Beyond Lucky by Sarah Aronson Read Free Book Online

stand.”
    I put down the phone in shock. I’m the keeper.
    I’m going to tell them.
    I am the happiest person in the universe.
    From downstairs, Dad yells, “Ari, are you still on the phone? Your mother says you need to practice your Hebrew.”
    I yell back, “Don’t worry. The starting keeper will get the job done,” and before I can say Baruch Atah Adonai , which are the first three words of every blessing in the Jewish universe, he is upstairs and he is jumping on me, and then he asks me if I’m okay, because he has just tackled me, and Wayne Timcoe, the poster, is looking down on us.
    After one cookie, a piece of cake, two peaches, and a plum, my dad finally calls it a celebration. I e-mail [email protected].
    Hi Sam. E-mail me as soon as you can. Or call.
NOW. Now would be good. Something amazing
just happened!!! You are not going to believe it!!!
    I can’t wait to tell him, “I did it! I am the starting keeper. I have a Timcoe. A real Timcoe. I am the luckiest person in Somerset Valley. My season is going to be great.”

SEVEN
    â€œTo be prepared for war is one of the most effectual
means of preserving peace.”
    â€”George Washington
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    There are a lot of theories about luck.
    Luck is no more than believing you are lucky. Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity. It is what is left over after you give one hundred percent.
    But this is what I think: Sometimes there is no explanation. Good luck is good luck.
    Look at me. Now that I have Wayne, I am living proof.
    For example, although the weatherman declared that the steady rain would probably continue for at least five more days, the morning after I find Wayne Timcoe, a cold front changes direction and the sun begins to shine. The grass dries up. Even though Indian summer usually means my allergies are a mess, my nose does not run.
    For four straight days, my game improves. I make diving saves and punching saves. My throws are strong, and my kicks are more accurate than they ever were when there was no card. When I make a mistake, I don’t get stressed out. Instead, I talk to Coach. I figure out what I have to change so that I won’t do it again.
    Coach says, “Ari, I love this new attitude.” He says, “The position of goalkeeper is the most important to the team!” He reminds me that I have to think ahead, that the best keepers command the defense. I have to get used to seeing the entire field, so I can properly distribute the ball, once I’ve stopped it.
    I remind him that Wayne Timcoe once lost a game because he got rid of the ball too fast. “I will not lose my cool in the heat of the moment.”
    He smiles. “Okay, young man, why don’t we test that promise?”
    Coach lines everyone up in front of the net into two teams. He grabs Mac and Parker and gives each of them ten balls. Their job: to alternate their shots in speed, placement, and distance. My job: to stop as many as possible.
    It is an extremely hard drill.
    But today I can do it. I stop four of Mac’s shots and all but two of Parker’s.
    Mac looks like he wants to call it a day, but Parker sets up for another round, which makes Coach very happy. He tells her that if she keeps doing what she’s doing, he will definitely put her in position to score.
    Mac nearly has a conniption. “Soup and I don’t need help on our line.” He points to this new kid, named David Young, who has already been dubbed David Old. “If we get jammed, Old can move up. He’s stronger than she is.”
    That might be true, but right now, Coach makes it clear he wants to leave all his options open. He congratulates Parker. “In just a short amount of time, you have really taken it up a notch.” He gives her an extra turn around the cones. And when she scores on me, even I have to admit she is a very wily player.
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    In the morning, on our way to school, Mac is