Ties of a Friendship
Chapter 7
A few days passed since Connor and Jude talked and without Connor's father breathing down Connor's neck it felt like the universe was all right in the world. Within the few days Connor and Jude had put a huge dent in their school project and talking about what movies they wanted to see on Saturday to the soccer game that Connor was going to win, in Jude's case loses.
It was Friday the day of Connor's soccer game Maddie along with Chelsea were already there Chelsea was the most excited about seeing Connor play she was way too obvious that she liked him. Connor was on the field prepping for the game he was stretching making sure his muscles were relaxed and not tensed up.
"Can you believe it we're about to see Connor's soccer match!" Chelsea squealed pulling Maddie closer to her, "I'm really excited aren't you?"
"Yeah, but where's Jude at?" Maddie wondered, "He said he'll be here it would be a disappointment if he didn't show."
"I'm quite sure he's coming he just running late is all!" Chelsea reminded a distracted Maddie who was looking for Jude, but didn't see him anywhere.
"I hope so because there goes his family right there!" Maddie pointed to the upper left side of the bleachers where Maddie and Chelsea were sitting further down adjacent to the Fosters. Everyone was there except for Jude and Lena.
"Come on girl he'll show up!" Chelsea reassured a worried Maddie hoping her friend was right.
Connor turns around to see Maddie and Chelsea and the Fosters, but he didn't see Lena or…Jude for that matter. Chelsea waved uncontrollably trying to get Connor's attention he thought she was a nice a girl, but too pushy he liked Maddie quiet and laid back, but she had a thing for Jude so he decided to move on from that crush that might never happen. Maddie gave a quick wave as he signal back with a wave. He mouthed to her where's Jude? Maddie mouthed back she doesn't know. He turned his attention to the Fosters who were excited to see Connor play just like Jesus when he played in his first wrestling match he gives them a smile thanking them for coming. Even though he had support he was wondering where Jude was he promised he'll show up.
Connor sat down with his teammates waiting for the game to start Connor's mom soon rushed through. She huffed and puffed trying to get herself together she run towards the sidelines where Connor was sitting down.
"Connor!" She wheezed as he turns to see his mom he didn't think he would knowing that she was super busy with work, he gets up to greet her as she hugs her son.
"Mom?!" A shocked Connor was confused to see his mom not that he wasn't happy to see her he understood how crazy her work schedule is, "What are you doing here?"
"To see my son's game of course it's your first game of the season so I came to see my son play I hope you're as good as you be boasting about at home!" She smiles laughing with her son, "Now get out there and show me what you can do honey!"
"Thanks mom!" Connor hugged her as she kisses him on the forehead of course embarrassing him in front of the team. They started to make kissing faces and teasing Connor, but in a joking matter Connor blushed from taunting and teases of his teammates.
He sits down next to his teammates as they laugh with him he brushes it off. He knows it's all in good fun so he brushes it off. Matt sits next to him he wraps his arms around Connor's shoulder much to Connor's annoyance he didn't really get along with Matt he just tolerates him because there on the same team.
"Awww isn't sweet," He teased Connor making kissing faces in Connor's direction. Connor tried to push away he didn't even want Matt touching him let alone sit next to him, "Connor miss his mommy! Boo hoo!"
Connor pushed him away, "Matt why don't you grow up, I don't know what's your problem?" He never knew why Matt was such a jerk at times. He never gave Matt the fuel to get to him as much as it did.
"Connor you're always the nice moral compass I bet you never made a mistake or anything always Mr. Perfect, but I think you have something to hide to be ashamed about am I correct?" Matt taunts him on. Connor didn't understand what Matt was saying he just looks at him brushing him off.
"Matt get over yourself I'm not perfect at all we all aren't so whatever your problem with me is I suggest you get over it!" Connor exclaimed he was tired of Matt and his teasing him. Matt wasn't important thought to him he was wondering if Jude was still going to come before the game started.
"You've changed that's my problem with you Connor!" Matt told Connor, "You're not the same Connor I knew I don't like this new Connor!"
"I haven't changed Matt and it's not like we're friends or anything!" Connor snapped back at him, "You've been a jerk most of your life and now you talking about I've changed get real!"
"You have…that boy!" Matt reminding Connor about Jude could this be what Matt problem was that he was friends with Jude?
"Jude?! What does he have to with any of this?!" Connor rushed to Matt grabbing him by his collar, "Answer me!"
Matt pulled away from Connor's grip as neatly fix himself up, "That boy came here and then all of sudden he gotten your attention your focus been off since he stopped talking to you what is it about that boy that has you so fixated on being his friend the boy is weird!"
"His' my best friend that's all nothing's going on between us!" Connor tried to explain to Matt, but Matt didn't want to hear it. Since last season Connor's focus had been off when Jude stopped talking to everyone. Connor used to be there ace in hole, but since then the coach bench him until this season started making him a starter, a position that Matt wanted this season after picking up the slack from Connor failing them last season.
"Sure he is, because right now he's not here and you're face says it all!" Matt fired back at Connor, "Face it he's your Achilles' heel and if we lose because of him I promise you! You won't like the consequences!"
Matt warned the distracted teen as he walks away leaving Connor to be alone with his thoughts. Some of the audience member saw the argument, but didn't hear anything that was exchanged between the two boys. The coach walked over to a distant Connor making sure he alright.
"Connor you okay?" The coach asked him. Connor didn't replied, "I know Matt can be a hard nose, but we really need you to get your head in the game whatever he said brush it off and get ready because you're the starter!" The coach padded him on the back leaving Connor to get his head in the game.
Callie arrived with Wyatt sitting next to Stef she greeted the family giving Stef a hug, "Hey my love!" Stef greeted her, "I see you made it to the game."
"Yeah I was running late from work and Wyatt came and got me," Callie laughed explaining her situation to her Foster Mom, "Where's Jude and Lena?"
"There on their way she had to pick him up from his tutor," Stef explained, "Don't worry he just needed extra time learning Math he has another test and he's been slipping in Math."
Callie nods turning an attention to Wyatt as they chant the soccer game was about to start. Connor turns his attention to the bleachers he still didn't see Jude he thought maybe he didn't want to come to game he decided he had to snap out of it and forget about it for the time being as the coach call him over.
"Alright Connor get out there and show the other team what you can do and bring us a victory!" The coach said to boys as they were huddled in a circle discussing plays.
"Yeah Connor don't fail!" Matt antagonized as the coach give a matt a slap upside the head telling him to cool it, "Ouch that hurt coach!"
"…Alright on 3!" Coach told them as they all cheered the game was about to start and Connor was ready to show everyone what he could do.
Unknown to Connor Jude was sitting outside of the school on a bench waiting for Lena to pick him up. He looked at his phone still no answer from either Lena or Connor. He hoped that Connor wasn't upset with him from running late he texted him that he would be late probably the game had already started and he probably didn't have his phone on him. Jude sighed wondered what was taking Lena so long to pick him up he gave up that he would make it to the game on time.
Soon Lena's car pulled up next to the school where Jude was sitting at she honked getting Jude's attention. Jude grabbed his backpack pulling it over his left shoulder as he runs to the car. He opens the car door and gets him.
"I am so sorry for being late buddy," Lena apologized as Jude closes the door, "My meeting ran a little bit late."
Jude couldn't be mad at his Mom after all the hurtful things he did to her, being late was the least she could, "No it's okay?" He smiles at her as she rustles her hands through his hair.
"Okay since I was late how about we get you some ice cream?" Lena suggested with a smile back at Jude backing out of the parking lot.
He nods no, "I have to get to Connor's game remember Mom I'm totally running late." Lena remembers the family was supposed to be at Connor's soccer game right now.
"Of course how about after just me and you ice cream after the game I won't take no for an answer okay?" Lena told Jude as she head towards Connor's soccer game as he smiles with an okay he wouldn't argue about getting ice cream and it's free too.
The game had started it was a good match and Connor had scored the first point giving his team the lead. 2 to 1 was the lead Connor and few others switched out for other members of the team to play before it was time to start again. Coach congratulates the boys they decided to discuss the next plan in the play.
"Alright boys you're doing good keeps this up and we'll win for sure!" Coach told them, "I'm switching Connor out for Matt so get ready I'm saving you for the end Connor those two last kicks were amazing we got them on the ropes Matt you have to keep up the pressure!"
"I got you Coach!" Matt said, "Watch me Connor I'm show you how to really kick the ball!" Connor shook his head in disappointment shrugging, "Don't shake your head at me Mr. Perfect you're not the only one who can kick a ball as well!"
"Alright that's enough Matt get in the game!" Coach told him as Matt and a few other teammates ran to the field.
Connor sat down on the bench he grabs a towel wiping his face. He puts his towel down and grabs some water. He huffs and puffs from playing so hard he could hear people cheering for them to win, but none louder than his mom and Chelsea. He blushes from some of the attention he's getting he never excepted to see so many people showing up for him usually it's his dad there sometimes his mom usually when his dad is there he's always yelling at him he could recall a few times where his dad was hard on him.
"Come on Connor get your head in the game!" Adam yells at him while Connor tries to chase after the other player to get the ball back on his team's side. "Come on you can do better than that!"
Connor tries to run faster after the other player he could still here his father screaming and yelling at him. It was enough to distract anyone, but Connor didn't want to disappoint his father nor his team he slides in kicking the ball from the other player as Matt chases after the ball Connor scarred himself from that move he rubbed his left leg it was in pain, but Connor heard his father from the distance.
"Get up Connor! It just a flesh wound! Now get up!" Adam scolded him as Connor gets up running after the ball that Matt was trying to hold on to.
"Matt I'm open!" Connor told him as Matt kicks it over to him Connor finally had an opening as he kicks into towards the goal the goalie tried to block it but he missed giving the team a win.
Connor was happy he was able to kick the winning goal he knew it made his father happy, but his left leg was killing him. The team was excited they won everyone ran on the field to congratulate Connor and Matt. It was a good feeling to see everyone excited about the game and he was hoping that his dad would be proud of him for making the winning goal.
Adam greeted his son Connor was happy to see his father giving him praise about his team winning, "Good kick, but it could've been better! I need you to practice more the kicks were sloppy you need to more leg presses you need more lap practices as well!"
There's the dad Connor remembers he thought he finally made his father proud of him, but once again instead of being happy for Connor he judge and criticized everything he did it was annoy to Connor. Matt runs over to Connor tossing his arm over Connor's shoulder giving a hug. "Man that was a good game!" Matt was excited Connor was as well just wanted to fix up his leg it hurt, but he brushed it off seeing that everyone was excited.
That was another time in life Connor remember how now was relax and calm no pressure from his family just enjoying his time. He still wondered if Jude was going to come on or not, but he figured he had a good reason for not showing up.
A few minutes passed into the game finally Jude and Lena pulled up. The game was intense it was full of crowds from both sides of the teams. Lena and Jude slowly walk up to the bleachers they didn't try to seat with the family instead sat on the first row of the bleachers near Connor's team. They begin to cheer on Connor's team along with the rest of the friends and family.
With the game close to the end the crowds cheered for the teens of their teams. The cheers were loud enough for anyone to hear. A young boy walked passed he was sipping a on a smoothie a peach mango one it was his favorite. He heard all the excitement and went to look at all the fuss was about.
He walked onto the field continuing to drink his smoothie when he saw the teams in the last ending of the game. He stood next to the bleachers next to a preoccupied Jude and Lena. The boy was intrigued he never saw a soccer game before beside on television especially during the World Cup. He saw how everyone was excited he didn't know which team was the home favorite, but he did know everyone was hyped for the game.
The coach called Connor over, "Connor come over here!" Connor took a sip of his water as he place his water bottle back down as he runs over to his coach.
"Connor…hmm that name sounds familiar," The boy pondered to himself scratching his taking another sip from his smoothie, "Nay…that couldn't be the Connor…could it?"
"Alright Stevens get in there and make me proud!" The coach said pumping the boy up. Connor nods running on the field. Matt was still in the game he nods at Connor they both gave an understanding look to each other if they made the last goal they will win.
"Wow Connor's really good don't you think?" Lena asked Jude he smiles nodding his head, "He might one day be able to become pro wouldn't you say?"
"He just might he was telling me he was good and it looks like he really is good!" Jude responded he was excited to his best friend play, he feels bad that he actually bagged on Connor about his soccer skills, "Whoo-hoo go Connor!"
Matt was able to get control of the ball Connor ran ahead of Matt he was next to the goal and goalie he was waiting for an opening to kick the ball. Matt ran around the another person of the opposite side 3 opposing members of the team Matt kicked the ball to another person on his team the person ran the ball down the field he kicked it back to Matt and Matt kicked over to Connor.
This was the moment everyone was excited Connor had the ball and if he kicked the winning goal their team would win. Connor kicks the ball the goal goes for the catch the ball, but once again missed sliding into the ground from the miss everyone cheered Connor's team had won the game it was an excited feat.
"Maddie look Connor won!" Chelsea screamed shaking Maddie uncontrollably, "See my man can play I told you!"
"Yeah he's pretty good actually!" Maddie said as they run down to the field along with the others.
Connor and the other were congratulated for their win. Lena and Jude runs down to the field. The boy noticed it was Jude, Trey couldn't believe the odds that he would run into Jude here. The Fosters along with Wyatt greeted Lena and Jude.
"Better late than never love!" Stef laughed her wife and youngest son giving her wife a hug and kiss.
"I know we were running behind, but we saw the game it was a good game Connor really is good!" Lena said. They were greeted by Connor's mother who saw them next to the field.
"Hi!" Connor's mom greeted the Fosters with a smile and hug, "I'm glad you were able to show up I know this means a lot to Connor!"
"Of course it was a great game!" Lena replied.
"Well thank you it means a lot to us…to me," She replied.
"How is Adam?" Stef asked her.
"Hmmm he's okay he's being release tomorrow morning," Connor's mom told them, "It's going to ruff handle him with him being so prideful and pigheaded."
"Tell me about it…" Stef said as her wife shoved her elbow, "ouch!" Lena gives her the look telling her wife it wasn't okay to talk ill about Connor's father at least not in front of his ex-wife.
"Connor!" Jude screamed getting Connor's attention. Connor turns around to see Jude running up to him.
"Jude! You showed up man I thought you weren't coming!" Connor said grabbing Jude by his neck nudging his head for being late.
"Okay I'm sorry I get it! I did text you that I was going to be late, but you never checked your cell phone I said it's your fault!" Jude laughed trying to get Connor off him, "Beside I showed up now get off of me your sweat is getting on me!"
Connor laughed letting Jude as Maddie and Chelsea walked up to greet the boys. Chelsea squealed hugging Connor catching him and others completely off guard as she squeezes tight Connor didn't know what to do. Jude and Maddie laughed at the over obsessed girl who had a major crush on Connor.
"Um…Chelsea," Maddie tapped on her shoulder as she opens her eyes she realized that Connor was in awkward uncomfortable position, "You might want to let go…"
"Oh my god!" She squealed her face turned a blushing red from embarrassment, "I'm so sorry about that Connor!" She back away quickly gives him his space. Connor brushes it off.
"It's okay," Connor said, "I'm glad you guys were able to come to my game! So what did you all think?"
"You're very good actually I can see you made the team!" Maddie compliments him as he blushes alittle across his face. He still was crushing on Maddie even if she didn't like him like that he still liked her.
"Thanks I told you guys I can play especially you Jude you were bagging on me about not being good well guess what I show you!" Connor teased Jude as Jude looked downward feeling like an ass who told his best friend he couldn't play.
"Okay sure whatever you got me!" Jude said annoyed by the fact that Connor would never let him leave this moment down.
Observing from the distance Trey saw the interaction with Jude and Connor he smiles taking another sip from his smoothie he was glad to see Jude making up with his best friend, "Alright that's good they made up!" He walks away going unnoticed by Jude.
Connor took Jude, Maddie, and Chelsea over to the bench where he was sitting at he wanted to grab some water he was exhausted from playing a tough game, "We still on for the movies right?"
"Yeah!" Maddie replied, "How does 12:30 sound as good time?"
"Sure that's fine with me…what about you Jude?" Connor asked him taking a sip from his water bottle.
"Yeah that's good for me too!" Jude answered.
"Alright, then tomorrow at 12:30!" Chelsea chimed in her excitement was enough for all four friends. Chelsea's Mom honked the car horn to signal the girls it was time to go, "Looks like our ride is here see ya Connor! See ya Jude!" As the two girls wave their goodbyes to the boys the climbed in the car leaving Connor's game behind them.
Connor was getting his soccer gear together while Jude stood adjacent from him waiting for him. He stands up placing his backpack gear over his shoulder, "You ready?" Jude nods. As they walk towards Connor's Mom and the Fosters, Matt walk pass them brushing pass Jude knocking him off his balance.
"Excuse you!" Matt said walking away from the two of them. Connor wanted to go after Matt, but Jude shook his head no like Callie he didn't think violence was the answer to handle people who didn't like him.
"Jude you okay?" Connor asked him.
"Yeah, I'm fine Connor don't start anything for Matt because of me I mean it I already cause enough trouble for everyone!" Jude told Connor as he dust himself off.
"Jude…just because we had…" Connor begins to talk, but he was cut off by Jude.
"Don't Connor we already talked about this…don't make it awkward between us I forgot about it you should too I just want us to be best friends again so for now if we have to fake it to we make then so be it!" Jude told Connor giving him a serious glance Connor couldn't help, but look away, but he understood what Jude was telling him.
"Hey sweetheart," Stef eyed Jude and Connor as she gives Jude a hug first kissing the top of his head, "I was telling your Momma that you guess were cutting it close."
"I know I thought she forgot about me!" He giggled back as Stef turns her attention to Connor.
"Well look at you Connor scoring the winning goal!" Stef was excited for Connor as she pulls him into a hug, "Good job proud of you!"
Connor blushes again from the praises he was getting, "Thank you Mrs. Fosters I try my best when I go out to the field!"
"As you should," She laughs, "Are you and Connor going to celebrate?"
"I don't know Connor what should we do?" Connor's mom asked her son. He hadn't thought about what to do he usually get a lecture for an hour about what he could've improved on.
"Um I have no idea to be honest Mom!" Connor was clueless as well scratching his head.
"I have an idea why don't you guys come with us to the ice cream shop I was planning to take Jude after the game you are welcome to join us if you want to?" Lena told them she remembers she promised Jude some ice cream for being late.
"That sounds lovely Lena thank you!" Connor's mom took their offers as Lena rounds up the kids to tell them about their plans for the evening.
The Fosters along with Connor and his mom ended the day with some ice cream it was good ending to a great day.