Early at 6:30 Am--Mr. Elif-The coach of Siyah Saray Football Club--In the capital of Türkiye--In Istanbul.
His eyes began to skim through a white sheet neatly connected to the clipboard--As his team stood Infront of it--Hands folded. waiting for their names to be called out.
He then shouted out by one, Alexandra?
Here!
Ozturk?
Here!
Then his eyes caught a name. Aylin?
The girls looked at each other dumbfounded--As Mr. Elif's eyes began to dart--No one saw Aylin? he asked, his voice losing patience.
NO ONE SAW AYLIN? He asked once more, "calmly"
Then Mia's hand rose hesitantly--Yes, kizim? (yes daughter) Mr. Elif's voice pressed, do you know?
Her hands dropped as her lips then parted--Mr. Elif, I think she mentioned something about--Just then a voice abruptly cut her off.
Hey! Buradayim! (I'm here) Aylin Yildiz's voice came ragged as she the drops her bag on the grass, her chest heaved.
I'm here coach Elif! she said again.
Mr. Elif then checked the box--You know Aylin, it would be nice if you came here a bit early. He murmured.
Aylin nodded--Then, fall in line! he said to the team--So, they did.
The practice drill started as they began to pass the ball back and forth--Aylin Yildiz--Being the striker she is, quickly got a hold of the position and the ball as she then raced to the goalpost.
Her legs were on fire as she suppressed the urge to stop--Soon, she was near the goalpost--A slight tap--That's all it took.
GOOOOOOOOAL!!! The team celebrated.
As Aylin ran to her teammates--High fiving them--Gazing at Alexandra--The defender, with a mischievous smirk.
Alexandra glared at her--Then smirked back. Aylin then walked to her--Her hands on her hip as she stood Infront of her--Chin up.
Couldn't stop me huh? she mocked.
Alexandra let out a low laugh then they both laughed at each other as the tension melted quickly.
Well, if I had to stop the best female soccer player in Europe at the dead of dawn... she held her arms up in the air dramatically--I don't know about that...!
Aylin smiled--Then her gaze met a proud Mr. Elif. He smiled--Then they all huddled around to rest.
So... Ozturk's voice came out low--"The championship is near"
Everyone rolled their eyes at the absurdity--Yes, the championship is beyond near--It was tomorrow.
Aylin: Duh?
Alexandra: "No crap sherlock"
Anna: I want to sleep...
Ozturk: JUST LISTEN!!
Aylin& the others: fine!
So, she continued, "I'm not sure if I'll make it" she murmured, her head low.
The teams face went pale--WHAT? Mr. Elif's voice rang out--As the girls then all turned, syncing with one another.
He then guiltily looked away--rubbing at his forehead with frustration.
The team seemed to look at each other as Ozturk had her face low--Where di this came from? he asked, voice dripping with disappointment.
She then murmured, "my grandmother had just passed away"
Then everyone went silent--Mr. Elif sighed, then he called for her to his office.
She went. The door clicked shut as he then sat on his rolling chair.
Ozturk's fingers gripping her jersey--As Mr. Elif cleared his throat.
Ozturk...Kizim... (Ozturk, my daughter) You can take the day off no problem--We will find someone else for that day.
Ozturk shot him a look--Then her eyes lit up as she smiled.
Mr. Elif then stood up as she strode over to his desk and hugged him--Thank you so much, Mr. Elif
He nodded--No need to thank me, this is Siyahsaray, he gestured to the logo--We are family here.
Ozturk smiled and nodded.
Soon the sky had gotten dark now--As the players began to leave the ground of Siyahsaray.
To be continued>>>>