Volley of Love

1

I walked out of practice and ran to the silver Honda civic. Dave sat behind the wheel. His messy brown hair stopping right above his blue eyes. He was wearing a green polo shirt and jeans.

"What's the occasion, handsome?" My boyfriend looked over at me with an award winning smile.

"Can't a guy get dressed up to pick his girl up from practice?" I threw my bag in the trunk and hopped in the passenger seat, making a face.

"Not really. It's kind of weird. It also doesn't help that it's 10pm." He laughed.

"We're going on a date. When I drop you off, you're taking a shower and getting into a pretty dress."

I saluted at him playfully. "Yes sir!"

"How was practice?"

I smiled, kicking my feet up on the dashboard. "It was great. I was able to tune-in my platform. I was telling you about how I was having issues getting my passes where I wanted to go because of the migraines, well we figured out if I switch my focus back and forth between the ball and my wrist, I am able to aim better. It's fatiguing but I'll get used to it."

I experience optical migraines that give me unpredictable blindspots and really affect my performance on the court. I was so grateful to my coach in freshman year. She was very understanding and we have been getting closer and closer to solving the problem.

I leaned my head on the window. Volleyball is my life. I've been doing it since third grade when I first fell in love.

"I'm proud of you Sofia." I glanced at him.

"Me too." I flipped my hair dramatically and he laughed.

"I'm driving. Stop distracting me."

I rolled down my window and let my hand drift in the wind.

Dave is on Embry-Riddle's Hockey team. I know, a little cliche. Volleyball girl and Hockey boy! He's one of our strongest goalies. We met Sophomore year at our end of year party. He came as a friend of a friend, but we immediately hit it off. We've been dating for 8 months!

"You didn't need to go completely silent."

"Sorry, just enjoying your company." He pulled up to my dorm and I ran out of the car. "Love you! See you in a bit!"

Love is an interesting feeling. I can't say I've ever been in love, but I've been told that when you love someone you treat them well. Dave treats me well, so I guess I love him.

I showered and pulled on a red dress and a white cropped cardigan. Perks of having short hair, includes fast drying. I opened my front door to find Dave waiting for me with a stopwatch.

"7:26! New record!"

"Yes!" I jumped and cheered. Dave wrapped his arms around me and connected our lips. I melted in his embrace. He backed up after 2 seconds and shoved a bouquet of roses in my face.

"Now let's go! We have a date!" He grabbed my hand and we ran back out to the car.

Most people learn what it means to care and sympathize with someone from those who they love. I have never understood that relationship that my classmates all have. While their lives were spent building each other up, mine was spent trying to survive.

I sat in my seat again and brushed a few fingers through my damp hair. I fluffed it until it returned to its soft and light complexion. We arrived at our favorite restaurant. I squealed.

"Dave! What is going on? Is there something special today?"

"Nope. I just felt like it." He smirked. I don't know how he managed to convince them to stay open this late. We were seated at our regular booth. Dave held my hands. "I love you Sofia. They already have dinner made so you only have to order a drink."