283 Alex - Gleam in Your Eyes

The volleyball game only had one set, a race to 1 point higher than the 24 match point. In theory, that would be 25 points for the winning team while the losing team is at 23.

If both teams reached 24, the score would reset and the new match point is 25. Basically, the team has to be 2 points ahead in order to win.

There were 4 more games scheduled until class ended. At least, that was the plan their gym teacher had intended but…

His eyes went to the scoreboard.

26-25

He shook his head in astonishment. Who knew these teams would be this good? If this kept going, they'd take up half of the class time already.

"Noah, spike it!" Alex shouted, hitting the ball with her arms. Neal had served for his team and the ball came in fast and strong. It curved through the air which would confuse any non-seasoned player.

Luckily, her teammate managed to keep the ball in the air. But it wasn't possible to do a proper set.

Noah spread his feet apart and waited for the ball. When it soared above his head, he jumped. The blockers for the other team jumped along with him. He gritted his teeth and aimed for one of their hands.

The ball went spinning back to their court—now high enough for a proper set.

Alex lit up at the rebound and directed the ball towards Kate. "Nice one!"

Kate tossed it to Noah.

He attempted for a spike the second time but Neal sprung up as he hit the ball, cutting his path and managing a total block out.

The ball headed straight for the floor.

Noah glared at Neal through the net.

The latter blinked in surprise. It seemed like his cousin was fired up for once. The thought made Neal more excited.

Unfortunately, their teacher didn't share the same sentiment. As much as he enjoyed the long rally, it not only took minutes of his class but also years of his life.

Alex lunged with one leg extended in front of her. The ball landed on her foot and went up in the air once again. Neal tsk-ed at her successful save. She smirked at him and raised her hand up.

"Kate, over here!" Alex waited for Kate to toss the ball, estimating where it would reach its highest point. She ran for the ball and aimed at Evelyn who was terrible at receiving it.

The ball flew exactly as Alex intended.

It bounced off Evelyn's arms and went to the back of their side of the court. Another player dashed after it but it was too late. The ball landed out of bounds, giving the last point to Alex's team.

Their gym teacher blew the whistle as loudly as he could. It was over! Finally over! A beautiful game has finally reached its end. "Alex's team wins! Good game, everyone!"

Alex had her hands on her knees. She panted for breath. Beads of sweat covered her forehead. How low was her stamina? This was unacceptable. It was only one set and a normal game lasts for three!

She could definitely do better than this.

"Good game," Noah said beside her. He raised his hand for a high five. "I always thought you were just a book nerd. This was an enlightening experience. Thanks."

Glancing at him from the corner of her gray eyes, Alex assessed the now smug vibes Noah was giving off. A sense of familiarity tickled the back of her head. Then, it clicked like doors opening to a hidden memory.

"You're the one who almost set my grandfather's garden on fire," she answered, straightening her posture and crossing her arms over her chest. "I think that's a better example of an enlightening experience… Pun not intended."

He smirked, putting his hand down. "Seriously. Where did you hide this personality? If I had known, maybe I would have been your fiancé now."

Alex's eyes blazed. She tucked in her chin to openly glare at his face. "Don't test me, Noah."

"Never dreamed of it." He spun on his heel and waved his hand without looking back. Kate appeared beside Alex, pulling her off the court to make way for the next team.

Class passed by swiftly because of the games. 2 more sets were played before the bell rang. Their gym teacher blew the whistle and gave a few words before dismissing the class. His eyes zeroed in on Alex and an ominous feeling shivered down her spine.

"Alex, I'd like to have a word with you if you don't mind," he called out while everyone stood up. The students looked at both of them, whispering among themselves.

She ignored them and walked up to their teacher.

He went straight to the point. "Have you thought about joining the volleyball club?"

"I—"Alex paused. She hadn't thought about clubs yet but she needed one for her college applications. From a student council member to a volleyball player… would the universities find that interesting?

"Not yet but I will now. Thank you," she replied.

Their teacher nodded. "Well, let me know so I can give a few good words. I'm sure your class can also do the same. That really was a good game."

"Thank you for the compliment. I'll be going now."

"Alright. Enjoy the weekend."

Alex jogged towards the lockers. She focused solely on her locker along with Kate and Xiera. Judging from their expressions, they were eager to hear about what she discussed with their teacher.

Kate finished buttoning her blouse. "So… did you get an offer to join the volleyball team?"

Eyes wide, Alex gaped. "How did you—"

"Lucky guess." Kate chuckled. "You have really good skills. It would be weird if someone like our gym teacher didn't see your potential. We have one of the best volleyball teams in high school throughout the country. You should definitely give it a shot."

With the new information, Alex considered joining the club once again. She ran out of breath too quickly in the game. Joining a sports club would help her stay in shape as another perk. At this point, she was about 80% sure about her decision.

"I'm sure Alex will get in," Xiera voiced out loud. She sat on the bench and slipped on her black leather flats. "Unlike some people who only know how to stand and look pretty, she has a smart brain and has natural athletic abilities. She's the role model to look up to."

The sound of a locker door slamming echoed around the changing room. Alex and Kate followed the source with their eyes. Evelyn and her pose stared back. She hadn't performed well throughout the game. At first, it was on purpose so Neal would help her out but, in the end, he paid her zero attention.

How could he? When there was someone on the other team he needed to pay attention to if he wanted to win.

Xiera hopped to her feet. The cold and quiet atmosphere caused her to look up. "What? I was talking about myself. I obviously look up to Alex and not down at her."

She flipped her hair back and shrugged on her blazer. Alex could only shake her head, changing as fast as she could. She had a busy weekend ahead which she didn't look forward to. Dread washed over her head almost instantly.

That same dread haunted her up until Saturday morning, arriving at the children's hospital. A group of women gathered on one spot in the parking lot. There were children around her age who were most likely volunteers such as herself.

"I'll go check which room you'll be assigned to," her mother, Angeline, said. She approached the group and they welcomed her warmly.

Alex scanned the area and glanced upwards. She made eye contact with a kid through one of the windows. He gasped and drew the curtains. Amused, she did the same with other kids watching. Some of them hid below the window while others stared back silently.

Maybe this won't be that bad—

"Morning, Alex," Neal greeted her. He wore the powder blue same shirt as hers—the designated uniform for the service organization their mothers were members of. He wore a white dress shirt underneath it and paired it with dark jeans.

He almost seemed like a completely different person.

Alex folded her arms over her chest. "Finally got over your loss from the match?"

Neal rolled his eyes. "I'm not a petty—"

His voice trailed off as he noticed the necklace Alex wore. The locket hung just above her breasts. It looked old, the gold material lacking in luster. Alex wasn't one to wear accessories, not even a pair of earrings unless there was a special occasion.

So why…?