Forsaken Love

Chapter 8

An eighth grade Jim’s eyes shifted back and forth between the Eagle’s side of the net and the Panther’s. An opposing Panther girl launched herself into the air and slammed the ball down straight toward the ground. By some miracle it deflected off the hand of a fellow Eagle player, and the ball popped up back into the air. A second Eagle player lightly bumped the ball high into the air toward Evelyn, who repeated the Panther’s attack by leaping into the air and spiking the ball toward the other side. When the ball hit the ground, marking the end of that game and an Eagle victory, much of the audience cheered, Jim especially. But the athletes themselves kept their calm. A whole game remained yet. A game that would break the tie and decide which team would emerge victorious. 

Both teams huddled in an obscure circle on the opposite side of the court, while some audience members dispersed to grab more drinks or snacks, or to use the bathroom, before the last game began. Jim sat still, looking around the gymnasium at all the banners hung high on the wall. Season Runner Ups 2001-2003, Season Champs 2002-2003, Season Champs 2003-2004, Season Runner Ups 2004-2005. These Panthers are not to be underestimated, Jim told himself, though he did notice that some of those titles honored the high school. He smiled knowing it would be that much more satisfying when the Eagles beat them. His sister tapped his left shoulder.

“Did they win?” She asked.

“Not yet, Katie. They still have another game,” Jim replied, tilting his head toward her.

“”I don’t understand. Can you remind me again what the rules are?” 

“You really want to play, don’t you?” Jim chuckled.

“Evelyn makes it look like so much fun,” Katie beamed. “I want to be captain one day just like her. I will make this school proud.” 

“It takes a lot of work to do that,” he warned. “All the players look up to her. There may be a coach, but she has to make a lot of the difficult decisions herself. I’m not saying you can’t handle it, just warning you of what to expect.” 

“So, why do they have to play another game?” 

“They don’t call them games,” Jim explained. “Volleyball is played in matches and sets. A team must score 25 points to win a set, and win two sets to win the match. Currently, both teams have won a set each, so they have to play a third to win the match. Understand? If one team won both of the first two games, then they would win overall, and the third game would not be played.”

“Oh. Mom and I have played games like that.”

“Yeah, it’s a similar concept,” Jim paused his explanation, remembering his own times when Evelyn and he would play rock, paper, scissors best of three to make decisions. Sometimes he still did that. “Also, a team gets a point when the ball touches the ground on the opposing team’s side. 25 points wins the set, but a team also needs to be ahead by 2 points. It’s pretty simple, especially after you watch a few games. If you want I can see if I can introduce you to the coach after the game.”

Katie smiled. “That would be amazing!”

The crowd slightly trickled back in and returned to their seats. Six players of each team moved to their respective positions on the court. At the sound of the whistle, Evelyn tossed the ball into the air and punched it over the net, receiving a strong and quick response from the Panthers. 

They targeted the ball toward Evelyn’s position, but far enough from her to force a jump and slide. “Mine!” Evelyn yelled as she took the dive. 

“Wow!” Katie remarked. “She’s really good.”

“That is why she’s captain. She is very dedicated to her sport, destined to do great if she keeps at it. Evelyn can become a professional in anything she chooses though. Everyone here realizes this. That’s why they named her “Most Likely to Succeed” when our school decided to experiment with the High School tradition at the Middle School level.” Though he praised Evelyn, his words also worried him. Jim trailed behind, not yet discovering anything he excelled at nor held much interest in. Certain that Evelyn would remain good friends with pretty much everyone after graduation, the only person Jim would likely ever see again was her. Unlike her, he would have no legacy to leave behind. He started imagining what his future might look like, and discovering what he wanted out of this life.

“You’re dozing off again,” Katie interrupted. 

Jim blinked, his focus on the game returning, it took a moment for him to really process what his sister just said. “You can tell?”

“Of course, you have this weird look on your face.”

“This look. Very descriptive Katie, thank you.”

Katie returned her gaze to the game. “You haven’t missed much, but we are losing.”

8-5, the scoreboard read.

“Well that’s not good. But we still have a chance to walk away winners.”

The Eagles easily tied it up, and for most of the rest of the game, kept the scores relatively even. The tension only excited the spectator more, especially when both teams reached 25 points. Even God would surely have a difficult time silencing the fans of both teams as the scores soared above 30. But then the atmosphere completely shifted when the ball finally struck the ground on the same side of the court twice in a row. Nothing could stop the Eagles’ uproars.

The fans leaped from their seats, already making their way down to congratulate the players. Jim planned on waiting until after all the players shook hands and the crowds dispersed. But after the players and the coach had a short talk, Evelyn started leaving the room. Jim remembered he told Katie he’d introduce the two. The crowd slowed his approach, but it also delayed the coach’s departure. 

“Mrs. Banks!” Jim caught her just in time, mere feet from the double doors. “Hi, Mrs. Banks. Great job on the game.”

“Thanks, Jim. The girls worked hard all season, and they played hard today.”

“I wanted to introduce you to my sister.” Jim rested a hand on Katie’s shoulder. “She is interested in playing volleyball for you in a few years.”

“Really?” Mrs. Banks smiled. “Well then I can’t wait.” She leans forward and crouches slightly. “What’s your name?”

“Katie.”

“Well Katie, we will have so much fun together, I promise. I’ll look forward to it. But for now, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Of course.” Jim nodded.

 “She seems really nice,” Katie noted.

“Oh she is. I have met few PE teachers that aren’t.”

“Jim!” He turned to find Evelyn hastily walking toward him. She hugged him, and when she broke off the hug, she petted Katie’s hair.. “Thanks for coming!” 

“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss your last game!” Jim said. “Nice playing out there!” 

Evelyn beamed. “Thanks!” She then addressed Katie. “Did you have fun?”

Katie nodded. “You are really good. Do you think you could show me how to play?”

“I’d love to. But I’ll be busy until after graduation, unfortunately.”

“I understand.”

“So,” Jim interrupted. “Are we ready for the victory ice cream?” 

“Sure,” Evelyn replied. “Just give me a few more minutes to change and I’ll meet you there.” Jim and his sister prepared to depart when Evelyn called out once more. “Jim? Do you mind if I invite some of the girls?” 

Jim considered it, knowing how much that would mean to her and the team. He knew as the captain that she should be out there celebrating with her friends. He didn’t know why he continued to have visions of potential futures, but they all had one thing in common. Evelyn had moved onto other friends, leaving Jim all alone. “I was hoping it would just be us, for old time’s sake.” 

She smiled innocently. “Of course, I understand.” 

Jim and Katie walked out the double doors of the gymnasium, then out the automatic doors of the school. The two walked across the street for about a mile, where the Ice Cream parlor awaited them. They claimed seats by the stone fountain, not ordering until joined by Evelyn.

Jim sat there thinking of his last soccer game at his school, only days away. He had one last chance to prove himself worthy of acknowledgment and remembrance, as Evelyn had. One more chance to leave some kind of legacy at the school. His coach already promised that for the first and only time during his middle school career, he would not only not be a benchwarmer, he would also be a starter. 

“I think the problem is that you think only the forwards earn recognition and glory. But defenders are just as important and also fun, and over the years, whether you meant to or not, you have shown me your skill in defense. And that is why I am starting you in that position,” his coach had informed him. “And if you can handle it, because it will be your last game, I will not remove you. Do not worry yourself about winning or losing. The season rankings have already been determined. Just show us how hard you’ve worked and played for us. But most importantly, have fun.”

That gave him potentially a full hour to amaze the fans and his teammates alike. He just hoped he could experience the same happiness he knew Evelyn felt today. 

“Jim?” Evelyn’s voice revived his focus. 

Jim looked up and smiled. He and his sister stood up to join Evelyn in line. “So which flavor is worthy enough for a celebration?”

Evelyn chuckled. “I don’t know. I’ve already tried them all.”

Jim recalled their childhood. “Oh? You got around to trying the Strawberry Cheesecake finally?”

Evelyn lifted her hand to her chin, appalled. “I didn’t tell you? Yeah, the team went out for ice cream one day after a victory over Brisban.” 

“Huh. Well then.” Jim played eenie meenie minie moe to the menu, his finger pointing at various options before stopping at “The Thomas Tortoise. Commander Sundae’s Specialty.” 

“Oh! I like that one!” Evelyn said.

“You like them all.”

“True.”

“Can I have a grape slush?” Katie asked.

Jim nodded. “And she’ll have cookies and cream,” he informed the clerk, handing her the money. He looked at Evelyn. “I know how difficult it is for you to choose, so I thought I’d help out a bit.” 

Evelyn smiled at him. “Appreciated.” Almost instantly they received their dessert, and the three returned to their seats near the stone fountain. “Can you believe we are almost in high school, already?” Evelyn asked Jim. 

“Are you nervous?” he replied.

“Nervous? Not a chance! I think High School and I will get along just fine.”

“I’m a bit nervous. I did only barely pass the 8th grade after all.”

Evelyn lightly hit his shoulder. “Don’t be like that. You worked hard. You deserve to graduate. You might still struggle with reading but it’s nothing that can’t be cured with practice. I’ll even give you access to my private collection for the summer so you can get a head start.”

 Jim’s eyes widened. “You never let anyone read your book collection!”

Evelyn smiled. “You are special, Jim.” 

And in that instant, Jim forgot all about his fears that one day he and Evelyn would no longer have time for each other, that they would move on with their lives. In that instant, he believed they would be friends forever.