The next day Yassen was escorted to the gym once more by Abigale and to the storage closet. Yassen dryer a few of the rackets in his hands, settling on a well made maple one.
Today both him and Abigale have dressed appropriately for the activity. Yassen had on a light blue checked t-shirt, blue jean shorts and a weight ball cap on. Abigale was in a light yellow dress and an orange visor.
"So what game are we playing Yassen?" She called as Yassen felt a few different balls, measuring their demotion with the racket.
"Tennis. This isn't a game of life love, I have a much better build for tennis then badmition. I can get better control of the ball." Yassen nodded, voice betraying nothing. "Hate to say it, but I learnt by watching them play. I think that's why I was the tennis ball, I wasn't able to take the abuse the role forced me into. He hurt so many people, I can't let him hurt anymore."
"That's good Yassen. Trust me, those scars should fade. If not, were them like a badge. They are part of you, of your growth as a person. At one point they helped you, now I think you are going to slowly be able to move that release to something a little less harmful." Abigale smiled, walking into her side of the court. " You are a very strong boy, how old are you anyways. I have a licence to do tattoos, I have a room set up for patients who are able to get them. I could probably convince your Pa to let you get one."
Yassen served, clearly deep in thought as they started their game. Dispute the slight distraction, Yassen was able to manoeuvre the court effortlessly. Every time the ball hit the ground, he knew where to aim. After only six returns, it seemed like Yassen had easily figured out Abigail's movement. The strengths and weaknesses in her stance and forum.
"You are really good at reading people Yassen. I'm fairly impressed, it's not often that I get a good challenge." Abigale called as the ball bounded past her racket. "What are we playing to? "
"Game Point," Yassen called back, shrugging as if it was the clearest thing in the world. "I mean it's currently fifteen love."
"Love, Fifteen, thirty, forty-five, match point?" It was clear that Abigale was slightly confused. "Game point is five match points right?"
Yassen nodded as Abigale tossed the ball back. "Each match we switch servers. That's how we play it anyways."
As Yassen served he didn't notice John walking over to one of the chairs that were set up for spectators. A smirk crossed his face as he watched Yassen's form. It didn't break, and he even had to admit there was very little that would get past him that Abigail could pull off.
"Abigale, hard left!" He called nodding as she obliged, hitting the ball with a crisp crack. The ball curved hard, taking a sharp and sudden spike right as it hit the ground. Yassen knew he couldn't catch it as it narrowly passed.
"Morning Pa. Thanks for reminding me about that one." Yassen's voice dripped with sarcasm, but he was chuckling playfully. "Pulled my arm a few years ago, I still can't quite get that good of a stretch. "
Abigail winced lightly as he pointed to his collarbone.
"Fifteen all Cossack, keep your stance up. " John called and Abigail couldn't help but smile. Their relationship was one of the best she had seen among people like them.
"Got it, Hunter. I would have had it if you didn't but in." Yassen called serving quickly and powerfully, curving the ball left, not unlike before it hit the ground and bounded right. It was sent back but this time Yassen didn't go for it. A wild ball, it was out. Thirty fifteen, Yassen knew that it was going to be a long game.
From then on it was constantly close for the first three matches. Yassen would get a point or two then Abigale would come back. It was the start of the fourth game and Abigale was winning with two points.
"What do you have Game at?" John called tilting his head as he stretched. "Five right? If you want a bigger game, I would say play to seven even. You are both killing it out there. I think that you could handle it. I'll go and get refreshments if you two tell me what you want."
"Get whatever Cossack, I just kneed my water if you don't mind," Yassen called with a nod. "Thank You!
When John got back he could tell that Yassen had won the match, he could also see that he wasn't winning the game. His breath in was heavy, and he was stretching his arm. It was very painful looking, and even Abigail seemed concerned.
"Yassen, do you want me to get Philips? It looks like you might have pulled it again." Abigail asked, nodding as John turned. Yassen was crying, he didn't cry very often.
It wasn't long for the two reached the court, and almost instantly Philips shook his head. Gently he ran two fingers over his swollen shoulder.
"Ball hit his collarbone, hard." He asked as he felt the bone. "I can feel the impact zone, it splintered pretty badly."
"The same arm, of course, it's the same arm." Yassen chuckled darkly as the pain shot up his arm. "How long am I going to have it cast?"
"Month, I want to fix it up quite a bit. That means cutting it open." Philip sighed lightly. "Strained yourself didn't you?"
At Yassen's nod, John let out a small sigh.