Styles Triplets

Ari stumbled to the middle of the soccer field on Saturday afternoon. All night she was plagued with thoughts about what happened earlier with Edward and Scott. To make it worse, her ex-boyfriend Marcus decided he'd pick that night to try and get her back, so it was easy to say she barely slept at all.

The coach, Freddie, and herself were going to discuss those who made the team, and she wasn't looking forward to it at all. Not only did she have to try and remember the performances of the girls from the last couple days, but she also knew she'd have to fight to get Edward on the team.

She dragged her feet to the other two that were sitting in the middle of the field in front of a table, and plopped down into a seat.

"So how exactly did you want to do this Coach?" Ari asked with a sigh rubbing her eyes to clear the bleariness.

"I was thinking we could do it the same way as last year. We'll write down the names we think would be a good fit for either team then discuss and make cuts." The captains nodded, grabbed pens and paper, and started writing.

***

After about a half hour, each member of their three-person team finally completed their lists. Ari stood, stretched and rubbed her still tired eyes.

"Well that was definitely not easier than last years'," Freddie said after capping his pen. Ari nodded in agreement. Coach Philips took each of the captain's lists and started circling the common names. He paused when he reached Edward's name on Ari's list.

"You want to be on the team, Ari?" Coach Philips asked with a puzzled expression.

"I know he is the exact opposite of a team player, but we need him. He is an amazing player with desperate need of a therapist, but we can work through that. Just give him a chance. We all know Scott instigated that fight." Ari borderline pleaded. "This could be good for him. Coach, you are all about using sports to help in real life situations, and I think this would do exactly that."

Coach sighed and glanced at Freddie to inquire his feelings, and Freddie just shrugged.
"I hate to admit it, but she is right. It could help him be less hostile and get along with others better," Freddie said running his hand through his short, ginger hair.

"O.k. let's go pick through the rest of the common names, and if there is space we can add him." The two captains nodded and sat down to continue the process.

***

After another half hour of comparing notes, the three finally had a complete roster, but before they could dismiss, they heard a deep voice yell 'wait'. They turned to see Edward running, wearing all black, and holding a skateboard under his arm. Ari stood and walked toward him to meet him.

"Edward, what the heck are you doing here?" she asked praying that he wasn't there to cause a scene.

When he finally reached her, he sighed before adjusting his skateboard.

"I just wanted to apologize about yesterday. I let that asshole get under my skin." Ari smiled at his mumbled confession.

"That didn't hurt too bad, did it? Who knew Edward Styles was mature enough to actually apologize after breaking someone's nose?" Ari joked. Edward rolled his eyes, but Ari could still see a hint of a smile peeking through.

"Ari's right. It takes a big man to admit when he's right," Ari jumped at the voice behind her. "Looks like we made the right decision. I'll see you at next practice," Coach said to Ari while patting her on the back on the way to his car.

Freddie nodded his head in agreement as walked by, leaving Ari and Edward alone on the field.
"What decision is he referring too?" Edward asked the captain. She smirked before making her way past him.

"You'll see on Monday." She looked back at the confused punk and smiled at him.

"Have a great weekend Edward," and with that she left him behind to get some much needed rest at home.

Notes