As Far As Cousins Go... Volume One Secrets of the Heart

Chapter 1

As Far as Cousins Go…

Secrets of the Heart

Chapter 1

            Come on, come on. Give it to me! Yes! Push it farther, use your legs. That’s the spot! Again! Faster! Yes! Perfection.

            The Provo High gym was cool however, Arielle Serafin was burning up. Beads of perspiration were spread across her brow. Her golden hair was pulled up in a high ponytail. Adrenaline flowed through her veins. She was focused, anticipating for anything to happen. She felt as though she could do anything. The florescent lights beat down on her as the play before her went in slow motion. She got the ball in her hand, her finger tips caressed it lightly before letting go, pushing it to the farthest reaches of the net. The ball floated, gracefully, perfectly. Then the play sped up as Faye aggressively approached the net, her feet leaving the ground and slammed the ball down the line. Coach Melissa Hunter then whistled for the team with her fingers and Arielle broke out of her trance.

            Faye smiled at Arielle warmly, pleased. Arielle was proud of herself. She had achieved perfection, greatness. Her hard work had finally paid off however; Delancey was not impressed by her performance. Her brown beady eyes glared at Arielle as if wishing sudden death upon her as she pranced past adjusting her shiny brown bun until Coach Ranagi strode past with his toothy grin.

“Ignore her twin. She just wants a reaction.” Faye said maturely.

“You’re right.” Arielle said grudgingly frustrated staring down Delancey as they walked by the bleachers.

“Don’t worry. You have nothing to lose.” She smiled encourage.

Except everything I’ve worked for.

Her words were about to trickle off her tongue as Emily started to write the rest of the week’s schedule on the board, erasing the daily drills, but keeping the attendance, Faye’s and Arielle’s names sprawled across the top, and the rotations that worked. Ranagi stood beside her, hands behind his back, a foot over Emily, his brown eyes focused on the board.

The fireworks fundraiser; the yearly tradition. Her final one and she would miss it. Four weeks’ worth of practices with the coaches. Missing every single one after not missing for the long four years of high school. A small part of her was mad at herself for that; she hoped Greece was worth it.

“Captains.” Emily called seriously. Arielle and Faye then had the floor, giving out the firework schedule, and then they had the final cheer.

 “I’m surprised Emily took it so well. Four weeks? How did you get away with it Arielle?” Delancey asked with fake curiosity and a smile to go with it.

Probably the same way you got away with it sophomore year bitch.

“I’m just special I guess.” She shrugged smiling.

“Never missed a practice. What will I do without you twin?” Delancey rolled her eyes and walked off as Faye took Arielle’s side.

“I hate her.”

“I know… but look at it this way. Four weeks without her snobby nose in the air. Then only three months with her.

“Five days a week.  All day.”

“Man up.” She said taking a seat next to her bag on the floor.

Arielle sighed taking a seat beside her, taking her gear off. The rivalry was no secret, not even to the coaches. What they saw as a ‘healthy competition’ the rest of the team saw drama, being ripped apart and fights, the coaches couldn’t see how nasty it had gotten.