It Starts with Love

Chapter 2 - Champions

A/N: Hey, guys! I'm really happy about how the first chapter went. Not a lot read it but I'm legit just so pleased that a few did. I'm trying to work out a posting schedule. I'm on break right now so I've got a lot of time on my hands so I'll probably be posting every few days. If not, I'll do my best to post every Monday. Thanks everyone! :)

    Sitting alone in the locker room, Taliana struggled to keep herself calm. The final was starting in a few minutes and the closer it got to the match, the more nervous she became. Her breaths were quick and shallow, as if she'd just run a marathon.

    Her uncle placed his hands on her shoulders to reassure her. "Talia, dear, you have to trust yourself. Trust your instinct," James said.

    "I don't want to choke," Taliana whispered. Over the years, the pressure still sometimes gets the best of her.

    "Then don't. You're the only one who can make sure you won't choke. You know you're ready for this. You worked hard. Now relax and trust that you can win a championship."

    Taliana met her uncle's eyes and saw how sure he was of his words. He believed in her. How could she not believe in herself now?

    "Talia, just do your best. You love tennis. This is what you've always dreamed of. Go out there and enjoy. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You choked before but so what? You've got another chance to win a title, take it," he continued. "Win or lose, though, you'll still be our Degs."

    Finally, Taliana smiled, albeit a little forced but a smile nonetheless. She'd always been fond of the moniker that her fans have given her. Remembering her fans gave Taliana the last push she needed. She grabbed her tennis bag and stood up.

    "Let's go win that championship," Taliana declared.

    "Good girl. I'll be in your box," her coach/uncle said. "Just have fun, honey."

    Taliana nodded. And then she was alone. After a few deep breaths, she exited the locker room.

    The cheering of the crowd could probably be heard even from miles away. It must have been a big crowd. Taliana tried not to dwell on this as the announcer called her name out. Entering the court, she kept her head down. Until it was absolutely necessary, she didn't want to see the size of the crowd.

    After a few minutes of on-court warmup, the match was starting. Kiki Bertens had won the coin toss and asked to serve first. They both walked to their respective courts. Taliana watched as Bertens chose the newest balls and started sending back two balls she rejected.

    Bertens' first serve was called a fault. Letting out a deep breath, Taliana straightened up, jumping up and down a bit before finally crouching down again. She easily received the second serve with a poorly timed backhand slice, wincing a little. It really wasn't her best shot and she paid for it when Bertens hit a quick forehand. Cursing in Filipino under her breath, Taliana got back into position.

    Lining up another serve, Bertens was starting to pull away in the first set. Bertens was on fire in the first set and Taliana found herself on the receiving end of several powerful serves that she couldn't return well. It took Taliana a while before she started to move better on the court. After losing the first set, six games to four, she began playing with a vengeance. Losing wasn't an option, especially not losing in straight sets. She was up five games to love and well on her way to bagelling her opponent.

    Taliana made quick work of the second set. She hit forehand after forehand with so much power. Her effort paid off. She won the set six games to love. Taliana knew the momentum was on her side and she could easily win that championship, all she had to do was keep her head in the game.