behind the stands. Ness? Can you do the first warm up with…" she looked down at her clipboard. "Stacey. Susan, Harry, Abdul, Ronan and Charity." Those that heard their names stood up and moved to the centre. I nodded, getting up, motioning the students to follow what I was doing. I started off with a quick stretch then we jogged around the hall. I could see Ronan was already red in the face which clashed horrifically with his bright ginger hair. I stopped after ten minutes, our main team got up first, Graham in the centre. The students grabbed their sticks and took up the positions they asked for, I ran to get my equipment. "Tom?" Lottie shouted, he turned towards her direction. "Can you take the next lot behind the stands and warm them up please?" he smiled, saluted as he ran over to the other six students that were in the older classes which included Kevin.

We played the younger team, we being Adeline, Kirsty, Graham, Megan and Greg. The shots that did make it were not too powerful, but some of the students were good at dodging. After a few minutes Lottie swapped the other players around. After this they seemed to work better as a team. There were more shots coming my way, but more out of desperation than skill. Adeline and Greg worked well together keeping players out of the shooting zone.

The whistle blew again indicating the end of the game. They looked up hopeful but Lottie just made some notes, not giving anything away. "Ok, you can sit down. My team change please, Greg, you stay up," he nodded at the instruction. Tom came back with the newly warmed up students and Kevin. "Kevin, can you go defense for now, Samia, Gordon, Adam you are offense, Tommy in goals and Lara in defense." They all took their positions.

This team was a little better. And only because Kevin was on the team. Lara looked tiny compared to him. Tom and Toby rarely got past to get a goal in and the first time Toby took Kevin on; was like watching a dog hit a glass patio door. Tommy was decent enough but definitely needed a lot of practice. The others were getting by Gareth and Greg on the odd occasion and I only needed to defend one goal. Lottie blew her whistle again. "Kevin! Swap with Samia," she barked. Samia's face fell as she took Kevin's spot, Kevin grinned at Toby who I could see was giving a fleeting look at Tom.

Tom, Toby rushed for the ball, Kevin took them both down, Emma reached in nimbly taking the ball away but in one stride Kevin was there taking the ball off her as Emma jabbed at him with her stick, she lost the ball as he moved forward to Greg and Gareth who I thought would be a decent match. Kevin darted right, then left feigning out Greg, Gareth met him face on as they collided but Kevin soon becoming the winner. He took aim and fired the ball towards me.

Which I caught. Wasn't letting anyone, no matter who get one in if I could help it. But the force of the ball against my foot left a small nip. The boy was good. This carried on for another few minutes until Lottie blew her whistle, ending the game. The new defense had a lot to do because Tom, Toby and Emma had possession of the ball just as much as Kevin had done. "Ok guys, go take a seat with the others, I'll be over in a minute. Ad? Can you take the warm up for the Garfield team?"

Holly's head snapped up in surprise. "I can do that!"

"It's ok, I want Adeline to do it," Lottie smiled, writing a note in her clipboard and walked off, ending the conversation, she tapped Emma on the shoulder as she passed, indicating for her to join her. Adeline got up and the Garfield team reluctantly followed her to the middle of the gym as it wasn't being used.

Lottie caught my eye line and shook her head towards the nervous students waiting to hear the outcome. I took off my gear and left it at the goals, jogging over to join her. "Hey," I smiled. The others looking up at us as they sat on the bleachers.

"Ok guys," Lottie addressed them all. "Kevin, I want to see you up against some of the big guys before I make a decision. That ok?"

"Sure is, shall I join their warm up?" he asked.

"Please," Lottie smiled. Kevin got up and joined the back of the other team. Lottie cleared her throat. "You guys weren't bad," she said slowly. Some of them stared at each other, trying to guess what was coming next. "But you guys haven't made the team." Nobody protested at what she said, they all looked down cast, some signed in resignation. "There is something I wanted to ask though," this made them all perk up. "Emma here, is in your year, she is really good at what she does and she has now had a lot of practice. We," she motioned to me and the others, "have one more year left. We are only going to need extra members out with this school for the nationals. I would like you guys to prepare and practice. I want Emma to coach you, get yourselves to our level because we are going to need somebody to replace us when we leave school next year. And it wouldn't hurt to have some extra people on the team. How does that sound?" Their frowns slowly turned into smiles. "You will have to work around our schedule as we need Emma for our practices. For the first few weeks I will join Emma, help her get set up then she is your captain for the duration. I would like to get a team trained up to a high standard so that I know I can leave it in good hands. Ness, Adeline, Kirsty, Megan, Graham, Greg, Gareth and myself are all in the same year, so we will all leave at the same time which leaves the twins and Emma. We will need replacements. And if we happen to do well next year, we may need extra players then. No guarantees though."

"Will we ever get to play?" the boy called Ronan asked.

"Honestly, not this season. I will try you all out again at the beginning of the school year, we can maybe have a friendly game to see how you all are, but there are some conditions."

Again, they all looked at each other then, Emma, me and Lottie. "And what are those," Ronan asked.

"Emma is your captain. I want to hear of no cheek, no disrespect, and you do what she asks of you. I will be at your practices occasionally to see how you are getting on. That same level of courtesy extends to anyone who helps Emma and myself," they all nodded. "I want to see you at every home game. That attendance is mandatory. I want you to take notes, I want you to observe, critique us as well as the other team. I don't expect you to be at the away games, but please try and make the home games."

"So we are on a team?" one of the girls asked.

"Yes, I suppose you could call it the junior Spartans for want of a better term. I also want you all to concentrate on your grades. Any failures will result in getting kicked off, those not my rules I'm afraid. If you are really serious about being on this team, and your schoolwork is poor, please look at ways to improve this. It will help you in the long run."

"Can I make a suggestion?" Emma asked quietly.

"Of course," Lottie smiled.

"I would like to improve everyone's stamina. I would suggest that we added some cardio to our practices."

Some of the boys moaned. I laughed. "You are moaning now but you will appreciate it if you are on for a full forty minute game. It wouldn't do you any harm. Maybe some weight training as well."

"Is that really necessary?" Ronan asked.

"I would say so," I turned to the direction of my team mates. "I know Greg and Gareth work out every day. Graham has been joining them and although for a boy he is quite petite in build, he is becoming surprisingly strong." I had noticed this today when he was playing, he had more definition on his arms. "Tom and Toby do the same. It really wouldn't hurt. It's not for everyone and I'm not asking you to be ripped but it would help. Lottie and I are naturally strong, Megan is like a little powerhouse and Kirsty and Adeline's stamina has improved. Any exercise is good. If you want to be on the team you need to show commitment. You could even be looking to do practices at weekends."

There was a collective groan. "Ness is right. We have the gym booked for whenever we want. We get priority which means you may not get to practice during the week. It is only a few hours a week. It's nothing."

A girl with jet black hair stood up. "Well I'm in. We may not be on the actual team but next year we could be."

"That's the spirit!" Lottie laughed.

"Me too!" the girl I thought was called Samia joined her friend. There was more "Me too's" after her. Ronan reluctantly joining in.

"Cool. Ok you guys, would you like to stay and watch? It won't take long," Lottie added. Emma smiled at her new 'team' and joined us to start warming up again. Lottie grabbed my elbow. "Right Ness. You're in charge. Two teams still to play. So what you think."

"Me?" I gave her a confused look.

"Yup. I have my reasons," she tapped her nose, gave me a paper photo of the Garfield team with her whistle and walked towards Coach Clapp who was taking a long swig out of a water bottle.

I stared at everyone. I wanted to see what Kevin was like with the bigger guys. So I would start there, I looked down at the photo and up again at the awaiting team. I clapped my hands, the sound resonating around the auditorium. All the guys were quite big, but Kevin was bigger. "Ok. I want Sean and Tray as defense. Kevin as centre, Ryan and Joshua right and left. And I want to see Brayden in goals," I took a breath. "Greg, Gareth, Graham, Toby and Tom."

Holly screwed up her face. I ignored her as everyone took their places. I donned my equipment as the rest sat down and the players took positions. Emma dropped the ball in then scarpered back. Graham was too quick for Kevin but he was literally pushed out of the way as Kevin went in for the ball. There was no aggression but Kevin was just using his size. He passed back to Tray who passed to Sean, Gareth quickly saved the shot and passed it to Toby. The game went on like this for a while, Emma running up and down, calling fouls when necessary but neither team able but coming close to scoring. After two minutes Toby took a shot against Brayden who saved it well. Lottie was watching intently as were the rest of the team. I blew my whistle halting play. "Kevin, you sit down, Cammy take his place." Emma ran for the ball as the players got back into their positions and off we went again. There were more shots in at the other goal as Kevin wasn't there. I noted that. There was a couple at my end but they were saved. Brayden was doing well. After another two minutes I blew my whistle. "Greg, Gareth, Tom and Toby if you can swap with the rest, Emma if you can keep playing ref?" she smiled, nodding her head. "Graham, stay where you are, Holly, can you play defense on our team for a bit?" The swaps took place, Holly with a look of disgust on her face as if she had been demoted and I blew my whistle again; play resuming. This time I could see the boys using their size against the girls and Graham but they weren't easily intimidated as this was a play they were used to. Megan, Kirsty and Graham made a good team and scored two goals. Brayden had saved five out of the seven that had been attempted. Holly was not good on defense at all; Adeline and I had to do the work which meant Ryan got a sneaky shot which scored; fair play to him really.

I blew the whistle again halting play. "All the Garfield team playing, can you sit down?" they nodded, Matt and Sam taking Tray and Sean's place, Holly taking her centre spot, Yasmin and Lucy took their places and Adam taking Brayden's. I found Kevin's eyeline and inclined my head, he jogged towards me and took the empty defense spot. Emma dropped the ball in and the game started up again. I noticed Holly was hogging the ball a lot as she came running down, not really passing to Yasmin or Lucy. She was playing for herself but sometimes I felt giving the shot to someone else meant a goal. When Yasmin or Lucy got the ball they fumbled it at times, I thought the boys and Cammy were better. Matt and Sam seemed to be evenly matched as they defended the ball but Adam let in way more than Brayden did. Emma calling a few fouls, I had to stifle a giggle when Megan 'collided' with Lucy. I blew the whistle again, "Holly, you sit down-"

"But I've hardly played!" she protested.

I ignored her. "Holly, you sit down, Cammy, can you take her place?" Cammy looked perplexed as she ran past Holly, Holly giving her a dirty look. I could see Yasmin and Lucy relax a little then Emma dropped the ball in again. Play between the three offenses seemed more fluid and less staged, but I found Yasmin lacked some oomf. I stopped play and swapped Lucy and Yasmin for Sean and Ryan, both the girls giving me a dirty look and the boys looking surprised. This combo worked out well, the plays becoming faster, Cammy managing to get a goal herself.

Played continued for the next two minutes when another whistle blew. Lottie stood up and let go of the whistle that was still around Coach Clapp's neck, his eyes bulging at the sudden ligature around his neck. "Thanks guys, I think we have done enough today. If you can all do a quick warm down then head for the changing rooms, I'll catch you all in thirty minutes."

She sat back down as Holly approached her. "Is that it? I have travelled for three hours to play for four minutes?"

Lottie stared at her. "Yes. You did."

"Is that all you have to say? I did you a favor telling you about Daisy and her crew and letting you loan some of my team, I should at least be considered!"

"Who says I am not considering you?" Lottie said, trying to remain calm.

"I only played for four minutes. That new guy was up most of all the games!"

"Go and get changed Holly," Lottie wasn't asking.

"Urgh!" Holly stormed out of the gym, the rest of her teammates looking dubious as they followed her. The younger students waited until Lottie said they were free to go. Emma would co-ordinate with them their schedules.

It was now just our team left in the gym as Coach Clapp observed. "Your choice Charlotte. I'll let you know what I think at the end."

Lottie nodded as she sat down in the middle of the gym; we sat down and made a circle. "Ok, for those of you that didn't hear what I had planned with the freshmen, we are making them a team, Emma will be their captain," she smiled at Emma.

"Go Emma!" Toby cheered, putting a hand in the air which Emma high fived back. She was beginning to gain a lot of confidence.

"They will come and watch some practices, all home games and we will have a few games with them, I will help Emma at times but I would like if everyone could pitch in." We all murmured an agreement. "Ok, it will look good when you all apply for colleges. Down to business. Opinions?"

The team looked at each other. Megan spoke first. "Graham is good in centre," she said slowly as if she scared of offending.

Lottie nodded. "Yeah Graham you are. I can put you there if I am off or I want to be on the side lines or as a replacement for any centre that is injured. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good. I don't expect to be there all the time-" Graham started.

"I know but you can get practice in. There are always injuries; Megan and Kirsty work well with you as do Tom and Toby. I know I would and Emma. So win win. What about Kevin?"

"He could play any position," Greg guffawed. "He's huge!"

"But he is good at it but there are times he could be better," Tom added. "He needs to pass more or someone like Emma could just swing in and take the ball away."

"But that's something he could work on," Kirsty added.

"Definitely," I said. "I think Kevin is a cert. I know it looks like we are putting him on because he is our friend but-"

"Kirsty trained him well," Lottie added. "Ok, Kevin I would like in defense. All agreed? He can take Graham's place if Graham is needed up front and he can be offense or defense on the third team. One spot taken. The others?"

We all looked at each other. I started. "Holly will pose a problem."

Lottie nodding "Aye, she will."

"I found Yasmin and Lucy too…..lackluster," I finished.

"It is almost like they are there because they are Holly's friends," Gareth added.

"And Holly has been quite annoying today," Adeline exhaled. "Constantly correcting me when I took the warm up. She would be doing that to you all the time," she said to Lottie, who nodded.

"I don't personally think Yasmin and Lucy are up to the job," Emma said. "Some of the freshmen played better."

"Ok. Holly, Yasmin and Lucy are out of the running. I feel the same. I can't have someone backseat driving the team. I liked Cammy though. I thought she worked well with her male counterparts," Lottie said.

"I like Cammy as well," Megan smiled.

"I bet you do!" Graham poked Megan in the rib causing her to squeal.

"She's good, doesn't get enough airtime I think," Lottie spoke more to herself. "Ok, Cammy is in, Ness, what about the goalies? I know who I want."

"I thought Brayden was better than Adam. Based on today, Brayden saved more and Adam let more in."

"Ok Brayden is in," Lottie ticked something on her clipboard. "Ok, Kevin is defense, Cammy offense. Need another defense and two offense. I personally liked Ryan for offense, he was quick. He got a goal past Ness," she smirked at me and I screwed up my nose at her. Everyone agreed. "Problem is there are five guys left. Who was better?"

"I thought Joshua was good in offense. Him and Ryan worked well together. He could be better with some more training," Kirsty started.

"Sean did well playing offense. He seems to be an all rounder," Tom said. "They played well with each other."

"They all seemed good to be honest. I thought Sean was better than Joshua," Adeline added.

"I thought so too. Ok, change Sean to offense and that's that line up sorted. Leaves one spot for defense," Lottie leaned back on her hands. "Thoughts?"

Gareth cleared his throat. "I personally thought Tray was the more aggressive out of the three-"

Greg interrupted. "And he would work well with Kevin that way. I think those two would make a great team. Although Matt was alright as well."

Lottie looked into the distance. "I thought they were all good. But there is only room for one…..." she trailed off. "Ok. I agree with you Gareth, Tray was more aggressive and that can't hurt on our team. That's our team guys," she smiled properly for the first time today. "Thanks for the input," she got up, the rest of us following. Although she was captain, she was good at making everyone feel involved. She jogged over to the Coach who nodded once at the decision. The others went to get showered and changed, I rounded up my gear and followed them. As I was about to leave when Lottie found my eye line and made a 'come here' motion with her hand.

I walked over to her. "Hey Ness. Coach likes the selection. But he has something he wants to run by us."

I looked intrigued. Coach stood up. "I have spoken to Principle Greene. We have never had anyone get as far in any sort of competition like you guys have. I mean; you have no idea how much the faculty and the school board for this area are impressed with you guys," he smiled. "Greene would like the students you have chosen to stay here, to allow you all to practice for these competitions and be educated here until you either win or if your time is finished in the competition. That's if they want to stay. Kevin isn't a problem but it would mean that these guys would need somewhere to live."

I looked at Lottie who was thinking. "I do have spare rooms, but I would like to see if the boys would bunk with the boys on the team, get a proper bond going."

"Bromances," I giggled.

"Yeah. It's not that I don't want to put them up," Lottie put her arm around me and her fingers touched the skin on my upper arm. There is too much going on that they don't need to know or be exposed too and it would be hard to hide everything from them, bad enough with Tom, Bessie, Chris and Matt. Bessie is already avoiding me. I gave her a concerned look.

"You have done enough," Coach agreed. "I wasn't asking you but I am asking if you can ask your teammates to ask their parents."

"We could do that," Lottie said.

Coach got up and patted her on the arm. "I don't give out praise that often but you, and you Ness are a credit to this school." He smiled awkwardly, he was definitely a man that didn't praise much. He picked up his bottle and left the room. "Let me know what happens."

Lottie and I started to follow him and I stopped her at the door. "Well, this is going to be fun!"