I understand this. The grass, with the chalk lines. The two frames with white netting. How one ball is the only factor of winning or losing. I understand this.

“What are you doing out here?”

“Nothing, just thinking.”

“On a soccer field? Okay.”

“Dino, why are you here?”, I say a little annoyed. I mean a lot of people have a place to think. This place is mine.

“I was walking home, and I saw you over here.” The thing about Dino is that he doesn’t know when people need to be alone. “Hey, how was your game?”

“Fine… We won.”

“Peyton, that’s great… You guys are going to the finals, aren’t you happy?”

“Yeah, Dino I am. Look, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I walked off my stage. The place where I can show what I can do. Where people clap and cheer. An hour ago I scored the winning goal, why am I standing here? Why is it that all I can think about is my friend Jackie? The girl who never missed a practice or a game… Until now. The girl that won’t let anyone in.