Page 65 of Strong Side

I pry myself out of Clay’s arms and hold his face to really get a read on him. “Are you sure you’re okay with her moving into your apartment?”

He grins as he reassures me, “Of course, Baby. Lil is as much my sister now as she is yours. I think she could do great here.”

“I’m sure my parents are going to love finally having an empty house,” I joke, but a serious look crosses his face.

“I have a feeling they’re not going to like being so far away from both of you.” I give a slow nod because he has a point, but I pacify him with, “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. All I care about right now is winning the championship tomorrow and having you in my arms…and bed.”

After tomorrow, all I have to do is graduate, and I’ll be on my way to teaching and coaching, to making children’s lives better and their futures as bright as they can possibly be.

The only thing that’s up in the air is our biggest goal, the one that we want most while simultaneously being the one furthest from our reach.

The Olympics.

While that goal has always felt like a pipe dream, it was still that… a dream. But one thing I know for certain, is that no dream is out of reach with him by my side.

Clayton Aldrich.

1. Loveeeeeee Song - Rhianna, Future

42

Leave It All On The Court

Clayton

This is the last time I’ll wear the Panthers uniform.

This is the last time Rocky and I will don blue and yellow as teammates.

This is the last time our names will be called over the speakers as the announcers introduce us.

This is it.

This isthegame.

I’ve played countless games during my career as a volleyball player, and I can counton one hand the amount of times nerves have truly shaken me to my bones. But none of those compare to the way I’m feeling today.

Anyone who’s ever been in love with a sport will understand the complex mixture of emotions you feel during your very last game, regardless of the level of play.

You’re buzzing with excitement at the possibility of taking home that championship trophy, yet dreading the start of the game because once it does, you know the end is moments away.

You’ve never felt prouder to stand on the court with your teammates while simultaneously experiencing a wave of sadness that’s impossible to put into words.

But most of all, you try to take in every play, every cheer from the stands, every boom of the announcer’s voice. All of it feels like it goes in slow motion, but before you know it, you’ve played the fastest game of your life.

Sure, we still have a chance to make the Olympic team. This might not be our last game together. But none of that is guaranteed. But what is guaranteed is this moment, right here, right now.

With Rocky.

With the number one on the back of my jersey.

With the Panthers logo adorned on my chest with pride.

Rocky and I sit side by side on our chairs, with Coach Taylor standing off to our right as the announcerintroduces the opposing team and the coaching staff. Both of us sit in matching positions, elbows resting on the tops of our legs, heads hanging as we look down at the sand, getting in the zone while we wait for our names to be called. Today, though, we each have one hand wrapped around the other’s thigh. Silently grounding one another, silently communicating everything we’re feeling at this moment.

“And now for your home team, the Palm University Panthers!”

Rocky and I turn our heads slightly, and I’m met with the comforting sight of his deep green eyes looking back at me. The eyes that have now become a reflection of my soul. Who I am at my very being shines in his eyes. When I look at them, I’m at home.

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