Read Online Lucy Zeezou's Goal by Liz Deep-Jones - Free Book Online Page B

sprang to my eyes at the thought. What if she found out – that would be the end of football. Again.
    â€˜I don’t want you to worry about anything, Lucy,’ Grandpa said. ‘The main thing is that you’re feeling better.It’s nothing too serious. Luckily, Harry found me rather than Frida when he came with the news.’
    â€˜But are you sure she doesn’t know? Mama will kill me if she finds out what happened on the pitch. If she knows I’m back playing football … my life is over.’
    â€˜Princess, I think you’re being a little over-dramatic, calm down. She was visiting Nanna when Harry came. She’s still there. You just need to rest and stop worrying!’
    â€˜Oh, thank you.’ I was so relieved.
    â€˜You’re welcome. The coach helped me bring you home and Morgan’s mum is a doctor. She checked you and said it was a minor knock and nothing to worry about. She just instructed me to keep an eye on you. Rest is the remedy, so no football for a couple of days, and no dance classes.’
    â€˜But I feel much better already! I can’t miss a session, I’ve only just made the team.’
    â€˜Lucy, you must rest. No football means no football. Don’t get any ideas about sneaking to training, either, because I know everyone in the neighbourhood and they keep me posted on what’s going on. I know you had a kick-around with young Max the other day – my spies are everywhere!’ he joked.
    â€˜Max? You know Max? Why did he tell me his name was Roy?’
    â€˜Oh, Lucy, it’s a long story. Max doesn’t have a home. He lives in the back corner of the grandstand at the Reg.We all try to look out for him around here, but he won’t accept much help.’
    â€˜Where are his parents?’
    â€˜They were killed about two years ago in a car accident. Max is a ward of the state.’
    â€˜Oh my goodness. No parents … I can’t imagine it. Poor Max. And he left our team because of me. I have to talk to him. I had no idea that he didn’t have a home. That’s awful, why didn’t he tell me?’
    â€˜Max is a very proud boy. Roy’s the name he uses to avoid being found out. He keeps running away from his foster homes and he refuses to stay in a refuge because he doesn’t trust a soul. Now, that’s enough about Max. You don’t need to worry about him, or anyone else, right now. You need rest.’
    I looked at him with concern. ‘Grandpa, I don’t know what to say. My problems don’t seem that important any more. But what happens if Mama and Papa find out I’m playing again? That would be the end.’
    â€˜Princess, you are as dramatic as your mother and grandmother. I think it’s great that you’re chasing your dream. It’s good to have a goal, but I don’t really agree with keeping it a secret from your parents any longer.’
    â€˜I don’t like it either, but I have no choice.’
    â€˜I can’t see why Frida and Paolo don’t want you to play football when it’s their life and it’s been a great part of your life too. Frida was encouraged to chase her dreamacross the globe. Surely she’d allow you to do the same, especially since you’re so talented. Coach James thinks you have a very bright future in the game.’
    â€˜Oh, Grandpa, I needed to hear that. One day I’ll be a great footballer – one of the best in the world,’ I boasted.
    â€˜I’m sure you’ll make it and I hope I’ll be around to see you succeed. You know, I’d love nothing more than to watch my princess match it with the boys. Would you mind if I come along to your next game?’
    â€˜Sure, Grandpa, I’d love that.’
    The pain in my head slowly subsided as my thoughts went back to Max. How did he sleep in a park all by himself? And like me … where did he fit in?

Being the new girl on the block was