The Desire's Game | C.C

Chapter 19

"You know how to ball, I know Aristotle."

Caitlin's POV

The morning sun filtered through the thin airplane windows, casting a soft glow on the team as we settled into our seats. It was the day of our much-anticipated game in Indiana, and the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and nervous energy. The hum of the engines provided a steady background noise, almost lulling us into a state of calm, but the chatter among teammates kept the mood lively.

Jada, ever the instigator of fun, leaned over and nudged me. "Cait, who would you not let your daughter date on the team?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Without missing a beat, I replied, "Kate."

Kate, who was sitting a row ahead, turned around with an incredulous look. "What the fuck, Cait," she exclaimed, though her tone was more amused than offended.

I laughed, holding up my hands in mock defense. "You have girls swooning over you all the time," I said, still chuckling.

"Says you," Kate shot back, a playful smirk on her face.

"Better not," I heard Raven mutter from beside me. I glanced at her and smiled, finding her protectiveness endearing.

"What?" Raven asked innocently, her eyes wide as if she hadn't just spoken her mind.

I shook my head, still smiling. The dynamic within the team was something special. We were more than just teammates; we were a family, each of us playing a unique role in this tight-knit group.

As the plane continued its journey, Coach Bluder stood up and clapped her hands to get our attention. "Okay, girls, let's have a good game and kick some Indiana ass!" she shouted.

A chorus of cheers erupted from the team, our collective voices blending into a harmonious roar. Coach Bluder waved her hands to calm us down, though a pleased smile played on her lips.

"Okay, I heard somebody might be close to breaking a record," Bluder announced, her eyes scanning the group. Instantly, all eyes turned to me.

"Guys, she didn't say me," I protested, rubbing the back of my neck shyly as laughter rippled through the team.

Despite my modesty, I knew they were right. This game could be the one where I made history, and the thought both excited and terrified me. The weight of their expectations, combined with my own, was heavy, but it was a burden I was willing to bear for them.

The rest of the flight was spent in a mix of light-hearted banter and quiet reflection. Some of us reviewed game strategies, while others caught a few precious moments of sleep. I found myself staring out the window, the vast expanse of clouds beneath us a reminder of the journey we were on—not just this flight, but the entire season.

The flight didn't take long, and we quickly landed. As the plane taxied to the gate, I peered out the window, catching sight of a familiar skyline. The excitement bubbled up inside me, not just for the game, but for the reception I knew awaited. As we deplaned, the roar of the crowd hit us even before we stepped foot into the terminal. Tons of fans were at the airport, countless voices screaming my name.

The energy was electric, and I couldn't help but smile. My team and I moved towards the throng of people, their enthusiasm contagious. I took time to take photos and sign things for them, appreciating every single fan who had shown up. This was as much their journey as it was mine. After a good while, it was time to head off to the stadium, and with a final wave, we made our way to the waiting vehicles.