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I want this more than I’ve ever wanted León or Xavier. They may be important people in my life.
But never as important as tennis.
I don’t respond to Sofia; I just continue to walk forward into the view of the crowd.
As I step onto the tennis court, a mix of anticipation and nervousness fills my veins. The crowd buzzes with excitement, their cheers and applause echoing in the air. My eyes lock onto Letty’s, her formidable figure at the other end, radiating confidence and skill.
The audience’s praise leaves a sense of the unknown because by the end of this, one of us is going to be out of the tournament.
I don’t let myself think that person will be me.
I refuse.
I am tired of being scared of the glorious perspective of Letty Davis.
I wave at the crowd, surveying it slowly, person by person. I see different clothing and hair colors. Men and women adorn the seats in cheers that consume a person.
But then I see it. Xavier Valente with a bright smile on his face watching me. He is the only person in the crowd that I can make out at first glance. The curls on his forehead, his tennis attire as he likes to call it, and those eyes. Those brown eyes that make me feel seen.
He’s in it, clapping along with the crowd. I see him shout in encouragement, but the glint in his eyes tells me to fight.
Which is what I plan on doing. My gaze doesn’t leave Xavier’s as if I’m scared he’ll disappear. That’s when I see him turn toward someone next to him. It’s a woman.
One I can’t quite make out in the images of faces I’ve met. But then it clicks. Marrisa Schultz, Xavier’s girlfriend, is sitting right next to him. Her hand in his, their fingers are locked together. I gulp down the pain of seeing them together, knowing that this might be a reoccurring view in my friendship with him in the future. If we can even call it that; more like if I can call it that.
I am still hesitant about my thoughts on him. I don’t know if I like him or not. Maybe I just know I’m safe with him. When a person shares a part of themselves with anyone, it’s only natural that a connection creates itself between those two souls. I’ve shared more with him than I have with anyone in the past year or so. Ale may be my best friend, but Xavier just feels like a piece in my puzzle; it connects perfectly with my heart.
Who wouldn’t fall in love with Xavier Valente? He’s the poster boy of joy and respect. His attention is always solely focused on the person he’s with.
Xavier’s understanding and caring.
But he’s off the market with the woman who just kissed him on the lips.
The image feels like that puzzle piece previously connecting us is replaced with a barrier. Our puzzle pieces may bind together, but our circumstances rip them apart.
I hold in my tears, not letting emotion cross my face. Knowing I can’t bear the image.
I look to the other side of him to find another person I didn’t expect to be here.
My best friend, Ale.
She’s studying me, her gaze filled with curiosity and questions. When she sees me looking at her, her eyebrow curls up in my direction. I grimace; I can’t look at any of the people who encapsulate a different emotion in front of me.
Ale represents friendship, Marrisa is envy, and Xavier is something I can’t quite admit to myself yet.
I tear my gaze away from all of them and try to get into my zone.
Grabbing my tennis racket, I walk to the other side of the court. I know I’m not ready for this right now, but these are my circumstances and they’re ones I have to face.
Letty is standing next to the net, talking to one of the officials. We have to start off with a coin toss and I’m hoping at least one thing will be in my favor today. I stroll in their direction until I see Letty’s face. Her head immediately turns to me. She does a once-over before holding out her hand to shake mine.
I take it, faking a smile that projects the exact opposite of what I’m feeling.
“Hello, Violetta,” Letty says in greeting.
“Hi, Letty. Ready for our match?”
Her face says it all. She’s excited to obliterate me.
