Chapter Nine
“We didn’t save the park,” I told our team. “But we can finish the season, at least.”
“Hurray!” said Scott.
I pulled Bella aside. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for our team. And our court,” I said.
“It’s my team now, too,” Bella said. “And really, it was your letter that helped the most.”
“I only wrote the letter,” I said. “Jack is the one who actually mailed it.”
I smiled at my brother, and he smiled back.
“Let’s play!” I said to the Lakers. “And let’s have fun!”
Teesha looked at me, surprised, and then gave me a high-five.
Maybe my team would end up liking me after all. As long as I kept my new attitude, anyway.
The set started. The Hornets served the ball and we sent it back to them.
A Hornet bounced it easily off his elbow, and his teammate launched it to us.
The ball plummeted quickly into our side. I ran forward. I would have to dive to hit the ball before it hit the sand.
I dove face-first, arms outstretched. I hit the ball as hard as I could. I had a mouthful of sand, but the ball was still active. But would anyone else get to it in time?
Jack was there. He set the ball and then Bella spiked it over, right into a Hornet void.
The first point of the set went to us.
“Awesome play, Ramona and Jack!” said Bella.
“You too!” we answered.
We scored on the next four rallies. It was 5-0.
And then it was my turn to serve. I slapped out an overhand serve, aiming for the far right corner like Bella had done during practice.
The ball dropped in bounds. My first ace, and another point for us.
We slapped hands as we got into position. The crowd was cheering. Mr. Matterhorn was cheering the loudest.
Our momentum was back. We were on a roll, and it wasn’t going to stop any time soon!
