Chapter 5

GOAL?

Fiona had all weekend to get to know the rules of field hockey. Her mom even found a cable channel that was showing a couple of field hockey games played by teams from Europe.

“They’re showing a few games this weekend,” her mom said. “It would be a fun way to learn the sport!”

But Fiona just shrugged. It still felt like studying to her.

So instead of studying the rules booklet or watching field hockey on TV that weekend, Fiona e-mailed with her friends back home. Then she set up an ice hockey goal in the back yard and practiced slapshots with her lucky puck.

“This counts as practice,” she said to herself. “Staying in shape is staying in shape, right?”

By the time Monday came around, she didn’t know any more about field hockey than she had all week. And after school, she had to go to field hockey practice.

“Okay, girls,” Coach Kelly said once the team had gathered around her on the field. “First of all, congratulations to all of you for making the team. We had a big turnout this year, so you should be proud.”

“Some of us prouder than others,” Jess said with smirk.

Paula laughed. She looked right at Fiona and added, “Or luckier.”

“Today, before we get into drills, we’ll do a short scrimmage,” the coach went on. Then she divided up the girls into two teams.

This time, Fiona ended up on a team with Jess and Paula.

“Great,” Paula said after the teams were picked. “We have the hockey hick on our team.”

Jess laughed like that was the funniest thing she’d ever heard. “Hockey hick,” she repeated. “That’s hilarious, Paula.”

“Ha ha,” Fiona said without smiling. “Why don’t you two leave me alone?”

Jess stepped right up to her. “Why don’t you go back to the farm?” she said.

Fiona narrowed her eyes. She decided she’d better show them how good she was at hockey. That was the only way they’d stop teasing her.

As soon as play started, Fiona got the ball and started driving up the field. Even though Selma and Aliyah were on the other team, she could tell that they were rooting for her.

“Nice one, Fiona,” Selma called out. “Bring it all the way down.”

Fiona didn’t need to bring it all the way down, though. The goalie didn’t look ready. I’ve got this one, she thought. So Fiona drew back and slapped the ball straight into the goal.

Everyone on the field stopped and looked at her. All the girls made faces like Fiona was insane. Even the coach seemed stunned.

Must have been a pretty great shot, Fiona thought. They’re all speechless.

Then suddenly, Fiona heard laughter. Jess and Paula’s laughter, of course.

“Um, hick,” Jess said. “What was that?”

Fiona felt her face go red as she started to reply. “Um, a goal?” she said.

Jess and Paula nearly fell over laughing. That’s when Fiona felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Take a seat on the bench, Fiona,” the coach said sternly. “We’ll talk after practice.”

Fiona was confused as she dropped onto the bench. She had scored a great goal, hadn’t she?

Fiona looked at the field at Selma and Aliyah. Both of them just looked back and shook their heads.