Page 40 of Playing for Keeps

Ethan threw me a grin and I tried to contain my smirk.

The woman and kids thanked me and walked away.

A smile played on Ethan’s lips. “I’ve played for Marauders for six years and you’re already more popular than me just because you score all those flashy tries.”

I shrugged. “What can I say? People understand quality.”

“Must be the beanie. People aren’t recognizing me.” Ethan pulled it off his head to expose his golden mop of hair.

“Sure, let’s blame the beanie.”

“Or else they need their eyesight checked,” Ethan said.

“I heard there’s an epidemic plaguing the people of Christchurch. Its primary symptom is their inability to spot backup Marauder halfbacks,” I said in a serious voice.

Ethan nodded along in agreement. “The epidemic of not being able to recognize Ethan Lewis. It’s a serious thing. Or maybe they’ve got LukeHunteritis, where they’re temporary blinded by the awesomeness of Luke Hunter so they can’t see anything else in the vicinity.”

“That’s probably the most likely explanation,” I agreed.

“Next time I’m dressing in full Marauders kit,” he said.

“Great idea. And you should have a portable speaker playing the Marauders anthem,” I suggested.

“And maybe carry around a blow-up of the team photo with my face circled.”

I chuckled and Ethan joined in laughing.

When I glanced at my family, Jonathan and my father looked amused, while my mother’s lips were pinched together tightly.

The whistle blew and Theo’s next game started. Within a minute he’d scored another try.

It was only when I turned to my family to celebrate that I noticed Char. She was hugging her arms around herself, looking upset.

I sidled closer to her. “What’s wrong?”

Her arms remained wrapped around herself and she sucked in a deep breath. “I’m fine.”

I scrunched my forehead. “You sure?”

Was Dad’s comment from earlier still bothering her or was it something else?

Char and I had never had the strong connection other twins reported. We’d never had much in common. Char had been sick often as a kid, and as a result had spent lots of time inside drawing and doing crafts while I’d been outside playing sport. I’d never really found myself missing her company because I’d always had Ethan.

Now, studying my sister, I found myself regretting that we hadn’t been closer growing up. This was my chance to be a better brother to her.

“It’s okay,” Char answered. But there was something in her voice that sounded like she was trying to reassure herself.

I was distracted from Char by a new arrival coming across the grass toward our group.

“Here’s Mum now,” Ethan said.

I hadn’t seen Ethan’s mother for six years, and I was shocked at the change in her. Her mobility had obviously deteriorated a lot since she was now in a motorized wheelchair, with a young woman trotting along by her side.

“This is Maddie, Mum’s carer.” Ethan did the introductions then got down to give his mum a hug.

“Look at you with your new racing wheels,” he said.

I took a few steps toward them. “Hi Cathy,” I said.