December 19, 2021
John Glenn International Airport was bustling on Sunday morning with coaches and other Convention attendees making their way out of town. Michael and Ally dropped off Sarah and Marc before heading back to Harrisonburg. Also at ticketing with them were Julie and Alden, who would be flying to Atlanta before going on to Starkville.
Once Sarah and Marc had cleared security, they headed for their gate and began polishing off their breakfast purchases from Tim Hortons. While eating, Sarah got a text from her mom, Windi.
MamaBear: Have a safe flight and enjoy your time with Marc the next few days. See you and him on Thursday.
Sarah showed the text to Marc, then responded.
SarahF32: So looking forward to seeing you, Dad, and Katie and having you meet Marc. I'm sure you'll love him just as I do.
Before Marc turned off his phone for the trip, he sent out a couple of texts in preparation for the next several days of activity.
KickFromTheMarc (to Jason Rhoden): You and Paige want to join us for Xmas on Wednesday night since I won't be back in the neighborhood until after the new year?
KickFromTheMarc (to RNStevens): You and Michelle got plans for tomorrow yet? Need to shop for you two and Mom as I gave Sarah her gift already so she could wear it while we were here this past week. Maybe we can sneak off for a bit and work on getting your ring for Mish chosen as well.
At 11:25, American Airlines Flight 4056 to Chicago was called, bringing Marc one step closer to being home for the first time in four months.
***
Sarah and Marc exited from the gangway at Gate L23, then proceeded to make their way to the concourse. Dana and Sydney, who had been on the same flight as Sarah and Marc, followed the pair to Concourse G and the gate (G16) for their flight to Milwaukee. As they walked over, the four of them held hands with their partners and talked.
Sydney: We didn't get really any time to do something couple-y with the two of you. Dana never told me how you got together other than you both being at JMU and associated with the volleyball program.
Marc: Should you fill them in, or should I?
Sarah: I will, since I am sure you won't say more than just the facts.
Sarah moved alongside Sydney and spilled the beans about their initial meeting, the build-up of attraction and desire, and how they came to fall for one another. Meanwhile, Marc and Dana chatted about her friend's dating circumstances.
Marc: Are Dani and Maddy (Delmonte, beach volleyball player at Georgia State) together?
Dana: Yes. What led you to believe that was a possibility?
Marc: Just a hunch that if she WERE to cross the plate, like you said she had, that'd be someone she'd pick.
Dana: They're not out yet because Dani doesn't know how she'll handle the accusation of it not being for real, that the partnership is for show and meant to blunt their core group's lone male from going after one or the other.
Marc: Take it neither one of them wants to deal with actually turning down his advances or intentions.
Dana: No, because Reed will be crushed.
Marc: Why doesn't he just go after Emma (Rafferty, another member of the Virginia Beach "bros")?
Dana: Clout, and because he's not ready to give up on his dream girls. How do you know of all of them?
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Under The Radar: A Redshirt Diary
FanfictionSarah Fuller was a goalkeeper on the Vanderbilt University women's soccer team, but is best-known for being the first woman to play in and score in a Power Five Football Bowl Subdivision game. Having finished her degree with two years of eligibility...
