Rally
“I’m sorry for missing that ball Rick.” Essie said regretfully. “Cerissa’s move there, the setter dump.... I didn’t see that coming....”
“No worries, I’m having a blast playing with you, even if we aren’t winning.” Rick said reassuringly, putting his hand on Essie’s shoulder. “Besides, we’re gonna get that point back, then score more points after. You with me?”
Essie smiled and gave Rick a quick embrace.
“Always Rick. Let’s get that point back now.”
Cerissa sent a jump serve over the net. Essie received the serve and sent it over Rick’s head. Rick set to Dirk, who sent a powerful spike over the net. Doug dove into the sand and kept the ball in the air with his fist. Cerissa set the ball to Mitch, and he spiked the ball past Rick and Dirk. Essie dove at the back of her team’s side and used a bump to keep the ball from going out of bounds. Dirk volleyed the ball back over the net, and Doug managed to keep it from hitting the sand with his knee. Mitch ran to the ball and passed it airborne over Cerissa. Cerissa lept into the air and spiked the ball, but a well timed jump from Essie blocked her attack, sending the ball crashing into the sand behind Cerissa and between Mitch and Doug.
“Great block!” Rick cheered, Dirk also running over to offer praise.
“Now we’re tied, thanks to you!” Dirk said proudly. “Soon we’ll be ahead!”
“Well played Essie!” Cerissa called out. “But you won’t stop me again.” She added with a friendly smile.
“I accept your challenge Cerissa.” Essie replied, grinning ear to ear.
Before the game could continue, a familiar young woman in a sundress approached the group. Her eyes were puffy and red, with fresh tears flowing down her cheeks.
“Janet?” Mitch said tenderly as he ran to her. “What’s wrong?”
Find out why Janet is upset here: https://theprose.com/post/429105/leftovers-crushing-victory
To be continued....