Too High For The Net

13| One More Set

"We. Are. Doomed," Sierra grumbles once Greyson loses another point. Bayview High does their usual cheer for their ace.

"Get yourselves together, guys!" Maisie bellows, cupping her hands around her mouth. "Watch the ball!"

Usually, when it's some random girl from the sidelines yelling at the team about what they should do, everyone is a bit ticked. But Maisie's not that girl. No, Maisie Hart has been volleyball MVP for three years, and she's a recognized star player for our county's national team. When she yells at the guys, nobody minds her because they know she's right.

Maisie's that girl.

Phoebe drums her fingers on her thighs. "I swear, if we lose this set—"

"Shh," Rowan shushes her. "You're gonna jinx it."

Xiao wipes his hands on the side of his legs as he gets low, arms wide open. Hugo and James mimic, and they watch the serves getting ready. Jonah stretches out his jersey and signals again, and Leon gives a slight nod. The ball is served to Xiao, and Jonah sets it backwards to Leon. He shoots up and swings, giving us a point.

But it's not enough.

14-22.

"We need to keep it up and not give them any more points," Fi jerks her legs.

This is giving me anxiety as well. Last year, we have never lost a set to Bayview. We always defeated them in three straight sets. Now, however, I feel like the thought of winning is a bit far away.

Leon float serves, and the ball comes back through a really tough kill. James is low and ready, but his pass sends the ball flying outside. I've never seen Xiao run so fast until now—he practically throws himself on the stage, but the ball's lost. In frustration, he punches the platform, ignoring his teammates as they try to calm him down.

"Damn it," Phoebe hits her legs.

Coach Will calls for a timeout, and when the team gathers around, everyone can see the visible disappointment and defeat on their faces. Not a single ounce of hope in their expressions.

I sigh deeply. "Come on, boys."

"All right, guys, we got this," we hear Jonah say, pointing a finger in the air while the rest of them pile their hands around his hand. They start their little chant, and then they get back on the court.

"At least one set. We need to win at least one set," Fi says.

"No way," Rowan gives her a look. "We are not going to let these guys defeat us like Camber. We're going to the win the game."

Oh, how I wish it were easy.

It's the third set, and by now, everyone rooting for Greyson High already gave up. Bayview took away the second set, leaving our boys hopeless and shocked. While Milo is beyond despondent, Xiao is furious. Before the buzzer for the third set goes off, he's sitting on his spot on the bench—elbows on his knees.

Maisie walks down to talk to the boys, and she reaches out to Xiao last. When she touches his shoulder blade, his muscles relax, and she crouches down to talk to him.

"Hey, Pheebs," Sierra nudges the brunette. "What's going on between Maisie and Xiao?"

"Yeah, I've been wondering that too," Rowan says.

Phoebe glances at the two. "Don't ask me. I have no idea. When I ask her, she doesn't say much. As far as I know, her relationship with Xiao is something she keeps to herself."

I lock eyes with Hugo as he stands up. He sends me a half-hearted smile, eyes blank. He's giving up, too. He turns around when Jonah pats his back, and they engage in a conversation. Jonah shakes his head and lets it drop, but Hugo holds his best friend's shoulders and gently shakes him. The blondie looks up with a weird look—and I don't miss the blush on his cheeks and the quick glance he send to my best friend.