Little Things

Chapter 25

Leah's POV

The air in the stadium was electric, charged with anticipation and the collective breaths of the girls and I. I found myself on the edge of my seat, my gaze locked onto the court where the final act of an incredible journey was about to unfold. There, amidst the whirl of colors and the symphony of trainers squeaking against the polished floor, were the two people who meant the world to me: Bella, the heart of her team, the captain, and my mum, the unwavering pillar of strength and strategy. Today, they weren't just players; they were gladiators stepping into an arena, ready to fight for glory.

Watching Bella play was always a revelation. The way she moved, with such grace and determination, always took my breath away. I knew how integral Bella was to this teams, I know how versatile she was a netball player. The girls however, did not. All looking confused when Bella swapped from GA to C, 'just you wait..' I said giving them a wink. She was always so focused when playing netball but today, there was an added intensity in her gaze, a sharper focus in her steps. It was hot. Today she was an athlete; a force of nature, channeling every ounce of her passion and skill into each moment. And there, matching her intensity stride for stride, was my mum, showcasing the wisdom and tenacity that had made her a legend in her own right. Together, they just clicked, they were unstoppable.

The game started at a frenetic pace, the ball moving back and forth as if it were part of a complex dance choreographed by destiny itself. With every pass, every interception, and every goal, my heart raced, mirroring the ebbs and flows of the match. I found myself caught in a tumult of emotions—pride, fear, excitement, anxiety—each one vying for dominance.

As the match progressed, the scores were neck and neck, a testament to the evenly matched teams and the high stakes of the game. Watching Bella and mum work together, seamlessly anticipating each other's moves, was like witnessing a masterclass in trust and teamwork. Their connection on the court transcended the personal; it was a bond forged in the heat of countless battles, a silent conversation of looks and gestures that spoke volumes.

The final quarter arrived with the score tied, a fitting climax to a match that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The atmosphere was thick with tension, every cheer, every gasp from the crowd amplifying the drama unfolding before us. I could see the determination etched on Bella's face, the resolve in mum's movements. They were not going to let this slip through their fingers; they were going to fight until the last whistle.

And then, the moment that would be etched in my memory forever: Bella's decisive pass, my mum's perfect positioning, the split-second of silence as the ball arced towards the goal, and the eruption of joy as it sailed through the net. Victory. The sound of the final whistle was like a release, unleashing a wave of euphoria that swept through the arena.

As the team celebrated, I found my eyes searching for my girlfriend and my mum, watching as they found each other in the sea of jubilation. The look they shared was one of mutual respect, love, and an unspoken promise of more battles to fight and win together. At that moment, my heart was so full, pride and love swelling within me until it felt like I might burst. A moment I would remember for a long time.

I couldn't wait to join them, to share in the joy of their triumph. This victory was more than just a win in a netball tournament; it was a celebration of their journey, their struggles, and the unbreakable bonds that had carried them through. As I made my way down to the court, ready to wrap them both in an embrace, I knew that this was a memory we would cherish forever, a testament to the incredible women in my life and the indomitable spirit of love and family.

As I approached the teams, my eyes locked with my mums. I huge smile taking over both of faces. 'You were incredible today mum, I'm so proud of you!' I muttered into her ear. 'The old birds still got some talent left.' Mum chuckled back. 'You and B, out there, together. GOATS!' 'She's an incredible player Leah, honestly her drive, passion, leadership skills - there's no way we could've done that without her.' Mum eyes glistened as she spoke about Bella.