e n d t a p e s

F I F T E E N

"Distance, timing, break down, fighting, silence, this train runs off its tracks. Kiss me try to fix it, could you just try to listen? Hang up, give up, for the life of us we can't get back,"

- Sad Beautiful Tragic; Taylor Swift.

°°°

The tournament is couple days ahead and we all are having the last-minute practice before rest out and then, the match. My tournament is as same as Luke's-so I won't be able to see Carl, Nate and the others. As the captain of volleyball team, I have to make sure that all of my teammates are ready for the match. After practice, I said goodbye to all of my teammates and drove home.

Rosie was sitting in the living room watching Netflix. Her belly is round and big enough to see that it almost time for her delivery. I joined her and mom joined us a few minutes later. Rosie seems strong and watching her belly; makes my scalp prickles-how can she carries that belly for nine months?

"Are you coming to my tournament?" I asked.

"Yeah, of course," mom said.

"Good, I'm asking because I want to reserve place for you guys," I said.

"Good, it has been a long time I didn't watch you play," Rosie said, smiled.

"Then you will," I said, winked.

Usually, a few days before tournament, Luke and I always send each other some supportive quotes and make a joke about how our opponent will look like when they all lose. I stared at my phone and yet, there's no text from him. Even if it has been twelve days.

•••

L U K E

It is just a couple days before the tournament and we need to get ourselves prepared for the battle. After practice, I took a shower in the locker room. I changed into my shirt and jeans and packed all of my things before drive home. Nate came inside with Carl and greeted me.

"Nice put on show today, captain," Carl said and I smiled.

"Have a rest for two days before the tournament," I said and they both nodded. I stared at my phone and yet there's no text from Elle. I sighed and zipped my bag.

"Text her," Nate said.

"Text who?" I asked.

"Ellie."

We used to text each other some supportive quotes before each tournament and since the dance night, we didn't talk and she disappeared for home-schooling-avoiding herself from seeing me in school.

"She's still mad," I said.

"She never mad at you. She just can't forgive herself. Give her time. Text her," Nate said.

"What if she didn't reply?" I asked.

"She will. Trust me,"

Nate said and Carl nodded in agreement. I fished out my phone and texted Elle.

Hi.

Nate perked his head at my phone screen and stared at me in disbelief.

"You're such a fuck up guy, Lucas."

•••

E L L E

I took shower and changed into sweatshirt and shorts when I heard beep sound from my phone. I lazily fished my phone from the bedside table and squealed. Message from Luke.