A Volleyball Story

Chapter 42

"The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday." 

-Anonymous

Kaelee.

My dad had the nerve to try and call and apologize that he went MIA during the tournament. But do you want to know what the worst part of it was? He had one of his assistants call me and tell me that. Not even my dad himself! 

Not being able to sleep any longer, I looked at the clock which read, 5:10 AM. After putting on my volleyball gear, I silently slipped out of my room without waking up the other girls. 

Maybe a walk by myself would clear my mind, if that. 

"Kaelee?" I heard a familiar voice ask. 

I turned around and saw Coach June there.

"Oh, hey coach." I mumbled. 

"Couldn't sleep?" 

"Something like that."

"Are you okay?" she started walking closer to me. I didn't really answer. I didn't know how to. I never really got this concern from anyone before. "I'll take that as a no." she laughed a little trying to lighten up the mood. 

"I'm not quite sure." I finally said. 

"Why don't we sit down." she said, coincidently there was a bench right by us. "What's on your mind?"

"A lot. I don't know where to start." I said looking down at my hands which I was twiddling together. 

"The beginning is usually the best part." she smiled which made me smile back. 

"I was seven years old when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Three years. She was here for three years and then the cancer got so strong that she couldn't fight it anymore and she died when I was ten. 

"I could tell it nearly killed my dad during the years she was fighting chemo. And when she finally passed, he started drinking, was majorly depressed and even hired a nanny to take care of me. A nanny for crying out loud! He couldn't take care of me because he let my moms death get to him. 

"So growing up, my nanny was the one taking care of me while my dad was basically neglecting me. Every time he never showed up when he said he would he would buy me something new. He would tell me he was so sorry and would be there for me the next time. 

"After the first couple times I knew that this was going to be an ongoing occurance with him so I never got my hopes up when it came to him. When I reached high school my dad started bringing women home who could I could practically go to school with.

"I can't believe that he would go to such a low level. Then when it was the tournament he had the nerve to bring some girl who could practically be my sister and announce that she was engaged to my dad. And not too long after we started playing he left! He left!" at that moment I just broke down and started sobbing. I guess all my emotions and feelings that I've been holding in, talking about it all, it's all coming out. 

That's when I felt coach wrap her arms around me and just held me there. I've never felt this affection since I had Maria watching over me. Coach never said anything, just held me there and slowly rocked me back and forth. 

After what seemed like hours which probably was only a few minutes I lifted up from the hug and tried to smile at her. "Thank you." 

"It's my pleasure. Kaelee, it's okay to feel all these emotions. It's what makes us human. It also doesn't mean what your father did is right, he's just lost, was lost, and as much as he may be absent, you are the only one that can open up his eyes. Show him that the way he's been acting the past seven years was not acceptable."

"But how?"

That's when coach took out a neckless that was tucked in her shirt and held it up so I could see it. It was a silver heart, and was absolutely gorgeous. "This was my mothers. She too was diagnosed with cancer. I was twelve at the time, so I was older than you, but I know that I've felt the same pain as you did. 

"My mom was only in chemo for about a year. We didn't catch it in time so it spread throughout her body faster and the doctors couldn't do much. It was like she was a time bomb. My dad had done the same thing with you but became more physical with me so I had to stay with my grandparents. 

"It wasn't long before my dad had gotten in a car accident. He had a DUI and died on impact. My grandparents ended up raising me. I know our situations are both similar and different, and you have a chance to be there for your dad. I couldn't and missed that opportunity. 

"You have to show him what he's missing. Soon you'll be of age, and I'm sure you'll move away for college and could lose you that way. I know you can do it Kaelee. You have so much passion and love."

I didn't know what to do so I hugged her. I hugged her tight. "Thank you so much." I smiled. 

"No problem sweetie. I know you had a rocky start here at camp, but I can tell you are changing for the better." she smiled again at me. "Look at the time." she said looking at her watch. "We better head to the gym. It's volleyball time." she laughed. 

As we both made our way to the gym I felt like the weight on my shoulders were lifted and felt so much better. Everything coach said was right. I still had my dad and I have to get him to realize all the things that he has done wrong. He still is my dad and I can't abandon him.

Okay, so that was a short chapter, but thanks @swim_chick16 for the idea to tell more about Kaelee's story. Now you know a little more about her situation. Can't judge a book by its cover even if they are a total jerk face, we all have a story.

I'll probably be writing more now that it is winter break and term doesn't start till January. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Can you guess what is going to happen later on??

If you have any quotes that you love, I would like to hear them! So drop them in the comments, and your quote could be featured on the next chapter, along with a chapter dedication!! 

Tell me what you think my lovely readers! 

VOTE. FAN. COMMENT. 

Love Always, 

<3 Lost Finding Myself