Talks

Neo went home with a bit of mixed feelings. He wasn't sure if he had made the right choice.

At least that creepy voice is out of my head for now.

Neo spoke to himself as he lay on his bed.

I better go to sleep. I don't want to be caught half asleep tomorrow.

Neo closed his eyes as he tried to sleep. Krystal Fc was having a friendly match against Mavericks tomorrow, and he was playing so he wanted to have as much sleep as possible.

You won't leave early today?

Neo's mom asked as Neo sat down to eat his breakfast.

Just eat, Mom. Neo said as he buried his head in his food.

You rude thing! Neo's mom smacked his head as she sat opposite him to eat her breakfast.

Ouch! Neo grabbed his head as he glared at his mom.

What of dad? Neo asked.

His mom sighed. It's the usual, your dad's already left for work.

That dirty bank of his!

She muttered the last statement.

Neo chuckled. His mother was sulking like a child and he was a bit amused to see that.

Neo's mom suddenly remembered something and she spewed it immediately.

Oh and, your brother is returning in six months.

Neo placed his spoon on his empty plate and fixed a gaze on her.

Why don't you ever call his name? I mean, I know he's my brother. Whenever you talk about him to me, you don't have to say 'your brother' I know he's my brother, just as well as you do.

Neo's mother rolled her eyes as she feigned a tired expression. Alright, Neon Austin is coming back in six months time.

Neo shook his his head as he extended his hand forward, as if to halt his mom.

No, that's not right. I know that his last name is Austin. If he's my brother, then his last name has to be Austin, right?

His mother stared at him in exasperated confusion for a while. You're a weirdo.

Neo took a glance at his wrist watch. He was running out of time so he couldn't continue this childish gimmick with his mother, so he decided to leave with a big bang.

Neo stood up and smile with a closed eye.

We're having a match against Mavericks high today and I need to be in full strength, else, I wouldn't have ever eaten your food. The food was plain tasteless and I would have never eaten it, even in a thousand years.

Neo turned around still smiling.

He was about to leave when his mother grabbed him.

Neo turned around only to see his mother in tears.

Neo was immediately alarmed.

Oh crap! Did I overdo it?

Neo immediately panicked. Mum, I was…

Thank you. A big smile played on his mother's lips as she thanked him.

Just then, Neo realized that she had caught on the first thing he said.

She was joyous that he had left his phobia and delved back into the world of sports.

Neo hugged her warmly.

By the way…

Neo heard the sudden change in his mother's voice and he instantly knew he was in trouble.

No! Neo thought inwardly.

…Whose food did you say was tasteless!?

Neo's mother raised her voice as she smacked his head very hard.

Ouch! Mom!

*****

Neo. Eric called softly from behind.

Mmh? Neo turned around with a quizzical expression.

Eric looked unsure of himself. Um…I just wanted to say thank you. Even though I bragged about defeating Marbles and making you join the team, I was able to do nothing and watched my team suffer an agonizing defeat.

Smack!

Neo smacked the younger boy on his head.

Before Eric could even react, Neo slid his arm over Eric's shoulders.

Come on, drop the silly act. You lost the match, I joined the team. Nothing goes wrong.

To be honest, even if you had won the match, it wouldn't have made a difference. After all I never accepted to join Krystal Fc if you won the match. Rather, I think I would have rebuked you for being so smug.

Neo said all this with a smile.

5 mins before the match.

Nico stared at his players, one after the other.

Our formation and strategy is already clear to everyone. Since we have a new No 7 who plays in the left wing and isn't so proficient with his speed, let's centralize our attacks around Cai.

Nico turned to Neo. No offense but, I don't really know you or your play style. Honestly, I wouldn't have even taken the risk of playing you today, except that we don't have anyone that can play No 7 for now, our players are all specialized in other wings. So, take this as your audition and impress me. Steal the No 7 spot.

Neo nodded.

Nico turned to look at Lida. Captain!

Yes. Lida bowed before turning to his teammates.

Lida strapped his captain armband around his arm as he shouted.

Let's march!

Yeah!!!