The Tennis of Love - 1.chapter

So, here's the first chapter. Let me know what you think.

Chapter 1.

- Go Rafa! Concentrate, you can win this game! – I shouted for the tv.

Although I knew that I can say what I want, cuss the opponent all I want, and it won’t have an effect on the match, I just couldn’t help myself.

I’ve been sitting in front of the tv for 4 hours now, cheering for Rafa. It’s probably one of the most important matches of his career, he can’t loose this, he’s been playing so well through the US Open this year. If he wins this match, he’ll get so much more than just a pat on the back, a congratulation for fighting down another great tennis player. It’ll be the first year he wins a US Open, he will have made the Career Grand Slam, and have won 3 consecutive Grand Slams in one year.

- Rafa, please, look at me! Your mind on the game! If you hit an ace, that will be it, Djokovich won’t be able to come back from it – I pleaded with the TV screen.

My legs were already stiff from sitting on the same spot, my hands sore from clutching them together in silent cheer for my favorite sportsman, and I had to bite my pillow from squealing after every point he has won and shouting for every mistake. It was 5 a.m., and I was at home with my family, who didn’t know about my obsession.

Okay, that’s not entirely true. I’ve been watching tennis since Nadal won his first Roland Garros. My mom knew, that every time he played I was at home and in front of the TV, no matter what. But she didn’t really pay any attention to it, because I tend to get obsessed with something or someone from time to time. There was fro example a Twilight and Robert Pattinson period of my teenage years, but even with music, I’ m like if a hear a good song, than I’ll listen to just that one for a months, and after that I get bored of it, and won’t play it in another half year.

Every muscle in my body was tense, and I couldn’t even get myself to breath when I waited for Rafa to serve for the match.

- Rafaaaa!!! – I squealed, and couldn’t contain myself. Such a joy came over me, that I could only feel if I watched Nadal. I can’t describe it in words. I’m so proud of him, and so happy for him. I feel like my dream would have come true. It’s always weird, because I have nothing to do with his victory.

While hearing him speak during the ceremony I’m in tears. Again. I don’t even really notice it anymore. I think I got used to it. They’re happy tears, and my heart swells as he thanks for everyone. His kind personality shines through his every word.

The camera shows his family, and his girlfriend. I scowl at her sight, but right my expression right away. I’m happy for him, and his girlfriend is part of his happiness, I chant in myself. I don’t know why, but it seems that she makes him happy.

I dial my best friends number. I can’t let this opportunity go!

- Hey Sophie! I told you he will win!

- What? Who? – I hear her sleepy voice.

- I can’t believe you fell asleep on the match! It was epic! He beat Djokovich in 4 sets. Joker didn’t have any chance against him, he was just unbelievable.

- Whatever, I’m sure he had just luck once again…

- You’re a sore looser, So. It’s time for you to admit, that he’s the best.

- Are you crazy? I’ll do no such thing.

- I didn’t really expect you to, but maybe in time.

- Dreams… But I’ll go back to sleep now. I need my beauty sleep. Anyway, how the hell can you be so cheerful so early when you haven’t slept a minute?!

I just smile at the phone.

- Rafa just won his first US Open, and many other titles, how the hell could I not be cheerful?

Sophie is the only one who knows that I still watch every match and interview of Nadal. She doesn’t get it why I like it so much, but she’s my best friends, and supports me anyway. I don’t know what I would do without her.

I really miss her. She still lives in Budapest, with her boyfriend Gabe, and I study in Heidelberg, Germany on the medical university. Luckily I have a good job, and have enough money to go and visit her at least every month, and if she can she comes here too.

- Okay, I’ll let you sleep. Talk to you tomorrow, dear. Love you.

- Love you too. Good night, Honey.

After hung up the phone I fall asleep, I let the dreams take me. I dream of Nadal again, but it’s not really news, ‘cause it happens quite often.

- Hey! Out of bed! It’s already past nine, you have to help me cook dinner!

I roll over, not wanting to wake up, trying to get back to my dream. It’s still like when I was 16.

- Olivia! I don’t care if you dreamt about one of your crushes again, grow up already! It’s time for you to realize, that neither Robert Pattinson nor Rafael Nadal will confess his love to you, so you better find yourself a boyfriend who’s real.

And we’re here again. The boyfriend-thing. My mother never understood my love life, or lack thereof. In spite of being 21 years old, I never had a long-term relationship with a boy who I could bring home, and it drove my mother insane. Once she even asked me if I was lesbian, because she’s never seen me with a boy.

But that’s not the case. The truth is, although I had many boys in my life, I have never been in love with any one of them. Most of my “relationships” are one night stands. That’s why some people think me a slut. Only Sophie understands my point.

I was always the romantic kind of girl, who waits for Prince Charming to come, or in my age rather Edward Cullen. I wanted to feel the tingle every time the boy touched me, wanted to miss him if I couldn’t see him for 2 days, love him, and for him to love me back.

But it never came. On the other hand there were my raging hormones, and the need to be with a boy. To feel worshipped even for just a night, and even if it is just a lie. So I went to parties, and still go, get myself a man, and satisfy my needs.

I know that from the outside it seems that these two things are the opposite of each other, but that’s just how my complicated brain works.

But of course I couldn’t tell my mother about my one night stands, so she just sees that I never have a boy with, and I can understand that she has doubts.

I didn’t really want to argue with Mom again, so I got up, dressed in my sweats, and went down to cook lunch.

My whole family was there for lunch. In the afternoon I’m going to head down to Lake Balaton, to our weekend house. It’s July, the university is over, and I haven’t been there for years. I didn’t tell my parents, because I have no idea how long I’ll stay, or what I’ll do once I’m there. In the original plan Sophie would have also come, but she couldn’t get away from her job, so I’m going alone. Maybe that’s exactly what I need.

So before I leave again my family came here to say goodbye, and spend some quality time with me. I have to admit really missed my uncle and my cousin, Noel. The whole family converts into a big talk show, as they fire me with questions, and it feels good to feel that they care about me, and love me.

Although it was not easy, I managed to say goodbye to everyone, so now I’m in my car, heading to the place where I spent at least 2 weeks every summer with my friends.

It’s 7 p.m when I finally get there, and it’s so strange to be alone here. I’ve never been alone in this house. But I have a feeling that this is where I’m supposed to be right now.