Ryan Williams - Hero To Zero (Part II)

Ryan's hands were aching from writing almost six paragraphs about world war I. He looked at the clock on the wall at the front of the class. There was roughly 10 minutes left of double history, after this it was breaktime. 'In a rush to go somewhere Williams ' Mr.Hunt said staring at Ryan. Ryan put his head down and pretended to carry on writing. He'd written more than most people anyways, Luke being one of them. 'Eyes on your own paper Luke' Mr.Hunt said eyeing Luke. 'Sorry Sir just checking the date' Luke lied.  



The pips had finally gone off signalling the end of the lesson and start of break. No one in the classroom moved however, Mr.Hunt sprung up, his chair made a squeaking sound. He said his usual line. 'The lesson is over when I say so.'  Mr.Hunt grinned 'If I remember correctly I gave you all homework which is due today I believe' Mr.Hunt was talking very slowly and it was annoying everyone. Mr.Hunt walked around squeezing through the three long rows of tables inspecting and collecting everyone's homework. There were people in the hallway generating noise and making their way outside. Isobel turned around and whispered to Ryan. 'Going to tell her now?'. Ryan looked at the clock once more it was 10:36, break would of ended by 10:55 and he wanted a lot more time to explain himself. ' Yeah at lunch' Ryan said with nervousness is his tone.



'If you've handed me homework get lost, if not stay behind and explain to me what was so hard about it' Mr.Hunt said with a pile of papers in his hands. Ryan and Luke with a few others from their class headed outside.

Luke was talking about the match they had after Lunch. Ryan would of usually joined in with these conversations but he had a lot going on in his mind. 'Yeah but we've got Ryan giggsy upfront' one of the boys smiled. Ryan acknowledged the remark with a little smile.

The boys were now outside and went to their usually area, the astro turf football cage. There were a lot of boys in the cage ranging from year 7s, 8s but mostly year 9s. Ryan and Luke didn't fancy playing today it looked a bit rough in the cage and they couldn't afford getting injured cheaply. Ryan and Luke decided to sit on one of the benches outside the cage and watch the boys rough up each other.



Kieran ran across to Ryan and Luke and exchanged fistbumps with them. 'See you lot in a bit yeah' he said as he tucked his school trousers into his sock and charged into the cage. Ryan felt someone hug him from behind, he knew he it was. 'How's my handsome champ' Zara asked kissing Ryan's neck. 'Not bad hot stuff' Ryan replied kissing Zara's hands Ryan struggled to look into Zara's eyes when he turned around briefly. Zara exchanged a smile with Luke as if to say hello. 'You alright Lukey' Isobel said louder than she needed to. Ryan took a quick glance at her, he knew she said it that loud to remind him she was there and that she was watching. Ryan clenched his Jaw briefly. It was pretty awkward with Isobel around it was a constant reminder for Ryan he had to speak to Zara.



Ryan swallowed the lump in his throat and managed to eventually get some words out. 'Babe I need to speak to you later, at lunch or something'.



'Yeah Sure' Zara said with her arms still around Ryan.

Mr.McCarthy eventually came around ringing a bell. 'Pack it in lads lesson time' he said in a strong irish accent. Ryan turned around ran his fingers through Zara's hair 'See you at Lunch' Ryan said managing a little smile. Zara nodded hugging him ,Zara knee'd Ryan in his private parts lightly as she felt his hands slip a little too low for her liking down her back. 'Hands must of slipped' Ryan lied letting out a grunt. Zara smiled with her look on her face as is to say sure.



Ryan and Luke were now walking to their next lesson, double science with Dr.Smith, Mr.McCarthy spotted Ryan and Luke and gave them both winks with a thumbs up with his free hand with a bell ringing in the other. Mr.mcCarthy was head of physical education and led the school football team for year 7's.

'Uhmmm year 7 single file line... I'm waiting' Dr.Smith said growing impatient. 'Thank you, there's a new seating plan on the board find your seats as you go in'.



Luke tutted 'She's probably moved us mate' he said looking at Ryan. 'Wouldn't be surprised, we spoke a ton last lesson' Ryan replied as he walked into the classroom.



The lesson consisted of Dr.Smith playing a documentary about volcanoes. Dr.Smith wasn't the best teacher, she often struggled to control the class and her teaching methods were a bit strange all she did was play video after video and get the class to make notes as they watched them. Ryan sat beside Lola at the back of the class in a corner, it was clear to Ryan she fancied him. She undid a few buttons of her shirt and leaned over Ryan and claim she was copying his notes, at times she'd also try and get a bit touchy flooding Ryan with compliments. Her skirt was ridiculously high and she had her legs crossed and was touching Ryan with them. Ryan wasn't interested even though Lola was fit and despite the fact he had a stiffy on.



Ryan tried to get a look at the clock in front of the class but the lights were off and it was a bit hard to tell the exact time from where he was sitting. Ryan flicked out his iphone and took a quick peek at the time but a beam of light lit up his face. 'Ryan put it away now' Dr.Smith said leaning upwards from her desk. Ryan put his phone away looking at the time. He raised his hand up as if to say sorry. It was 12:04 there was 26 minutes of this lesson left and Ryan felt he'd taken enough notes. Ryan felt uneasy, he felt his stomach was turning and was trying to figure out what to say to Zara but his mind was blank. Before he realised it Ryan had nodded off.

Ryan woke up to the sound of pips. His head was on the table and the first thing he saw were a nice pair of legs but he realised they were Lola's, his left hand was also covered in smiley faces Lola drew on. Ryan realised it was lunchtime and his heart started to race, he was usually hungry around this time but he had no appetite and felt sick. He had to talk to Zara. Luke was now walking towards Ryan's table, Ryan was packing up his stuff.

Luke and Lola exchanged a lengthy look at each other as they walked past each other. Lola joined the herd of people storming out the classroom. ' She's so fit ' Luke said looking at Lola walk off. Luke looked at Ryan when he got no response. ' I've got to do it now mate ' Ryan said sounding distraught. Luke gave Ryan a sympathetic smile.



Ryan was now sat a bench alone,

continuously running his fingers through his hair and rubbing his face. Luke had offered to skip getting food and stick with Ryan but Ryan said it was fine. All Ryan had on his mind was Zara but his mind went blank when he saw her walking towards him with Isobel. Ryan hid behind a smile. Isobel sat beside Ryan and Zara sat on his lap playing with his hair.  

Luke was now walking towards Ryan and exchanged awkward glances with all of them. Ryan knew time was ticking. There was tension but Zara never knew what was going on. 'Everything alright' Zara asked. Luke and Isobel looked at Ryan before looking down. Zara turned around as no one answered. 'We need to talk' Ryan said rubbing his face with his hands. Ryan gave Luke and Isobel a look as if to say could you give me a minute alone. It was now or never Ryan knew he'd never get a better moment to speak to Zara.



Zara was now looking a little concerned and sat beside Ryan looking into his eyes nervously. Ryan was struggling to get his words out. 'Spit it out Ryan' Zara said rushing Ryan. 'At Chad's party I- I- I- sort of uhm cheated' Ryan said scratching his forehead 'But I was-' before Ryan could finish his sentence Zara had slapped him. The crack silenced most of the playground and his ear was ringing. Ryan held his cheek. Zara was now standing over Ryan and when he looked up Zara spat in his face and lashed out wildly hitting his head. Isobel and Luke were now in between Ryan and Zara. A few others joined in trying to calm Zara down and pull her away. She had tears running down her face.

Ryans cheek was still red and he could only hear clearly out of one ear. Luke waved a tissue in front of Ryan's face. Ryan took it and wiped his face with it. Ryan got up and headed towards the main building to wash his face and to let out a few tears he was struggling to hold in. Luke was following Ryan. 'I'll be fine mate' Ryan said shoving Luke. Luke look stunned but backed off. Ryan could hear people talking about him and could feel eyes on him but he wasn't bothered, all he had on his mind was Zara. Ryan entered the building and as he turned to go up the steps he saw Zara surrounded by a handful of girls, Isobel being one. 'Get lost scum' one of the girls said scowling at Ryan.

Ryan now had go the long way around to use the school bathroom. There was one in every building one each for females and males. Ryan was now in the bathroom and ran the tap. It smelt like piss and dog poo but he wasn't bothered. He fixed his hair and washed his face.

The bathroom door opened, it was Denzil a skinny boy no one really liked one of the youngest in year 7 still aged 11. He smiled at Ryan as he walked in. Ryan exploded and grabbed him by his shirt dragging him around the bathroom. Denzil looked like he'd crapped his pants. 'Think it's fucking funny' Ryan roared pinning Denzil on the wall. Denzil shook his head with fear. Ryan realised he'd overreacted and let Denzil go. Denzil darted out the bathroom and Ryan was sure he heard him crying as he ran out. Ryan stepped on a few buttons as he was about to head out the bathroom, they must of popped off from Denzil's shirt Ryan thought.

Ryan walked around the hallways until the pips eventually went off signalling the end of lunch. Ryan just remembered about the match he had and made his way to the meeting point. Ryan made his way to the school's reception. Most of the squad were at the meeting point on time. Mr.mcCarthy smiled when he saw Ryan. Ryan acknowledged the smile with a little nod as he headed towards Luke. Luke turned towards Ryan and looked at him as if to say what. 'I shouldn't of shoved you like that, I'm sorry ' Ryan said sounding annoyed with himself. 'It's fine bro emotions and stuff just ran high, just make sure you score today ' Luke said sticking his arm out. Ryan pulled Luke into a hug.

The elderly receptionist looked surprised . 'I've seen it all she said' as she typed away shaking her head. Ryan had his arm around Luke as they walked to the mini bus. Kieran gave Ryan a little nod when they eventually laid eyes on each other. It was a 30 minute drive to Kingsdale Secondary School. Inside the mini bus was loud and lively. Kieran tapped Ryan. 'Yes' Ryan asked with his arm around Luke who had his head laid on Ryan's chest. 'You alright' Kieran asked cautiously. Ryan nodded and held Luke's head.

They'd eventually reached Kingsdale Secondary School and saw a group of boys warming up on the football field as they drove past. Some of the boys on the bus threw up middle fingers at them. 'Pack it in lads, save it for the match' Mr.mcCarthy said.

Mr.mcCarthy led the boys to the changing room. The squad walked past some ongoing lessons and attracted some attention. Luke waved into one of the classroom and laughter erupted in the classroom.

Mr.mcCarthy had a bag full of kit and footballs on his shoulders which he carried with ease. The boys started screaming out which kit numbers they wanted and Mr.mcCarthy started throwing out kit gesturing them to keep the noise down. Everybody knew the number 7 kit was Ryan's. Mr.mcCarthy threw it at Ryan and it landed beside him, a few seconds later a captain armband landing on top of his kit. Ryan was Mr.mcCarthy's favorite they always got on and he was his favorite teacher.



Once all the boys were changed and ready. Mr.mcCarthy gave his pregame talk. 'Lads it's not gonna be easy, move the ball quick nothing fancy, be clinical and smart in the final third.' Mr.mcCarthy nodded clapping his hands. A mixture of cheers and whoops rang around the dressing room followed by a herd of clattering football boots heading outside the dressing room led by Ryan who was putting on his captain armband.

Ryan with the help of Luke led the warm up. Ryan tried to keep a cool head and keep Zara out of his mind. For the duration of the match at least. If they could at least get into the final they would get some silverware even if they did lose in the final. The school's trophy cabinet was practically empty.

'Captains' an overweight man dressed in black shorts and a tshirt shouted. He had a whistle around his neck. 'You alright Ref' Ryan said nodding. Ryan saw the large black defender that he spoke about earlier jogging towards the ref. Ryan's hand shrinked in his paw when they exchanged handshakes. Once the oppositions captain let Ryan's hand loose, some parts of his hand were pink and red.

After a coin flip, which Ryan won. He decided his side would start. The whistle blew and Ryan passed the ball into Luke and sprinted towards the opposition's defence. Luke turned and passed the ball into Kieran who was playing left back. The game was demanding physically and mentally. Ryan had been stepped on and kicked and they were only five minutes into the match.

35th minute 0-0

Summersmith had a corner being taken by Luke. Ryan was being grabbed by a tall and skinny boy and lashed out. 'Fuck you playing at, fancy me do you' Ryan said getting in his face and shoving the the skinny boy, the skinny boy with zits across his face backed off and winked blowing Ryan a kiss. It was getting to Ryan and Kieran ran across 'Calm down mate, they're only tryna get you sent off' Kieran said in a tone as if to say you should know this.

Ryan was walking away when the opposition captain barged into him. 'Pick on someone your own size' he said walking through Ryan. 'What's your real age mate, like em young do you' Ryan shot back. The opposition Captain grabbed Ryan from behind and shoved him right in front of the ref. Ryan went down as if he'd been shot. 'Captain' the ref yelled blowing his whistle. The opposition captain shook his head as he walked to the ref. 'Name' the ref asked looking at his shirt number. 'Babatunde Otegbade' the large captain said. The referee brandished a yellow card and Babatunde tapped the ref as he jogged back. Ryan was on the floor trying to not laugh once he heard the name.

Mr.mcCarthy came running across to check what was wrong with Ryan. 'Just buying us some time' Ryan whispered squirting water into his mouth as Mr.mcCarthy kneeled beside him. Ryan was now up on his feet with the help of Mr.mcCarthy and jogged back into his position. Babatunde grabbed his shirt as the ball was coming towards Ryan. Ryan turned and shot but the ball went over the crossbar. 'Might want to keep your hands to yourself I know I'm good looking but one more offence and you're off am I really worth it' Ryan asked smiling.

45th minute 0-0



The referee blew for half time. Ryan started jogging towards the changing room with the rest of his team close behind him. Ryan was stretching as Mr.mcCarthy spoke. ' Brilliant half, but we need a goal just one.' Mr.mcCarthy looked at Ryan. Ryan stood up and started speaking. 'Lads doing amazing they've not had a sniff at our goal, I'll get king kong sent off, Kieran and Aaron you're our full backs get up and create an option out wide lets stretch play I know their legs are killing them less get them moving ' Ryan said clapping his hands. A few others in the changing room started clapping and cheering. 'Summersmith on three' Ryan said.



After an a wave of people screaming 'Summersmith' rang out. Ryan lead his team out once more. Most of them were covered in mud and sweaty. Apart from a few substitutes.

The referee blew the whistle and the match continued.

 

Hero To Zero (End of Part II)