Page 40 of Redeeming Heart

She and Clarissa were twins but not identical. When Clarissa attended a private high school, Daphne attended the same high school as me. We weren’t friends back then but we had a few classes together. “Well, the captain is here. So, I think we can finally get to see our awesome outfits.” Megan was such a dramatic person.

Daphne pulled out a pocket knife and cut the box open. “I hope that no one here is a pink hater.” She mumbled—pulling out the first top.

I wasn’t very fond of pink but I had a feeling it would place some significance on us as female rebels.

The outfits were made of hot pink with black running over the sides and Rebel was printed in black.

“I love it,” I assured with an exciting smile.

The girls all agreed and waited their turn for their outfits with their positions printed on the back.

I thanked Daphne when she handed me mine. “Thank you for doing this for us. I will find a way to pay you for everything.” She shook her head at me.

“You were the only one who was always nice to me back in high school. I did this for you because you didn’t treat me like the rest of the people.”

“Yet, I still messed it up.”

“Not with me.”

“I was just a bit surprised when my sister told me that you are on the same team and decided to put your differences aside.” I chuckled at her remark.

“Life is a challenge and it seems that your sister and I always wanted the same thing.”

Daphne nodded. “Yeah, winning meant everything to her.” She said with an eye roll before excusing herself and leaving us to get dressed.

My heart was beating quite wildly against my ribcage and it almost felt as if it wanted to rip through. I kept assuring myself that everything will be alright but knowing that everyone was relying on me made things a bit tricky.

I haven’t had a panic attack since my last match three years ago.

This was my chance to redeem myself and I had no other possibilities left. This was it and I had to grab it with both hands.

My team was counting on me.

“Sash?” I glanced over my shoulder and noticed Clarissa joined me in the bathroom.

“You doing okay in here?” She asked, taking in my face.

I nodded, splashing my face with cold water and inhaling a fresh breath of air.

“This is the first time I am facing my first real match without my mom. It’s a bit overwhelming since all those people are out there and going to judge me for everything I have done.”

“Well, screw them.” She exclaimed.

I concealed a smile. “Your whole team knows what you’ve been through and we are here for you. Like you here for us.” Clarissa assured me.

It was the reassurance I needed but I wanted something I could never have. One last talk with my mother to tell her that I am sorry.

“Come on, let’s go kick some heinie.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

“Why does it feel like I want to hurl?” Briana asked holding her hand over her chest.

I had to push my emotions and fears aside for the sake of them. “It’s understandable,” I noted and acknowledged the concerned looks of each player on my team.

“I am not saying this is going to be easy since we haven’t had a chance to compete and I don’t have the right words to give you strength and hope. My mom was usually the person with the words. I was just the one who obeyed.” Some chuckled and some nodded—sharing their empathy.

“It’s a hard day for all of us, not just me but we’ve got this far. The coach recruited us because we all have something that pulls this team together. Each of you has a skill and without that skill, we won’t be a team.”

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