"Ciara Cooke?" A short man dressed in heavy blue robes stood next to a six foot six giant in robes of the same shade.
Ciara stood to her full six foot as her grin magnified. The taller man almost chuckled to see such a lanky teenager. He too hadn't filled out until his later teens.
"You're Peter Whitby." She said of the taller man, hardly noticing the shorter one, "May I have your picture?"
He smiled broadly, "Girl in a few years time, I'll be wanting your picture."
"Don't be ridiculous- you were easily the best beater Puddlemere had! I went to all your games when I was younger and I have never forgotten that backhand wipeout you did against the Cannons in 1988." She gushed, handing the camera to a passing student.
The three of them posed for the picture as Peter said, "Thank you- I didn't think anyone would remember that. Either way it's not me you want to be talking to- it's Thomas here." He said, indicating to his friend.
"Thomas Herman?" She asked. The man seemed pleased to be recognised.
"Manager of the Puddlemere Youth Division, yes." He smiled, "I've been watching you play both here, and back in your local division. I have to say I've been incredibly impressed." Ciara smiled sheepishly as he continued, "The reason I took so long to contact you is that it's very rare that female beaters make the cut professionally. Naturally I sought a second opinion." He indicated to Peter, "And he said he hasn't seen a kid of your age play the position so well since he was in the Youth Squad." Ciara smiled and thanked him, "I would like to offer you the position of beater in the Puddlemere United Youth Squad for the upcoming season, assuming of course that another team hasn't offered you a contract first."
Ciara's mouth fell open and she stared at the man.
"I'd love to." Was all she managed to say, vaguely aware that her answer didn't quite make sense.
"Excellent!" He smiled, shaking her hand, "Now we must be off, too see your reserve beater actually, but we'll owl you your contract first thing this evening. And very well played today."
With that, the two men walked off, leaving Ciara grinning dopily to herself on the grass.
