Chapter 8
Allie looked out her bedroom window on the morning of the last volleyball match of the season. It was cloudy and rainy outside. Great, she thought. I hope this isn’t the sign of a really bad day.
As she got ready for school, Allie thought about what Nikki had said at their last practice. Nikki had seemed so sure that all Allie needed to do was believe she could do it.
Easier said than done, Allie thought as she walked downstairs for breakfast.
She dropped her duffle bag and backpack by the kitchen table. She flopped into a chair with a sigh.
Allie’s mom raised her eyebrows and asked, “Is something wrong, honey? You seem stressed.”
“No,” said Allie. “Not really. I’m just nervous. It’s the last match today. I just want to do well.”
“Just do your best,” said Mom. “You know what they say — if you believe you can do something, you will be able to do it.” She smiled at Allie.
“Yeah, that’s what I hear,” Allie said.
* * *
At lunch, Allie sat with Kate.
“So, how’s everything going?” asked Kate. “Are you nervous about the game tonight?”
“I don’t know,’’ said Allie. She ate a tater tot. Then she went on, “I’m kind of sad that it’s the last match for this year. And I’m really nervous about how I’m going to do. Are you coming?”
“Of course I’m coming! I wouldn’t miss it!” said Kate, smiling at her friend. “And don’t be nervous. Here’s a trick I learned for when I’m in a play and I’m scared. I just tell myself to believe that I’m the person I’m playing. Then I’m not as nervous. So you should just tell yourself, ‘I’m Allie, the awesome volleyball player.’ And you’ll feel way better!”
Allie smiled. “That’s great advice, Kate,” she said. “Thanks.”
* * *
After school, Allie sat by her locker doing homework while she waited for the other school’s bus to show up. She had her math book open in front of her, but she was having a really hard time paying attention.
More than once, she caught herself staring at the wall on the other side of the hallway. She just kept thinking about all of those Saturday practices with Nikki. Had she really learned anything?
Allie sighed. She still hadn’t decided if she would sign up for summer league yet. She knew she had to sign up if she wanted to play next year.
For about the hundredth time that season, Allie thought about how much she wanted to play volleyball the next year. She’d always planned to play when she was a freshman.
Volleyball was her favorite thing. She loved blocking, and she liked serving. Plus, playing as a freshman would mean spending time in practices and at games with Nikki, who would be a senior next year.
The problem was, Allie didn’t know if she would make the team without being able to spike. She could do everything else well. But was that enough?
She heard a large group of girls talking and giggling at the other end of the hall. It was time to get ready for the match.