AR Day 4 - Go see the coaches

Michelle and Motoko are waiting for you.

"We are not having this conversation," Michelle tells you.

"What?" you are confused.

"You didn't hear this from us," Motoko says in perfect English.

You sort of understand... they are about to tell you something from that meeting, something that is still supposed to be secret. You stand beside Adella, very curious.

"You've heard the rumors," Michelle says, and you both nod. Yes, things about the new league. "There are going to be teams. They are being chosen right now."

Wow. You feel a tingle. This is kind of exciting.

"You. And you," Michelle says, pointing at you both. "Are probably going to be captains. They're picking strikers for all the captains. You two are the best ones."

"What about Lara?" you ask, flattered, but surprised. You don't like to admit it, but Lara is better than you. Maybe better than Adella.

"She's good, but we don't know how long she will stay," Motoko says, folding her arms. "They won't make her a captain if they think she will run off to... plunder a catacomb or something."

OK...

Adella looks pleased, and you are excited. You did not expect something like this when you came to camp.

"Sweet," you say.

"Yes. It's good." Michelle still has that serious look. What is wrong?

"What is the problem?" Adella asks before you can.

"The problem is how cozy you two are," Michelle snaps.

You and Adella share a shocked look. Your relationship is not a secret, but... who cares?

"We can still play against each other," you say. "It's not like either of us would ever lose on purpose."

"It's not that. They don't like it," Michelle says.

"They want you to hate each other," Motoko adds.

"What? But we don't," you say.

"You have to act like you do."

"But why?" you demand.

"We can't tell you now. You'll find out tomorrow," Michelle says irritably. "You don't have to actually hate each other for real, you just have to cool it for right now. You can't be making out in front of everyone."

This is the worst.

Michelle hands you a card. "I already moved you. You can't be shacked up tonight."

"This is so unfair!" you protest.

"Riley, you're here for soccer, not romance."

That's true, but it pisses you off.

"Am I going to have a problem with you?" Motoko asks Adella, who doesn't look happy.

"No," the Spanish girl says, frustrated.

You can't be seen with Adella... it's like the worst thing you can think of. And they won't even tell you why.