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155. Over The Line

*Natalie's POV, years ago*

"Your serves are too sloppy, Natalie!" Dad slammed his hand against the bleacher and I tried not to flinch, I just took a sip of water and nodded.

"I'll fix it Dad," I said, "Did you and Mom decide if I could go to the restaurant with Scarlet and the team tonight?" I pleaded.

I knew he felt bad about the way he yelled at me in the car, I couldn't help but cry. The stress was getting to me and I'd asked mom if I could skip a couple practices, but he was relentless in us getting to regionals. Maybe bad enough he would let me eat a meal without making comments about the calorie count, regardless if I was paying for it the next day doing sprints at four am.

"IF, you get four serves in the next game, sure." He said, walking away and leaving me behind.

"Okay, I won't let you down!" I tried not to let my tears sting, faking the smile as he faded into the crowd.

I turned to bump into a middle aged man, "Hey Natalie."

"God, I'm sorry I'm so clumsy," I blurted. "You alright?"

He smiled at me, "Ah, I'm fine." I looked at him a bit closer and without the glasses I recognized him.

"Uh, you were a judge for science fair at my school right? Last year I think?" I took a sip from my water and tried to stand up a bit straighter. Always trying to make a good impression.

"Yeah," He laughed, shyly smiling and putting a hand on the back of his neck. He was wearing one of our breast cancer shirts, "Hey listen, I think you're doing great out there."

I scoffed, "Tell my dad, he doesn't seem to think so." I cursed myself for oversharing with a stranger then looked back up. He seemed bothered by that comment, but he just waved his hand in disbelief.

"Eh, I don't think he'd listen to me anyway, but listen, Natalie. Your serves are so sharp, and I can really tell you love the sport. Don't let your dad's need for a win get in the way of having fun. You have a light out there, I can see your teammates thrive on it. You have a good heart, you just gotta get out there and do your best. Not try to win, but your best. I noticed, you hesitate before you serve. You are a badass, don't hesitate. You know where it's going before they do."

I smiled, "Thank you, that means a lot, I can't believe you drove all the way from Newton for this, I know the football team missed you at Regionals."

Ripley shrugged, "Eh, there's plenty of teachers and family men that will go to any football game, but I don't see them here tonight. I have a soft spot for volleyball." He chuckled, pointing at the crowd of guys, "We, the guys at the station, we're rooting for you. We know you can do it."

"Thanks again," I smiled, shaking his hand strongly and running back out onto the court, the chirp of the whistle calling me back as I tightened my ponytail. I looked at the coach and he nodded at the others, "Natalie, you're serving."

I nodded and the whistle blew, "Come on, Natalie!" I heard my Dad yell. I looked at him as I walked to the line, but then I heard another voice.

"You got this, Natalie!" I looked over to see Captain Ripley, clapping, and the rest of the guys clapping with him.

Game mode. I took a deep breath and solidified myself on the line, this is it. Don't hesitate.

Over the line.

The first serve hit and crossed the board, and I reached up to pass back the ball as I watched it hit the ground, we got the point.High fives abound between the girls and I, we held each other in glee and I looked up and smiled as I saw Ripley standing and mouthing, 'you did it' as the rest of the guys cheered.