Free Going Wild by Lisa McMann

possible.”
    Coach nodded and went back to watching the scrimmage.
    Maria put her hand on Charlie’s shoulder. “Are you doing okay?”
    Charlie let a shuddering sigh escape and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. “I just hope it’s not broken or my life is over. Kelly can really kick, that’s for sure. I hope she didn’t do it . . .” She trailed off and shook her head. “Never mind.” Of course Kelly wouldn’t kick her on purpose—she was just playing the game. It could happen toanybody. Charlie’s leg throbbed.
    â€œShe’s a tough player,” Maria said grimly. “I’m sure she feels bad, though. Your leg is swelling up like a balloon. It’s horrible.”
    Charlie squeezed her eyes shut. She leaned back against the bleachers and wondered why her mother was taking so long to call.
    A few agonizing minutes later, Charlie’s phone rang. “Mom!” said Charlie, fresh tears springing to her eyes. “Finally.”
    â€œI got your message. Are you still at school? I’m on my way.” She sounded like a doctor. “What’s the injury?”
    Charlie told her.
    â€œI’ll be there in ten minutes,” Dr. Wilde said. “Elevate it!”
    â€œOkay, Mom. Gosh,” Charlie said, her lip beginning to quiver again, “you don’t have to yell.”
    Charlie’s mom’s voice softened. “You’re right, sweetie. I’m so sorry—I’ve got my work brain engaged. I bet it hurts a lot.”
    â€œWhat if it’s broken?” Charlie’s voice pitched upward, and she started crying again. “What if I can’t play? This is seriously the worst.” She pressed her fingers over her eyelids, trying to stop the tears.
    â€œHey, at least it wasn’t your head,” Dr. Wilde said with a laugh. That line was a running joke in their family whenever anybody got hurt, and it annoyed Charlie and Andy whenever their mother said it. “I sure hope we don’t have to amputate.”
    â€œNot funny, Mother,” Charlie said. She rolled her eyes andlooked at Maria, and mouthed, “Doctor humor.”
    Maria smiled and shrugged. “I’ll go tell Coach your mom’s coming,” she whispered, and Charlie nodded. Maria slipped away.
    â€œYou’re totally right,” Mom said. “I was just trying to keep your mind off the pain. How is it? Do you have ice on it? Is it elevated like I told you?”
    â€œYeah,” said Charlie, wincing as she swiveled around to put her foot up on the bleacher seat. She lay back on the grass. “It’s feeling a little better. Just . . . just hurry. Please.” Charlie wiped her eyes.
    â€œI am, sweetie. I’ll see you soon.”
    They said good-bye and hung up as Maria came back.
    â€œShe’ll be here soon,” Charlie said. “I’m okay sitting alone if you want to get back in the game.”
    Maria frowned. “No, it’s okay.” She sat on the bottom bleacher next to Charlie’s foot and looked out over the field, watching the action. “I still can’t believe how fast you are. Do you have like Olympian relatives or something?”
    â€œWhat?” Charlie laughed despite the pain. “No. I was just having a good run, I guess. Until Kelly decided to play like a . . .” She glanced at Maria and bit her lip. “Sorry. I know she was aiming for the ball, not my leg. But jeez, this hurts!” She paused. “How close are you and Kelly?”
    â€œWe get along okay,” Maria said. “We don’t hang out much, but she lives by me, so we carpool if it rains. And we’ll watchmovies together or kick the ball around or whatever when we’re bored. I’ve known her since preschool.”
    â€œOh.”
    â€œShe’s . . . a lot more fun when there’s not an audience,” Maria added carefully. “She acts differently when I’m with