Just Another High School Story!

On the other side of the court, Ethan was doing his best not to smack the shit out of the guys that were talking, he was giving the girls on his court a pleading look, as if asking to make them stop the guys, if he did something violent right now, the coach would not just be disappointed but the whole bunch watching them eagerly would... especially, this was Leah's first game after she was back, she had not just gotten prettier, she looked like she was better, so even though he did not, would not, admit it, he was happy for her, he wanted this to be the best game she ever played, but that was a bit hard, ever since morning, he had heard guys talk about her, she was famous before for her mind but after her popularity shot up because of her novel, everyone was trying to get close to her, right now, the guys were talking about how hot she looked in that uniform, and how refreshing, the exact words need not be written, for one's imagination suggests conversations that must have taken place in such situations easily, although, one thing can be written easily, they were saying what is always said when people want to pass time. Leah had not thought about her novel being popular in school, their principal had welcomed her and helped her out with the promotions, he'd taken care of defamation, he had encouraged her throughout, like he said he would, she was dumbstruck by kids coming up to her, and saying things like, "Your novel changed my life!" She had never expected this, to be so big, not because of money but because of her services, she was now truly popular in her own heart, because she was shining for an achievement she was proud of, a light that radiated out of her tirelessly, one that she would not get tired of, she was being teased by her friends, who said, in passing, Leah's going got be this big-ass writer, and she will forget us, at that time, she smiled politely, obviously unaware of what the future beheld.

Mia was luckily on the other team, and she shut the guys up by saying, "She does look hot but not for you to ogle at her!" They gave her a cross look, and became serious, they could talk later. Ever since they'd broken up, guys texted E things like, "What's up, man? I know you have her number, now that she's off market, give it!" He had changed his phone number altogether, too many guys were after his ex-girlfriend, although, she had been eye catching before, she was always amidst a known crowd, guys he knew, he'd met, now there were creeps from other schools looking at her, this infuriated him, though he didn't want it to.

"Love All!", the coach shouted and whittled, they started, everyone in position with Leah ready to do the first serve, she threw the ball in position for her to do a... basically, a Smash-serve, you throw the ball up, over head, and slap it hard, instead of using you fist to make it fly, it is faster that way, more furious, after serving, and the serve went through beautifully, she landed right on her centre spot, her lovely team hadn't failed in keeping their promise, and she wouldn't either, when it came to leading. She was a true leader, good enough to lead them now.

The first ball went to Mia, she passed it to Brad who then passed it to Ethan, the game started off on a light food, everyone was playing to extend the first rally, the ball came towards Mindy, instead of playing it, she dodged and Leah ran to save the ball, as she did, Mindy tripped her, the ball fell, and hence the first rally was wasted. It was a rule that the VB teams had made without asking the coach, one that they did not think would ever be broken, you would make sure the first rally lasted for about 60 maximum passes, it wasn't just long that way, it was a sign of loyalty between the teams, when Leah fell, she scraped her knees, Ethan's first instinct was to go right to her, and ask whether she was okay or not, he resented the fact that Mindy had made Leah fall intentionally, he saw her putting her foot out, but he realised with utter pain, Leah wasn't his to protect anymore, Mindy was, or at least, he still wanted Leah to think so, to know that he had moved on too, that she wasn't someone special. He could only clench his fists, and act like he did not care. Leah was not one to make a fuss, but when you fall on the field, it always hurts, she got up and told Mindy to be careful, and move out of the way if she can't take a shot, or call, she reminded them to call out, either "Leave", or usually yell the name of the player who is expected to play, she had forgotten the habit, there were consequences to that. But she couldn't get disheartened in the first rally, this was just the beginning, she was going to do her best to become a national player, she loved this sport and on top of that, after being away from it for so long, she finally realised that she loved it too much, she wanted to play no matter what she did in the future, she got ready to receive the serve as Ethan's team scored points first. The game continued for a while, and finally, the first smash was coming, Ethan had an opportunity, he leapt up, and smashed the ball, the ball was coming towards Leah, she played it well and the set the ball up for another smash, Xin who was playing on her team, gleefully leapt up and smashed it, the ball went to the other court and just as everyone expected the ball to fall, Mia beautifully dove to receive it, another pass, God this was so exciting, the rally continued, and so did the smashes, finally, Leah's first smash was coming, Xin set her up, she jumped up, and smashed, as she landed swiftly, her eyes on the ball, she was satisfied to see it fall on the other side. She'd successfully earned points for her team, but what was more gratifying was that she had not lost her talent, she had practiced smashing the hardest before she fell ill, and regretted not having tried it too much in actual games, she had been playing safe but now she wanted to go all out, until everyone's eyes lit up with her shot, she was the first one who was allowed to deal with the coach's things, she had always been gratified by the trust, the coach was happy to have her back.

The game continued and even though they lost, this was the best game she'd played in all her high school life, everyone was bumping fists, but Leah was just standing there awkwardly, she realised finally how weird it could get when they were on opposite courts, she was so worried about accidentally scratching him or hitting him, she hated the thought, but was not entirely sure about his thoughts, did he want her to lose, everyone could've seen Mindy tripped her, but they couldn't possibly stand against her, and her minions, it was too much of a headache to deal with, but she cared about Ethan and had thought he cared about her despite how their relationship was right now, he could've shown concern, even if his face changed a bit, that would've been enough, enough to make her think there was still a chance, but the gloomy thought that had passed her mind before the game, was given an opportunity to come again, and this time, it hit her harder than before, with more intensity, an intensity she had not known, instead of asking her how she was, he was asking Mindy how she was, Leah's heart had already been broken, now he was trying to break her mentally too.