Fight To Love You Freen&Becky

THE Becky Armstrong

What can I say about myself? I'm enjoying life. I'm in my second year of high school, about to turn 16, and I'm determined to make the most of these last two years before the real world comes knocking. With my love for sports and years of training in different martial arts, I'm no stranger to challenges. I thrive on pushing my limits, whether it's on the field or in the dojo.

If only I knew...

It's mid-September, and the crisp autumn air is already starting to settle in. The leaves are turning shades of gold and red, and there's a chill in the breeze that carries the scent of freshly baked pastries from our family bakery. I'm rushing to grab a quick bite before heading to school. My family consists of four: me, my brother, and my parents. We lead a comfortable life, managing a family bakery and a small Airbnb next to our house. We're not wealthy, but we have everything we need and more than many.

The sky is overcast today, a blanket of grey clouds suggesting that rain might be on the horizon. The cool weather makes the short bike ride to school refreshing. In just 8-10 minutes, I'm parking my bike in the rack outside the school and taking in the familiar sight of the building. The school is an old brick structure with ivy creeping up its walls and tall windows that let in plenty of light. The main entrance has a large wooden door, always slightly ajar, as if welcoming students and teachers alike.

As I lock up my bike, I spot my friends waiting out front, their faces lit up with smiles and the anticipation of a new school day.

"Hey girl, are you always this energetic in the morning? It's kind of annoying," Emy teases, her usual playful jab. She's wearing a cosy sweater with a bright scarf, and her hair is tied up in a messy bun.

"Hey everyone," I reply, hugging Emy and Annie. Annie, our other best friend, is wearing a patterned jacket and has her hair neatly braided. Together, the three of us form an inseparable trio, and the hallway always seems brighter when we're together.

"Seriously, BecBec, what's your secret? Are you a vampire or a werewolf? What's your deal? Or maybe you're a robot? Just tell me so I can mentally prepare myself, and maybe my parents will stop comparing me to you whenever I mess up."

"Cut it out, Emy. You're sounding like a jealous nutcase," Annie interjects as we head inside, the warmth of the building a relief from the chill outside.

We walk through the halls, lined with lockers that are covered in colourful stickers and posters of various school events. The scent of old books and freshly waxed floors fills the air. We settle into our seats in the classroom, the chatter of other students creating a lively backdrop.

"I'm not jealous! I just need to know what kind of perfume you use that makes everyone flock to you. Come on, princess BecBec, spill it."

"Alright, alright, I'll tell you, but it's a secret," I say, leaning in close to Emy, who's watching me with wide, eager eyes. "I'm a vampire. I suck your blood every night and make you forget, so I wake up all energised and you're tired."

"I knew it! I knew it!" Emy exclaims loudly, just as the teacher walks in.

"What's this commotion, Emy? Care to share with the class?" the teacher asks, her gaze sweeping across the room.

"Nothing, nothing at all," Emy mumbles, sinking down into her seat, her face flushed.

"Then sit down, because I have an important announcement," the teacher says, her attention shifting to me. I brace myself, anticipating something unpleasant.

"Starting tomorrow is the national volleyball championship between high schools," the teacher announces.

The classroom erupts in cheers and excitement. I would have joined in, but the teacher's gaze is still fixed on me. I can feel the weight of her expectation.

"So, Becky, you need to form the team for our school," the teacher says, and the room falls silent. The air feels charged with anticipation and pressure.

"Me? Why?" I ask, bewildered, as everyone's eyes turn to me with a mix of excitement and concern. "Why not ask one of the boys?"

"Oh, right, I forgot. It's a girls' competition. After a lengthy discussion, my colleagues and I have decided you're the best candidate for team captain. You need to select eight players to represent our school."

"No way. I'm not doing it," I say firmly, meeting her gaze. I can't understand why everyone's reactions are so mixed.

"What? Why not?"

"Because you just said the games start tomorrow, and we don't even have a team or any practice. I'm not going to embarrass myself, the school, and my teammates by participating in a game we're likely to lose."

"First, you don't know that. Second, you have the entire day to form a team and practice. More importantly, I'M NOT ASKING YOU, I'M TELLING YOU WHAT TO DO. DO NOT LOOK ME IN THE EYE AND BE DISOBEDIENT, UNDERSTOOD?" She finishes with a commanding tone, standing just inches from my face.

"Yes, miss," I reply, struggling to hold back tears.

"Good. Now head to the gym. The coach is waiting for you. You and the future team are excused from classes today and tomorrow, and possibly until the end of the tournament. We need to win this. DID YOU HEAR ME, ARMSTRONG? WE NEED TO WIN."

I nod and hurry out of the classroom, making my way to the gym. The gymnasium is a large space with high ceilings and wooden bleachers lining the sides. The smell of gym mats and polished wood fills the air. I'm overwhelmed, knowing I have to pull together a team in record time. I duck into the washroom, fighting back tears. The echo of my sobs against the tiled walls is a stark contrast to the excitement I felt earlier.

After a few moments of crying, I compose myself and look in the mirror.

"You're okay. You've got this. Just do what you always do. You can handle this. I believe in you. Go."

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Hi dear reader, 

I hope you will enjoy reading this story,

Thank you for being here :)