Bound: Eyeless Jack Story

terrors of the night /2/

TWO | maya

I sprint forward, angling my body and my racket above me as I slam the ball into my opponents court. The girl completely misses the ball as it whizzes past her, and it lands square in the back corner.

The second I see her expression fall, I knew I won the final set. Relief courses throughout my body and I allow myself an attempt to breathe normally for once.

"Good game," I say, quickly wiping my sweaty hands on my skirt before firmly shaking hers. "Good luck on the rest of your season!"

"Thanks, you too."

6-0, 6-1. My second varsity game was a success, other than my coach bitching me out for being on the incorrect side whenever I got frustrated. I'm slightly disappointed I didn't get a golden set, but it's better than losing I guess.

"That game was incredible," the opponents coach exclaims as I walk off the courts. "Thank you for putting up some good matches there." She outstretches her hand in my direction.

"Thank you," I say, taking her hand and shaking it.

My coach heads over to my side, handing me the girls varsity book to record today's score and experience for oncoming years. "You played well today. I'm impressed. However, you do need to make sure you're staying consistent and remaining on the CORRECT side each match. You get jumbled when you're stressed out and it's rather noticeable."

"Thank you," I say, grabbing the book and the pen from him. "I'll do my best and make sure I try and remember next time."

I sit down on some bleachers, moving my feet and wriggling my toes for further comfort. My score for each set goes down first, then any comments I have about my opponent comes after. I recall that the girl was left handed and she couldn't return short balls very well. Her attitude was pretty positive, I didn't really find myself thinking she was rude or anything. Didn't know the exact score at some times, had to help her out. She was the same grade as me, senior. Once I believe that I'm satisfied with what I wrote, I close the book and set it in a good spot on top of the bleachers. I gather all my things up and head to the bathroom to freshen up and get changed.

It's at least 90 degrees outside and I know for a fact my back is doused in sweat right now.

Funny, because I'm the little dainty girl on my team that never sweats regardless of what we do.

-

"As a part of courtesy and respect, we believe in shaking hands and wishing luck to the other teams. Now please line up in front of eachother, and shake hands one by one. Thank you."

We all line up, and as I glance at most of them, I couldn't help but notice that I was the only one not in some type of sport clothing. Needless to say, I felt pretty awkward right then and there.

When the girls started to approach me, I put on the best smile I could. I didn't exactly know what to say when the compliments started rolling in.

"Girl I love your mom jeans! Your outfit is cute."

"Oh, well thank you haha!"

"I LOVE those jeans dude."

My cheeks flared.

"Cute jeans!"

Once my hand pulled away from the final shake, my gaze dropped to the ground. My long hair feathers over my face to hide my embarrassment, me not knowing how to react to a situation like that. I bring my finger up beside my ear and tuck a loose strand in. Sports sometimes definitely create a whole new environment for introverted people. I've been playing tennis for four years now, but this year was different. Becoming varsity changed a lot of my perspectives on things. I was overall a happier person. I'd say I've came a long way now.