Page 100 of A Game as Old as Time

Hailey could no longer hold back the tears.

“But sometimes…” Melissa was now also tearing up as she grabbed an envelope from the table nearby, “sometimes the big sister also needs the little sister. She can be the one who shows the big sister how to forgive. How to be strong.”

Tears ran down both their cheeks.

“Watching you get back onto that stage, Hails. Watching you make all these friends and how happy it makes you. I know how hard it hasbeen.” Melissa pulled a piece of paper from the envelope. “You took back your life, Hailey. You’re the strongest person I know, and it’s time that I start trying to be more like my little sister.”

She handed the paper to Hailey.

“So, I decided to take my life back, too. I’m going to start taking classes again.”

What!?

Hailey moved the paper into the light of the lamp, reading through it and smiling wider with each word.

“Is this…is this real!?”

“I was so angry, Hails. Angry at what happened to Mom. Angry at what happened to me. I forgot who I was. I forgot who Mom and Dad had raised.” Hailey lunged at her sister and wrapped her arms around her. “I’m ready to take my life back,” Melissa continued, muffled by Hailey’s shoulder. “I want to be like you, Hailey. Strong and proud of who I am.”

You are strong, Melissa!

Hailey was fully bawling now but refused to relax the hug.

“I will not let one moment define who I am. I will not let someone take my life from me. I’m going to be strong, like my little sister.” Hailey abruptly began to hiccup, making them both laugh. “My sister, who is a star. Who was born to be under the lights; I want everyone to see the Hailey that I see every day!”

Hailey sat up slowly, looking directly into her sister’s eyes.

“I’m so proud of you!” she yelled, just as the door started to open.

Daddy!

Their father’s face instantly stiffened, and Hailey realized that he wasprobably experiencing a rush of anxiety at seeing the tears on his daughters’ cheeks.

“Girls!” He rushed over to the couch, his voice drenched with concern. “Is everything---”

Melissa stood up and hugged him.

“Dad.” Her voice was soft but steady. “I want to show you something.”

His eyes jumped to the paper that Hailey held out to him.

“Read it, Daddy,” Hailey said, grinning.

He eased onto the couch, and his daughters watched as he began to read.

Chapter 18

“Happy Thanksgiving Eve to all of our listeners. This is Johnny May, covering everything you need to know about South Mountain Pioneer football. A dramatic last-second win for our young men last week has propelled them into a second straight state semi-final. Awaiting them will be another powerhouse in Philadelphia Catholic, who rolls into this game with only one loss.

Coach Bianchi will have his hands full, as he will not only have to find a way to stop the Eagles’ top passing offense, but will also need to erase the memories of a disappointing semi-final loss last year. The memory remains fresh, as not only did it end the Pioneer season, but it was also the last time Coach Weston stood on the sideline. While both teams have been fantastic, the winner will punch a ticket to what can only be described as a monumental challenge. Allegheny Prep continues to dismantle opponents, winning their quarterfinal match-up 52-0 last week…”

**********

“JT! Turn that damn dude off,” Hailey heard Tyquan shout from the other side of the stage. “I can’t stand his voice.”

Agreed.

JT did as he was told with a shake of the head.

---