Page 87 of Loving Violet
“I try,” she says with a wink, settling back into her chair. Josy sits beside her but doesn't even look toward me and the guys.
Huh, she really is avoiding Noah at all costs.
The referee blows the whistle, signaling the start of the game. Adrian’s team lines up for the kickoff.
“Let’s go, Adrian!” Violet and I cheer in unison as the game begins.
“I’m so nervous. I never thought that a soccer game could be so exciting,” Esteban says, his eyes glued to the field.
“I know, right? I want to stand and yell at the kids so bad,” Noah adds, fidgeting in his seat.
“If you yell, and they kick you out of the game, I will laugh so hard,” Josy teases, a playful glint in her eyes.
“Well, I just might do it,” Noah replies, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Then, in a whisper, he leans to me so only Esteban and I can hear and adds, “This is the first time that Josy has said something to me.”
“Oh, that’s a start,” Esteban whispers back, nodding encouragingly.
I turn and look at them, bringing a finger to my lips to shush them. I don’t want Josy or Violet to hear us gossiping.
Esteban catches my glance and raises his hands in mock surrender. “I know, I’ll be quiet,” he says, grinning.
I chuckle softly and return my attention to the game. Adrian is already darting around the field, skillfully maneuvering the ball. Violet’s eyes are always tracing Adrian’s steps, and I can see the pride in her face. As the game continues, I glance around at my friends, all of whom are engrossed in the game. Esteban and Noah exchange quiet comments, clearly enjoying watching a bunch of twelve year olds play soccer. Josy is leaning forward in her seat, her eyes following Adrian’s every move, and Violet is completely absorbed, her worry momentarily forgotten.
The match is fast-paced with kids running up and down the field, their little legs moving as quickly as they can. Adrian is right in the thick of it, chasing the ball, making passes, and playing with determination. I capture moments of the action on my phone, trying to get the best shots of Adrian’s efforts.
The kids show their skills and teamwork. Adrian manages to make a couple of impressive plays, and I can see the joy on his face as he runs back to the sidelines for a quick break. Adrian’s team scores a goal, and the crowd erupts in cheers. Violet and I jump to our feet, clapping and shouting encouragement.
“He’s doing great!” Violet exclaims.
“He sure is,” I agree, my heart swelling with so many emotions
“I need to use the bathroom so badly,” Violet states
“Why don’t you go to the bathroom?” I ask.
“I don’t want to miss the game!”
“I’ll record it so you don’t miss anything,” I say, pulling out my phone.
She leans down and gives me a kiss on the lips before standing and heading toward the restroom.
The game is almost over, and they’re tied. So I completely understand her anxiety. They need to make a goal to win this first game, and the kids are fighting for it.
As Violet heads toward the restroom, the tension on the field heightens. I keep my phone aimed at the field, capturing every moment. Just then, Adrian gets the ball. He dribbles skillfully, dodging opponents with ease. He approaches the goal from the side and, with a swift, powerful kick, sends the ball soaring into the net.
The crowd erupts in cheers, and I’m on my feet, my heart pounding with excitement. I run toward Adrian, picking him up and twirling him around. “You did it, buddy! You won the game!
“We won, Austin!” Adrian exclaims, his eyes shining. “I scored a goal! I wish my dad could have come.”
“That’s amazing, buddy!” I continue “I’m so proud of you! Don’t worry, I recorded the winning goal. We can send it to your dad right now.”
“YES!” Adrian exclaims loudly. “Hey, Austin, where is Mom?” Adrian asks as I put him down on the ground.
That’s when I realize that Violet still isn’t back.
“She went to the ladies' room. Let’s go and look for her. Maybe meet her outside the bathrooms.”
“Sure.”
