Friendly Rivals

“I don’t mind being a third wheel Dirk.” Mitch replied. “If Doug and Cerissa find joy together, as well as Essie and Rick, then I can witness and be happy too.”

“That’s a nice way to look at it.” Dirk agreed. “After all I put my brother through with my mistakes, he deserves someone like Cerissa. I hope you find happiness again too Mitch, especially after all you’ve been through with Petunia. You deserve better man!”

“I appreciate that friend, but I can honestly say that even with everything going on with Petunia, I am happy whether I find someone new or not. And don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re young, and you’re a changed man Dirk. You have the rest of your life to find happiness, regardless of whether a relationship is part of that.”

“You know, you’re absolutely right!” Dirk replied with resolve. “I’ll start by giving my all for the rest of this volleyball game. Don’t hold back on me Mitch!”

“I won’t.” Mitch grinned. “May the best team win!”

Essie served the ball, and Cerissa received it, sending the ball towards Doug. Doug set to Mitch, and Mitch spiked it towards Dirk. Dirk dove in the sand and launched the ball into the air with his fist. Rick raced to the ball and set it to Essie. Essie sent an impressive cross shot over the net, but Doug was able to stop it from going out of bounds with an impressive dive. The ball was now airborne over Cerissa, who was right in front of the net.

“Mitch, get ready!” Cerissa cried out, preparing the set the ball to him.

Rick and Dirk raced in front of Mitch, matching his jump in preparation to block his inevitable attack. While all of this unfolded, Cerissa pushed the ball over the net with her left hand. The ball dropped into the sand with no opposition.

“A setter dump?” Rick laughed. “Well played Cerissa!”

To be continued....