My Motivation

4

Unfortunately, their second game didn't go as well as the one from the previous day. Nicole's team was competing at a Colorado university against a team that was 'revamped' as one could say. They had played them before and won during previous years' games, but they had recently got a new coach and new, stronger players. It was incredible the progress they made in a year, being worthy opponents on the court.

However, alongside their opponent's skillset, an unfortunate injury devastated the Devils. Nicole and and one of her teammates made an attempt to block a spike by their opponent's best attacker. To their dismay, the attacker aimed for the outer edge of the block, causing it to ricochet off Nicole's ring finger and pinky, and out of bounds for the point. Nicole flinched, shaking her hand to ease the pain. Her finger began to discolor, and she knew something was wrong.

Calling over first aid, she lightly jogged to meet them halfway so that she was off of the court. The ref called a temporary pause for Nicole to get her injury checked out before she went back on the court.

"It's not broken, which is good." The paramedic began. But Nicole knew there was something else coming. Her coach stood next to her, worried about his star player. "But this does look like a nasty sprain. You're going to have to ice this and sit out for the game so you don't injure yourself further."

Shit. Nicole cursed mentally. Their opponents were strong, much stronger than they had expected, and she wanted to be there on the court to assist her team as much as possible. With this, she couldn't help at all.

"You heard that, Haught. Sit down and heal up. You did well." Her coach told her. He turned to the stands to call his next order. "Hills! You're up for Haught!"

With a frown, Nicole took the icepack from the paramedic and sat down, watching Hills run onto the court. With her spot filled, the game could continue.

Her team did what they could. They fought long and hard for the top, but they just barely missed it. While taking a loss was disappointing, as it is to everyone, she was still proud of her team for holding their ground and maintaining their composure throughout the tough match. It was nice to discover another team that they could look forward to play against in the future.

It was beginning to get late and everyone was exhausted from the game. The decision was unanimous when it came to returning to their hotel and resting for the night for their flight the next day.

When she arrived to her assigned hotel room, Nicole was upset that her finger was still swollen. She couldn't help but feel a bit bitter at the injury, it being on her dominant hand that she used for serves and spikes. When the game ended, the paramedic returned, telling her she couldn't play for at least a week. She wasn't even allowed to practice. Wanting to get the day over with, Nicole quickly showered and brushed her teeth, getting ready for bed.

The hotel room was shared with another one of her teammates, but she was the same as Nicole; tired and just wanting sleep. It was expected, though, as they had two relatively difficult games in the span of two days. It took a lot from them.

Nicole hopped into bed, pulling out her phone for the first time since before the game. Much to her surprise, Waverly had sent her a few texts. Nicole unlocked her phone to see what the cheerleader had sent her.

Nicole! (6:46 pm)

I'm watching your game right now! Is your hand alright?? (6:47 pm)

Nicole smiled a bit, seeing Waverly's concern for her.

Yeah. It's nothing too bad. I can't play for a week though :( (8:33 pm)

Nicole shut her phone off, not expecting a response from Waverly. She knew Waverly juggled work with school and was often busy. Nicole set an alarm on her phone for tomorrow. She couldn't wait for it to come. Tomorrow meant a flight back to California, returning to Waverly.  The thought of seeing Waverly again made her eager for day to come. She was curious of what Waverly had to say to her, as she had mentioned on the phone the other day. She let her thoughts consume her as she shut her eyes, drifting off to sleep.