Lucas, the team trainer, has come onto the field. Dexter motions for us to get back and away from her. He drops to his knees before Hendrix.
“Talk to me, Hendrix. Where’s the pain?”
She grimaces and puts her hand by her back. “I can’t tell if it’s from the fall or what. But it hurts.”
My heart goes out to her. I want to sit beside her and stroke her hair or something. Anything to make her feel better. But instead, I stand with the team while we all watch what’s happening.
Jase, Coach Nate, and Andie are on the field now. Nate and Jase go right to Hendrix, while Andie gathers us all in a circle.
“You all have to come with me. Come on, we have to talk some strategy,” she says, attempting to pull us together. Everyone but me is going toward her like she wants. “Hey, Captain, let’s go. Get your ass over here, and let’s talk to the team. We need to lead right now. You can’t help her, but they can.”
I nod and steal one last look at Hendrix. The pain is written all over her face. I join my team in the circle, because there’s nothing more I can do for her.
“Miranda is getting ready to come in for Hendrix. We need to make sure we keep the ball up. We want to play offense, right?” Andie asks, meeting all of our worried eyes.
I’m only half listening to what she’s saying, keeping my attention on Hendrix, who’s been loaded onto a backboard.
“We want to play offense, right?” Andie shouts again.
“Yes!” a few of the players shout in reply.
“I can’t hear you. We want to play offense, right?”
“Yes!” we all shout, this time more forcefully. “Then, ladies, get out there and kick some ass!”
“Family on three!” I shout. We all put our hands in as I count down. “One, two, three, family!”
Everyone shouts family along with me, and I head onto the field, stopping where Cami stands. “Do you think you can behave?” I tease her.
“She was out of line. Even the ref agreed with me. She got a card.” Cami does a little dance as she says that.
“Alright, well, get your head in the game. We’ve gotta finish this shit. For Hendrix?”
“For Hendrix,” she replies, sticking her fist out. We bump fists and get back into our spots.
The rest of the game has some promising spots, but none of it is enough to help us put anything in the net. But Chicago doesn’t get any in either. It might have taken the injury on Henny to liven the team, but our defense is unstoppable. While I previously thought Cassidy was gassed, she isn’t anymore. She came to life and is working hard to help out the defense, as well playing a strong presence on offense.
It just isn’t enough, though. The buzzer sounds and that’s the end of the match.
I hang my head and move over to the sideline. It’s time for the handshakes at the end of the match. And being the captain, I have to lead the team, in more ways than one. I can see it on their faces that the team would rather do anything else, but it’s time to have some sportsmanship and composure. Forget what they did to Hendrix, who never did return to the field. I’m guessing the trainers are either still looking at her or she’s getting some ice.
Either way, I hope she’s okay and can ride with us again soon.
Cass slaps my arm and leads up to the front. She stands behind me and nudges me along. I slap hands and say, “Good game” to each girl we pass. I grin at those who are on the National team. Sometimes I feel like a little girl playing dress-up in this uniform, because these women have played for the gold and the World Cup. I’ve looked up to these women for years, and now I’m on the same pitch as them. It’s surreal.
After Coach Watts shares his words of wisdom, we’re free tohead into the locker room or to see any fans who have gathered and may want autographs. There are a few of them hanging out over the rails, waving mostly to the Red Stars. Some are motioning for Blaze players to come over. I stand there and watch, waiting to see if anyone calls to me. I hope not, but I know if they do, I have to go over. I have to smile and take the pictures and sign the jerseys, posters, or whatever else has been brought to be signed.
“Lucas!” I call out when I see him standing on the sidelines. “How is she?”
He walks over to me. His voice is low when he responds. “She’s good. Her muscles spasmed when she hit the ground, so we’re treating her with ice and heat. I hooked her up to some electrodes to try and help. Hendrix will be good as new in a few days, I think.”
I nod. “That’s good news.”
“You feeling okay, Mackenzie?” he asks, eyebrows furrowing in concern. “I haven’t seen you in the office lately. I just want to make sure that with Coach Watts having you play all ninety minutes of a game, you’re still good to go.”
“I’m good. Thanks for checking in. I’m doing my stretches and foam rolling out the muscles that get a bit sore, but I’m good.”
“Good. Just make sure you hit an ice bath every once in a while, okay?” Lucas smiles at me. He knows how much I hate those.
