Lion's Gift

Chapter 13

I win all the matches that I am in, while Caspian has less wins than me but more than Belle.

"Okay," I call out for their attention after Caspian loses to Belle for their final round, "You and Caspian against me, new game. Let's go!" We've already been playing for about an hour, and its half past eight in the morning now. I check my phone. A text from mom.

Mom: dad and I'll be late today

I send a thumbs up and turn my focus back to the game. I took off my sandals long ago and the sand sifts through my toes. A slight sheen of sweat covers my body while Caspian and Belle are almost drenched in it.

We start the game, me against Belle and Caspian. Caspian serves overhand and I put my hands together and hit it back towards Belle with a powerful but controlled move. Belle hits it to Caspian and he slaps it just over the net, but I was already expecting this move from their body language.

I quickly positioned myself in front of the net in a blur of speed, just in time to hit the ball over the net. I put slightly too much power into the move, so the ball goes to the very edge of their court, but not past the boundary.

Belle reaches for the ball, but it soars out of her reach. At the last moment, Caspian hits it over the net, towards me. I hit the ball at a very precise angle and with just enough strength to send it flying vertically in the air and landing right before the other side of the net while Caspian and Belle stand at the far side.

I give a jump in joy while Belle bends over, her hands on her knees, and Caspian forms a tired grin on his face.

He runs and gets the ball while Belle recovers herself and I take a swig of lemonade.

"Let-let's take a break," Belle says, catching her breath. I nod and we sit together on the chairs. I look at my skin to make sure it's not sunburned. Because of my odd skin color, I do tan, but not very easily, and I usually sunburn, but it's not as bad as if it would be if I had an even paler complexion.

I look at Belle and see her with the expression on her face that says she wants answers.

"So, Vee, what happened with Noah yesterday?" Belle begins the inquisition, just when Caspian appears.

"Wait, what happened with Noah?" Caspian asks. Belle quickly explains how she saw me "beating him up".

He just stares at me until he gives me a high five, making Belle giggle.

"What happened was we were doing a one-on-one celebratory soccer match, and he had the audacity to touch me underneath my clothing, on my hip and run his filthy hands through my hair. After that, I simply punched him a couple of times to let him know I mean business," I finish, putting a fist in my hands.

"I don't doubt you could beat him senseless if you wanted to," Caspian says, smirking.

"Yeah, I've been sparring for a long time," I say, leeching the emotion out of my voice. Revealing my past and my decisions is something I intend not to do. I am lounging on the blue beach chair, my long legs crossed. I cross my arms in front of my chest, my sunglasses on and covering a lot of my face.

"I have a great idea!" Belle calls out, excited, "Since Caspian has been training a little, you two should have a go at each other! It'll be a great way to kill some time, too," After some thought, Caspian speaks.

"Yeah, I agree. I want to see if you are as good as you say, Vivienne," Caspian declares.

"Caspian, I don't doubt you have some finesse, but I don't think you would want to try me," I say, warning him subtly before he does something he'll regret.