Doppelgänger

Chapter 2: Hello Hello

I reached home at about 5 o'clock in the evening. After my massive argument with Aislinn, I just rode around all over the place like I'm some bum with no home. I kept thinking what she had said, I’m tired of you always putting yourself in solitary confinement all the time. Be wild, have some energy for once. Forget it- its no use for me anyways. I can't just change myself overnight.

"Where were you?" I’d startled by the abrupt, ominous voice until I turned and realized that it was my mom.

"Just coming from school. Don’t worry, it wasn’t anything serious.” I assured her.

“Oh okay. You know how much your father and I love and care about you. I just wanted to know that you’re safe. That's all.” Her eyes became glossy, and for a minute there all of my thoughts about Aislinn began streaming through my mind again. I gave mom a nod and went up to my room. Now, I definitely don’t want to be around anyone. I just not in the mood for a family get together right now. I gently placed my bag at the side of my bed and grabbed my laptop to listen to some music. After a hour of jamming, I get a phone call from Drew.

“Hey...”

“Whatsup, Rhi.”

“Nothing much, just listening to music. What you doing?”

“Nothing. I got bored so I decided to call you.” I giggled.

“Oh wow Drew. Okay, well you’re not gonna believe what happen to me today!”

“What! I hope it doesn’t got anything to do with Akira.” Crap, am I that predictable?

“Yes it does. I played volleyball with her; and she beat me.”

“Seriously, I never understood that girl. She's so many things packed into one. I wouldn’t be surprised if she's a reincarnated witch.” That had me laughing for ages. Drew always knew ways to make me laugh.

“That's funny. I feel way much better now......”

“What happen.... you sick or something?” He suddenly grew his concern for me.

“Nah, I just had a little fight with Aislinn. But it's nothing serious, I promise.” I lied.

“Oh..... good-”

Rhiannon, time for dinner darling! Hurry up before it gets cold.

“Drew, I have to go. But it was nice talking to you though.”

“Oh okay, later then.” And with that, I rushed downstairs to enjoy my dinner. I’m glad Drew had called me. He really does mean well at times like these. That reminds me, I need to put my focus more on the upcoming volleyball championships on Sunday. We’re facing the Tipton Clovers. People had said that they are one of the best volleyball teams in the northeast. I’m scared because I’ve never face this big of an opponent before but I’m confident that my team will win. We’ve been working our butts off since the beginning of the school year, so I doubt we’re going to lose.

                                                                  ~

I got up to do my morning stretches before I got ready for the day. My mom woke up early this morning to whip me up some breakfast and got Malik dressed. When I was almost done fixing myself up, I was surprised that Malik hadn’t do anything to me or my things. Today must be my lucky day! I grabbed my duffel bag, two bottles of water and left the house. Dad's off today, but decided to stay home, saying he’ll heard the news when we come back. Sometimes I don’t like his attitude, it's like all he cares about is his dumb job. He even pays more attention to Malik than me and he's adopted. Adopted, I tell ya. At least Mom isn’t that bad. I hopped into the van(My mom owns a 2010 Honda Odyssey) and drove to the tournament. There wasn’t much traffic on the road since it was Sunday, but I wished there was some to at least add some flavor to this April Sunday. When we arrived, the place was packed like I was attending a parade. The girls were feisty and were ready to face and duel one another. Now, I feel the pressure; it's getting closer now. “Don’t worry, you’re going to do great Rhiannon. I know it.” Mom said while putting her hand on my left shoulder. I felt more relieved, now that she's rooting for me. “Yeah, Rhiannon. Go kick those girls’ butts!” That was the joke of the century. Sometimes, I forget how much I really like this kid. It's always hidden by my anger and temper tantrums at his foolish acts.

Alright, ladies and gentlemen. We’re now beginning the fifth Regional Volleyball Championships. First up is the West Bloomingdale Blue Jays versus the Poland High Crimsons.

The two first teams emerge onto the floor with the game starting with the Blue Jays getting the first serve. The game was very interesting; I’ve never seen girls’ so serious playing the game before. Sometimes, I would find myself root for one team but as soon as they start losing, I went over to the next. I couldn’t make up my mind; they’re both really good teams. At the end, it was the Blue Jays that had won. A few other teams were called up, resulting in some wins and loses. Eventually, it was my turn to show the crowd what my team has in store for them.

Now, for the final round; Here is the Roman Heitts Jaguars versus the Tipton Clovers.

The crowd roared when we came on the floor. I suddenly felt butterflies emerging inside my stomach. I've never felt this nervous before even though I was quite calm a while ago. If we win this, I will be so relieve. The game start with the Clovers serving the ball first. We return the serve and eventually, it was back and forth dance with it going over the net. There were times where we messed up (well I mess up) and at the end, they were leading by three points. It's now the last two minutes of the game. My side as well as the Clovers was working our butts off to get the win. It's like a fight to the finish for the gold. This is what makes my adrenaline run to its ultimate high.

Ten seconds are left in this round. The Jaguars could get the win in this game. If they don't slip up; they can be our new champions.

Oh no, this is what I was afraid of the most. One girl with blonde hair served the ball to our side. Dawn return it, followed by a brunette striking it back towards Avril. Three seconds left, I have to make sure that we don't miss. I stood behind her so that if she did, I can spike the ball and get the win. But everything came crashing down...... My vision became blurry and everything around me is going sluggish. The crowd no longer chants in exuberance but in horror. I search the floor but everyone seems to be in perfect condition. But they running hastily; where are they  heading to? I lay there in dismay, my head clashing with an abrupt pain. There, I realize that I wasn't actually going crazy with what I was seeing but I've been seriously hurt and if my presumptions are right then that means that we lost the game; but how? It all happen in a blur; so quick it could've almost been painless......