Ashley bounced the ball a couple of times before grabbing it and tossing it in the air to execute her first serve.
Beca tuned everyone out, she had to be completely focus, she took a deep breath as she prepared herself to receive Ashley's serve. As she saw the ball in the air she was bouncing on her legs following the ball movement with her eyes as if her life depended on it, as Ashley's racket struck the ball Beca smiled confidently "Showtime Mitchell" she thought to herself before dashing out to position herself to return the serve. This was what she was born to do, the place where she felt most comfortable in. The court was her home and she was ready to prove it.
Tie-breaks
"What's with the scores? I'm very confused" said Chloe frowning. It was two days before Beca's match and Aubrey was going through some basic rules about the matches.
"Ok, each tennis match is composed of sets, games and points. In women tennis the winner is the one who wins two out of three sets, obviously if the same player wins two sets in a row then the third set won't be played. " Aubrey explained.
Chloe was absorbing all the information "Best two out of three, got it"
"yeah, a set consists of a number of games, six is the minimum and each game consists of points, if a set is tied six to six the players need to go over a tie-break."
Chloe huffed "I'm never going to get it!"
Aubrey laughed at her friend's frustration "It's weird, I know, you'll understand it better when you watch a live match."
"I guess, ok I think I kind of understand it, but what's with the scoring, there's 15 then 30. How does that work?"
"like I was saying, each game consists of points. The scoring of those games is zero which in tennis is called love, fifteen meaning you won a point, thirty which is two points, forty which is three points, if you have forty points and the other person has thirty or less and you win the next point then you win the game, if both players have forty then is called deuce, if you score a point then you have advantage, if you win two consecutive points you win the game, if not you are back to deuce until one of the players wins two consecutive points and wins the game"
"wow, those are a lot of rules to learn."
Aubrey smiled "it's not that difficult, I promise. Oh and the score is always said giving the score of the person who is serving first."
"Huh?"
"ok let's pretend we are playing against each other. Our initial score is love-all because we are zero to zero"
Chloe nods, finding this explanation more helpful.
"I'm serving and you win the point. The score will be love-fifteen."
"and then if you score twice it will be thirty-fifteen right?"
"exactly! next game it will be your turn to serve so your score will be said first"
"I think I get it now, thanks Bree!" Chloe said tackling her best friend in a hug.
"whatever, I'm glad you are interested in tennis now, even if it's for all the wrong reasons" she says tickling her friend.
Beca was ready to hit the ball she could see Ashley running to the left side of the base line, instead of hitting a forehand like everyone thought she would she hit a backhand sending the ball to the far corner of the right side of Daniels not giving her any chance to reach the ball.
"love-fifteen"
Chloe cheered along with the crowd and Beca's box.
Ashley tried her best to avoid the break of her serve, she wasn't expecting this new girl to be able to read her serve so well, if it was another player Ashley would have had her aces count at three already but Beca returned every serve, it all came down to the rallies. At forty-thirty Beca returned a slice from Ashley but she was misplaced and the ball went far from the lines, Ashley won the first game. The crowd was loud, their local and number two player was up a game.
It was Beca turn to serve, she could her the support towards her growing as she did a good play, that was the beauty of tennis, no matter if you were the underdog, things could always change in the middle of the match, tennis fans weren't as faithfull as football fans, they loved tennis and they would support whoever was playing better. Beca got the job done and won the game with an ace down the t-line which send the crowd crazy at the talent of the petit girl and Daniels fumming.
The set went in that fashion until the set score was 6-6.
Beca got ready to serve, her heart was racing, the crowd was now cheering both players, it was difficult to know who was more supported. Beca executed a perfect serve adding up to her aces count and putting all the pressure on Daniels. Daniels was up a point when she was able to ace Beca's for the first time. "COME ON!" she shouted, she was really reeled up, this newcomer was giving her a run for her money. It was Daniels set point chance, Daniels served at the right corner, Beca returned the shot with a drop volley, everyone held their breath as the ball hit the net cords, to Beca's bad luck the ball didn't pass and it fell in her side of the court.
"Game, first set, Daniels"
Aubrey couldn't believe it, Beca had been playing amazingly. Daniels was displaying poor sportsmanship and most of the time she was just returning Beca's brilliant shots, it was clear Beca was the one dictating the match.
Daniels asked the chair umpire to bring her coach in at the break.
"What the hell is going on?" the blonde player who was very upset asked her coach.
"the kid is good, I told you to watch some of her old matches remember?"
the blonde glared at the man "I'm former number one, I won't have a nobody humiliating me. What's the game plan?"
"She has no weak spots, I was hoping the crowd would put some pressure on her but she's doing just fine. You'll have to play your best"
"that's it? I pay you a ton shit of money for you to come here and tell me I need to play my best? There's have to be something I can do to break her!"
"Have you been watching the same match I have? She's focussed."
"whatever, you are so useless. Get the hell out of here before I fire you" Daniels coach went back to his seat immediately.
While Ashley talked with her coach, Beca tried to calm herself. It's ok, i'm down one set I can turn things around. She thought. Beca replayed key parts of the set in her mind trying to find Daniels weaknesses. Her mobility wasn't good and she was at Beca's mercy when the brunette was serving. Beca knew she had to break Daniels serve. She needed to win this set to take the match to a third set.
"Time" the umpire said.
The second set went the same way the first one went. Both players unable to break each other serve. Beca was growing frustrated, she had her chances to break Daniels serve around six times but she would rush te point trying to win it and it would ultimately result in her shots going too wide or hitting the net and staying at her side of the court. However she was not showing her frustration, many years ago Nigel taught her the importance of masking her emotions while being in a match, she learned the lesson too well and applied it on her daily basis on and off of court.
The second set came to a tie-break just like the first set. At this point everyone was on the edge. Maria had long forgotten she was a professional tennis player ass well and started screaming like every other fan supporting Beca when she won a point. The battle on the court was merciless, both girls wanted to walk out with the win but this is tennis and there's only one winner. Nigel was nervous, he knew Beca was probably freaking out on the inside, he wanted nothing that go into the court and tell her she could win this, but he couldn't blame the girl for not calling him in between the set, he was the one insisting since Beca's early years that you shouldn't relay in your coach in the middle of the match. It showed you were weak and mental unstable, Beca was used to managing the match on her own, no matter how difficult it seemed. Nigel had seen this girl coming back from 5-0 sets, he had faith in her, he could only hope the girl had faith in herself.
Daniels was up one point in the tie-break. She had a mocking smile plastered on her face, all the pressure was on Beca's shoulders, the brunette had to serve to stay in the match, if she missed the shot Daniels won. Beca took a moment to clear her head, she bounced the ball a couple of times, she closed her eyes and heard her mother's words "I love you whether you win or lose. You are a winner in my eyes darling."
The crowd was silent, this was the most important point of the match. Chloe was on the verge of tears, how could this be? It was unfair, Beca had played an excellent match, Daniels had got lucky.
Beca served and her shot went to the net. Ashley's grin grew wider.
"Fault" a line judge screamed.
"Second serve" the chair umpire announced.
Beca quickly got ready to serve, this was it her last chance, one more fault and Daniels would get the point, if the serve went wide, Daniels won, if the serve was too weak and Daniels returned it too well, Daniels won. The scenarios in her head weren't good. She was panicking.
"Come on Beca!" an unfamiliar voice yelled from the stands, Beca raised her head in search of the person cheering her up and found a smiling redhead nodding at her. Beca smiled at the gesture, she felt calm now. The crowd followed Chloe's behaviour and clapped for the brunette.
Beca served at the T-line once more with all the strength she had left. Everyone was holding their breath, the match had been emotionally draining for the players and the fans.
"OUT" the line judge yelled. Daniels raised her fists and yelled "YEAH!"
Beca raised her hand immediately when she heard the line judge calling her shot out. She didn't hear Daniels comment.
The crowd didn't clap, they couldn't believe it. Over the course of the match Beca had won the crowd's heart with her amazing plays and humble behaviour, unlike Daniels she didn't celebrate her opponent errors.
To say Chloe was mad was an understatement, this was unfair, Beca deserved the win. Daniels did nothing but to stay in the match.
"Miss Mitchell is challenging the court on the left base line, ball was called out" the umpire announced.
Thankfully in tennis, the players have hawk-eye to help them out when they disagree with a call made by the judges. The screen shows where the ball landed.
People stood up, all the stadium was waiting the hawk-eye to show Beca's shot. Beca was nervous, Daniels was mad and tried to protest Beca's call. The chair umpire informed her that Beca had called the challenge at the right time. With a huff Daniels walked back to her side of the court waiting for the replay as well.
Beca closed her eyes for a moment, when she opened them again the screen was showing the trajectory of her shot. To everyone's surprise Beca's shot was actually in, by mere millimeters but it was still in. The crowd cheered and went the loudest they've been up until that point.
Ashley start yelling at the judges saying the call was right the first time. She couldn't believe how the set point slipped through her hands.
Beca was relieved and was more than ready to keep fighting, she glanced at the redhead who had encouraged earlier and mouthed "thank you" the girl grinned at her and winked. Beca heard Amy screaming louder than everyone "Yeah Becs! Show that twig bitch how it's done!"
It was Beca's turn to serve again, since each player had two serves at tie-break. Once again Beca hit a perfect serve earning another ace. Ashley didn't even move, Beca's shot was a cannon ball.
It was Ashley's turn to serve and Beca was up one point, Ashley was so mad she lost her focus and made a double fault which resulted in Beca winning the second set.
"Game, second set, Mitchell" the umpire said.
Beca raised her fist looking at her box. Her team and friends were celebrating with her.
"she's going to give me a heart attack!" Chloe said to Aubrey.
"tell me about it! I can't believe this! this is the best first match of a tournament I've seen in a while."
The third set started with Beca dominating and breaking Daniels serve, Beca was up 4 games to 1. Daniels had completely lost it after Beca saved the match point and Beca had gained more confidence after that. At this point there wasn't a single person in the stadium that wasn't behind Beca, the petit girl had the stadium on their feet. She was dominating the number two player in the world with such confidence and grace that it was impossible to not be on her side.
It was time for Beca to serve for the match, she felt every single eye on the stadium on her. She was confident though she could do this. Soon it was forty-love. Beca had triple match point and she wasn't going to waste any chance, she wanted to finish the match right there. Taking a deep breath once again she threw the ball in the air, Daniels was running to the T-line thinking Beca would try to pull another ace there, Beca did the opposite, she sent the ball to the right corner of the square, when Daniels tried to run back it was too late.
"Game, set, match, Mitchell, two sets to one, six-seven,seven-six,six-one"
Everyone was chanting "Mitchell, Mitchell" Beca couldn't believe it. She had won the match against non other than Ashley Daniels and had won the crowd support. She had taken out the second best player in the world on first round of her first mandatory premier event.
She raised her fist and her racket in her other hand. Smiling at the crowd. She walked to the chair umpire to shake hands with her and event though Daniels hadn't been nice since the beginning of the match, Beca extended her hand to Daniels once again, Daniels just turned around and left the stadium. People were booing her for her poor sportsmanship.
Chloe was hugging Aubrey and jumping up and down. Aubrey couldn't help the grin she had plastered on her face. There was impossible to not be happy for Beca.
"That's my daughter!" Beca's mom yelled when Beca won the match. Throughout the whole match her co-workers were worried she might had a heart attack. She was yelling at the tv, cheering when Beca won a point and insulting Daniels when she acted like a brat.
"My baby won! My baby won!" she said hugging whoever she had next to her. Everyone in her office was supporting Beca and all of them were happy that she had won.
Beca was engulfed in a group hug by her team and friends, all of them were talking at once congratulating her, she didn't understand what they were saying but she couldn't wipe off the smile of her face.
"I love you smurf! You kicked Daniels ass! I'm a proud big sister right now" Maria said between hugs and kisses to Beca's head.
"You are just happy I took her out of the way so you won't have to the job yourself" Beca joked back.
"you know it" Maria said winking.
"ok, ok let the champ breath" Nigel said. Once everyone had taken a step back he hugged Beca and raised her. "Congratulations Beca, I'm so proud of you! You almost gave me a heart attack though! you'll pay for that next practice"
The group laughed. Beca was instructed to get ready for the press conference. This was the first press conference for the girl, every journalist wanted to have the exclusive with the mysterious brunette who managed to beat Daniels without hesitation.
Beca was given an hour to get ready, she headed to the showers.
Beca stepped into the warm water replying her match once again, smiling at the memory of the redhead cheering for her, she couldn't explain or describe how that moment helped her to get back in the game, she was sure Daniels was going to win but something about the way the girl looked at her gave her the confidence boost she was lacking at the moment.
She started to sing Jason Derulo's Other Side. She was alone and happy, singing in the shower was a must.
TONIGHT WE'LL JUST GET DRUNK
DISTURB THE PEACE
BIND YOUR HANDS ALL OVER ME
AND THEN YOU BITE YOUR LIP
WHISPER AND SAY, "WE'RE GOING ALL THE WAY"
"I'm going to the press room, I want to be in front row to watch Daniels moping" Aubrey said to Chloe.
"Ok, I'll just wait here"
"See you later"
Chloe was sitting in a hall checking her phone and smiling at the twitter trending topics
#MITCHELLRULES #MitchellTheAceQueen
She was humming the tune of a song she heard earlier. She heard water running and minutes later a beautiful voice filled the hall, Chloe looked around for the source of the sweet voice, she noticed a high window just above from where she was sitting. She climbed into the bench trying to find the owner of such amazing voice. She was shocked when she spotted Beca singing like there was no tomorrow.
"You have a lovely voi.." Chloe said.
Beca looked up and saw Chloe at the window, she froze and tried to cover her body with the curtain. Before Chloe finished her sentence there was another voice coming from the hall.
Aubrey forgot her phone at Chloe's purse and went back to get it, she saw her friend standing on a bench and peering up though the window of the player's bathroom "Chloe Arianna Beale! What the hell are you doing?"
Chloe was surprised and misstepped on the bench, she fell with a loud thud.
"Chloe? are you ok?" Aubrey rushed to her friend.
Beca was confused, one second there was a girl spying her on the shower the next she was gone, she hear the thud though, and even if that girl had invaded her privacy she wanted to make sure she was all right.
She put on some clothes quickly and rushed out of the bathroom to find Aubrey and the redhead on the floor.
"Are you ok?" Beca asked as she approached the pair.
Aubrey looked up and now she understood what Chloe was doing, she shook her head at her friend's actions. Chloe tried to look innocent.
"yeah... I just" Chloe trailed off feeling embarrassed at the whole situation.
Aubrey's co-worker called the girl up "Aubrey! hurry up! the conference is about to start"
Aubrey looked between her friend and Beca, feeling like an embarrassed mother. "Beca I.. I'm sorry."
Beca didn't understand what she meant, Chloe tried to stand but her leg hurt. "My leg, it hurts" she said.
Aubrey sighed, her boss wouldn't be happy about her missing out the conference but Chloe needed to get check, she fell pretty bad on the floor.
"I'll take you to the doctor"
Aubrey co-worker looked shocked "what? you need to cover this conference! The boss will fire us if we miss this"
"I know, but she's hurt. I have to ta.."
"I'll take her" Beca blurted out.
Everyone had forgotten the girl was still standing there. Chloe was squealing on the inside but at least managed to seem somewhat embarrassed. "No, it's ok Beca, you don't have to do it. Bree go cover your conference. I'll just get to the doctor later"
"it's ok, I still have about forty-five minutes until my conference." Beca reassured her.
Aubrey sighed "are you sure Beca?"
"Yeah, It's ok Aubrey. I'll take her"
Aubrey nodded and help her friend to stand. Beca quickly went to her side and let Chloe slide her arm across her shoulders while she grabbed her waist to support her. Aubrey took her phone and ran to the conference room making it just two minutes before Daniels entered the place.
Beca and Chloe were walking silently, Chloe raised her eyebrow when they passed the medical unit for the players.
"Uhm Beca? I think we just passed the medical unit"
Beca nodded but didn't explain where they were going.
Chloe was debating whether to ask the girl where they were going when the brunette stopped and opened a door. Beca helped Chloe sit down and took her phone. Chloe looked around the room, it looked like a massage room.
"Fred? I need you to come to the massage room. Thanks" She then hung up.
Beca turned to the redhead. "My friend Fred will check you, I don't trust the doctors they have here"
Chloe smiled at the brunette's concern, she then remembered the reason she was here.
"Beca, I.. I'm sorry for what happened. I wasn't trying to stalk you"
Beca laughed and raised an eyebrow at her "Are you sure Chloe?"
Chloe smiled, at least Beca knew her name now "You know my name? Who's the stalker one?"
"Aubrey yelled your name. Last time I checked I wasn't the one creeping into a shower" Beca playfully replied.
"I... sorry. I promise you I wasn't aware you were showering" Beca raised her eyebrow "I mean, I heard the shower running but I didn't know it was you"
Beca feign hurt "And here I thought I was the only one you stalked" Beca had no idea why she was finding it so easy to talk to this girl had it been anyone else she would have left them on the floor after insulting them for stalking her.
"No! I'm not stalking anyone else" Chloe responded earning a chuckle from Beca.
"Damn it! I'm just making a fool of myself aren't I?" The redhead asked defeated.
Beca shrugged "you are cute when you ramble" Ok what did you say? Beca thought.
the read head was smiling at Beca's comment "You.. you think I'm cute?"
Beca ignored the answer "are you going to tell me what really happened back there?"
Chloe took a deep breath trying to get the words out and not sound like a complete crazy person. "I heard you singing, your voice is beautiful. I didn't know it was you in the shower. I'm a singer. I can't explain what music is for me. I'm sorry I came across like a crazy person, it's just your voice was like a magnet. I can see now how out of the line was to peer through the window. Although, you have nothing to be ashamed of" she finished with a wink making Beca blush.
In that moment Fred stepped into the room.
"Fred!" Beca was relieved to see the man.
"WHat happened, Nigel is going crazy thinking you are injured"
"No, I'm fine. This is Chloe, she fell when she was... uh walking the stairs. I want you to check her please."
"Oh sure. No problem. Hi Chloe. I'm Fred"
"Nice to meet you Fred"
Fred checked Chloe and explained she had a minor injury and it wasn't necessary to have x-rays.
"Thanks Fred" Beca and Chloe thanked the man.
"Well, looks like you'll survive. You can keep stalking people on their showers" Beca said.
Aubrey entered the room "Oh no, no more of that."
"Thank you for taking care of this crazy" Aubrey said to Beca.
"No problem. I probably should go now. Fred said she'll be ok"
Before Beca left the room Chloe spoke again "Beca?" the brunette turned around.
"Yes?"
"I.. Would you let me make it up to you for all the inconvenience I've caused you today?" Aubrey was surprised at Chloe. Was she serious?
Before Aubrey could jump in Beca answered the redhead question "And how would you do that?"
"Let me invite you to dinner. As celebration for your win and to make it up for ruining your shower" Chloe stated confidently.
"I'm having dinner with my team" the brunette answered.
Chloe looked at the floor, feeling hurt the rejection.
"But you and Aubrey can join us if you want. I also have to thank you for your encouragement at the match"
Aubrey seriously couldn't believe what was happening. She was trying to process it all, Chloe on the other hand was so happy that if Beca wasn't in the same room she would have squealed out loud.
"we would love to, right Bree?" she asked with pleading eyes to her friend.
Aubrey nodded.
Beca asked for Chloe's number and sent a text so she had her number as well.
"I'll text you the details once I know what we are doing." she said.
"See you later" Chloe said with the biggest grin on her face.
As soon as Beca was out of the room Chloe let a squeal and hugged Aubrey. "Can you believe it!?" she asked her friend.
"No. I have no idea what the hell just happened" Aubrey answered honestly.
Beca was walking to her conference sporting a smile, today had been an interesting day. She had won her most important match to date and she had gotten to see the redhead who had invaded her dreams the last couple days.
"It's your turn now, your life is going to change after today. Are you ready Miss Mitchell?" a staff member asked Beca.
"ready as I'll ever be" she sighed. She stepped into the room, today was definitely a life changing point in her life. Was she ready for it all?
A.N: I didn't have time to re-read it before posting it so if there are horrible mistakes, let me know. I tried to explain the tennis rules as best as I could. Thanks for the follows, favorites and reviews :)
What do you think about Beca and Chloe encounter?
Hope you enjoy this chapter, I'm not too happy with it to be honest.
I've been meaning to thank someone who reviewed as an anonymus and always forget to add it in my notes -_- so here it goes:
Jill: thank you! I'm glad you like the story. Hope you are still enjoying it.
¡Hasta el próximo capítulo!