Footballer

The bell rang. All the students filed into their classrooms. Class III "c" also quickly filed into the classroom and settled into their desks. Even though the lesson had started, no one interrupted the conversations, and there was a general commotion. Everyone split into small groups, and in these small groups, they told each other what they would be doing over the weekend.

"And then Grandma told Aunt Justyna she didn't want to see her if she continued seeing that Piotrek," Agnieszka continued passionately.

"But your aunt is already 29 and can make her own decisions about her life," red-haired Olka interrupted.

"She's supposed to be an adult, but she's supposed to get an apartment from Grandma, and she wants to maintain a good relationship with her grandmother because she can't live with her brother forever," Aga explained to the assembled group. "

So your aunt can't buy her own apartment?" Magda interjected timidly.

"On a nurse's salary? What, you? Don't you know anything about life?" "Aga asked in a voice full of genuine surprise.

"What's wrong, girls?" Kamil shouted, approaching.

As usual, he was dressed in loose pants resembling sweatpants and a tight blouse with some oriental pattern. He glanced at all the girls and sat down on the bench next to Agnieszka. "

We're fine," they all said in unison.

"And how did your match go yesterday?" Kinga, who had a secret crush on him, asked curiously.

"We won by four goals and we're staying in the league," Kamil replied proudly. "It's just a shame I conceded one goal.

" "You can't always be the best," Agnieszka tried to console her.

"I know, but still..."

The math teacher appeared in the doorway, and Kamil interrupted. Everyone quickly sat down at their desks. The teacher was in a bad mood, which was easy to tell from her constant observation of the class. Everyone knew something was coming, and they were right. The teacher began checking homework at the blackboard. After questioning four students, the teacher glanced at the back desks. The weakest students always sat there.

"Kamil, please come to the blackboard. Let's see how much you remember from your homework," the teacher said with a venomous voice.

"But I had a match yesterday and couldn't do my homework," Kamil began to explain.

"And you think that's a reason not to do your homework? Life isn't all about football. If you have time for matches, you also have time for studying. Don't even think I'll let you move on to the next class if you don't do your homework!" The teacher's voice grew louder.

"It happened to me once, and you're already making a fuss," Kamil replied indignantly.

"How are you talking to me? Sit down! First!" the teacher said, angrily, and finished questioning the reluctant students.

***

"She's picking on me again," Kamil said to the assembled group.

"There's just no one to pick on, and you're an athlete, so that's why they chose you," Piotrek suggested. "

She probably hasn't had sex in a while and doesn't know who to get back at," Patrycja said, and everyone started laughing. "

Besides, you know she has an ugly child and her husband probably doesn't love her. That's why the poor woman is upset," Olka added, which sparked more laughter.

Finally, everyone started coming up with increasingly idiotic reasons for the math teacher's bad mood, from alien abduction to pre-menstrual tension. Thanks to this, Kamil regained his composure and calmed down. Before the break was over, he went with Piotrek and Marcin to II "b" to pick up girls.

*** "

Attention! Please be quiet!" Kamil began shouting, standing in the middle of the math classroom.

Everyone turned to him, and silence fell upon the screaming crowd of students.

"Oh my! You're all listening to me. I feel like a fool now." This statement was met with a loud burst of laughter.

"Okay, make it short!" Shouts rang out from various corners of the room.

"Okay. As you know, it's my birthday next week. I invite everyone to my place next Saturday. The party starts at 8 p.m. I think everyone knows how to find me, and if you need anything, contact Marcin or Piotrek." Kamil finished speaking and sat down amidst a general outburst of joy.

Everyone began chatting among themselves about the upcoming party. The girls began to think loudly about their outfits, and the guys began planning what they would drink and which girls they would invite. The general conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the history teacher, who began the lesson by asking the students. Luckily, she found Tomek, who had learned the topic, and after questioning him, the teacher left the rest of the class alone.

***

Saturday was approaching. All the conversation was about the upcoming party. Everyone was wondering about gifts or making arrangements with other guests to have a drink beforehand and go to the party together.

"Maybe we should buy him a ball or some boxers?" "Magda was suggesting ideas.

"No, it has to be something special. Something that will shock Kamil and he'll remember it for the rest of his life," Agnieszka said.

"But why do we have to shock him right away? Let's buy him a book about football, since he's interested in it," Kinga pointed out.

"Do you think he'll ever read it?" Olka looked at her pityingly.

"But that's actually a good idea. Let's buy him some good vodka, a book, some boxer shorts, and we'll be done with it." Patrycja interjected. "

We're not going to take the easy way out. You need to focus on the gift and think it through carefully," Agnieszka stated stubbornly.

"If you think so, then come up with something yourself, instead of just criticizing." Magda sounded indignant.

"Okay. Let's just have the alcohol," Agnieszka said conciliatorily. After a moment, she added, "but the boxers have to be funny.

" "No problem. We'll find something," Patrycja said, grabbing Olka's arm.

"I'm not going anywhere with you," Olka blurted out.

"You'll go anyway, because what else are you supposed to do at home?" Patrycja said, looking at Olka.

"I'll study.

" "Sure, and what else?" the girls asked doubtfully.

The conversation stalled, so Olka and Patryjca went to get the boxers, Magda, Agnieszka, and Kinga went to get the alcohol, and Marta and Ania were chosen to buy the ball and the greeting card because they'd been quiet the entire time and hadn't commented.

As soon as the girls had settled everything, Kamil and Marcin approached them. They were about to say something, but Jarek ran in and asked for silence.

"Tomorrow, instead of lessons, we're going to clean up the pitch. If someone's missing, the woman will be pissed."

"But I have a game," said Kamil and Marcin simultaneously. "

It's none of my business, but you know the woman will be pissed, so go and explain yourself now or you'll get hit." Jarek said and sat down at his desk. "

The PE teacher and the principal fired us," Piotrek said suddenly. "She can't do anything to us now."

"Don't count on it. You know how she is," Tomek stated. He was about to add something more, but the Polish teacher appeared and he didn't have time.

***

"So how are you having fun?" Kamil asked Agnieszka and Olka, who were standing by the window.

"It's great! Although I'm a little tired of dancing all the time," said Aga, tapping a cold glass of Coke to her forehead.

"Oh, my song's on!" Olka shouted, handing Kamil her drink and going off to dance, talking left and right. "Sorry, let me through."

Aga and Kamil watched her go as she pushed her way through the crowd and quickly danced to the other room, where there was a designated dancing area.

"What time are you free?" Kamil asked to break the silence.

"I'm staying until 5, and then I'm going to Magda's to sleep with Kinga.

" "There's enough room at my place for everyone," Kamil tried to convince her to stay at his house for the night.

"Yes, but almost all the beds upstairs are already occupied by drunk guys."

"You can always throw them off," Kamil continued.

"I prefer to sleep at Magda's anyway, because that's the only reason I could come here for so long." Agnieszka wasn't convinced.

"Why are you dating?" Piotrek approached and patted Kamil on the back.

"We're not dating, we're just talking," Agnieszka replied quickly.

"Don't be ashamed of your feelings anymore." – Piotrek started teasing her.

"You're drunk, so back off," Kamil said angrily.

"You're all nervous. I didn't mean to piss you off. I just have no one to talk to. Jarek's already worn out. But seriously, how are you all doing?" Piotrek tried to change the tone of the conversation to a more friendly one.

"We're just chatting about everything and nothing," Aga said, sipping her Coke.

"Then come dance, instead of standing in the corner," Piotrek suggested, gently pulling them into the other room.

"No, I'm a little tired. I danced so much earlier that I was exhausted," Agnieszka said, leaning against the wall. "

So, maybe we should sit on the couch? It's free," Kamil suggested, leading everyone in that direction.

The couch stood next to a low table with snacks and alcohol. Two armchairs and a few chairs stood nearby. On the walls were shelves full of books and a few paintings.

They sat together for half an hour, talking about school, home, and parties. Suddenly, Marcin appeared next to them.

"What are you all doing sitting in the corner? We have to have fun," Marcin said, grabbing Aga's hand. "Come dance a little before the party ends." "

Okay, but I won't be jumping around for long, I'm exhausted," Aga said, all smiles as she followed Marcin.

Kamil and Piotrek were left alone at the table. They both looked in the direction where Agnieszka had disappeared, then at each other. Kamil picked up his drink and quickly drank it. He stared at the glass for a moment and then waved his hand to throw it against the wall. Piotrek grabbed his hand.

"Don't ruin it. You don't have to get so worked up. She's not worth it," Piotrek said calmly.

"She knows I like her, and yet he's hitting on her at my birthday party!" Kamil practically screamed with indignation. "

I know I shouldn't do this, but I have to tell you something. She's ignoring you." Understand that you have no chance with her," Piotrek tried to convince Kamil.

Kamil glanced at Piotrek briefly as he got up from the couch. He went to the kitchen to get some alcohol. Passing the room where people were dancing, he glanced at Aga and Marcin. He was getting angrier. He was already thinking about how he was going to get revenge on them.

***

"How long have Aga and Marcin been together?" Magda asked, her voice full of reproach.

"Didn't you see them kissing at Kamil's party?" Olka asked, surprised.

"How was I supposed to, since I left at noon?

" "Oh yeah, I forgot you left early. You missed a great party," Kinga said. "Listen." Kamil and Piotrek were talking to Agnieszka, when Marcin suddenly approached them and asked Agnieszka to dance. She hadn't wanted to dance with Kamil before, but when Marcin asked her, she almost jumped to the ceiling. After that, as you can imagine, things went on as normal. They danced a bit and then hid in a corner.

"What did Kamil say to that?"

"He just looked after her and within an hour he was so drunk he can't remember a thing." Kinga was getting more and more excited by this story. " I feel sorry

for him." "

He'll be fine. He's got a lot of money."

***

Magda was the last to enter the classroom and approached the boys standing by the blackboard.

"How was the match? Did you win?"

All the boys in the class played on the school soccer team, and everyone was perfectly informed about every match. Usually, after the match, nothing else was talked about for the entire week.

"So you don't know?" Michał looked at Magda indignantly as if she had committed a great crime.

"What am I supposed to know? I told you I wouldn't be at the match because my family was coming to visit me and I had to take care of the kids," Magda tried to justify herself.

"Kamil tore ligaments in his knee. He's in the hospital," Piotrek replied.

"Don't joke. He was supposed to sign a contract with some foreign club in a week. He was supposed to become a professional footballer." The news hadn't reached Magda yet.

"We know, but unfortunately it's true. We're going to visit him today," Tomek said, standing to the side.

***

The whole class had raised money for a large stuffed animal for Kamil. A delegation had been chosen to bring it to him. Everyone wanted to go, but they knew they wouldn't be allowed in all at once. Jarek, Tomek, and Piotrek were supposed to go. Nobody invited Marcin. Everyone realized they weren't speaking to each other anymore, and such a visit could reopen the wounds. Agnieszka wasn't going either, she didn't want to.

***

"What did the doctor say?

" After handing him the stuffed animal and a large box of chocolates, Jarek sat down on a chair next to the bed.

"That I'll need some surgery, a few screws, and maybe in two years I'll be able to run.

" "That long?" Tomek blurted out, but he quickly fell silent.

"I, damn it, I don't want to wait that long. I want to get this over with. The procedure as soon as possible, not wait two months for who knows what." Kamil began to raise his voice.

"We understand, man, but there's nothing you can do about it. These are doctors," Tomek said calmly.

"I don't give a damn. I want to play. I'm not good for anything else.

" "That's not true. I'm sure everything will be fine, and for now, you can focus on studying," Piotrek tried to reassure him.

"If I can't play, what's the point of living? "

No one had an answer to that question.

*** "

Did you hear that Agnieszka is no longer with Marcin?" Olka shouted, coming down the hall and heading toward the girls sitting on the bench.

"How do you know?" "

Since when?

" "Why?"

These questions flew from all directions. Olka raised her hands in a defensive gesture.

"Easy, girls. One by one," Olka said, looking at everyone's faces to make sure they were listening, and then she began her story. "Agnieszka is constantly worried about Kamil not leaving the house and not wanting to come to school. She thinks it's because of her. Marcin is pissed at her for it, and on top of that, all the guys are mad at him and don't hang out with him anymore. Besides, they live too far away and rarely see each other. They broke up yesterday, and Aga called me right away.

"I knew it wouldn't work out. They're not compatible," Kinga immediately shared her pessimistic thoughts with everyone.

"But it really is strange that Kamil isn't going anywhere, even though the doctor said nothing would happen if he walked on crutches," Monika began to wonder aloud. "

You're right. He left the hospital over two weeks ago," Paulina joined Monika. "

Don't talk as if it were Agnieszka's fault," Olka said.

"Quiet! Agnieszka's coming," Magda said, and all the girls fell silent.

***

"Have you been to see him? What's wrong with him?

The Polish teacher called in sick, and the whole class was waiting for a replacement. Meanwhile, Monika, Kinga, and Olka gathered around Jarek and asked him about his stay with Kamil.

"Nothing. He's in bed and constantly watching TV," Jarek replied, dismissing him because he wanted to read the newspaper.

"Didn't he say when he'd be back at school?" Olka continued to pester Jarek.

"Can he walk on crutches now?" Monika joined her.

"I don't know if he'll come to school because he hasn't said anything to me. He's not even talking about crutches because he says he doesn't need them," Jarek replied resignedly.

"Does he have any pain after the surgery? I heard knees often hurt after surgery," Olka asked anxiously.

"He has some painkillers. The doctor prescribed them." Now leave me alone, I want to read." Jarek picked up the newspaper and ignored the girls' questions.

***

Piotrek entered the classroom. He gave the entire class a strange look. His gaze settled on the window and, in a strangely flat voice, said:

"Kamil is dead. He overdosed on his medication..."

The entire class was petrified by the news, and everyone lowered their gaze. No one looked at anyone else, everyone was absorbed in their own thoughts. Suddenly, Agnieszka burst into loud sobs.

"Oh God! Why him?!" she screamed loudly between bursts of sobbing.

No one looked in her direction. When the bell rang, everyone sat in their seats in silence. The math teacher came in and began dictating the topic. In complete silence, everyone began writing in their notebooks; even the trigonometry problem raised no objections.

Large drops of March rain began to hit the windowsill. Magda looked out the window, smiled, and began to solve the problem.

The rain fell harder and harder...