Desperate For Attention

Chapter 3 – Memories

Disclaimer: I do not own Eyeshield 21, I'm just playing with the characters a little bit and will put them back when I'm done.

When I'm writing in italics in this chapter it means that it's a flashback.

Aya was running to the hospital where Sakuraba was. She was very very confused at the thought of her heart pounding when she had seen Shin. Shin, she thought, Oh how I hate you! And then she suddenly remembered some of the painful memories of her friendship with Sakuraba.

It all started in Junior High. Aya and Sakuraba had hung out for years and were always in the same classes. Then, they weren't in any classes together. But guess who was? Seijuro Shin.

Sakuraba looked at the class list and looked at the boy in front of him.

"Are you Shin?"

"Yes."

"Hi, I'm Haruto Sakuraba."

"My first name's Seijuro."

"You don't talk much do you?"

"Nope."

"You want to eat lunch with me and my friend?"

"No."

"I don't give up easily Shin. How about if I can make you smile then you eat lunch with us."

"Fine. You won't win."

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Later at the Lunchroom

Aya sat at a table and saw Sakuraba. "Hey over here!" She yelled and waved her hand. Sakuraba smiled and waved back and turned to someone next to him.

"Come on." She heard him say and he walked over to her table. Who's that boy with the unfortunate haircut, She thought and smiled nervously at them. "What's up Aya?" Sakuraba said enthusiastically when they sat down. "Oh nothing much," She said happily," Just English, Science, P.E., and I have the meanest teacher

for History." "Well, too bad." Sakuraba said and turned to the walking bad hair day boy. "I don't think I introduced Shin yet. Shin this is Aya Mazaki. And Aya this is Seijuro Shin."

"Hi." Aya said and stuck her hand out.

"Hi." Shin said unenthusiastically and shook her hand.

What's up with him, Aya thought and made a face, He

can't even fake a smile? Sakuraba and Aya just

chattered nonstop and Shin barely said anything. Then,

the bell rang and then they all cleaned up and said

goodbye.

………………………………………………………………………

After School that day

Sakuraba and Shin were walking down the hall talking. Well, actually Sakuraba was talking and Shin was listening. The school clubs had booths set up and were

trying to recruit students to join. Two second year boys in white and blue uniforms stopped Sakuraba and said, "Hey you're tall! Why don't you join the

football team?" Sakuraba anime sweat dropped and was surprised at the offer. "Football? Um, ok." The second years eager faces turned into glee. "Wow! With you on the team we're sure to win!" Then one of them turned to Shin. "Hey how about you join too?" Shin stared at the application form and said, "Ok."

…………………………………………………………………………

After school

"Football?" Aya said into the phone. "That's great! We

can join the team together!"

"Yeah and Shin is joining too."

"Really? That's cool." Aya said surprised.

"Yeah, I didn't think he was a sporty type of guy."

"Me either he's seems kind of lonerish."

"I was thinking about being a receiver. Like old

times."

"No way! Me too! Now we're enemies."

"No! Enemies is such a hate word. I prefer friendly

rivals."

Aya laughed and said, "I have to finish my math

homework. I'll talk to you tomorrow 'kay?"

"Ok bye."

"Bye."

………………………………………………………………………………

The next day after school

"Alright boys, I'm Coach Shoji Gunpei and over the next few days we'll have tryouts for positions." A third year boy came up and said, "If anyone is

unfamiliar with the rules of football raise your hand." A few students raised their hands and Aya was surprised Shin didn't raise his hand. "Ok. Come over here and I'll explain it to you." Coach Gunpei waited for them to walk away and turned

back to them. He said well, he didn't say he more like yelled that everyone had to say their names, their experience with football, and what position(s) they want to play.

"My name is Ko Ashitaka, I've played for three years, and I'm pretty strong so I guess I'll be a lineman."

"I'm Kazuki Mamiya, I've played for one year, and I'll try as a quarterback."

"My name's Haruto Sakuraba, I've played a lot with my dad and my friends when I was little, but I've never played in an official game before .Oh, and I wanna be a receiver. "

"Seijuro Shin, same as Sakuraba, and I would like to become a linebacker."

"Hi, my name's Aya Mazaki, also the same as Sakuraba and Shin, and I'm a receiver."

"Hello, I'm Shu-"

"Wait one second."

The crowd grew silent and they turned to their coach. He was staring at Aya. Huh, She thought, What's wrong?

"Did I hear you correctly? Is your name Aya?"

"Um, yes sir."

"So you're a girl?"

"Yes sir."

"I'm sorry Ms. Mazaki, but I'm not accepting female players on this football team."
"What?"

"The school board has banned it because a female player got injured last year."

Sakuraba turned to Aya and said sadly, "I'm sorry Aya. That sucks."

"Um, it's ok sir. I'll just leave now."

Aya got up and started walking toward the locker room to change out of her P.E. clothes. Suddenly, she had a brilliant idea. She turned around again and shouted excitingly, "Wait Coach! I have an idea!"

"Yes Ms. Mazaki?"

She stood on her tippytoes and whispered something in his ear.

"Really? That'll be really helpful. I appreciate your kindness." He turned to the bys and said, "Boys meet your new team manager!"