Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2008 09:57:15 -0800 (PST)
From: Nate House <extreamlucky14@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Silent Cellist 7-8: Professional Help
Chapter Seven: Diary Entries of a Sane Mad-Girl
August 28, 2154
Dearest Illitor,
Things at the store were pretty slow today. Roger said that sales have
been slowing in part to the colleges and schools getting into full swing
and the students have already purchased their books. Some of my more loyal
fans were those very people and now the crowd that gathers when I play has
begun to wane, but they still enjoy my show either way. Today was also the
first day I've ever repeated a song. It was the first one I played after
Roger told me to leave. I think when he heard that song he began to get
teary eyed, but I know he'll never admit it. He's not that kind person.
Come to think of it, he still hasn't really opened up to much about why
I only recently met him. I know not of his motives, but I do know he feels
some level of shame. Whether if it's for me or him, I'm not entirely
sure. What I do know is he doesn't tell the people my name when they ask
about me. Instead he refers to me as his "father's daughter". True?
Yes. Painful? Yes, which brings me back to the issue of his shame. I know
he'll never admit it, but I think it's his own way of making up for the
fact that he hasn't seen me since I was four; the age that most people
spend learning about numbers and the alphabet I was put through my father's
and mother's infidelities and fighting. My other brother, from my birth
parents, was mixed up in it as well, but he was granted the luxury of being
killed by that madman whereas I am forced to live with the memory of it
all. Roger is not much different although he never talks about it.
Regardless, I am becoming more and more
grateful for him finding me here. I don't know why, and probably never
will, I was drawn to this place for reasons beyond understanding. Well, the
few days I've been here have gone by fairly well. I have a permanent roof
over my head and food in my belly. I have a soft sofa to lay on when I
sleep and affection from my last family member. All in all, Illitor, I
don't think we could have ask for say for Sarah being able to enjoy it with
us. I know, I know, old friend, I promised to myself that I will bring her
name up as little as possible, but I though she was worth the mention.
Illitor, I'm not a scary person am I? I know what my face and body
looks like and I know that His voice visits me from time to time, but I
don't think of myself as a scary person. I know you would never think of me
as such, but what do you think about the people who watch me play? I think
the only reason they come as often as they do is because they've never
really seen my face. Damn those fucking people for giving me this face and
these eyes. Thinking back on it, Sgt. Cook was poisoning me for those few
days. I guess that means I've cheated death once again. I can't describe
it, but that look of shock and horror on Brittany's face instilled this
feeling of self-sorrow once again. Illitor, why must her presence give me
so much peace? I don't know why, but when she's around our playing becomes
more emotional, much deeper than before her arrival. Even though my eyes
are closed and would be looking down at Inikye if open anyway, I can still
feel her standing in the group.
It's like Inikye is telling me she's there and we must tell her our
story. Actually, come to think of it, she didn't come around today. Maybe
she's too frightened of me to ever come back. My heart is sinking at the
thought of that idea. It's so confusing, Illitor. I guess, though, I can
only hope for her to come around tomorrow before she leaves for her
tournament this weekend. Either way, I hope she does well.
Goodnight Illitor. All three of us are in need of rest.
Love, Amanda
**************************************
August 29, 2154
Dearest Illitor,
The rain we received all morning made it nearly impossible for Inikye
to hit any notes. His strings and my bow were slipping all over the
place. My fingers could hardly keep pace with the music in my mind's ear. I
could hear the voice of a Siren calling me, compelling me to play these
certain songs. They wanted me to play their story. Even though I attempted
it with everything I have, I think they were very disappointed. After the
sun came out and the rain stopped, they stopped talking to me. Inikye and I
weeped for our pitiful attempt to play the songs of these celestial
beings. Roger called me crazy for wanting to play in the rain, but I just
smiled at him saying, "I think you're right". Good thing we got the joke
for Inikye thought it insulting. Oh well, big brothers are supposed to pick
on their smaller siblings, right?
Speaking of Roger, he told me he got a call from the "hospital" and I'm
due for check-up. He said it would be my decision if we go or not, but I
made that decision long ago. I never want to see the inside of that wall
ever again. I've seen it enough and the haunting memories of daily beatings
and rape still replay in my brain at every waking opportunity. Not to
mention He uses that to make His voice that much more painful with every
visit. Why must my courage fail me every time I want to end my pitiful
life? Illitor, why was I spared my father's deadly wrath? Why must I be
destined to walk among the living public as nothing more than a ghostless
shell? I know no one knows the answers, but to hear some would still be
nice, no matter how empty they may be.
Still today, I have not seen Brittany. Inikye has already been put to
bed and I am writing this before my usual time, so there is still time for
her to come into the store. However, I doubt she's coming today. If the
weather didn't keep her away, then her weekend prospects did. I need to see
her once again, Illitor. I don't want her last memory of me to be that of
disgust and fear. I wish that upon no one. I know my face, in fact my very
livelihood, is an eyesore for most, but our talk under the tree made me
believe she can be so kind and speak her mind to a complete stranger. She's
even made an attempt to find out about where I came from and who I really
am. Even though I probably couldn't tell her myself, I still wish for the
opportunity to do so.
I guess I'm letting my hope get the better of me. I know all too well
what happens when you place hope before reality. I've seen with my own eyes
what happens to those who live in their own misguided dreamland only to
find out too late that the reality is they are tied to a chair being
electrocuted until their hearts beat no more. I can still smell their hair
and flesh burning as they begin to understand the severity of their real
situation. Oh, the smell of burning death will forever be etched into my
mind's nose and that alone is enough to fill even the most battle-hardened
person with wanton rage. Hope is a good thing, unless you're in a bad
situation; it can drive a man insane. But letting hope and will give way to
sorrow and despair is even worse, as Sarah always told me when she held me
close.
Sorry Illitor, but Roger is calling me for dinner. We're going out
tonight for "more sibling bonding" as he always calls it. Have a good
rest. I told Inikye that you said "hello" to him since you two haven't
really seen each other much these passed few days. For that, though, I am
the one who is sorry. Goodnight, old friend.
Love, Amanda
*************************************
Chapter Eight: Start of a New Year
Brittany had to will herself to remain focused. The upcoming tournament
had to be the only thing on her mind if she was to get her team on the
podium. She had to intensify her emotions to keep the team, not to mention
the more inexperienced kids, on track and ready to fight. Her confusing
situation outside of the nets and school made this feet all but
impossible. She still had that nagging feeling of being watched all the
time. Brittany could tell she was getting used to it, but knowing that it's
there, always following you, is never a comfort. Kayla has made repeated
attempts to reconcile with her. This by itself was growing more and more
annoying; then multiply it to all of the other things she has going on and
you've got the makings of a bad day.
And yet through it all was Amanda. Her playing and her kind words of
encouragement were toppled in a single instant when Brittany looked unto
her face. The scars, the ebony hair and those eyes. Yes, it was the eyes,
or rather apparent lack of them, that drove her into this state. She
couldn't tell if she were alive or dead to look upon her. Brittany couldn't
recall seeing her face at the party that night, but didn't at all feel
threatened by her. In fact she felt at ease sitting next to her under that
tree. Her hoodie was her proof that she was the one released from the
mental institution not too long ago, but that in itself meant nothing. Why
would they release her if was still insane? During the last couple of days
she couldn't find the courage to go back to the bookstore and at least
watch her play. That hypnotic, majestic sound could turn anyone's day
around, but so could looking into those pearls of nothingness she calls
eyes.
Brittany kept replaying those thoughts over and over in her head as the
team loaded the gear and paint into the assorted vehicles. She barely spoke
a word and none of them were about the truth behind her state of mind. Her
face remained a ghostly pale and her lips continued to tremble through
loading the gear and role-call. Brian and Curtis had seen Kayla trying to
talk to her earlier that day and assumed that was issue behind their
friend's agony. Brittany decided it best to them keep thinking that for the
time being.
Brittany's mom remained true to her word. She offered her van to carry
whatever would fit. Fortunately most of the equipment fit into coaches'
cars. Brittany rode up front next to her mom while, naturally, the other
line captains rode with them. Frank and Thomas were behind them, much to
the disappointment of the Sanders sisters. With all of the gear, paint and
people loaded and the drivers had the directions to the field and the
hotel, they were off before school let out for lunch. It was going to be a
six hour drive to the venue and thus would be plenty of time for high
schoolers to be themselves. That is to say as long as you weren't riding
with Brittany's mom.
"So Brit," Frank asked from the back seat with a sound of optimism,
"how do you think the JV team will do tomorrow?"
Brittany hesitated for a second before answering. "I think they'll do
alright," she said trying to take her mind off of her personal issues. "As
long as they stick to their freaking game plans and actually listen to the
coaches. That was their biggest downfall last year and that's why Coach
decided to unify the team like he did. They need to know what it's like to
actually train to be good at what they do."
"I agree," Brian said. "I watched all of their games last year and they
didn't seem to know what the hell the other team was doing out there. Their
game plans and the technical stuff wasn't bad, they just didn't have the
open communication amongst themselves and the coaches. Most of their
break-outs went as planned, hell they even got one or two kills
seventy-five percent of the time, but then they would fall apart
mid-point. Their average spread was minus five points."
"That leads us back to the issue of the training," Curtis said leaning
between the seats. "Like what they always say, 'To train the mind, you have
to train the body'. I think that the next full week we have off from school
we should put them through their own 'Hell Week'. Seems to work for us
every year." He had the rest of the people giggling by that point. Brittany
remembers every one of those weeks. They are definitely not designed to be
fun.
"I think someone's gonna have to sit down with me tomorrow and explain
this game to me," Brittany's mom chimed in. "I'm glad that you kids are
passionate about this game, but there is more to life than just that. How
are your grades doing anyway."
"A's and B's," everyone said in unison, as if prepared for the
question. True or false, it did bring a smile to her face to hear it.
"What about you Thomas?" Curtis asked, looking back at him.
"I honestly think they're gonna get smashed," he answered
harshly. "They've only been practicing with us for about a week or so, so
they are in no way totally prepared for what they're going up
against. Granted, they look a hell of a lot better than last year's squad,
but so does Clemson High and those other powerhouse teams. I'm not trying
to be pessimistic or anything, just giving my honest opinion."
"Good thing that their allowed up to three Varsity level players on
their roster," Brian chimed in. "'Cause you're right, the guys on the Shady
Bluff and Clemson High teams, both JV and varsity, spend their entire
summers playing with some of the national level teams, away from the high
school series. Hell one of them was being scouted by the New England
Hurricanes."
"Yeah," Curtis challenged, "Well Brittany's played on teams in both
national leagues in Semi-Pro and Division 1 levels."
This brought a smile to Brittany's face. She's even been approached by
the Philadelphia Assassins and San Diego Dynasty several times in the
past. She is regarded by many to be the best female player of all time, and
one of the best players in the country. More than once has a Pro team come
to her, even offering money, trying to get her on their roster and every
time she turns them down to stay in school and with the groups she's been
training. Still, the idea of playing on the Pro circuit is the dream she's
always wanted.
The caravan of the team stopped at about the midway point to the hotel
and venue to fill up on gas and get some lunch themselves. The captains and
other players got back to being what they are at heart, teenage high
schoolers. It brought a smile to Brittany's mom's face to see her mingle
with her friends and having a good time. Thinking back on it, she and her
brother were the best of friends since she was born. Her brother would
never allow anything to harm her, he was her guardian even though she was
only his father's daughter to him. Even when they played on the same teams
throughout their playing history, he wouldn't allow any of the other
teammates to even ask her out on a date. He taught her to be the best
player she could be, and she took those lessons to heart, and he also
taught her how to be a strong individual.
Brittany's mom was flashed out of her memories of the two of them
together by the honking of Coach Wilson's car horn. Somehow, even in the
trance-like state she was in, managed to fill up the gas tank and get
something to eat. He honked his horn as his usual signal being ready to get
back on the road. This was the farthest the team will have to travel this
year, if their schedule held true, and he wanted to not waste daylight here
when they could be planning for the event.
The rest of the trip was filled with conversation not unlike from
earlier. The only difference was the subject changed to the varsity team
and what they had planned after school. Brittany and her mom listened to
the guys behind them talk about which Pro teams they want to play for and
what-not.
"What about you Brittany?" Brian asked after a short while later.
"I'm not sure yet," she answered half-heartily, should the truth be
told.
"Come on, Brit," he pressed, "if you could pick one team right now to
play on, which one would it be?"
"I'd have to look at what their offering and I'd preferably play on an
Angel sponsored team since we go back a while. I would have to say either
the Assassins, Dynasty or the Bushwhackers. All of them are Angel sponsored
and play both Pro leagues, and I've played on all of their Semi-Pro teams,
plus I know most of the guys on the teams. It all comes down to what
they're offering."
"So it really doesn't matter as long as it's sponsored by Angel? Hey,
makes sense from a business standpoint. They offer you anything yet, by the
way?"
"Yeah," she answered a little more upbeat. "They offered me a job as a
Marketing Director once I graduated high school. I got the letter
yesterday. I'm not sure if I would take it or not."
The group went back and forth with all of their future plans for the
remainder of the trip once again. The idea that Brittany wouldn't take the
offer seemed pretty far-fetched, but then again, they aren't in her head
either. She just let them talk amongst themselves while she kept her
thoughts to herself.
They reached the field with time to spare. The team and the coaches set
right to work teaching to newer players how to walk a field and get a basic
gameplan formulated. As they walked and talked, the coaches let the cat out
of the bag about a big surprise they kept hinting at all week.
"All right, everyone gather 'round!" he called out from across the
Center Court field. "Some of you may have had a idea about this 'surprise'
that's been floating around the grapevine. Everyone, behind me, wearing
civi-clothes are some of the members of San Diego Dynasty. They've agreed
to come all the way across the country to help us prepare for the event."
Pointing to each of them, he introduced them, "This is Craig Wilson, next
to him is Steven Greenspan, who also is one of the owners of the team, and
last-but-not-least we have Franklin Curtis."
Everyone, Brittany included, was beyond flabbergasted. She's played
along side these guys at some practices in the past, but for them to take
time out of their own lives to come and help them. Coach Wilson thought
some of his newer guys fainted when the announcement was made.
Steven stepped forward from the group, "Let me just say that we feel
honored to be here. Brittany has more than inspired us for as long that
we've known her. Trust me, you will not find another player that will teach
you more than she can. Hell, she revised our training regiment in the small
time she was at our camp." Brittany was in full blush as her old friend,
that she respects so much, spoke so highly of her. "We're going to be here
with you guys the whole time. The three of us will be in the pits and on
the other side as well, coaching you along. We'll help develop the game
plans for tomorrow and Sunday, plus be scouting to the other teams' games
for you. Consider it a favor from a friend-of-a-friend." With that, he
winked at Brittany, who continued to turn an even darker crimson from his
words.
After they finished walking the fields and ate dinner, all of the
players met in Coach Wilson's room to discuss the game plans with the pros
chiming in when they were called upon. Brittany new that this year's JV
squad has improved and meshed together far greater than anyone would give
them credit for. If they stuck to their specific jobs and played the game
the way they've been trained to play it, then no one should touch'em.
"Remember," Frank said after everything started to quiet down, "keep
you guns rolling and those lanes filled. If a guy, or girl, excuse me, gets
shot out of a key spot get it filled immediately. Make it down field as far
as you can, as fast as you can. With the new rule book, you have forty
minutes to score as many points as possible without the mercy rule to stop
you. Run up the score and make them disrespect your style. Other teams will
see that and will start to feel afraid to play you. That's how we've
managed to win almost all the time. When you're out there, don't forget
your basics. Keep tight and keep shooting."
Right after his little speech, the team scattered into their respective
rooms to settle in for the night. It is nearing ten o'clock and the
captain's meeting is scheduled for six in the morning. The JV captain and
his varsity counterparts immediately took to their pillows after a relaxing
shower. A few stayed awake for a little while until the Sandman came to
take them away.
Most dreamed glorious dreams of glory. Standing on the podium, holding
that big trophy over their heads while their fans and families cheered
their names and the media snapped pictures. Brittany on the other hand did
not. She continued to see Amanda's expressionless face and lifeless eyes in
every corner of her mind. She awoke with a start on several occasions in a
cold sweat and gasping for air. It felt as though Amanda's look alone could
scare the life from her. This scared her even more than actually seeing her
in person. She is nearly the entire state apart and she still haunts her
every move, either waking or asleep.
The next morning couldn't come soon enough. Brittany had already been
awake for the better half of the night; she resigned herself to the fact
that her visions will not let her drift into what is supposed to be her
place. She was already partially dressed when the wake-up call entered her
room. Brittany put the rest of her stuff into her gearbag and went to the
lobby to grab a bagel. She found several of the others already there and
eating what little they could to settle their nervous stomachs. They sat
around and chatted for a small time before the coaches rounded everyone up
to meet in the parking lot.
The team and their newly appointed coaches reached the field before
most of the other teams. The cool, stagnant air, rank with the scent of a
paintball field, gave little solace to the sight it will behold in just a
few hours. Brittany could see her breath hanging in the dark morning air as
she led her team to their staging area. They could hear the distinct sound
of blowers filling the bunkers while the team was offloading the gear and
paint from the trunks of the vehicles.
Brittany's teammates had no idea of what hideous thoughts ran through
her head as she got herself ready to go for today. Strangely, she separated
herself from the rest of the team to go through her stretches and basic
warm-ups. Whenever someone tried to get close to her to follow suit, she
would move to another isolated spot. Brian has seen her do this only once
before in all the years he's known her and he didn't have a good feeling
about it then either. Even when Tina tried to approach her, Brian quickly
took hold of her arm and silently shook his head "no".
After the captains meeting broke out, Coach Wilson passed the schedule
out to the teams. The JV team, who would play today and the varsity would
play tomorrow, found that their first game wasn't until nine on field
two. Some of varsity team, as well as Craig, took half of the squad to
watch how the field played out while the other half went to scout their
opposition. The younger team learned more in this past week about how to
play this game as a team than they have in all of their years combined; of
course it helps to have Pro level players helping you along the way.
When nine rolled around, the kids were more than pumped and ready to
go. Throughout the morning the more experienced players had been getting
their adrenalin flowing, keeping them on edge about "blasting some faces
off" or something else along those lines. Brittany suddenly felt an ease
wash over her as they entered the pit area. It felt as though there was a
distinct border hidden within the nets that her mysterious and ominous
thoughts could not cross. Her brain quickly become completely resolved into
the game and nothing was going to keep her out of it. She got their table
and paint situation organized and ready to go with Franklin and Steven
getting the players' heads into the game. She heard them yelling into their
faces just as she does with the varsity team. Naturally, this brought a
smile to her face, especially when the kids started yelling back.
The coaches got the starting lines set and they seemed to teleport onto
the field. Now is when all of that metal gets tested. All of the speeches,
preparation and training can only bring you so far; it's how you actually
do when you're in the nets that shows what manner of player you really
are. Brittany could turn her nervousness into raw aggression, a skill she
tries to pass on to every player she's trained, but it all comes down to
that first "ten second" countdown. Without missing a beat, the head ref
called the warning. She heard two of the five continue to yell and chant
until about two seconds left.
Brittany's fears and worries were soon put to rest as the opening point
of the match was nothing more than a complete blowout. She could hear some
of the players behind their pit saying something to the tune of "that's the
fastest point a JV squad ever played". Kennview High jumped ahead with only
ten seconds taken off the clock. The same thing happened on the next
point. The other team completely turned orange from the paint being thrown
at them while all five of Kennview's players jogged down the field to hang
the flag for the point.
This went on for the better part of the half. Coach Wilson played most
of the same line for the first part of the half then would change it up as
he saw fit; he refused to play any of his varsity kids until he absolutely
needed to. That was not the story going on with the other team. They played
some of their varsity squad on almost every point and still couldn't find a
way to score for the first ten minutes. Brittany could feel her pride
rising as the other team's morale plummeted. By the time the half was over,
Kennview was ahead 10 to 2.
"Don't let up!" Coach Wilson yelled at his kids. "Yeah they may have
scored a couple of points on us, but it took them nearly the entire half to
do it. Keep ramming it down their throats until they choke on it. If you
let up for even a second, these guys are gonna come out and beat you down
hard." He stopped for a second to look over his roster and let the kids
bask in their first-half glory. "Alright, we'll be playing the same
starting line as before. Let's see if you can make it another ten-second
point!"
Brittany took her leave from the pits to join Franklin and Steven on
the far side to coach from their. She could hear the cheering from the
grandstands behind them as Kennview took the field once again, their
clothes barely showing any trace of paint. To look at Sommersville,
however, one could barely see their green jerseys under the orange that now
covers them. The trinity of players kept their cool about them as they know
everything can change in an instant.
"TEN SECONDS!" the head ref shouted as the teams got lined
up. Kennview's team started to scream and chant again to keep their juices
flowing. This made the three of them crack up a little.
When the clock started, Kennview's JV squad continued the beat-down of
the hometown favorite. They made history on this opening point as it lasted
a mere nine seconds with an impressive, off-the-break run-through by Tony,
one of Brittany's disciples. Sommersville tried to bounce back and scored a
couple of quick points by playing more conservative, but it was clear who
the dominant team was. Kennview High. By game's end, the scoreboard told
the complete story: 22 to 5. This score actually set a new record for the
JV league.
"Alright guys!" Coach Wilson said over the cheers of his players. "We
still have a long way before this thing is over so enjoy your first victory
then get ready to go again on field one, Center Court, at ten
forty-five. That gives you an hour or so to cool down, get rehydrated and
ready Clemson."
The team packed up all of their gear to make room for the next team to
through. On their way out, they congratulated the other team on the game,
but were met by sneers and idiotic remarks. The teams coming in, however,
had nothing to say but good things about they way they played. They were
impressed by the complete lack of penalties on both sides. When Tony,
Ashley and the others looked into their eyes, they could tell Coach was
right: they looked afraid to go up against them later on in the tournament.
Brittany, Brian and the others took the team aside to go over the
weaknesses that they saw. After the discussion and making a few changes to
the plans, the squad went to the grandstands to watch this field play
out. Franklin, Craig, Steven and the coaches pointed out what the losing
team was doing wrong and how they should compensate on the next point. They
watched as these two closely matched teams duke it out to a very low score.
The squad took to the pits and readied themselves for their next
match. Craig decided to watch from the stands to get a better view of the
overall play while his cohorts stuck to their duties. This game was a
repeat of the last. A forty minute beatdown of last year's state Junior
Varsity champions. Clemson fell point after point to the team that didn't
win a single game all last year. By game's end Kennview's kids bested them
in a 16 to 6 blowout. Closer than last game, but nowhere near the match
everyone was expecting. This secured Kennview's first-seed spot in the
semi-finals. All they had to do was wait it out for the other teams to
finish so they know who they would be facing in the first round.
According to the rule book, the semis were a best-of-three style
format. Whoever wins two of the matches gets the right to play for first
and second in the same format, while the losers play a single game to
decide third and forth. Kennview saw that McGregor High would be facing
them in the semis as they managed to win both of their games as well while
Clemson High and Northwood High finished off the bracket.
Coach Wilson prepped his kids for the good news on their part. "No
matter how this thing ends, you junior varsity kids have held up your end
of the deal. With the way you have played today, you secured a spot on the
podium and your half of the sponsor's offer is off of your shoulders. But
don't let that fool you into thinking these guys aren't gonna stick to
you. They won both of their preliminary games as well and they've been
watching us all day. But they haven't played us yet! Go out there and show
them how this thing is done!"
The kids took his words to heart. The first game was nothing short of
astonishing as Kennview smashed them in a near perfect victory for the
first game: 12 to 1. Brian made it clear that going into the next game that
they will be firing on all cylinders to make a comeback. Once again, the
kids took it to heart and didn't let up until the final whistle
blew. Ashley Sanders carried the flag into their penalty box for the last
point of the game, though they really didn't need it, she was just happy to
score the point for the team in their semi-final premier. The second game
ended 10 to 3.
Brittany couldn't help but feel overjoyed for them. She's been training
and teaching them her entire career how to be winners, they just needed the
spark to taste the victory. She went up to Ashley and gave her a huge hug
for how far she's come so far. Brittany looked into her eyes and saw a lot
of herself at her age, though she's just two years her junior. Ashley, on
the other hand, took that hug to mean something entirely different, though
Brittany wouldn't know it.
The Kennview JV team ended up playing Northwood for the first-place
trophy. Before the first match, the teams met at the center X for a small
get together and "good luck" hand shake. An true act of sportsmanship for
both teams. Back in the pits, however, the trash-talk started and it was
business as usual. through the nets, they would taunt and tease each other
for the sake of the small, budding rivalry between them.
Brittany took the starting line aside for a quick briefing of what she
and the others noticed about their playing habits. "They like to push the
snake side with at least three guns on the break. Don't impale yourselves
into their plan. If you see them laning to that side like that, keep going
up the center and pick them off as they try to move upfield. Also, they
haven't been playing the doritos for shit all day. They leave that whole
side open for the taking." She paused and looked around for their fastest
player. "Tony, your speed is what opens games. Run down their vacant side
and shoot them to shit from behind!"
With those last words, they broke out onto the field, exchanging a
mixture of "good lucks" with trash talk. When the head ref put his hands
over his head to give the "ten second" signal, Brittany started yelling out
their opening layout. As she predicted, they crowded the one side and left
the other completely open. Tony couldn't help but give an evil smile
knowing what he was about to do to them. The crowds from both sides, plus
those who didn't make the semis, were seated, waiting for the biggest game
of the day to start.
And start it did. Just as planned, Tony ran the entire length of the
field on the one side, completely unnoticed by the other team, and shot out
four of their five guys before the last guy managed to get him out. Right
after Tony took those shots to the side, Justin came down the other side
and bunkered that guy out while the other three brought the flag for the
point.
"The plan went nearly too perfect," Tony though to himself as they
regrouped for the next point. He gave out the instructions for this point
and yet again, Kennview scored within seconds, much to the delight of the
crowd who quickly swung their fanship to them.
The first match went like that for much of the game. The first game
ended with the other head coach conceding the last point to eat out the
rest of the clock. Kennview seemed unstoppable with the first game's score
of 16 to 5. The next match went by with a little bit of a scare. For the
first time in the tournament, Kennview found themselves behind at halftime
3 to 4. That scare was not to last though as they found and exploited
Northwood's weak spots and ended their chances at victory with a 12 to 7
score.
This was the first time in the league's history that a team went
completely undefeated in the JV bracket. Never before have they seen a
junior varsity team play with that much domination and determination to win
a tournament. Not to mention the fact that they didn't win a single game
last year; that just makes it even better for the media.
Standing on the podium, holding the sponsors' banners and the cup over
their heads, the kids couldn't help but yell out to their family and new
fans. They hadn't noticed before, but as the day went by more and more
people started watching their games and their domination over whoever stood
in their way from where they now stand. Coach Wilson was crying while the
ceremony continued and his kids had their pictures taken. Brittany, Brian,
and Curtis felt their own sibling-like pride swelling up inside of them,
watching their little brothers and sisters standing on the highest point of
the stage. The Pros let them bask in the glory that they played their
hearts out to achieve. They were playing out of their minds to get here and
they can each remember their first time.
Though it was already past eight, the coaches treated the kids to
dinner out of their own pockets. He watched them do what they've been
trained to do and they more than prevailed. To some, it seemed they were
running a clinic when they were out there. Now was when the varsity team
felt the pressure building as they still had their games to play tomorrow
and they have no easy task set before them.
Once again, Brittany did not sleep soundly; her dreams tainted by this
recurring fear and doubt eroding away at the depths of her soul. Her nights
have been filled with the dread of seeing Amanda's face when her eyes would
close. The confusion of her entire situation was only more implanted by
this feeling of being watched, even way out here. Brittany hasn't had a
good night sleep since running into her, but didn't know why she felt this
way. Even now, after being awake for most of the day and the long day of
coaching and cheering for the younger team, she couldn't find the courage
to sleep. Fatigue would occasionally overtake her exhausted brain and she
would drift into a soft sleep, but it would only last for a few minutes at
a time. Brittany kept her eyes trained on the clock as the night slowly
passed by.
Somehow, the wake-up call managed to startle her out of some kind rest
as she bolted up from the comfort of her pillow. She glanced around the
room trying to take it all in. None of it seemed familiar at first, but
when she heard Tina snoring in the bed next to her it all came back. She
got out of bed and woke her roommates Tina and Ashley while she proceeded
to get some of her gear on and get her mind ready for today.
Even as they drove to the field again, nothing seemed right. All of the
talks going on behind her were shut off to her ears. Her own mother's voice
couldn't be heard. Her mom had to shake her out of her daydream of
nothingness. "We're here," she said shaking her daughter's shoulder, "you
O.K. to play today? You look a little pale."
"I'm fine mom," she answered smiling, "I just didn't get a lot of sleep
last night."
"I don't want her know," her mom answered, putting her hands up.
"Was that a lesbian joke, mom?" she retorted almost laughing.
"No," her mom answered sarcastically, "but do you want to hear one?"
"Shut up mom," she said getting out of the van laughing.
Brian, Curtis and Frank were already at the back unloading the gear
into their wagon. Brittany got out, trying to push that ominous sight out
of her mind, and went about her duties as one of the team captains. She
organized the team under their canopy while they waited for the other teams
to start showing up. Once again, they could hear the blowers inflating the
fields to get ready for final day of the tournament. As they neared the
teams' staging area, the JV squad burst into cheers. Hanging over the
grandstand billboard was a banner of who won the JV tournament. Everyone
suddenly felt their tensions dissolving away.
"Alright, listen up!" Coach Wilson said after receiving the
schedule. The teams were busy getting the starting line ready to go and all
of the pods filled. "We are the first game of the day and we're playing
Clemson High on center court. I don't need to explain to you what you need
or need not to do. You trained the team that played yesterday and you saw
what happened. Franklin, Steven and Craig said they'll be by later, after
our first game, but not to worry. We know how to play paintball."
The coaches chose Brittany's lines to start off the first few points
and then they'll go from there. She led them out onto the field to a
standing ovation after the national anthem was played. She looked into the
crowd and saw her mom watching intently with one of the dads sitting next
to her explaining the game, like he did yesterday. Brittany gathered her
line around her and got them pumped and chanting before the other team even
made out of the pits. She was in their faces, shouting at them to "keep
their fucking guns rolling" or "blast their fucking faces off".
"LISTEN UP!" she yelled at the line. Pointing to her heart she
continued, "Remember what's in fucking here!" then she pointed to her head,
"and remember what's in fucking here. You know how to fucking play this
game and know we'll teach them how to fucking play. Come on mother
fuckers..." her cries were drowned out by the cheering of her line. Her
mother, on the other hand, could only grimace at her daughter's choice of
words, but knew it's how she plays.
The head ref announced the ten second warning. Brittany could hear the
coaches and her other teammates calling out Crimson's plan of attack while
she counted down the seconds in her head. Once he gave the signal to start
the game, Brittany's line came out with a vengeance. Thomas was on their
side of the field, shooting out players along the way, before their corners
were filled. The point was over in less than twenty seconds. Brittany waved
the flag over her head as she ran it in for the point. She could hear the
ovation from their fans and the other teams in the stands.
The rest of the half went by without a single point scored against
them; they led by a ten point margin. All of the lines were playing just
like they should be and none of Crimson's coaches could see any holes in
their play. The second half went by without much of the flair that Kennview
usually puts into their games. Instead they opted to slow down the game and
wear them down, watching them impale themselves on their guns. Brian
followed Brittany's lead by waving the flag over his head when he brought
it in for the final point. Crimson High could only watch from the deadbox
as he brought in the final hang. Coach Wilson had to look at the scoreboard
to confirm the facts: they played a perfect match. Not a single point
scored against them all game with the final score of 15 to 0.
The varsity team gathered themselves under the canopy to regroup and
get all of the information ready to play against their cross-town rival,
Henderson High. They were looking really strong last year and what they saw
of their JV team, their varsity team could give them a run for their money
if they gave them any openings. Granted, they just seriously dismantled
their real only competition, on center court at that, and set the pace for
the rest of the tournament. Henderson was always kind of one of those
sleeper teams, while Kennview was winning everything, they were always
right there in the semi-finals with them almost every time.
The Dynasty guys arrived at the field just as Kennview's next game got
underway. They watched quietly in the stands while their good friend's line
just pounded the other team, completely embarrassing them in front of their
fans and TV cameras. Craig, who took a seat next to Brittany's mom by
chance, continued to breakdown each point as they played it out. Steven
kept talking her about what she did wrong when she got shot out, or what
she did right when she was scoring points. Even though everyone expected
the game to be close, Kennview made it worth the while of the TV stations
to attend with their impressive display of dominance and
sportsmanship. Franklin could only respect his friend's mother for raising
her daughter to have that level of sportsmanship at such a young age. The
four of them went down to congratulate them on their 13 to 8 victory and
their place in the semi-finals.
Brittany led her team through the opposition of McGregor High in two
easy wins. Once again, Brittany found herself standing at the starting gate
of the finals with her team and fans cheering her on. The entire line knows
this feeling well, they've been here many times before. Though they've
never played this team in the finals, they have always blasted them away
whenever they met. She, and the rest of her line, could feel no life coming
from the other side of the field, though they tried to get themselves
pumped up.
From the start of the first point, however, Kennview had their hands
full. Northwood's varsity team obviously came here to win and they were
battling with all they have. During their first half timeout, Coach Wilson
expressed his deep regret for underestimating this team. They were matched
point-for-point throughout much of the half. By the time the halftime
whistle blew, Kennview had a weak lead of 5 to 3, their lowest scoring
first half lead since this time last year.
"This is what happens when you don't respect them enough," Coach Wilson
said during the break. "They've been practicing hard all summer and now
they're trying to show us what they're worth. I say: Fuck... That... Shit!
We know who the better team is. They know who the better team is. Now we
need to teach them a lesson in respect for the national champions. Brian,
Greg, you guys need to keep pushing down your tape, regardless of what's
going on on the other side. Make them remember the day they tried to keep
us from the trophy."
Brian led his line out for the first point of the second half. The came
out firing on all cylinders. Within the first minute of the half, Kennview
scored twice against what seemed like a strong team. Northwood made a
valiant effort to fight back with a few quick points of their own, but the
wind had died from their sails. By the time the game ended, it was clear
there would be no last minute comeback in this game. Kennview laid back and
wasted the rest of the clock when they got ahead 10 to 7. Their plan
worked. The next game easily went to them as well. It was clear that
fatigue was keeping Northwood from doing much and they seemed to have
nothing left. Kennview rolled them in a complete 18 to 3 blowout for the
win.
Brittany stood atop the podium, holding the trophy over the heads of
her teammates amidst the celebration. True to the tradition, she kissed the
side of the cup and passed it down to the next person. She could hear all
of the other teams and their family and fans cheering their names
throughout the ceremony. Kennview High was awarded their individual medals
and a check for five thousand dollars for their win and Brittany was given
the event's Sportsmanship Award. Brian was named as the team's MVP for this
event for being a clutch player in their tightest game. Brittany gave him
his due hug and congratulations. The guys from San Diego Dynasty took their
leave right after giving the teams and their coaches their due
congratulations.
After the awards ceremony, and media interviews, the teams continued
their revelry while packing up their gear. After all of the gear and
remaining boxes of paint were loaded, Coach Wilson gathered the team around
before heading out.
"Hey, no speeches!" he called out over the celebrating kids and
parents. "I'm proud of you all. Your parents are proud of all of you. Your
sponsors are proud of all of you, now let's get the hell back to town."
On the ride out of town, Brittany all but forgot about Amanda and all
the horror she brought to her; that is until she fell asleep. Two nights of
virtually no rest and two days of playing and coaching paintball finally
caught up to her. Before they were even on the highway, Brittany's lights
were out. All of the excitement going on behind her and that in her head
could no longer keep her body from demanding rest. Her dreams all seemed to
run together in that illogic way that dreams often do. She was happy that
her team won another national title, but felt saddened by a longing that
could not be quenched. For what seemed like eons, what was were merely a
couple of hours, she saw Amanda standing before her, covered by her hoodie
to where only her lips are visible, trying to speak as if apologizing for
their first encounter. In yet, despite her seemingly groundless fear in her
dream, she cannot bear to hear any form apology from an abomination such as
herself. When Amanda
moves her lips to speak, Brittany hears a familiar voice that she can't
place coming from behind her. When she began to turn around, she awoke and
found they were turning into the school's parking lot. As she sat up, she
heard her mother's voice telling her they've arrived back. Brittany
realized who's voice it was calling out to her.
Brittany could not recall any of the details of how she found her way
back to her bed. She remembers her mother, or at least someone, kissing her
goodnight and the next thing she knew she was lying in her bed facing the
ceiling. After her long weekend and seemingly longer nap, her thoughts
about this Amanda person had finally exhausted themselves. She could not
picture Amanda in her mind nor did she want to. All she wanted was a decent
night sleep because, after all, she had to go to school tomorrow and it was
already three in the morning.
After a tiring day at school, and a victorious weekend, the coaches
decided to give the kids the day off from practice even though their next
event is a "home game", by traditional sports' standards, and the pressure
gets turned up even more for those. Almost all of the school attends these
games even though they don't follow the sport that well, but despite so
they come to support their national championship team. Brittany remembers
all to well how hard the road gets as the season drags on. The training
regiment intensifies by a factor of ten and the standards increase more and
more as they see how they finish in each event.
Brittany decided to take her day off to go down to the book store and
search out Amanda. Throughout the course of the day, she built up her
courage to finally go see her. She made her way to her car when Tina came
up to her.
"Hey Brit," she started with a smile, "where you going this afternoon?
You wanna go get some ice cream or something?"
"No actually, I'm heading down to the book store," she answered
honestly.
"Oh, do you mind if I go with you?" Tina asked politely, but a little
disheartened. "There's something I need to look up."
"Yeah," Brittany said smiling, "hop in."
They rode and talked about yesterday's victory. Tina was only recently
promoted to the varsity team and was the only one to play both days. Both
of them reliving their moment on the podium. Tina got to brag about how she
was on both podiums, but Brittany countered which one was better. Tina
didn't bring up what was on her mind for the entire ride.
When they arrived they saw Amanda getting her cello out to start
playing. This seemed a little odd as she was already playing the first song
of her set by now, but that thought quickly passed when Amanda got her
fingers going. Brittany and Tina stood in front of the growing crowd that
has quickly turned into a small fanbase. Brittany did not feel any of her
recurring fear when she watched Amanda play, but rather felt eased by
it. Tina, as well, was entranced by the sound coming from this girl's
instrument. She subconsciously held Brittany's hand while they listened to
her play her first set; Brittany never once noticed until the music ended.
"Hey Tina," she said with a confused tone, "why are you holding my
hand?"
"Oh shit, I'm sorry, Brit," she answered blushing a deep crimson. After
regaining her composure she continued, "Well, let's go inside and see if I
can find what I'm looking for."
"You go ahead on in," Brittany said, keeping her eyes on Amanda, "I'll
be in a few minutes."
"Oh... O.K. Brit," Tina answered lowering her eyes as she entered the
store. All Tina could think about right now was their weekend that they
spent together. And that kiss... yes that kiss last night before Brittany
went home and the sound of her voice when she said "goodnight" made her
growing confusion that much more frustrating. 'Why does she have to take
over my feelings like this?' she kept thinking to herself.
A short time later, Brittany appeared between some of the shelves
looking through a few books about nothing in particular. Her eyes weren't
even focused on the pages while she skimmed them. Rather she kept her
thoughts about Amanda, but her revelry was short-lived as she was
interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Hello again, Brittany," Roger said happily. "Is there anything I can
help you with today?"
"Yes," she answered, putting the book back where she found it. "I think
there's something I need in your office," she winked at him.
"I see. Then follow me." Roger's voice was lower than before and his
eyes less welcoming. He knows why she would ask of such a thing, but he
didn't know exactly what this studious teenager will ask of him this time.
"What can I answer today, my dear?" Roger asked politely taking a seat
behind his desk.
"Tell me more about Amanda," Brittany answered pointblank. "I don't
know why but whenever I'm not playing paintball and when I'm not here she
haunts my every thought. I was thinking someone who knows her better can
tell me how or why."
"I cannot answer that, but what I can say is this: you remind her of
someone dear that she lost before I found her on my doorstep. I will not
say now who that was, but she cries herself to sleep almost every night
thinking of this person. Now I ask you, how does she know you?"
"I don't know," Brittany asked, nearly insulted that she would know her
from somewhere. "I've never seen her before in my life, but now I can't get
her face out of my head."
"Yes," Roger answered chuckling, "her face has become very
unforgettable for what it is now. That's actually part of the reason why I
didn't recognize her at first." He took a pause before he said too
much. Brittany could tell by the sound of his voice that something was
choking him up. "She speaks very highly of you, you know."
"No she doesn't," she answered, again feeling a bit insulted.
"Well, not exactly 'speaks', but since I rediscovered my sister, she
hasn't been able to stop talking about you. Again, I will not tell you why
right now; it's not my place to so..." Roger was interrupted by his phone
ringing. "Excuse me, dear."
Brittany sat confused by his newest outburst. She distinctly
remembering him telling her that she has no siblings, at least not anymore,
then he claims to be her brother. Brittany's concentration soon turn to
fear as she watched his face go from a small smile to a maddening grimace
when the voice on the other end started to speak. He was very upset by this
person calling him for some reason and Brittany suddenly felt frightened to
be in the same room as he.
"NO!..... Amanda told you twice already she will not see you!... I
don't care what the fucking protocol is!... Well, that's not my
problem... Oh you just dare and try it, bitch..." with that he threw the
phone down and only then realized Brittany was still in her seat.
"I'm sorry you had to see that my dear. That Dr. Jackson has been
calling me nonstop since she discovered Amanda was living here with
me. Amanda told me that she wants nothing to do with that... what were the
words she used?... 'cruel Medusa' I think."
"Who is Dr. Jackson?" Brittany asked still frightened, but her courage
remained with her.
"She was Amanda's therapist when she was incarcerated..."
"Amanda was what?" Brittany asked alarmed. Again she was hearing the
truth, but didn't want to hear it. "Incarcerated where?"
"Well if you really must know," he said evenly, "before our father's
trial she was deemed fit to take the stand. After testifying, they
re-evaluated her and then she told the shrink that she heard voices. Our
father was given another trial, but was killed in a prison riot after only
his third day on the inside. When they told Amanda that she didn't have to
testify again because of that, they said she smiled and laughed like a
'girl at a birthday party'. Of course, she was only ten at the time, but
the new law dictated that she be held in a juvenile center until her
thirteenth birthday then she was moved to the Hillcrest Hospital of the
Criminally Insane. She hasn't gone into much detail about it and I don't
know what happened to her, but whatever it was fucked her up to where she
lost the ability to speak when they released her."
"Oh my God," Brittany felt her heart sink. She couldn't bring herself
to imagine a thirteen year old girl being placed in an asylum, let alone
what might have happened to her. The thoughts of what some lunatic might
have done to her made her eyes begin to water. Brittany bravely held back
her tears, however. "She hasn't said anything about it?"
"No, only that she lost someone very precious to her," Roger said in a
grievous tone. "Given how she talks to me, I always assumed that meant that
she lost herself, but I don't know anymore."
"I see," Brittany said, feeling her tears running down her face at the
sight of his. "I think I'll leave now, O.K.?"
"Yeah, that's fine, Brittany," Roger answered wiping away his tears. "I
never did get your last name, by the way."
"Williams," she answered over her shoulder as she opened the
door. Roger just nodded his head as Brittany left him to his solitude.
She continued her empty search for her book of nothing. The entire time
she looked blankly at the shelves she could hear Amanda playing a soft
tune, almost as if she knew what her and Roger just talked about. Brittany
could take it no longer. Once she found Tina, she hastily made her buy
whatever she needed and they left. Tina decided on the ride home to stay
with her friend and find out what the hell was going on.
*************************************
There's part three of the series. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as
I enjoyed writing it. Part four will be on a slight delay, but not to
worry, I will have it out as soon as possible.
Once again, comments and suggestions are always welcome. i want to thank
those who have sent me their suggestions and comments so far. You've been a
big help.