Life Imitating Art, from Drama to Myself

Chapter 20: Being myself on court

That Saturday I had a good sleep-in. Luckily, I wasn't umpiring until just before lunch, a similar time to all season. When I woke up, I had about an hour to get ready and get out the door, plenty of time. I quickly checked my phone and saw a message from Ashlee wishing me luck today.

"Morning beautiful, I hope you have a great game today, both of them."

"Thanks, cutie. Iris would have liked you to umpire their game, but she knows why you can't. The other teams are really lucky."

"Thanks, it means a lot. I'm looking forward to the game."

"Hey, can you get there about 15 minutes earlier?"

"Yeah, I should be able to. I've just got to get dressed."

"Cool, come find me, I'm on court 10. I have something for you."

"OK, care to elaborate."

"You'll have to get here to find out. See you soon."

That was interesting. I was looking forward to finding out what she had. I quickly got dressed, I was in my white umpiring shirt, a white jacket that was fleece lined so it was really warm, and my black leggings, which I could wear even though it was finals. The weather was okay for early September but not very warm, it was going to be sunny though, so I made sure I packed my sunscreen and shorts.

I got to the court about 20 minutes before the game started. Ashlee was getting things ready for her game along with her mum, they both had different jobs pregame. She hugged me once I got to her court and asked me to give her a couple of minutes before she spoke to me. I had time so I said that was fine. She spoke to her team to help them get ready for the game and then sent them to warm up. "Hi Jocelyn, how are you feeling?"

"A little nervous but I'm looking forward to it. I hope I do a good job; I would like a final the next 2 weeks as well."

"You'll be great. I have something for you," she went to her bag and handed me something, "I think this will help you look the part for the game today."

I had a look at what she'd given me. It was a new black skirt, similar to my white one but the shorts were made of slightly heavier, and hopefully warmer, material.

"Thank you, this is amazing. I'll look much better in this than my leggings."

"No problem, thank my mum and your mum for it too. I discussed it with my mum, and she spoke to your mum, and they got it organised together. To be honest, I just had the honour of handing it to you," she smiled at me then said something to one of her players.

"I'll thank them too," I kissed her on the cheek. "I have to go get changed quickly, good luck."

"You too, enjoy it." I quickly thanked Ashlee's Mum, then ran to the bathroom. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait to get changed, then got to my game with more than enough time to warm up and do my pregame rolls. I did a great job, and I looked more professional than I would of in the leggings. After the game, I went to find Ashlee, who was still chatting to a couple of her players and their parents.

"How did you go?"

"We won, so we have next week off. How about you?"

"I did a good job, I was thanked by both teams' coaches, one of which said I've gotten a lot better over the year. I'm happy for you too, now it's just your game to go."

"Yes, it should be good. We're staying as there's no point in going home and coming back. Hang out with us and have lunch."

"Sure, I was hoping to do that, I want to watch your game."