Just Try It

Chapter 16- A Killer Practice

Monday, February 13th 3:15pm

Lincoln School Tennis Courts

Sondra helped Moe approach her grandma before practice. Moe had been reluctant to tell his coach just how poorly he was doing, but Sondra had pointed out that he didn't want her to find out from Mr. Hannish or Ms. Brecker. Sondra didn't think the talk had gone that bad. Even though the coach had been worried about Moe and about losing one of her varsity players, she was glad that Moe was dealing with his problem and keeping her informed. Besides, she had a hint there were problems from when he had been studying at their place yesterday.

Going with Moe to talk to her grandmother, made Sondra late for her own practice. Even though she had become a master of the quick change, this wasn't how she had planned to start Susie's first day back.

The rest were already changed when she got to the locker room, but Susie and Nancy were waiting for her. Sondra quickly got out of her school uniform. Under it she had worn the spandex workout clothes she preferred for practice. She pulled on a t-shirt and quickly bent to tie her shoes as Nancy walked over.

Nancy looked around the empty locker room before she said, "I checked and found out that Malcolm really is coming back. I just don't know why you told Susie."

Sondra shrugged and suggested, "Consider it a Valentine's gift."

Nancy narrowed her eyes and hissed, "No. You have some trick up your sleeve. You act innocent, but you are actually like me. You have a plan. You don't do things without a reason."

Sondra didn't know how to reply to that, so she just shrugged and hurried out to join the rest of the team. Susie and Nancy followed her out. After that, Susie started the whole group doing laps.

Sondra tried to concentrate, but she kept thinking about Moe and how best to help him bring up his grades. She watched Moe as the laps took her around the boys' area. Once Moe saw her and he waved and smiled before he went back to playing tennis. Sondra gave a quick wave back before refocusing on her run. She didn't even realize she was smiling, and she didn't realize that others were noticing too.

Sondra sped up to catch up to Danica. When Sondra pulled even with Danice, she noticed Danica smirking at her. "What?" Sondra asked.

Danica just said, "It is about time. Eight years is a long time to wait to make your move."

Sondra blushed and protested, "It isn't like that."

With a sigh, Danica muttered, "Too bad"

Sondra didn't know what to say. One one hand it was extremely tempting to tell her supportive friend. On the other hand, Sondra actually had a plan. Moe was depending on her for once and her plan was working on its own. Admitting it out loud might mess everything up. Sondra gave a shrug of disinterest as she pointed out facts instead of her feelings, "We were friends, Danica. I'm friends with your whole family."

Danica opened her mouth to object then sighed and before looking away as she replied quietly, "Yeah, I guess so. Besides, if one of you hasn't made a move in eight years, then I guess it isn't going to happen now."

The hurt welled up inside and for a second Sondra almost thought she would start crying in the middle of tennis practice. That just wouldn't do, she firmly told herself. Even though they were going at an easy jog, Sondra let herself stumble back a step or so. She took a deep breath and reminded herself of her plan.

Just then, Hillary and Jamie sped past up to her and Danica before slowing down. Sondra was just relieved that she had gotten herself under control, but then she saw the concerned faces on Hillary and Jamie. What was wrong now, she wondered?