PrettyTOUGH

by Nicole Leigh Shepherd

  Krista shook her head. Charlie’s anger… maybe it was her fault.

  She scanned the vast horizon and noticed another huge set rolling in. The swells were gigantic, and she could see that Charlie was going to go for it.

  Krista watched as Charlie paddled hard to catch the first wave. She popped up on the fall line and floated across the top of the wave. A moment later, she dropped back down into the face.

  Krista watched, amazed. Charlie was unbelievable. She had absolutely no fear.

  Charlie accelerated down the face of the wave. The nose of her surfboard pearled underwater. Krista gasped as Charlie pitched out. Her surfboard flipped behind her and she toppled end over end over end, finally disappearing into the froth.

  Krista sat up, expecting to see Charlie pop up out of the water. But after a few seconds… nothing.

  Krista jumped up and ran for the beach. Still Charlie was nowhere to be seen.

  “Charlie!” she called. No answer.

  Krista kicked off her shoes and dove into the water. Where was her sister? She looked around frantically. A wave crashed over her, knocking her back. When she resurfaced, she pushed her hair out of her face and rubbed the water out of her eyes.

  “Krista?” a voice asked, surprised.

  There was Charlie bobbing right next to her, one hand on her surfboard. “What’re you doing?”

  “You didn’t—come—up.” Krista gasped for breath. “I thought something had happened.”

  “So you dove in?” Charlie looked completely shocked.

  “I couldn’t exactly let you die,” Krista said. Feeling awkward, she turned it into a joke. “Not unless I killed you myself.”

  Charlie smirked. Krista put a hand on Charlie’s surfboard. She didn’t know what to say as they bobbed up and down in the ocean. Every second of silence felt like an hour.

  “Well, thanks,” Charlie offered.

  “Yeah,” Krista said. “You too.”

  “Don’t mention it.” Charlie kicked through the water, and together the girls let the tide carry them toward the beach.

  • • •

  Later that night, Krista drove over to Brooks’s house. She needed to talk—about everything. Cam’s hurtful words weren’t Brooks’s fault, she reasoned. Brooks couldn’t help it if every guy in school wanted to date her.

  And sure, Brooks had told Cam some thoughtless things, but that was just her way. She was truthful to the point of bluntness. And she was still Krista’s best friend… probably the only person in the world who could understand this mess.

  Thank God Brooks’s parents were away for the weekend. Krista knew she’d really be able to let loose once she told Brooks the whole story.

  Krista pulled into the Sheridans’ driveway and stopped short. A black Blazer was parked in the driveway.

  Cam’s car, she realized with a jolt.

  Krista’s heart raced. What was he doing here?

  She got a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. She had to warn Brooks about what Cam had said last night—before he tried something stupid. She grabbed her cell phone and dialed Brooks’s number.

  As it rang, Krista spied a light in Brooks’s bedroom window. She saw Brooks walk toward the window, fishing her phone out of her purse.

  “Missy!” Brooks answered cheerfully. “What’s up?”

  Krista watched Brooks in the window. “I need to talk to you,” she said. “Did you hear about me and Cam?”

  “Yeah, I heard,” Brooks said. “Don’t worry, Missy—you can do so much better than that loser.”

  Through the window, Krista saw Brooks duck as a pillow was launched in her direction. She laughed.

  Krista’s eyes narrowed.

  Wait a minute. Cam was in Brooks’s house. Was he upstairs with her? In her bedroom?

  She felt her face grow hot, turning red with anger….

  Then she stopped. Maybe she was overreacting.

  “Um, what’re you laughing at?” she asked.

  “Oh, nothing,” Brooks said. “I’m just watching TV.”

  “Really?” Krista asked. “So you’re there alone?”

  “Nobody here but us starlets,” Brooks answered breezily.

  Krista’s jaw clenched, her fury building. Why would Brooks lie about being alone in her house? Why wouldn’t she want Krista to know that Cam was there? There was only one reason….

  “So I was thinking of coming over,” Krista continued, struggling to keep her voice calm. “I could really use a friend right now.”

  “Oooh, sorry,” Brooks said. “I don’t think I can. I have this big audition tomorrow. Tons of lines to memorize.”

  As Brooks spoke, Cam came up behind her and grabbed her around the waist. He kissed her neck.

  Krista tasted something bitter in the back of her throat. She wanted to throw up on them both.

  “Oh, really?” Krista responded, faux curiously. “Is it a different kind of role for you?”

  “What d’ya mean?” Brooks asked. She turned to face Cam, playing with the buttons on his shirt.

  “You know. Is it something different,” Krista asked, “or are you playing a two-faced liar who steals her best friend’s boyfriend and doesn’t even have the decency to let her friend know about it?”

  “What?” Brooks pushed Cam off her. “What are you talking about, Missy?”

  “Look out your window.” Krista started the car and threw it into drive.

  Brooks glanced down at the driveway and saw Krista’s car. Krista saw a look of horror form on her face.

  “Missy!” she called. “No, wait!”

  “I don’t think so,” Krista said as she pulled into the street. “But I really hope you get that part, Brooks. You’re just perfect for it.”

  She pressed the accelerator and peeled off.

  Now that her truce with Krista had extended beyond the playing field, Charlie felt a huge weight off her shoulders. It wasn’t as if one night had turned them into best friends, but at least she and Krista were no longer bitter enemies.

  And now that Krista was no longer talking to Brooks, she seemed just a little more patient, a little less judgmental.

  It made a huge difference during games. Everyone noticed—their teammates, Noah, Martie….

  With the tension between her and Krista gone, they could all just focus on soccer—and not a moment too soon. Today was their final game of the regular season. If they won, they’d beat out Westlake for a spot in the tournament, and their season would continue.

  If not, the team would be packing it in till next fall, and the seniors would be packing it in forever.

  Charlie ran her heart out, jumping in place to stay warm when the ball was down at the other end of the field. She had so much nervous energy it was hard to keep it all contained.

  Downfield, Erica fought off a Ridgefield forward and switched field, passing a long ball to Heather on the opposite side. Heather stopped the ball with her chest and trapped it between her feet as she was attacked. She quickly passed to Krista, who ran with the ball, shouting directions to the forwards, surveying the field for a hole in the Ridgefield defense.

  “Charlie, turn outside,” Krista yelled, sending the ball upfield to her. Charlie spun around, the ball perfectly placed by her feet. She dribbled around a Ridgefield defender and turned again, shooting the ball unexpectedly from the outside, slipping to the ground as she did. It flew past their goalie and hit the bottom-left corner of the net. The Beachwood players on the bench cheered from the sidelines as the players on the field rushed Charlie. The crowd went wild. The Peanuts theme blared over the PA system. Charlie gave a low five to Krista.

  “Nice pass,” Charlie said, out of breath.

  “Let’s do it again,” Krista said as Jamie clapped and continued to psych up the team. Noah gathered them over to him.

  “Last home game, you guys,” he said excitedly. “Let’s put this one away.” He grabbed Charlie around the shoulders. “Nice shot. I told you. You’re a star.” Charlie smiled
. For the first time, she really felt like one.

  Suddenly, in a totally un-Charlie-like display, she put her arms around his waist, giving him a hug.

  “Whoa,” he said. “What’s this?” He gave her a pat on the back.

  “Just thanks,” Charlie said. “For everything.”

  He spun her around. “Got a few more minutes. Let’s put another one in the net.” She smiled and ran back out onto the field.

  Within five minutes, Charlie had scored again. Beachwood went on to beat Ridgefield four–zero.

  When the game ended, the entire Beachwood team rushed the field, including Martie and Noah.

  “You did it, you guys!” Martie yelled.

  The entire team huddled into a big circle. Some of the seniors were crying, happy that they were going to the championships in their last year.

  Carla had a huge smile on her face. Her uniform was covered in dirt. She wrapped Charlie in a hug. “We did it!” she yelled. “I can’t believe we did it!”

  Jamie bent down to wipe blood from her knee.

  Charlie just looked around, shocked. They all looked like they’d been in battle. Like Martie said, they really were warriors.

  “What does this mean?” Ruthie asked. “Does this mean…” She was so excited, she didn’t want to say it.

  Martie smiled. “It means pack your bags. You’ll be spending next weekend in Pomona. And if all goes well, we’ll be state champions!” The girls’ voices exploded into cheers. Charlie glanced up into the bleachers and saw Bryan cheering for her. A couple of sections away, her father and mother were waving their Beachwood pennants. She was about to wave back when Noah picked her up and spun her around.

  Charlie felt dizzy from all the excitement, but she couldn’t stop smiling. They really had done something incredible. And it wasn’t over yet. Post-season had just begun.

  With Noah in her corner, her friends at her side, and her sister on the same page, Charlie knew she’d be unbeatable.

  After all the congratulations and the hoopla had died down, Krista made her way to the locker room to get her stuff. It had been an early game since today was Saturday. The sun was still out, and the sky was clear. She was excited for the rest of the day…

  Except that she had no plans and nothing to be particularly excited about.

  Martie came down to the locker room as Krista packed up her bag. She had a bunch of clothes stuffed in her locker that she absolutely needed to take home to wash.

  “Nice playing today.” Martie smiled. “Not that you need me to tell you that.”

  Krista couldn’t help but smile.

  “What?” Martie asked.

  “Just—thanks,” Krista said.

  “For what?” Martie asked.

  “It’s just, you know, I’ve been waiting for you to say that all season,” Krista tried to explain.

  “Ah.” Martie nodded. “Strategy.”

  “Huh?” Krista frowned, confused.

  “When you started, all you wanted was my approval—validation from me that I knew you were the best player on this team. Remember hell week? That first day? That race with Charlie?”

  Krista blushed, remembering how badly she’d behaved.

  “Well, that day, I decided I wasn’t going to give it to you. My approval, I mean. Because Krista, who cares what I think? Or what Noah thinks? Or what that ex-boyfriend of yours (who you’re way too good for, by the way) thinks? I wanted you to learn that what matters is what you think. If you think you’re the best player out there, every time you step onto that field, then you will be.” Martie paused. “And for the record, I think you are.”

  Krista’s face broke into a wide smile.

  “So it’s not about getting every header, it’s about going for every one. And it’s not so that I can tell you that you did a good job out there. It’s so you know that you did your best. What matters isn’t what everyone else thinks. It’s what you know. I learned that a long time ago. And I know Charlie isn’t the easiest kid to be a big sister to… but you keep trying. Think back to hell week. Hard work pays off.” Martie smiled. “Now go enjoy your Saturday.”

  Krista floated out of the locker room and up the stairs. Despite everything else that had happened in the past two weeks, she felt amazing, like she could do anything.

  As she headed to her car, she spotted Noah getting into his. She thought about what he told her at homecoming. Even then, there was chemistry between them. She decided to act fast before she lost her nerve.

  “Hey, Noah!” she called. “Wait up!”

  Noah turned, gave her a dazzling, dimpled grin. “Hey, Krista. Nice game today.”

  She jogged up to his car. “Thanks. Um, I was just wondering—I don’t have any plans, and it’s a beautiful day. Do you think you’d want to go grab a bite to eat?”

  Noah squinted against the sun. “Actually, I’m meeting some of the varsity guys at the beach. For a pickup game.”

  “Oh.” Krista was disappointed. That wasn’t the answer she hoped to hear.

  She considered for a minute. “Do you think they’d let a girl play?”

  Noah blinked, surprised. “You just played an entire game…. Do you really want to play another one?”

  “I’m younger than you,” she teased, half embarrassed by her own boldness. “I have a lot more energy.”

  Noah laughed. “Right.” He clicked his doors unlocked. “Get in. I’ll drive.”

  Happily, Krista hopped in his car. She decided not to think too hard about making the first move. Maybe hanging out with Noah would lead somewhere; maybe it wouldn’t.

  Either way, she thought, if Brooks Sheridan knew where I was sitting right now, she’d eat her own heart out.

  Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the beach, where a pickup game was just starting up. The B-dub boys were in tournament contention too, and many of the guys tried to squeeze in as much practice and conditioning as they possibly could. The boys’ program had always been phenomenal, which made it all the more frustrating when the girls’ soccer program was poised to take a nosedive.

  Now, Krista knew, the girls had a chance to be on top again—to prove they were just as good as the boys’ team.

  When Krista climbed out of Noah’s car, she was surprised to see Carla down on the beach, playing with Nate as the two chased each other around in the sand. He grabbed her, threatening to throw her in the water, while she loudly protested. Krista smiled, watching. She had seen them at homecoming together but hadn’t realized they were actually a couple.

  As Krista approached, Nate set Carla down. She looked up. “Hey, is Charlie here?”

  Krista shook her head. “She got a ride home with my parents after the game. Are you playing in the pickup game?”

  Carla shrugged. “I don’t know. They want me to, but I’m exhausted.”

  “Me too.” Krista smiled. “I just didn’t really want to sit at home.”

  “We could sit and cheer them on,” Carla suggested.

  Krista considered. “I’d kind of rather kick their butts.”

  Carla laughed. “Cool. Let’s do it.”

  Noah divided up the teams, putting himself, Krista, Carla, and Nate on one team. The other team was made up of four guys. Krista took her usual place as center mid; Noah became the lone forward.

  Playing on the beach, four on four, was fun and low pressure as they batted the ball around in the surf and sand. Noah shouted instructions to Krista, telling her to hustle for the ball, challenging her to play more aggressively. It was harder to move in the sand but less scary to dive and fall. It was a good training ground for the way she wanted to play on the grass.

  Halfway through the game, an opposing offender jammed Carla up with the ball. Desperate to get the ball to Krista, Carla kicked wildly. The ball arced through the air—it was a header.

  “Go for it, Kris!” Noah shouted. “Don’t back down.”

  Krista couldn’t disappoint him. She watched the ball sail toward her. She positioned herself b
eneath it, jumped up, and—BAM!—sent the ball screaming toward the goal.

  On her way down, she collided with Jim from the other team and collapsed in the sand.

  “Goal!” she heard Carla cheer.

  Krista turned her head. Sure enough, she’d sent the ball past the other team’s keeper. Her jaw dropped. She’d done it!

  When she didn’t move immediately, Noah ran over. “Krista!” He knelt next to her. “Oh, wow. Are you okay?”

  Krista grabbed a handful of sand and threw it at Noah playfully. “I don’t believe it!” She laughed, excited. “Did you see that? I did it!”

  Noah’s expression turned from worry to relief.

  “Yeah.” He smiled. “You did.” He extended a strong hand. “Now up you go.”

  Krista grabbed hold, and Noah yanked her to her feet—a little too forcefully. She bumped into his chest and grabbed his arms to steady herself.

  They stood there, still, just that way.

  Krista was so close to Noah that she could smell his sunblock. Her face was just inches from his. She peered up into Noah’s eyes and could feel her whole body blushing.

  A million thoughts ran through her brain. Mainly, that she and Noah were only two years apart—if he was still in high school, they would have probably been great friends… or maybe something more.

  “Hey! Are you guys playing or having a staring contest?” Nate called.

  Noah ticked his gaze downfield but didn’t move an inch. “Easy there, sophomore. I just want to make sure my player’s okay.”

  His eyes returned to Krista, searching. “Are you? Okay with this?”

  Krista nodded, mute. She couldn’t deny that she felt something between them. Not anymore.

  “Good.” Noah grinned and broke away from her.

  “All set, you guys!” he called to the other players. “But look out—I think Krista’s ready for some serious action.”

  Krista was starving by the time she, Noah, Nate, and Carla got a table at Mulberry Pizza. She was having the best time with everyone. She realized suddenly that she hadn’t thought about Cam for hours, except for now, when she was thinking about how she hadn’t thought about him… which really shouldn’t count, right?

  She and Carla laughed as they looked over the menu, wanting to order every single thing on it.