Mom’s so beautiful; long, black hair, brown eyes. I wonder if she still looks the same. His dad had told him one time that she was a ‘free spirit’ and that she couldn’t handle the harsh Cape Breton winters. She moved around a lot, and was supposedly back in Victoria.
Danny lay his mom’s picture down on his bed and sat cross-legged on the carpet by his open closet. His mom wrote to him about once a year and phoned once in a blue moon. He slowly pulled out the shoe box containing her short letters. He opened it and started reading.
One day, I’m going to BC to see Mom, even if it’s like 4,000 kilometres away . . . .
***
On Monday morning, the StrikerZ met at the field and started walking to Breton High. They all wore their new purple hoodies and t-shirts, and EZ thought they looked like a gang: The StrikerZ. They had started wearing the new clothes to school when they got them, and their classmates were curious about what the StrikerZ were. EZ was amazed that the popular kids were suddenly interested in them.
One kid at school — Bryce — liked to try and bully EZ. He was in grade ten and had a major attitude problem. He was a lot taller than EZ, but reminded him a lot of another moron: Chad from the Gunners at summer camp. Besides Bryce’s normal teasing, there was the horrible fact that Bryce knew EZ’s real name.
EZ remembered back to last Friday at school, when he had been at his locker in between classes. Bryce teased him about his new StrikerZ hoodie and Bryce’s friends stood around, including a couple of girls. EZ knew that he was just showing off for the girls, and tried to ignore him, but he kept going on and on.
“Diego, I love your new hoodie, but when are you going to upgrade your shoes and pants? Your clothes don’t really match anymore, do they?” Bryce snickered.
“Sometimes you’re such a jerk, Bryce,” admonished Carly, one of the girls in the crowd. “Don’t listen to him, EZ.”
EZ felt the heat rising in his face. He normally could take Bryce’s crap, but the teasing really got to him in front of girls. EZ glanced down at his sneakers. He really needed to get a new pair, and his scruffy jeans had a hole in the left knee.
As EZ closed his locker, he spotted Zach’s older brother, Hector, walking down the hallway toward him. Their eyes met, and they nodded. Hector was in grade eleven and known for being a tough customer. He was in the army reserves and bulging with muscles. The guys in the hood had nicknamed him The Hulk.
“Hey, EZ. Que pasa, muchacho?”
“Hey, Hector.”
Hector glared at Bryce, who suddenly looked scared and tried to sneak away. As they passed each other, Hector pushed Bryce with his left hand up against the metal lockers. RATTLE! The look on Bryce’s face was priceless. His buddies vacated the scene.
“You got a problem with EZ, Bryce?”
“No, Hector, no problem.”
“Good, ‘cause he’s a very good friend of mine.”
Bryce ran down the hallway and hollered back that he was going to report Hector. EZ rolled his eyes, knowing that would never happen. He and Hector smiled and knocked fists, and EZ went to his class.
***
EZ and his friends just had to check out the school grounds on the way by. They were on the Hudson Street side and peeked between the boards to see what they could.
“Looks like they’re just getting started,” reported EZ. “The rubble is gone and some holes are dug, but not much else. And there are two new modules for offices and stuff.”
The group then walked around the side of the property to get a better view. The backside of the school was still open for trucks and equipment to go back and forth, and it was enclosed with a metal fence and gate.
“Say adios to our old field.” EZ sighed.
“Yeah,” said everyone sadly.
“We better get going,” interrupted Sandra, “or we’ll be late.” They walked briskly toward the high school.
On the way, Zach asked EZ, “What do you think about playing the gold team on Saturday?”
“I’m jacked!” exclaimed EZ as he pumped his fist.
“Do you think we can be the best team in Cape Breton?” Tommy asked.
“Yup,” replied EZ. “As long as we stick together and listen to Coach Monika.”
As they continued on, Maddie walked beside EZ. He liked to be close to her, and they would sometimes bump into each other or lean against each other. EZ had been crushing on Maddie for a year now. He knew she felt the same — but it was unspoken.
EZ used to see Maddie as just ‘one of the guys,’ but that had all changed. He loved her blue eyes, her smile and how her hair smelled. He found himself distracted by her when she came around, and couldn’t really focus on his first love — football.
CHAPTER 8
Hope
Colin was up and at it. Shortly after EZ had departed for school, he dropped in on some neighbours. He knocked on Frank’s back door, and after a few minutes Frank appeared, unshaven, stretching and yawning.
“Hi, Colin. What do you want so early?”
“Just came by to see how you’re doing, buddy.”
“I’m good. How are things with you?”
“Super,” Colin answered. “The kids really played great on Saturday.”
“Did they? Danny didn't say too much when he came home.”
Colin noticed an empty whiskey bottle on the kitchen table. “Danny played great, Frank. He’s a fantastic player. Why aren't you coming out to watch?”
“Well, I've been busy. And it's only soccer anyways. What’s everyone getting so worked up about? What was wrong with the kids just playing at the field?”
“The kids love being in the League and having uniforms, Frank. I’m sure that Danny would love to see you at the games. Are you finding any work, besides the tear-down of the school?”
Frank yawned. “I worked for a couple of days at the school, and I’m thinking about carving again, but who’s buying anyway? Nothing's going on in New Waterford, bud. This town’s been dead since the last coal mine closed. I would have to sell my carvings in Sydney, but I can’t bring my stuff with no car.”
Colin stared at his dishevelled friend. “Hang in there, Frank. I'm sure that if you get carving again, you’ll be able to sell. I hear that there are more tourists coming each year with the cruise ships. And there should be more work at the school grounds when they start constructing the . . . project.”
Frank looked doubtful. “I don’t know, Colin. Maybe I should head out to Alberta or Ontario, like everyone else who’s looking for work.” They both shrugged.
“Okay, Frank,” said Colin. “I gotta get going.”
“See ya, Colin.”
***
Colin walked to Bandit's house and talked to his parents — Jacques and Stephanie. He explained to them Fred's idea to purchase a bionic arm and hand for their son.
“Fred wanted me to tell you that he would take care of all costs if Bandit — I mean Simon — was willing to give it a go. He just doesn’t want anyone else to know that he’s paying for it.”
Jacques and Stephanie stared at each other, speechless. Finally Jacques said, “That would be amazing!”
“Yes,” Stephanie added. “We’re aware of the advances that have been made with bionics. There’s a futuristic company in Scotland that’s leading the way. I think that the new hand is called the i-Limb. It’s all so expensive that we couldn’t even think about it.”
“I’m sure that Simon would be willing to try,” added Jacques.
“Fantastic! I’ll let Fred know,” concluded Colin.
Colin smiled at the couple's excited faces as he waved good-bye.
***
Colin finished up his morning visits by dropping in on Monika. She was busy with Tara and Katarina, but still offered him a cup of coffee.
“I don’t know if I can keep coaching, Colin,” confessed Monika. “With games and practises, I have to impose on others to watch the girls and sometimes hire a babysitter.
With my part-time job, it’s hard to juggle everything.”
“Then I’ve come at the right time,” said Colin smiling. “Fred wants to hire you as a coach.”
“What? He wants to pay me to coach? No one gets paid at this level, Colin. Not in Canada — maybe in Europe.”
“Monika, you wouldn't have to work at the restaurant anymore, although you could work some days if you wanted to. This way you can take care of your family and be fresh for coaching. It's a great opportunity, Monika. I think you should do it. You’re lovin’ it, right?”
“Yes, I do love it, Colin! It’s so much fun and so rewarding.” They stared at each other for a moment. Monika sighed and gazed away. “That would sure take the pressure off, and it would be a dream . . . .”
“Can I tell Fred that you’re considering it?” Colin asked.
“No,” Monika answered. “Tell him I accept!”
“Great!” Colin was ecstatic and pumped his fist. Monika laughed.
They said good-bye, and Colin left. He couldn't wait to report all the news. Fred and Eileen were having a huge impact on the hood. Hope was in the air!
Now . . . how do you send a text message with this darn phone, again?
“Forget it — I’ll just call!”
***
On Friday morning, Frank was awakened on the couch by the phone ringing. He ignored it the first time, but it rang again. His head was pounding.
“Hello?” Frank grumbled, as he grabbed the receiver.
“Hello, is this Frank Pearson?” a man asked.
“Who wants to know?”
“It's Metro Ford. We have your new truck here.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Frank, annoyed.
“Can you see your driveway?”
“Yeah,” answered Frank, as he reached for the curtain and peeked outside. There, standing in his driveway, was a man in a suit, talking to him on a cell phone and tapping the top of a big, light-green metallic truck.
Frank opened the curtains wider, and the sunlight came streaming in. He squinted.
The man smiled and waved the keys. Frank hung up the phone and stumbled out the front door. “What the . . . ?”
“This is your new truck, Frank!” the salesman announced. “It's only two years old, with new tires and brakes, and it had a complete checkup.”
“Who . . . ?” questioned Frank. “Who did this?”
“I don't know,” replied the salesman. “The boss just told me to bring it to this address and phone you. But it is yours. And it is paid for.” Frank stared at the truck and shook his head.
“It has temporary insurance. You’ll have to bring it in and get the paperwork done.” The salesman handed Frank the keys and left with his colleague who had been waiting in a car behind the truck.
Frank opened the doors and popped the hood. He checked out the interior, and he looked at the engine. Everything appeared brand spanking new. He glanced at the new tires and viewed the back. It was a big truck with lots of room for hauling things. He closed the hood, got inside, and started it up. BRRUUM! Big and powerful! His fingers caressed the leather seats.
Warm joy flooded Frank's heart as he thought about carving and transporting his art to the craft shows. Then he thought about Danny. He pulled the visor down and gazed in the mirror. The haggard man staring back at him had a smile on his face. He checked out the inside of the truck again.
“Well, I'll be . . . I bet that Colin has something to do with this,” he whispered.
CHAPTER 9
Gold
On Friday afternoon, Danny exited Breton High. As he began the long trek home, he heard a car horn honking. He glanced in the general direction of the parking lot, didn't see anyone he knew, so kept going.
A few moments later, a huge, green truck drove up beside him, and a familiar, loud voice hollered, “Hey — do you want a ride home?”
“Dad!” screamed Danny joyfully when he saw his father behind the wheel. Danny's dad had a big smile on his face as he pulled over to the side of the road. Danny checked the traffic and crossed the street. He hustled to the passenger side, opened the door, climbed onto the railing and hopped in.
“Hi, Son! Do you like our new truck?”
“Dad! This is totally rad! Where did you get it? It’s gigantic!” Danny goggled the interior. The vehicle had leather seats, a CD player and a navigation system. They had never owned anything like this truck before!
“I’ll tell you on the way home, Danny, but first I want you to just sit back and enjoy the ride.” Danny rolled the window down and let the air rush through his hair. His dad was laughing and smiling. Danny hadn’t seen his father like this in a long, long time.
***
Monika informed the team that they would be playing the Sydney Reds gold team on the same field as last week. The Reds had been the Cape Breton champs last year. When EZ heard that, he whispered, “Bring it on!”
It was a cloudy and windy Saturday morning, and the team and fans took the bus again.
EZ could tell that Danny, who sat beside him, was stoked. “Great to have your dad on board,” whispered EZ.
“Yeah, can you believe it?” whispered Danny. “He’s been like a totally different person since we got the new truck.”
EZ noticed his dad and Danny’s dad talking away. Cool.
The StrikerZ arrived half an hour before kick-off and did their drills with Coach Monika. The Sydney Reds showed up at the same time.
As the teams did their warm-ups, Danny exclaimed, “Hey, EZ, Lukas, look who’s here!” He gestured sideways with his thumb toward the Sydney players. EZ and Lukas looked over.
“C’mon guys,” said EZ, and the three friends trotted to midfield. “Hey, dude!” EZ hollered, with both hands cupping his mouth like a horn.
Chad turned to the voice and appeared surprised. A couple of teammates joined him, and they jogged toward EZ and company. Chad studied the StrikerZ uniforms and cleats.
“I was just wondering if these threads meet with your high standards, Chaddy,” said EZ.
“You guys look cool,” remarked one of Chad’s friends.
“Shut up, Parker!” quipped Chad. “Who cares about your new uniforms, Strike-outs! We’re here to play soccer. This is my real team, and we’re going to crush you losers. Check out the scoreboard at the end of the game!” EZ and Chad stared each other down for a few more moments.
“Bring it on!” challenged EZ, and both groups turned and ran back to their own teams.
Coach Monika addressed the team and went over the tactics for the game. “We’re going to play the 4-3-3, like we did in the last practise. Lukas will switch to the right side and Danny to the left. I want your premier foot to have a better shooting angle.
“I also want the wingers and outside midfielders to attack more.”
She pointed to the players. “Jose, don’t get caught up-field. And Mario and Logan, get up the field and get more involved in the offence with crosses and shots.”
Coach Monika’s starting 11:
Danny EZ Lukas
Milan Jose Maddie
Logan Zach Tommy Mario
Bandit
Monika held each player's gaze for a moment. “This is going to be a tough test. Win or lose, give it your best effort! I want to see crisp passing and lots of movement. No standing around, watching. Come out strong to put some doubt into their minds. Back up your teammates — support, support, support! Midfield, I want you to especially get up and down the field and support both ends.
“Okay. Let's go, StrikerZ! You — are — ready!”
They did the STRIKERZ cheer and went to their positions for kick-off.
TWEET! Sydney took the opening kick-off and passed the ball around smoothly, back to their defence, and then up to their midfield. The StrikerZ successfully matched their moves and broke up their plays. The Reds did the same to them. Many balls were kicked out to the side, and the challenges were tough.
&
nbsp; The first thirty minutes was a stalemate.
“There’s not much room out here, guys,” said EZ to his two wingers.
“Yeah, they’re pretty good,” said Danny.
“So are we,” encouraged the captain.
Whenever the Reds managed to get past the midfielders, Tommy and Zach and the back line were a wall of strength. This made Sydney go for long shots from outside the box. They were good shooters, though, and their blasts were hard and fast. On one particular drive from the #9 Sydney striker, the ball rose and curled toward the top corner. Bandit reacted instantly, diving to his right and producing a fine, fingertip save.
“Great save, Bandit!” yelled Zach. He knocked his fist with Bandit’s big green glove and organized the defence for the ensuing corner, which they cleared.
EZ, Lukas and Danny couldn’t penetrate the penalty area to any good degree either, and their sporadic drives came mostly from outside. The tall and agile keeper for Sydney was top-notch, and no easy shots were going to beat him.
After a nice three-way passing play, Danny thought he had a goal for sure, but the keeper blocked his strike with the palms of his hands, up and over the goal.
EZ could see the frustration building as Danny shook his head and Lukas kicked the ground.
“C’mon, guys! Keep fighting! We’re going to break through.”
It was a tremendous defensive battle between two strong-willed teams. The rough-and-tough half ended 0 - 0.
Both groups of parents clapped and cheered as the teams walked to the sidelines. The players from both clubs were sweating and tired.
Eileen delivered the orange slices and some encouragement. “Keep it up, StrikerZ! You’re looking great out there!” EZ smiled at Eileen and gulped down his juice.
“Try to raise your level in the first ten minutes of the half,” Coach Monika instructed the team. “Let's put some more doubt into their minds. If we get any corners, I want the whole team, except Tommy and Zach, to storm the box. If there’s a loose ball, bury it!”
The StrikerZ nodded as she continued. “Mario and Logan, if you see any opportunity during the half, when the strikers and mids are in the box battling, leave the back line and get in there. Alright, guys and gals, I want extra effort! Your skill is perfect. Keep battling!