Bab 18: 18. The Day Off
If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
___________________________
Later that evening, after dinner and some time spent relaxing with his family, Francesco went up to his room. He lay in bed, replaying the day's training in his mind and visualizing the upcoming game. The challenge against Liverpool was just days away, and he was ready to give it everything he had.
The next morning, Francesco woke to the soft rays of sunlight filtering through his curtains. He stretched, shaking off the remnants of sleep before rolling out of bed. After a quick breakfast of toast and scrambled eggs, he made his way to the bathroom for a refreshing shower. The warm water felt invigorating, washing away the last traces of fatigue from the previous day's training.
Once dressed, he grabbed his backpack and headed down to the kitchen, where Sarah was busy organizing lunchboxes and Mike was reading the newspaper. The aroma of coffee and the faint scent of his mother's perfume filled the air, creating a comforting atmosphere.
"Good morning, champ!" Mike greeted, looking up with a smile. "Ready for another day at school?"
"Yeah, I guess," Francesco replied, trying to hide his enthusiasm. He was still riding high from the previous day's practice, but today felt like a long stretch without football.
After breakfast, he grabbed his bike and headed out. The crisp morning air was refreshing, and as he pedaled, he thought about the upcoming match against Liverpool. He imagined himself on the pitch, scoring goals and celebrating with his teammates. That thought kept him motivated as he navigated the streets, quickly reaching the school gates.
The day dragged on. Each class felt longer than the last as the clock seemed to move at a snail's pace. Francesco sat through math, history, and science, his mind wandering back to football. The only glimmer of excitement was when he exchanged playful banter with his friends during lunch, but even that was overshadowed by the anticipation of the upcoming game.
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Francesco packed his things and headed to the gym for Physical Education (PE) class. As he walked in, he saw his classmates already setting up for a football match, their energy palpable.
"Hey, Francesco!" one of his classmates, Mark, called out. "You're just in time! We're short a player for our match. Want to join us?"
"Of course!" Francesco replied, a smile breaking across his face. Playing football was always a highlight of his day, and even if it wasn't with his regular team, the thrill of the game was still there.
As he changed into his PE kit, he felt the excitement building. He joined the other boys on the pitch, quickly getting into the groove as they divided into teams. The sound of the whistle echoed, and the game began.
Francesco slipped seamlessly into the rhythm of the match. He moved with confidence, dribbling past opponents and making crisp passes. He could hear the sound of sneakers skidding on grass and the occasional shout of encouragement from his teammates. But what caught his attention most was the laughter and cheers coming from the sidelines.
A group of girls had gathered to watch, their eyes focused on the game. As Francesco played, he could hear them cheering his name and calling out compliments.
"Go, Francesco!" one girl shouted. "You've got this!"
"Look at him go! He's amazing!" another added, her voice laced with admiration.
Francesco felt a surge of adrenaline. The attention was exhilarating, and he played even harder, wanting to impress not only his teammates but also the spectators. He made a few impressive plays, showcasing his skills as he maneuvered around defenders with ease.
Halfway through the match, Francesco received a pass from Mark. With a deft touch, he controlled the ball and made a break for the goal. He could feel the weight of the moment as he approached the goalkeeper, his heart racing with excitement. With a quick glance over his shoulder, he noticed the girls watching intently, their faces filled with anticipation.
In one swift motion, he took a shot, sending the ball rocketing toward the net. The goalkeeper dove, but it was too late. The ball hit the back of the net with a satisfying thud, and the field erupted in cheers.
"Yeah!" Francesco's teammates shouted, rushing to celebrate with him.
"Awesome goal!" Mark exclaimed, giving him a high-five. The energy on the field was electric, and Francesco reveled in it. He felt a rush of joy as he absorbed the applause, a feeling that was unlike any other.
As the game progressed, Francesco continued to shine, making strategic plays and assisting his teammates. Each successful pass and every goal seemed to draw more cheers from the sidelines. The girls continued to cheer him on, their admiration fueling his confidence even further. It felt good to be the center of attention, and he played with an effortless grace that impressed everyone around him.
"Francesco, you're such a hunk!" one girl shouted, laughing as he sprinted past. The playful remark made him grin, and he couldn't help but notice the way some of the girls exchanged glances, giggling as he ran.
With just a few minutes left in the match, the score was tight, and both teams were fighting fiercely. Francesco could feel the tension in the air, and he knew he had to make a difference. He positioned himself strategically, ready to receive the ball at any moment. As the clock wound down, he saw an opening on the right side.
"Francesco!" Mark called out, sending the ball flying in his direction. Francesco skillfully controlled it, dodging a defender before making a break toward the goal once again. The crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch as they sensed the excitement building.
He approached the goal with determination, and with a quick flick of his foot, he sent the ball soaring into the net for his second goal of the match. The field erupted into cheers, and Francesco could hear the girls' voices rising above the rest, calling his name.
"Francesco, you're incredible!" they exclaimed, their enthusiasm palpable.
His teammates surrounded him, celebrating the goal and their team's performance. The rush of joy and pride swelled within him as he reveled in the moment, feeling like he was on top of the world.
As the final whistle blew, marking the end of the game, Francesco and his teammates high-fived one another, exhilarated from the match. They had played well, and the camaraderie on the field was evident.
"Nice job, everyone! That was awesome!" Mark said, beaming as they all caught their breath.
Francesco felt a sense of fulfillment wash over him. He had not only contributed to his team's success but also enjoyed the thrill of playing in front of an audience that appreciated his efforts. As they began to gather their things, the girls continued to watch from the sidelines, and Francesco caught a few of them smiling his way.
As he walked back to the locker room, his heart was still racing, but it was a different kind of thrill—the joy of having fun, playing the sport he loved, and knowing that he had made a mark, even if just for a moment.
As the boys made their way back to the locker room, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement from the match. They chatted animatedly, recounting the best moments of the game and sharing laughs over some of the silly plays.
"Francesco, that was epic! You really made us look good out there," Mark said, slapping Francesco on the back as they walked. "You've got to tell us what it's like at Arsenal U18. Is it as intense as everyone says?"
"Definitely!" Francesco replied, a grin spreading across his face. "Every training session pushes you to your limits. Coach Smith is really serious about technique and fitness, but it's all worth it when you see the progress we make."
"What's it like training with some of those guys?" another teammate, Lucas, chimed in. "I mean, they're practically pros!"
"It's amazing," Francesco said, feeling a sense of pride as he thought about his teammates at Arsenal. "Every day, you're surrounded by talent. We push each other to get better. The competition is fierce, but it's a supportive environment. Everyone wants to see each other succeed."
"Do you get to train with the first team sometimes?" Mark asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
Francesco nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Occasionally, they bring us up for training sessions with the first team. It's a bit intimidating at first, but you learn so much just from watching them. The way they move, the decisions they make—it's incredible. You pick up a lot just by being around that level of skill."
"Man, I can't even imagine," Lucas said, shaking his head in awe. "What's the best part about being on the U18 squad?"
Francesco thought for a moment, considering how much the experience had changed him. "Honestly? It's the camaraderie. We're like a family. We train hard together, go through the ups and downs together, and celebrate victories together. It really feels like we're all working toward the same goal."
As they reached the locker room, the boys started showering off the sweat and grime from the match. Francesco let the water cascade over him, reflecting on the day's events and the upcoming match against Liverpool. Each practice, each game, brought him one step closer to realizing his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Once everyone was clean and dressed, they gathered their bags and headed back to class. As they walked through the hallways, the chatter continued, and Francesco couldn't help but feel grateful for the support of his friends and the thrill of football.
"Do you guys want to grab a bite after school?" Mark suggested. "I could go for a burger."
"Sounds good to me!" Francesco replied, feeling the familiar pangs of hunger. "I could use some fuel after today's match."
They entered their classroom, and the teacher was already setting up for the next lesson. Francesco slid into his seat, pulling out his notebook and pen. The time passed slowly as they went through the day's lessons, but he managed to stay focused. The anticipation for the upcoming game kept him motivated.
"Hey, Francesco," Lucas whispered during a lull in the lesson. "What do you think your chances are against Liverpool? They've got a good squad."
Francesco considered the question for a moment. "I think we have a good chance. We've been training hard, and our team chemistry is strong. Plus, we've got home advantage. If we play to our potential, we can definitely give them a run for their money."
"Right? And with you scoring all those goals, I'd say we're looking pretty good," Mark added, nudging him with a grin. "Just don't forget us little guys when you're a superstar."
Francesco chuckled. "I could never forget my teammates. We're in this together. Every goal is a team effort."
As the lesson continued, Francesco found his mind drifting back to football. The clock seemed to tick slower than ever, but he managed to stay engaged, taking notes and answering questions. His teachers recognized his potential and encouraged him, knowing he had dreams of going pro.
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. The boys sprang up from their seats, ready to head out. They gathered their things, exchanging jokes and laughter as they made their way to the cafeteria.
"Let's hit up that burger place down the street," Mark suggested, and the group nodded in agreement.
They hopped on their bikes, racing through the streets, the cool breeze rushing past them. Francesco felt alive in the moment, the anticipation of food and fun mingling with the thrill of football. As they arrived at the burger joint, the boys quickly ordered their meals and found a table outside. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the evening.
As they dug into their burgers, Francesco shared more stories from his training at Arsenal, and the boys listened intently, hanging on every word. They laughed at his anecdotes about the drills and the competitive spirit that drove them all.
"Do you think you'll ever make it to the first team?" Lucas asked, his eyes shining with excitement.
"I hope so," Francesco replied honestly. "I'm working hard and trying to stay focused. Every game is a chance to prove myself. I just need to keep pushing, keep improving."
"Yeah, and we'll be cheering you on every step of the way!" Mark added, raising his soda cup in a mock toast.
Francesco grinned, feeling the camaraderie and support from his friends. It fueled his determination, and he felt lucky to have such a strong network behind him.
As they finished their meals, the boys chatted about their plans for the weekend, laughing and joking as they enjoyed each other's company. The bond they shared was evident, and Francesco knew that, no matter where his football journey took him, these friendships would always remain a vital part of his life.
Eventually, they made their way back to their bikes and pedaled home, the sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Francesco felt content as he rode, the thrill of the day's match still lingering in his mind, combined with the joy of spending time with his friends.
As Francesco entered his house, he was greeted by the comforting sounds of laughter and the faint hum of the television. The familiar scene of his parents unwinding in the living room brought a smile to his face. Sarah was curled up on the couch with a blanket draped over her lap, while Mike lounged in an armchair, flipping through channels with a relaxed demeanor.
"Hey, Mom! Dad!" Francesco called out, setting his backpack down by the door.
"Hey, champ!" Sarah replied, looking up with a warm smile. "How was school today?"
"It was good! We had PE class, and I played a match with some of the guys. Scored two goals!" Francesco beamed, feeling a sense of pride swell within him.
"Nice! You'll have to show us some moves later," Mike chimed in, looking genuinely impressed. "I always knew you had it in you."
Francesco walked over to the couch and sat beside his mom. "We've got a big game against Liverpool coming up this weekend. Everyone's really pumped about it."
"Liverpool, huh? That's a big match!" Mike said, raising an eyebrow. "How do you think you'll fare against them?"
Francesco shrugged, but a confident smile crossed his face. "I think we can win. We've been training hard, and I'm feeling good about my performance. Plus, it's at our home pitch."
"That's the spirit!" Sarah encouraged, rubbing his shoulder affectionately. "Just remember to enjoy yourself out there. Win or lose, what matters most is that you give it your all."
"I will, Mom," Francesco promised, appreciating her supportive words. He leaned back against the couch, feeling content and relaxed in the warmth of their home.
As they settled back into their routine, Francesco noticed that Mike had paused on a sports channel that was covering youth football leagues. The screen showed highlights from various matches, including clips of talented young players making incredible plays. Francesco's heart raced as he recognized some of the teams featured.
"Look at those kids go!" Mike exclaimed, pointing at a particularly impressive goal. "You're in the same league as them now, Francesco. Soon enough, they'll be showing highlights of you!"
"Yeah, maybe one day," Francesco replied modestly, but deep down, the thought excited him. Seeing other young talents being celebrated fueled his determination even more.
"Speaking of which, have you thought about what you want to do after school?" Sarah asked, glancing over. "College? Going straight into football?"
Francesco considered this for a moment. "I think I'd like to focus on football for now. I really want to see how far I can go with it. But I know education is important, too. Maybe I can balance both?"
"That sounds like a solid plan," Mike agreed. "Just make sure to keep your options open. You never know what might happen in the future."
"Yeah, I get it," Francesco said, nodding. "I'll do my best."
The conversation drifted into other topics, and soon, they were sharing stories and laughs about their day. Francesco felt a sense of belonging wash over him; moments like these reminded him of the strong family bond they shared. He relished these quiet evenings spent together, the kind that made him feel grounded despite the chaos of his football ambitions.
After a while, Sarah stood up. "I'll grab some snacks. You boys want anything?"
"Popcorn would be great!" Francesco replied, imagining how nice it would be to munch on something while they watched the game highlights.
"Yeah, popcorn sounds perfect," Mike added, stretching in his chair.
As Sarah made her way to the kitchen, Francesco leaned back and watched the screen, absorbing the highlights and critiquing the players' skills. It was a thrilling reminder of why he loved the game—watching others succeed only fueled his desire to improve.
"Are you still planning to work on your footwork drills at home?" Mike asked, breaking Francesco from his focus.
"Definitely! I want to keep refining my skills," Francesco replied, turning his attention back to his dad. "I've been watching some videos online to learn new techniques. Plus, I'll practice my shooting later."
"Smart thinking," Mike said, nodding in approval. "With your talent, a little extra practice can go a long way."
Just then, Sarah returned with a bowl of freshly popped popcorn, and she settled back onto the couch, joining them for the rest of the highlights. They watched as Francesco critiqued the players on-screen, offering tips and pointing out techniques he admired or thought could be improved.
"Look at that!" Francesco exclaimed as a young player executed a perfect bicycle kick. "That's insane! I want to try that!"
"You'll get there, buddy," Mike said, chuckling. "Just keep working hard and pushing your limits."
"Yeah, I will!" Francesco felt inspired. The excitement of the game and the support from his parents ignited a fire within him, reminding him of his goals.
As the night wore on, they transitioned from sports highlights to a family movie, but Francesco's mind was still buzzing with thoughts of football. He visualized himself on the pitch, dribbling past defenders, scoring goals, and celebrating with his teammates. The journey ahead felt daunting but also exhilarating, and he couldn't wait for what lay ahead.
________________________________________________
Name : Francesco Lee
Age : 15 (2014)
Birthplace : London, England
Football Club : Arsenal U18 Team
Championship History : None
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Tang12
Tang12 Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
Like it ? Add to library!
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone