Friday's Tryouts

FUN FACT THAT YOU ALL SHOULD KNOW: Um so everyone wants me to make a sequel of Suzie and Conlan. I'm thinking about doing that :) So just keep that in mind. I'm planning it out. Another thing. Yeah Suzie is 9 and Conlan is 12. Some of you don't think its possible at 12 but I have friends that have it at 12 and I even have a cousin that went through that at 11. So yeah....haha. And sorry for not posting but school is coming up, I'm going to be busy and its going to be hard. And then I had to write this chapter FOUR times because wattpad was being a meany. After all I was on vaction and then I get back and I realize my internet doesn't work, the same with some neighbors. And then some of you thought I forgot about this book, but honestly I love this book. I love writing it, because it is so much fun. And then I also have guests from a different country and now im just blabbering on and on and on. But as you can see I had many difficulties. Sorry, oh and this is my first year in high school. Whoo go panthers! Yes that's my team. So just keep that in mind. Like all that I have said. This is more like a short authors note that anything, but please understand. Oh and before I forget. DreamingWhileWriting, yeah if you read this I just wanted to tell you that Conlan is a real person :P And he loves you too.

Ok thats it, on with the chapter. Enjoy

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Tori's POV

"Where's Mark?" Em asked as she sat by me for lunch.

"He's at home. He needed to stay over." I replied as I ate my yogurt.

Cali walked over and sat across from us, "Tori I haven't forgotten about tomorrow."

I groaned, "Yeah yeah. Five o'clock."

Cali laughed while Em looked at us weirdly.

Tomorrow I had to go shopping with Cali. Might as well bury my grave.

"So," Em said, "How are tryouts?"

I shrugged, "Good. Why?"

"I promised Shawn I'd watch him today. To see if he made the team and all. But I'll root you on too Tori." Em answered with a smile.

I smiled back, "Thanks Em. So how's it going with you and Shawn?"

Em looked down with a small blush, "He's really funny. Well he's sweet too. I invited him for dinner tomorrow. So I think he's coming."

I was about to say something when I noticed Cali wasn't looking. I followed her gaze and it fell on Jack.

"Cali why are you looking at Jack?" I asked.

She looked at me hopefully, "Does he really have a six pack? Omg I heard Blake Parris has a eight pack? Is that true? Come on Tori you should know your on the team."

I frowned, "One I'm not on the team and I probably won't be. Two why would I pay attention to that. And three why do you want to know?"

Cali shrugged, "Just wondering."

I shook my head, "So what are you guys doing for Halloween?"

"Shawn invited me to his Halloween party. It's at his house and everyone is invited." Em said.

Cali shrugged, "I was going to pass out candy. What about you Tori?"

"I don't even know. I think me and Mark were going to go together. Like old times but I don't know."

We talked the rest of lunch. Cali kept reminding me of tomorrow and I kept trying to keep my mouth shut. We exchanged information of what we do in a specific class. And after we headed back to classes.

There was a knock on the locker room door. I figured it was a guy because a girl would have just walked in. I pulled my shirt down and sat on the bench ready to put my cleats on.

"Come in," I said as I watched Coach Walker enter.

"Mind if I talk to you?" Coach asked.

I shook my head and he sat on the bench opposite of me. I knew what was coming. He was going to ask me why I wasn't here yesterday, and how if your on a team you always need to show up. I prepared myself for a lecture.

"Go ahead and put on your cleats." He said waving his clipboard at my socks and shoes.

I frowned but didn't question him and started putting my socks on.

"So is living with the triplets hard?" Coach asked.

I shrugged, "Not really its just-"

My eyes widened I looked up at a smiling Coach. I wasn't paying attention to what I was saying. I didn't think he'd ask that. I especially didn't think he'd be the first to know. Did the boy's tell him? If they told Coach could I tell Mark? My main question was how Coach found out.

"I-I don't know what your talking about." I tried to cover up.

Coach laughed, "Linean. Calm down."

"How do you even know?" I looked down at my cleats and pulled my socks up.

"I've been a friend of your stepmother since.....college? Or a couple years after college. Anyways I met her from Jacob. That's the triplets father."

Jacob. The guys never told me their dad's name. Then again I never told them about my mom, Melody.

"So how do you know?" I asked again.

"I went to the wedding with your dad and Lilly. I saw you over at the table with your little sister." Coach explained.

"But I didn't see you there. And I think the boys would have noticed you." I was shocked that he was at the wedding. I really needed to be paying attention to all of Lilly's guest. I helped dad pick his but Lilly invited who she wanted.

"Yes well. I only came for the party. I didn't make it on time for the reception, and either way I just came to congratulate Lilly. Give her the present, drink a sprite and then I had to go. So I wouldn't be surprised that you or your brothers didn't see me."

I let a small laugh never meeting his eyes, "And here I thought you were kicking me out for not coming yesterday."

Coach laughed, "Shawn taped you on his phone. You did well. I don't think I've seen that side of you yet."

I was still trying to process all this information. I don't know how long I sat there. It felt like hours but it was probably just a couple seconds.

"Why didn't you tell me and guys in the beginning? Why didn't you tell us you knew?" I finally asked. At this moment I don't know what I felt. Relieved. Terrified. Confused. This just wasn't making sense.

Coach frowned, "I would have expected the whole school to know you were all brothers. But when I saw there was no talk about it, I guessed. You guys haven't told anyone have you?"

I shook my head, "No even my best friend. It's killing me keeping it from my friends. And dad and Lilly don't even know. I mean of course they know, but they think the whole school knows. Your the only person that I currently knows that know."

Coach laughed, "That's a lot of knows."

I couldn't help it. I laughed along with Coach, "So what are you going to do?"

"Well," Coach said as he started standing up, "I don't see why I have to tell anyone. Hell I'm not even sure I WAS at that wedding. But if you ever want to talk to someone about it? Tell me, considering I'm the only one that knows."

I smiled and Coach winked at me before exciting towards the door.

"Oh Spunk before I forget," Coach said at the door, "Do good today. You have potential and I would love to see it at a game or on the field. Kick those guys asses."

I laughed and Coach left the girl's locker room and onto the field. Once imwas done with my socks and shoes, I made my way outside. Hayden jogged over as I walked to the field and we exchanged smiles.

"Coach was in there for a while. Did he give you a lecture?" Hayden asked.

I shook my head, "Nah. He just wanted to tell me what I missed."

Hayden nodded and we kept walking until I stopped abruptly. Hayden looked at me and then followed my gaze to the bleachers.

There was a chain fence that seperated the field from the bleachers. And the bleachers were a good three or four feet off the ground. At the chain fence I saw Shawn and then I saw Em on the other side. It made me smile seeing Shawn look so happy. So in love.

In the beginning Shawn seemed like such a asshole. As I usually called him that. But now I noticed he isn't bad. He's funny. I mean more than the usual joke every here and then. He was FUNNY.

And Cole. He was nice. A really nice guy. I just don't get how they were so mean to me in the beginning. Now we get along. Well except me and Blake. He's just......out there.

When I looked up at Em I could see she was just as happy as Shawn. She really liked Shawn. I knew that much.

Shawn moved his hand up to tuck a strand of loose hair behind her ear. Em leaned over the rail, barely touching the ground. Shawn met her halfway, and kissed her.

I couldn't help myself as my smile widened, "They're so cute together."

Hayden didn't say anything he just shrugged, "Yeah I guess."

"No its not cute," Cole said stepping up, "My little brother is all googoo eyes for her. I mean he started to read. READ! He hasn't read a book in years!"

I smirked and looked at Cole, "I think your jealous."

Cole looked baffled, "Me? Jealous?!"

I nodded, "Yeah. Jealous. Your jealous because your brother is head over heels for a girl. And you see how much he likes her, and you want that. You want to feel that feeling your brother has."

Cole shook his head, "Your delusional."

"Your jealous." I shot back.

Cole opened his mouth to say something but Hayden interfered.

"Let's not kill the pretty lady now." Hayden said stepping in front of me and Cole with his arms spread between us.

Coach blew his whistle as he walked out the rooms. He caught a glimpes of Shawn and blew his whistle again. Shawn turned and looked at Coach.

"Kiss your girlfriend on your own time Parris!" Coach yelled. Everyone snickered or laughed.

Shawn gave a shy grin, "Don't worry Coach I will."

Em turned a bright red and even from here I could see it. Shawn pecked her lips one more time and then came towards us.

Em looked directly at me and cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled, "Kick their asses Tori!"

I laughed and gave her a thumbs up. Coach blew his whistle again, "I want warm up laps now!"

He blew his whistle and we all started to run around the edge of the field. As we did so I nudged Shawn, "Sooooo....?"

He raised an eyebrow, "What?"

I rolled my eyes, "You and Em duhhh."

Shawn shook his head, "I'm going over tomorrow for dinner. So calm down."

"Yes dinner-" I started to say.

"Yes and then her room...." Cole added.

"Ok you know what Tori. When you and Mark have hardcore sex one day I'm gonna be the one laughing." Shawn snapped.

I laughed angrily, "You did not just go there."

That is just to far. And gross. He's my best friend.

"I think he did," Hayden smirked.

"Just wait Shawn. All your previous girlfriends are going to hook up. Make a club and then come marching to your house with pitchforks and torches and they are going to be yelling, 'But Shawn! You made love with me!' Then I'd like to see who's laughing." I added a little laugh at the end.

Cole and Hayden looked at each other, both of them looking clueless.

Shawn laughed, "Don't worry Tori we both know who is more awesome."

I nodded, "Yes Cole and Hayden because they seem so lost at the moment."

Hayden shrugged, "As long as I'm awesome."

"I'm agreeing with pretty boy here." Cole smirked.

Coach blew his whistle and everyone huddled in. That stupid whistle was getting on my nerves. He blew on it constantly.

"Alright," Coach said to all of us, "Today is the final day of tryouts. All of you did good. Some better than others and today is your last chance to prove to me you are worth being on the team. I have a general idea of who I'm letting in, but one wrong step or one good one could change my mind in a second. So I want everyones best work out there. I'll have the list on the board outside the locker rooms when your done."

He blew his whistle and we started with our routine of drills. While Coach and Blake set up the cones and ladders and such, we all had to go to the edge of the field to get our soccer balls.

Hayden walked beside me as we went to the edge of the field, "So Tori you wanna hang out tomorrow?"

I glanced at Hayden to see if he was serious. Usually only my best friends want to hang out with me. It made me curious to know if Hayden was a friend of mine. Then again he's kind and helpful. Attractive but mostly nice. It wouldn't hurt to be with him.

"Sure it'd be fun." I said with a smile.

Hayden smirked, "I don't doubt it."

Then I remembered promising Cali to take her shopping. I didn't really want to go shopping. Cali could have made up the phrase, 'Shop till you drop.' Because that is literally what she does.

"Hayden I can't go tomorrow. I promised to go shopping with a friend. But how's Sunday sound?" I asked.

Hayden raised his eyebrow when I added the shopping part but then shrugged it off, "Sunday sounds great. What time should I pick you up? And where?"

Why is it that guys ALWAYS have to pick up the girls?

"Um so you know where the Trips house is right?" I didn't feel comfortable telling him I was their stepsister. My conscious would feel especially guilty if I told Hayden first and not Mark.

"Yeah I know where it is. I think the whole school does." Hayden added.

I grinned, "Just pick me up there at six. I'm usually there training."

Hayden smiled at me. A warm, gentle smile, "Good. We're gonna help me find a Halloween costume."

I laughed, "I need one too."

"Great so I'll pick you up Sunday." Hayden confirmed.

"Yeah and don't be late. I might just leave," I laughed and dribbled the ball down the field just as Coach blew the whistle. Again.

We did the regualr drills. And it made me wonder....were all practices going to be like this? Or would we actually do something fun? I didn't mind doing drills but at times I would slip off to dream land and I wouldn't even realize that I had just finished the assignment.

My mind slipped off to different topics.

One thing it was thinking about was tomorrow and how I would have a hole in my wallet. Cali usually brings money but then spends it all and then asks me. It stresses me out sometimes how different we are. Yet we are still the best of friends. I guess opposites do attract.

Another thing was Mark. I kept wondering how it was going with Mr. Bennett back home and everything. I was also having an inner battle on whether I should tell him about the guys or not.

Then Hayden popped into my mind. When he asked me to hang out with him, would that be a date? Or was it simply that, hanging out. I mean if hanging out was meant as a date type thing then me and Mark have had hundreds of dates.

After what seemed like hours we came to out last thirty minutes of tryouts. Coach blew his whistle and we all huddled up. We were all sweating and some of us looked exhausted. Those that looked tired out were probably not going to make the team.

"Alright. We're going to play a nice round of scrimmage. Who wants to be captains?" Coach asked already pulling out a quarter.

A boy with a buzz cut stepped up. When I saw his face I almost laughed. It was Mr. Ray of Sunshine himself. Then Cole seemed to be pushed towards Coach making him the second team captain.

"Heads or tails?" Coach asked.

"Heads." Cole muttered.

"Tails then." Sunshine shrugged.

Coach threw the coin in the air. He caught it and placed it on the back of his hand. He directed his gaze to Sunshine, "Tails."

Sunshine grinned and his eyes scanned around the team, "Blake."

I smirked as Blake took a step towards Sunshine.

"No shocker there." I muttered. Some of the guys that were around me and had heard me chuckled or at least smiled. SMILED. I mean their lips actually curled and they smiled. Actually smiled.

"Shawn," Cole said with no hesitation. I could see the strategy in Cole's mind. He was hoping to get Shawn on his team because then it'd be two Parris brothers against one.

"Trent," Sunshine said.

"Tori." I moved up beside Cole and stood between him and Shawn. Shawn leaned his elbow on my shoulder putting all his weight on me. I rolled my eyes knowing that everyone was watching. In a quick movement I held him up with my hand and took a step back. I let go and he fell onto Cole.

Cole who wasn't expecting the extra weight tumbled down to the grass taking Shawn with him. The whole field broke into laughter. I was wiping a tear out of my eyes when I looked up at Blake. He just glared at me, his lips were just a flat line and his eyebrows were knitted.

Shivers ran down my back. He intimidated me. And all I did was look back down at Cole and Shawn. Cole was trying to push Shawn off but Shawn was laughing to hard.

"Get off Shawn!" Cole shouted pushing on him.

"Ok ok. I was just thinking about a dominoe effect." Shawn laughed.

Cole forced a smile, "Wonderful we're going back to second grade. Now GET OFF!"

Shawn finally got up and looked at me, "It's her fault!"

I rolled my eyes and started talking like a kindergarten teacher, "It's ok honey buns as long as you don't have a boo-boo then I think you'll live."

Some guys laughed others stared at me and then at Shawn who was glaring at me.

I shrugged him off and looked back at Coach. He had his whistle in his mouth ready to blow it in case he needed to. Cole got back up and he and Sunshine started calling names again.

Finally when everyone was on either side Cole walked our team to one side of the field. He started saying names of people I didn't know. But then my name came up.

"....Tori you and Hayden will be forward. Along with....." Another person I didn't know but it was ok. As long as we won I didn't care who was on our team.

The problem was having so many players on each team. Fifteen exact on teams. Usually only eleven people play. So now we would be crowded on the field. And Cole made sure to try and to get everyone situated.

Once everything was in order and Coach blew the whistle and me and Hayden moved to the front of the field. We stood in the middle and Hayden gave a me a glance. I nodded telling him I was ready to receive the ball.

Coach blew the whistle and Hayden passed the ball to me. Everyone scattered and I passed the ball to Cole. Once the ball was out of my reach I ran up the side of the field.

Once I thought I was far enough I made sure to keep my eye on the ball. I watched it as it was passed around my team. I watched as Shawn passed it to some kid I didn't know. The kid looked around for someone to pass to. He saw me, and I was clear but he shrugged me off.

Sexist, I muttered in my mind.

The guy kept looking and no one noticed Blake slid down and take the ball as he did so. I muttered something under my breath and started running back to see if I could at least be of some help. I knew I was forward but at this point I was desperate.

By the time I so much as got close to the box that surrounded the goal. Blake had already shot the ball and it flew into the goal. Sunshine's team cheered as Blake jogged back to his side of the field. He kept getting high fives and pats on the back. But he smiled. He looked happy.

Sometimes it just made me sad. How can I cause someone who seems to always want to enjoy himself so much hatred? In the last years, whenever I saw him in the halls. Or when I had him in some classes. He always seemed so happy. So entertained. I would always catch him laughing with friends. Or smirking at girls. But never, ever have I seen that much hatred. Not even when he gets into fights.

I didn't want to lose. There was no way I was going to lose to that jerk that can't grow a heart. I saw Cole quickly talking to our team and I walked over. I pulled on his arm away from the small circle. He opened his mouth to say something but I cut him off.

"Save it. I don't have all day to explain this to you but I don't want to lose. I'm to competitive and stubborn for that. You know what a pinball machine is right? Well tell everyone to spread out. Like out out. Make sure there is a distance. And when we have the ball we pass it back in forth as if it were the ball in the pinball machine. Got it?" I tried to get it out as fast as possible so I wasn't sure if he understood me. But he nodded.

"Yeah. Where did you come up with that?" Cole asked.

"No time. Just tell everyone the idea. Hopefully they'll understand." I said quickly.

Cole nodded and turned to the team. He had exactly one minute to explain everything but no one questioned him.

Dang. How much respect do the Trips have? I wondered. I watched as everyone payed attention. I would probably never have that respect from the team. Like ever.

Coach blew the whistle and we all went back to our positions. This time Cole and Hayden took the ball. Hayden started out again and passed the ball to Cole when Coach blew the whistle.

I decided to jog up the field. Everyone seemed to be following Cole's idea. They all spread out while Cole passed the ball to Shawn who passed it to another kid. I moved to the side and looked directly in front of me, Hayden was bouncing on his feet. I knew that if the ball came I'd pass it to him since he was the closest.

Shawn got the ball and he looked up at me for a spilt second before passing the ball. It rolled on the grass and once it reached me I didn't even stop it, I just redirected it to Hayden. I moved up the field and watched as the ball was passed back and forth.

It was somewhat funny watching all of Sunshine's team run back and forth as the ball was passed around. I could see some of the guys getting frustrated. It made me laugh in the inside, just the way they looked.

Me and Hayden, along with another kid, ran up the field. I heard my name called behind me and turned around to see Shawn kick the ball to me. I used the inside of my foot to balance the ball and then moved towards the goal.

Two people moved towards me. One of them opened their legs, as quick as I could I passed the ball under them. Hayden got it and tapped on it to make it stop. He swung his leg back and shot towards the goal.

The goalies fingers brushed the ball but then it hit the net making a Swish! sound.

Our team cheered and Hayden smiled. I ran towards him and jumped on his back just as he jogged back towards our side. When everyone saw we were jumping on him, some people came up and pushed down on his shoulders.

I saw Shawn run toward us and I could practically see the madness in his eyes.

"Oh sh-" I couldn't even finish the sentence before Shawn started yelling.

"DOG PILE!" He jumped on me and Hayden lost his balance causing all of us to fall. I felt pressure over pressure as I was squeezed onto Hayden.

I heard people laughing and then I heard Coach laughing.

"Get.....off.....can't.....breathe!" I tried to say. Coach blew his whistle and started yelling orders for everyone to get off.

One at a time I felt less pressure on me. I didn't know that my eyes were closed until I opened them.

So how Hayden had enough time to flip over as he tumbled to the ground. I had my hands and lay my head on his chest. He had his arms around my waist.

"What is going around here?" Shawn asked. He remained on top of me.

"Get off before Em thinks your raping me." I managed to say.

"Seriously Shawn," Hayden breathed out. Everytime he took a breath I could feel the muscles in his chest. His breathing made his chest slowly move up and down, "Shawn get off me and the princess."

I felt my face heat up and was extremely glad my hair was scattered across my face. It made my heart flutter when Hayden said that, but in some way.......it felt wrong. There was a weird feeling that made me happy yet sad.

"Did you just call her princess?" Shawn burst laughing. I looked up at Hayden whose cheeks flushed as well.

He stuttered on his words. I ignored him not knowing what to say. Instead I looked over at Shawn.

"Yes he did. Now do the princess a favor and GET OFF! Before I behead you! Or worse." I said.

Shawn rolled off of us laughing his butt off. Hayden sat up bringing me up with him.

I looked up at Hayden. Looking directly in his eyes. His eyes were the darkest I had ever seen. Almost black.

How was that even possible?

I heard a cough and looked towards Shawn who was coughing hysterically.

"Don't.....kiss.....gross." Shawn said through coughs.

I rolled my eyes and tried my best to cover the blush spreading through my face. I stood up and was extremely relieved with the fact that everyone was watching Coach instead of me.

Must be the first time, I thought mentally.

Cole was talking to Coach. Everyone was circled around Coach.

Me, Hayden, and Shawn walked towards Coach.

"...her idea got us the goal." Cole told Coach.

Coach Walker looked at me and told me to are forward by flicking his wrist. I stepped through a few guys and looked up at Coach.

"Yes Coach?" I asked.

"Where did you get the pinball idea?" He asked.

"Well when me and my dad used to watch the professionals me and him would compare the players to pinball machines. The way they'd just directly pass it to a team mate. And right now I didn't want to lose. I never liked losing so I told Cole about the idea and he spread the word." I did my best to explain everything. Coach nodded his head slowly the whole time I talked.

Finally he took his clipboard and placed it under his arm, "You're good Tori. I think the Panthers would be privileged to have you."

Coach stuck his hand out for me to shake. The whole field went dead silent as I took Coach's hand and shook it.

It was official I was on the team. I didn't think I would get in, but I did. Now I was going to play my favorite sport again. Was I ready? Was I sure I could do this? Did Coach seriously mean it or is this a trick?

Before I could say anything a laugh eroded from the back of the group. Everyone moved as one of the boys came out. It wasn't to my surprise to see it was Trent.

"Coach your not seriously going to let a girl on the team?!" He shouted.

"And why not?" Coach asked like a little kid.

"Because she's a girl!" Trent yelled.

"Well you don't have to play beside her." Coach said. I instantly looked up at him as he continued, "Don't worry Michaels I had you down on the roaster. But if you would rather not then never mind."

Trent's face paled and he looked between me and Coach. Finally he set his eyes on Coach Walker, "You'll never find someone for my position. I'm the best."

Coach put his hands on my shoulders and put me in front of him. I probably looked like a prized daughter being showed off by her father.

"I think I've already found a replacement." Coach said. The tension in the air was suffocating. Trent stood there with no response. No response at all. I tried to maintain a serious face. And I managed to but I kept wanting to smirk or smile.

"It's your choice Michaels," Coach said, "Play with a girl. Or....don't play at all."

After what seemed hours. But were only mere minutes, Trent sighed. He came up to me and I stuck my hand out. He reluctantly took it, "Welcome to the team Tori."

I smiled, "Nice being here Trent."

Coach grinned and blew his whistle, "Alright! Other than Tori, Trent, and the Triplets you all have to wait and see who made the team! I'll have the results posted by the time your done with the showers. Now go!"

We all jogged towards the locker rooms. But then Coach yelled something I never expected him to yell.

"Oh and Trent!" He shouted, "I doubt handcuffs hurt that much!"

I had to use everything in me not to laugh. And by everything, I mean everything.

Once I was in the locker room I grabbed my phone and texted Cali and Mark.

'I MADE THE TEAM!'

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If you haven't read my little note at the top please do so. Other than that here's a small message to Helldestroyerad. If you could show this message to your friend in the hospital, I'd appreciate it. Tell her that if I knew how to dedicate a chapter to her then I would dedicate this one. Send her my regards and I hope she gets well soon :)

-Animallover55

Ok guys well lots of things happened in this chapter. I hope you guys liked it, even if I haven't updated in a while. Its my first year of high school and I'm proud because I didn't get lost on the first day :D anyways please comment and vote if you liked it.

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