CHAPTER 8
Two weeks later, the Tigers’ team bus pulled into the Roosevelt High parking lot.
“So, how many years has it been since we’ve won a match against the Mustangs?” asked Alexis.
“Eleven,” Erin said. “In other words, practically our whole lives.”
The bus squeaked to a stop. One by one, the girls piled off.
Alexis looked around at the freshly mowed grass and the neatly trimmed trees. The tennis courts were surrounded by flowers. The school was really nice. Alexis let out a deep breath. This was the big time.
“Well, if it isn’t Motormouth Morgan Grundman,” said a Mustangs player from inside the fence.
“Good to see you, too, Huffington,” said Morgan. “Ready to lose and cry like a baby?”
“Oh, you mean like you did last year?” the player replied. The other Mustangs around her laughed.
Erin whispered to Alexis, “That’s Mindy Huffington. Last year Morgan had six match points against her and still lost. It was pretty bad.”
“Prepare to look silly this year,” said Morgan. “We’re going to be on you like stink on a monkey.”
“Poor little Morgan,” said Mindy. “She talks a good game. Too bad she can’t back it up. How many times have I beaten you? Oh yeah, that’s right, now I remember. Five.”
Morgan laughed. “Whatever,” she said.
“I hear there’s a middle-schooler playing against me this year,” said Mindy. “Are you really that scared of me?”
“Nah, just tired of you, that’s all,” Morgan said.
“Nice racquet, by the way,” said Mindy. “I see you saved up for the expensive one from the drugstore.” She turned and walked away.
Morgan stared into Alexis’s eyes and said, “Middle School, you better beat her. You hear me?”
“I hear you,” said Alexis.
“Good,” Morgan said. “I’ll see you after the match, when we celebrate our team win.”