Tori's POV

When I woke up in the morning I decided I was just going to stay in bed for a while. I just wanted a moment to think.

Next week Mr. Bennett is coming back. He's coming on a Thursday after school and Mark said he was taking Friday off to be with him. So on Thursday the plan was, after school we go pick up Suzie at her school. She'll be staying in the After School Program on Thursday. The program charges fifty dollars a week so it'll only be ten dollars. After picking up Suzie we're going to drop off Cali at her house and then head to Mark's. By the time we get to Mark's house we'll still have about an hour before Mr.Bennett arrives. Dad said he would try to come after work and visit Mr.Bennett as well.

Another thing going through my mind is Halloween. It's the beginning of October and Halloween is coming up. Suzie told me she wanted to be an angel. So I helped her search the web for an angel costume, it should be coming in soon.

I love Halloween. But I suck at costume wearing. In the end I decided on just wearing a mask and all black. I don't know what my stebrothers are going to be so I'll just have to wait and see.

After thinking everything through I got up and made my way to my closet and then my bathroom. I got changed and headed downstairs. Everyone was seated around the table eating breakfast.

"Morning everyo-"

"Shhhhh!" Shawn said, "I'm at the good part!"

I frowned and looked down to see a book in his hands. I changed my glance to Cole.

'No idea,' he mouthed.

"He's been like that all morning," Blake whispered looking down at his toast. Shawn was already reading again and I quietly took a seat. Dad was reading the news paper. I mean I know they always show that in movies but my dad seriously read the paper. I think it just comes from the age group you grow in. When dad was a kid, I highly doubt they had CNN.

"Well sorry that this book is cool," Shawn said. He grabbed a piece of toast and ate it never taking his eyes off the words. He slowly nibbled on his toast, "I went to sleep at two a.m. and still I'm only a third through the book. I only have five chapters left so shut."

"What the hell happened to my brother?" Blake said.

"Blake watch your language," Lilly snapped.

Blake just went back down to his toast. Shawn kept reading. And when I glanced at Cole I noticed he was staring right at me.

I coughed, "Yeah?"

"Can I talk to you? Without disturbing him," Cole pointed at Shawn and I chuckled. I nodded my head and Cole got up grabbing my wrist and pulling me outside to the deck. He took a seat on one of the chairs and I sat on the one opposite to him.

"So what did you want to talk to me about?" I asked.

"Ok they're just tryouts, you might not want to but I just thought I'd be awesome."

I stared at Cole, "What are you talking about?"

"And if you want I can help you train or get you ready. And I'll always have your back when we're on the field." Cole stuttered.

"Hold on," I raised my hands to shut him up, "What are you talking about?"

Cole sighed and pulled out a sheet of paper. He handed it to me and I opened it up.

"'Panther soccer tryouts,'" I read aloud, "'People who are willing to tryout must come with all materials needed. All materials are written at the bottom.' Cole why did you give me this?"

"Keep reading," Cole replied, nervously rubbing his hands.

I sighed and kept reading, "'Blake, Cole, Shawn, Trent, Jake, Hayden, Jack....'"

My eyes widened and Cole grinned.

"Surprise," Cole said.

"You-you signed me up! Why!?!" I kept reading my name over and over on the sheet of paper. I don't want to play for the Panthers. Hell I don't want to play period! But that's not the worst part, it's the fact that the girl's soccer team was canceled two years ago due to the school budget being cut. So not only did Cole sign me up, but he signed me up the guy's team.

"You're really good Tori. And like I said I'll have your back when we play out on the field. I promise," he concluded.

Was he insane?! No girl has ever played for the guy's soccer team. And I didn't feel like being the first girl. Just the thought of all tormenting that might happen. Or the coach laughing in my face. But also the fact that I haven't played for years! Cole had to be insane, how did he even get my name on the roaster?

"How did you even get my name on here?" I asked. I was still in shock that he so much as thought about this.

Cole shrugged, "I asked coach. He said that if I thought you were good enough. Enough to make the team then I could add you."

I shook my head handing the piece of paper back to Cole, "I'm sorry Cole. But I'm not trying out."

He frowned, "Tori I honestly think you can make the team. Please just trust me on this."

I laughed at that part, "You're insane. Crazy. Loony! I can't try for the guys team! It's the GUYS team! And in case you haven't noticed, I'm not a guy."

"You could sill try out," He insisted, "There aren't any rules saying a girl can't join the boy's team."

"The fact that the whole team will hate me, and that the other team will make fun. Yeah I'm sticking to NOT being on the team." I started getting up but Cole grabbed my wrist.

"I'll take you to buy your shin guards and cleats today," Cole said.

"Cole I can't be-"

"So what if people make fun of you. You never payed attention to me and my brothers. Me, Shawn, and Blake will have your back." He added.

I laughed, "Did you just say Blake may defend me? I'm better off playing beside a monkey."

Blake would never defend me and Cole knows that. He knows Blake is to hard headed to ever take my side.

"Ok maybe not Blake, but me and Shawn will be there. Tori just please try out. Please." Cole said the last word so softly I had to concentrate to understand what he just asked.

I sighed in defeat, "When do we go to buy everything?"

Cole smiled, "We can go after breakfast."

"Fine," I grumbled walking back into the house.

I was seriously considering it. What if I joined the team? What if I played soccer again? Was I ready? I don't think I'll even make the tram so why bother. I guess the reason I will tryout is because Cole practically begged me. And maybe.....just maybe I actually want to see if I have what it takes.

"Can I go too?" Suzie whined as I made my way downstairs. Cole was waiting for me in the kitchen and we were about to leave for Dick's.

I sighed, "We're going to Dick's Sporting Goods, I thought you hated that place."

"I do," Suzie said still following me, "But I'm bored."

"Call one of your friends from school," I told her. Honestly I love my sister. I really do. But whenever we go shopping, if I'm not shopping for her stuff, then she just annoys me and tells me to hurry up. So the only time I take Suzie shopping is when we are searching for her needs, not mine.

Suzie sighed, "Fine. Be that way."

I frowned as she walked back upstairs. I didn't like seeing her upset. She's my little sister and I have to take care of her. Seeing her sad makes me guilty and just want to stay and be with her.

Maybe I should bring her along.....

"Ready?" Cole asked snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Umm...yeah let's go." I pulled on my snapbag and it bounced on my back. I personally thought backpacks are more comfortable than purses. And they are easier to carry, and they hold more than just your money or credit cards.

Cole and me headed out to his small car and I walked into the passenger seat while he took the wheel.

"So did you talk to Blake and Shawn about this?" I asked as he pulled out of the driveway.

"Uhhh, sort of." He stuttered.

"Sort of?" I asked raising an eyebrow. I was somewhat scared of his answer. What if he told them and they disagreed or said I was a bad player? Well I wasn't great either, but I don't think I'm THAT bad. What if Shawn said Cole was being stupid or something? And Blake? Yeah I highly doubt he wants me on the team.After all, he is captain. Cole and Shawn were like the second in command but still captain means you're in charge. And if Blake says I have to go, then I go. Under the approval of the coach of course.

"Well I didn't want to tell them. I wanted it to be a surprise for everyone, including them. After all only coach knows about me suggesting you. So I don't think he's told anyone." Cole said.

But everything comes down to the captain. The coach and captain are always the ones that choose. But if the coach likes someone and the captain doesn't, the coach of course out rules the captian. So in a way, this depended on Blake. But at the same time, I just need to get on the coach's good side.

"Why does Blake hate me so much?" I asked randomly. I've tried to be nice to him, to get to know him, to at least be in the same room with him without the yelling and screaming. But it's not working. He always pushes me away, he's so adamant and arrogant.

Cole sighed, "Honestly I don't know. You'll just have to ask him when you get the chance."

I simply nodded and the rest of the car ride was in silence. The only thing we could hear was the radio as it played a different variety of songs. Why does Blake hate me? I've never done anything to him, at least I don't think.

"We're here," Cole said as he pulled up in the parking lot. I looked towards the large building that loomed over us. I mentally sighed, I wasn't sure I I was ready to start soccer again. Mom was always at my games. She would cheer me on and clap and shout when I would make goals. Or when we would lose she'd always have a way to cheer me up. Mom would tell me that if I wanted to play, I should be the best. So I did that. I learned moves only some teens could do, I made sure to run and stay fit. I did everything and mom said she couldn't have been more proud. But when she left us, everytime I looked into the crowd and I saw her seat was empty it hurt to much. I ended up slacking off, hogging the ball, ignoring the coach's orders. So finally I just quit.

"Come on." I hadn't realized that Cole had opened my door and was waiting for me to come out. He gave me an odd look as I got out, "Are you ok? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I chuckled at that, "I was thinking about my mom."

Cole's face paled, "Oh."

I couldn't help but laugh at his reaction as I got out of the car.

"Cole, chill." I didn't like talking about my mom, it brought back memories. But over the years I've gotten used to it. I could tell it made Cole uncomfortable, but in a way I guess it reminded him about his dad.

Cole gave me a shy smile and we started walking into the store.

"So what should we get first?" I asked.

Cole shrugged, "Well you need cleats, shin guards, a ball, and I don't think some jerseys for practice will hurt."

I nodded and we walked to the racks of clothing. I looked at different workout shirts and when I looked at the sport bras I saw Cole walk away to the guy's clothes. It made me crack a smile. He probably felt so awkward right now, but for some reason it made me laugh in the inside. He always seemed so confident and at ease, seeing him uncomfortable was funny.

After I picked a few sets of shorts and t-shirts we grabbed some shin guards and soccer socks. Then we went to the cleats.

"Wow," I muttered as I saw the different varieties.

"Damn," Cole said looking at a pair, "I might just want to get a new pair."

I laughed, "I'm sure you would."

Cole gave me a smile, "Well go on. Take your pick."

I smiled at him and looked at the cleats. The one that caught my attention was the blood red cleat with the neon green Nike sign. And when I flipped to the sole of the shoe it was the same neon green.

"Can I help you?" I heard a female voice say. I looked over to see a girl about our age. She had strawberry blonde hair, green eyes, and a nice smile. She wore the store uniform and held a clipboard in her hand. I read her name tag, 'Julie.'

Cole was behind me and I noticed him checking Julie out. Julie just kept her gaze on me, and I rolled my eyes at Cole.

"Forgive my brother. He tends to slack off when he's shopping with me." I said rolling my eyes again.

Julie chuckled like she didn't care. Cole looked back at the shoes but I could see how red his face was. For some reason it made me feel guilty seeing Cole blush, but at the same time I didn't understand why he was blushing. He seemed to have handled so many girls in his life, I didn't see how one comment from me made him suddenly feel shy.

"Yeah well, sometimes you annoy the living crap in me. Sis." Cole hesitated when he said the word 'sis.' I automatically frowned at him not understanding why it bothered him. I had perfectly said the word, 'brother.' Did he not like saying I was his sister?

"You know," Julie said walking towards me never taking her eye's off the Nike I was holding, "That's a men's."

I nodded, "I know."

Julie gave me an odd look but I just shrugged it off.

It may sound weird, but I bought men's shoes sometimes. I mean sometimes their shoes are cooler than girls and for some reason any cool looking sport shoe or cleat just happens to be men's. So sometimes I would buy a guy's shoe, but no one would really tell the difference. And all the girls cleats on the womens side were either black, pink, or white. So right now, I prefered the blood red and neon green men's Nike cleats.

"Just ask if you need help," Julie added giving me and Cole a smile before walking off to help someone else.

"You blushed?" I blurted out looking towards Cole.

"Yeah thanks for embarrassing me," Cole muttered.

"You weren't seriously embarrassed were you? Cole you were checking her out like it was your job and then when I say something, that wasn't even all bad, then you're embarrassed?"

"Whatever," he quietly added, "So which pair?"

"I like the red with the neon," I said holding the cleat in my hand.

"It's cool. Suits you on the field." He said.

"I'll go ask Julie for my size." I got up and walked over to Julie who was patiently waiting by a woman looking for running shoes.

"Did you find everything you needed?" She asked.

"Actually I was wondering if you had my size...." I held up the shoe and told her my size. She left to the back of the store and I went back to sitting with Cole. Julie came back minutes later and I started to try out the cleat as she left to attend someone else.

"Ah shit." Cole muttered. I was in the middle of tying my shoe when he had said that and i didn't understand why. I looked up at Cole and he bent his head low to whisper in my ear, "Whatever you do, just act cool."

"Huh?" I asked dumbly. I looked up and now I understood what Cole meant. I saw Trent and just the glance at him made my blood boil. But he wasn't alone. He had another three guys with him.

"Cole?" Trent asked as his eyes fell on Cole. Cole sat up straight and plastered a fake smile.

"Hey," he said awkwardly giving Trent a small wave.

"What are you doing here? With....her?" Trent glared at me but I just smiled back. He started walking a bit closer to us and looked between me and Cole with a confused expression.

"Your Tori, aren't you?" One boy said. This boy had the darkest eyes I had ever seen. They were obviously brown, but if it was possible to have black eyes, then this kid had black eyes. His hair was a messy dark brown, almost looking like black hair. He was built, I could tell by the way his t-shirt hugged his biceps and chest. He didn't look like a football player though, but I feel like I've seen him in the halls. He was probably just another jock.

I nodded, "Tori Linean."

"Yeah!" He whisper shouted, "I saw your name on the roaster. Your trying out for the guys soccer team?"

I glared at Cole, "I didn't find out till this morning."

Cole just smiled and shrugged.

"Well I'm Hayden." The darked eyed boy said. He stuck out his hand I shook it. Trent watched my every movement and finally he shook his head, like he was in a trance.

"I'm sorry did you just say your trying out?" Trent asked.

I made a pouty face, "Poor Trent to scared of a girl."

Hayden and Cole chuckled while the other two guys behind Trent just glared at me.

"Wait," One boy said. Now this one I did recognize. His name was Jack. He also played football with the Trips. Jack has red hair with hazel eyes. He isn't pale, but he does have freckles that cover his cheekbone area. I had seen Jack play football, he's a good runner. Real sporty too.

"Is this that bitch that cuffed you to your bed?" Jack asked Trent.

I laughed and everyone turned their attention to me, "This bitch has a name. And this bitch did cuff your friend to his bed. So tell me Jack did you ever ask him how he got out? Or how he screamed and begged for me to let him go?"

"Your just a little-" Trent started to say taking a step closer to me. I put my hand in front of him cutting him in mid-sentence.

"Save it Trent," I stood up right in front of Trent. I could see his nostrils flaring and I started to compare him to Blake when he was pissed off. I smiled and whispered just loud enough for everyone to hear, "Your not worth my time."

I shoved my way through Trent and walked down the isle and made a turn to a random section. It was only to get out of eyesight and so I could take the cleats off. I sat down on one of the random camping seats they had and took off my shoes putting them back in the box. Seconds later Cole arrived and I was really happy to see he didn't forget anything we had left. Including my regular tennies shoes.

"That was...." Cole had a serious face and for a second I thought he was mad until he broke in a smile, "That was so cool Tori. I've never seen Trent so pissed off. Well other than when Shawn humiliated him in the locker room.....but just forget that. Trent is pissed."

I grinned and started slipping my shoes on, "Yeah well....he's a douche."

Cole just nodded and gave me his hand to help me up. Once I was up he let go of me and we started walking around the store.

"So what did you tell them?" I asked as we walked to go get a soccer ball.

Cole shrugged, "I told them I 'recruited you.' That coach gave me permission and that you were trying out. Trent is beyond pissed, Jack is just pissed, Dan doesn't care, and Hayden thinks its cool to have a girl on the team."

"Dan?" I asked.

"The other guy that was with Trent. Dark skin, crew cut, brown eyes, tall?"

"Oh yeah, him." I waved my hand as if I totally knew who Dan was. We reached the ball section and I looked around for a decent looking soccer ball. Then a thought hit me, "Did they ask why I was with you?"

"Nah. I just said I was recruiting and that I was just helping with supplies. Oh but Trent insisted on telling me you were 'cheap' and a 'bitch.'" Cole said.

"What'd you do?" I didn't really care if her agreed I was a bitch, or if he just shrugged it off. But the curiosity was eating me.

"I gave him the finger and came back to you." Cole gave me a smile which I quickly returned. I didn't expsct much from Cole, I thought he would just walk away. And I know giving the finger isn't much, but it was something.

I grabbed a ball and we made our way to checkout.