A Volleyball Story

Chapter 45

"Volleyball doesn't only require skills. It also requires a strong fighting heart."

-Anonymous

Keith.

I woke up extra early this morning mentally and physically getting myself ready for today. Today is the first day of the Big Camp Tournament.

It was only 6 in the morning, but I couldn't sleep any longer with all these thoughts and nervousness in my head. I know I shouldn't be nervous about this, but this was something huge. My dad has never done something like this in the years the camp has been running.

As much as I want to say I want to win to please my dad, it would be pretty great to just in period. Well for the guys trophy that is. I hope Dylan's team wins for the girls, or any girls team here for that matter.

After laying in bed, I decided to to get up and go to the gym to set my mind at ease. Slowly and quietly getting my gear on, I left the boys sleeping and made my way towards the gym.

Well it looks like I wasn't the only one with the idea to get some alone practicing.

Opening the gym doors and setting my things on the ground I happen to see my amazing girlfriend practicing her jump serve. Once she got it over with a nice float I began to clap for her.

"Whoo! That was a nice one." I smiled approacing her.

"Good gracious Keith, you scared me!" she said placing her hand on her heart. "What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I could ask you the same thing." I said back giving her a quick hug.

"I couldn't sleep. Too anxious about today. I've been practicing for the past forty-five minutes. I'm actually surprised the gym was open."

"Yeah, my dad hopes that there are players like you and me wanting to get more practice in." I laughed back.

"Hey, you want to hit some of my sets? I want to get a lot of practice in." she asked me.

"Well of course. Couldn't say no to a gorgeous face like yours." I smiled kissing her lips lightly before getting a ball and walking over to the outside position.

"What do you usually hit?"

"Mostly shoots or 4's."

"Well what do you want to practice first?"

"Let's do shoots. Sometimes I have a hard time with those ones." I told her truthfully.

"Alrighty captain." she smirked as she saluted to me.

Laughing at her, I tossed her the ball and then called for my hit, "Shoot! Shoot!"

"Shoot!" she yelled back setting me the most perfect set of all. I did my approach and got a nice, sharp hit in the middle of the court.

"Whoo! That was amazing Keith! Who said you needed to practice on their shoots?" she questioned with the biggest smile on her face.

"It must be because you were the one setting it to me." I smiled back getting closer to her. Just as we were about to kiss my father spoke making us both jump.

"That was a nice hit son." we both turned towards him who was by the doors. "And nice set to you too Dylan. Keep up the good work." and with that he walked out the doors and left just me and Dylan again.

"Well that was unexpected. You think he likes me now?"

"He doesn't hate you Dyl, he just thinks girls are a distraction. What he doesn't realize is that you are just as passionate about volleyball as I am and that's saying something." I chuckled.