You Belong With Me (A Sequel to "What Once Was")

14 scouted

For volleyball, it was potentially our last home game tonight because it was the first round of playoffs. Despite having good chances of winning, anything could happen, so we are having our senior night tonight.

"This is so bittersweet," I said to Lacey as we put our shoes on.

She smiled a small smile. "I know... I can't believe the season is almost over."

So a while later, I stood before my school and many people from our town. Tears were welled up in my eyes as the parents of the seniors made their way onto the court. My mom and dad waved to me from where they stood across the way.

I then looked past them, and to Ryder, who sat in the front row of the student section. He gave me a soft smile. Things with him could not be going greater. I wish I could have had him down on the court with my parents tonight, but we all know how that would have gone.

"I'm going to cry," Lacey whispered as Lucia was announced.

For our senior night, we each filled out a paper that had questions on it. It was stuff like, 'what are your plans for after high school?' and, 'who would you like to thank?' So, as we walked to meet with our parents, the announcer was to read that off.

"Don't...or I will too."

I glanced up at Lacey and we both burst into tears. It was a mix of happy and sad tears, but we both started to laugh.

"I can't even imagine what our soccer night will be like," she said as she wiped away her tears.

I laughed softly and wiped mine away too, but they were replaced with new ones. I gave up trying to wipe them away though because I was next to be announced.

"I love you, Ains," she whispered tearfully, which only made me cry harder, as the announcer said my name.

I walked forward to where the sophomores and juniors on varsity were lined up. I gave each of them a hug, but shared an extra big one with Madelyn because I have spent a lot of time with her. "Going to miss you," she whispered.

While I hugged the others, the announcer read my paper: "Ainsley Sloane has been playing volleyball for eight years. As of now, she plans on attending a four year college to play soccer, but she is not sure where yet. Her hopes are to study medicine so she can get on track to being a doctor."

I made my way over to Landen just as the announcer went over who I want to thank. "Ainsley, would of course like to thank her coach, Landen, for amazing sophomore, junior, and senior years of volleyball, and also for always believing in her. Also, she would like to thank him for picking her as his favorite."

Landen gave me a huge hug and laughed alongside some people in the audience.

"She would also like to thank her best friend, Lacey, for always sticking by her side and being so supportive throughout the years."

I started to make my way over to my parents and blew a little kiss to Lacey, who was so emotional at this point.

"Finally, Ainsley would like to thank her parents for providing her with so many opportunities, and just being there for her. She thanks them for showing up to every game, no matter how far away, and for being her biggest cheerleaders."

Tears were in their eyes as I walked right into their arms. My mom handed me a bouquet of flowers after we pulled out of the hug. "You are going to do great things," she said.

I smiled a tearful smile at her, and then looked at the crowd. Ryder wore a proud smile and was clapping.

"Biggest thanks of all to you," I mouthed.