Invisible string (lestappen)

Chapter 21 : Charles

As I predicted it, Max and his teammate won. Putting both our teams in the final round. I do a bit of warming exercises with my brother before the game starts to give my body a bit of adrenaline. They join us quite soon, setting their equipment on the bench on the other side of the court while chatting. I can't hear what they say but I don't need to, my curiosity is already appealed by the sight of Max. His grey shorts and black t-shirt fitting him like they were made specifically for his body.

Once they're settled, they both get to the opposite side of the net for the match to start. Me and my brother shake their hands as tradition demands while wishing them good luck. My hand holds Max's a bit longer than necessary. I break the contact and shake my head. The feeling of his gaze on me was too hard to handle for any more second. I need to put myself together.

I have a fucking match to win.

•••

Nothing could've prepared me for what it was going to be. This round was without a doubt the most challenging one since the beginning. It wouldn't be a finale if it wasn't. I'm truly enjoying myself. The competitiveness makes my excitement grow. Arthur on the other hand doesn't seem very pleased with how it's going. It's a tie.

Again.

Just as we thought we were leading, they succeed in scoring multiple points in a row. I look at the small screen providing us with essential information relating to the game. Only one point left to play. We can do this. I know we can. I take the ball to serve the match point. Taking a deep breath to stay focused. I can't make any stupid mistakes now or it's over.

I lift my arm in the air in a confident move sending the ball at an impressive speed. Max manages to send it back, but not easily. Good. I'll make his life a living hell for the next few seconds. My experience in doing exactly that in karting is a significant advantage. The ball passes around at full speed from one side to the other. Neither of the teams letting the other gain the point. It goes on for what feels like an eternity until Max's friend, Josh, makes a fatal mistake. And just like that. We win.

I throw myself in my brother's arms when I realize. I haven't seen him smile that much in a while. His face lit up with happiness. He carries me up, a few centimeters above the ground. 

'We fucking did it !', he says.

'We did'

When he puts me back on the ground, I finally take the time to look at the other team. Josh is sitting on the bench with his hands on his forehead, looking as frustrated as ever. I'd probably feel the same if I was in his position so I get it. I glance towards Max. I don't know what I was expecting to see but him smiling casually at me wasn't on the list. Is he sick ?

I'm so used to seeing the scolding line on his forehead appear when he loses anything, I almost wonder if it's him. His casual energy makes me want to close the distance between us to shake him and ask if he's alright. Our eyes lock for a second but I turn to face my brother again.

Let's get this day over with.

•••

After the trophy ceremony, I took a few minutes to thank everyone and chat with a few members of the club before heading for the car. I don't want to stay any more than I need to.