Serenity

By Kyra E. Gates

I didnt want to fall in love . . . I wanted to run away and I tried too; but every touch just starts a fire within you. Sometimes its like a dream when you think that person wants what you want but youre scared because you dont know; all you know is that, that person makes you feel incredible, desirable; and you find yourself melting . . . and you hope; no you pray that he feels the same way because you dont know if you can walk away . . . you dont want to walk away but you cherish every moment youre with him because if he . . . she doesnt feel the same way at least you . . . .

For as long as Dorian has remembered he has longed for the love of his mother. His mother is vindictive, heartless and only has one thing on her mind; money and her prestigious position as President of Legacy State University. Shes thrown women at his feet and disapproved when hes wanted to make his own decisions in regards to his love life and anything else for that matter. Dorian wants a woman that loves him like no other, a woman he can open his heart too. A woman that mesmerizes him in and out of the bedroom; and he knows just where to find her. The woman hes always wanted is now untouchable. She is the key to his success and the key to his happiness but can he have both?

Serenity Cole is sexy, ambitious, and more often than not confident; but that is until she takes her talents to Legacy State University and finds that the new head coach is none other than Dorian Wilson, the man shes dreamt about since her summer vacations with her family in TC Florida.

Lines will be crossed, lives will be threatened, love will be tested. Take the ride with Serenity and Dorian as they find something they never thought possible between a man and a woman.



Kyra Gates brings you to tears with her first Romance Novel. The story of Serenity and Dorian will leave you wanting more. Its riveting, sexy, and will engulf you like a forest fire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477101629

Book preview

Serenity

Kyra Gates

Copyright © 2012 by Kyra Gates.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Contents

Legacy Lions

Two a Days

The Ugly Broad Part I

The Ugly Broad Part II

The Ugly Broad Part III

The Ugly Broad Part IV

Recruiting

Showtime

MisEducation

Sexy, Ambitious and Quickly

Stealing My Heart

TGIF

The Morning After

Media Frenzied

Standings on the Road to Success

Parks v LSU

The Interview

Those Three Words

The Ex and the Mother-in-Law

Counter Attack

Tell Him First

Weak in the Knees

Withdrawal Part I

There Goes My Baby

A Broken Heart Left Behind

Meet the Parents

Rage

The Proposal

My Talents

9 Millimeter

Dorian and Serenity Wilson

Five Years Later

September

This is dedicated to the players that came through Precision Volleyball Academy who understood what it was we were trying to do.Legacy State University

Sonny wake up!

The professor just called on you. It was I that wanted to attend a historically black college and bring back black history to my community. It was I that wanted to learn of my African heritage; it was I that… . slept through African American studies every morning and was called on by the professor every time the sleep got good.

Miss. Cole can you answer the question or shall I let you go back to sleep? asked Prof. Kendall. I am a transfer from the University of Tinsel, a school that I hated every minute of my college career… or lack thereof. Can you repeat the question please?

It pertains to your homework. Oh, homework, homework. Oh the Association of the Study of Afro-American Life and History, I smile knowing I had pulled out the correct answer. Now that you’re back with us can you please remove your hat, earpiece; and shades and join in on the discussion. I did as ask and removed my toys which I thought hid my solemnest; little did I know, it didn’t. I try to get myself comfortable and at least look enthused and prepared, as a college student should be.

I now attend Legacy State University; a Division I Historically Black college with a legacy of not only African History but also a legacy of the finest male athletes; and guess what; I am not talking about basketball and football, nope volleyball; the second most popular sport in the world and the first of three reasons I decided to transfer. My life has not been all that great and I cannot say that the grass has been greener on the other side ‘IE’ LSU. In fact, it has been nothing but another sad love song between Molten and Me. I touch and feel Molten at 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday but Friday, Saturday and sometimes Sunday he is never around. I watch him play with the other girls and patiently wait for my turn to show him just how gentle my hands are. He tires me out every morning and then again in the even; but he never lets me show him what I got; and I have a lot to offer. I try every day to hold onto the passion that we share and for two years in Philly I did; I held fast but he never looked my way; instead, he let other girls gently touch his circumference. Nevertheless, as my sister, two-time MVP; state champion tells me, I have to keep pushing; have confidence and work hard. Well damn, I thought I had done that. I was so different from her, she had dark mocha skin; long legs and could leap out of the gym; I standing at about 5’11 had the long legs but I was much lighter and wasn’t as sociable as she. My focus was volleyball and volleyball only; she had the ability to juggle volleyball and a social life; I lacked that ability and suffered immensely. Not to say that I was not a looker, I am all right but as she puts it, ‘you gotta get loose.’

Life was hell for me on both sides of the fence. My grades were average; and I saw no playing time, though I was definitely the best setter on the team. Now do not get me wrong the setter in my place… yes my place was okay but she did not have my touch. She was just an asshole living off a socialite reputation. She lacked the skills necessary to take the team to the next level, but I guess coach did not notice it. He never does.

My two best friends and future LSU middles Britt and Bridge also benchwarmers say we should hold tight and give him a chance; it was his first year and he was not even supposed to be the head coach; that was part of my problem. I was recruited by Coach Jackson but by the time I got here he’d resigned a week after practice had started and we were left with Coach; sexy as hell and a record holder here at LSU which one day I plan to break; for both the women and men’s teams. To make matters worse, his two pets, Mercedes and Tara were my freaking roommates. Trust me its hell, many times over.

Hey you know we might get in the William State game, said Britt. Somehow I doubt that, not unless someone breaks a leg or something. I tell ya I don’t know ya’ll… coming back next season; I mean I could be doing something else; anything else.

Oh no you don’t. You pulled us here so you’re gonna stick with us all the way through this, I’m not transferring again; suck it up.

Yeah Sonny, suck that up. It is the same thing we went through during JO. Remember the first year we barely saw the floor. Cannot say we deserved to but still and besides I like it here; no snow; half-naked brothas; what is it not too like. We’re freshmen, said Bridge.

I’m not a freshman!

You’re a freshman as it relates to volleyball idiot. She laughs. I’d already wasted two years and was lucky that I was redshirted for them both because I would have only had two season’s to play… well to sit the bench. Brittani, Bridgett, and me were like the girls from Charlie’s Angel; tight as ever, outcast to some. In high school, we were starters, stars and promised the stars and the sky; however as we now see it; it will always be a Brittani, Bridgett, and Serenity somewhere in the world. I admit I rode the train of my sister’s shadow all the way until the end.

We went to practice every day, loyal to our team that could care less about us. Well some of them were okay but 75% were… suspect. Hey I gotta ask ya’ll something…

What’s up Bridge? We asked almost in unison. Do you think Coach is doing Tara? Okay, now irritation just spread across my face. He was young; had just graduated 2 years ago; clearly a ladies man… but…If I worked my ass off for him and he’s sleeping with her!

Dang Sonny calm down, I’m just saying… she’s clearly not really all that good and neither is her girl; why the hell else is she starting?

I see your point, but sleeping with the coach?

 . . . well I’ve heard of situations were players sleep with their coaches and you gotta say he is cute. True he was… cute I guess but…Well Sonny would you sleep with him? I was shocked by her question and a bit insulted. Hell no!

Yeah he’s not a volleyball. Mind ya business, and ya’ll know this is volleyball season I have no time for anything else."

Legacy Lions

Another grueling day at practice! For the past seven weeks, I have done nothing but scream and yell at grown ass women that seem not to get it. How did I get in this position? Well let me tell you how I was stuck with the senior and junior class from hell. Two years ago, I graduated from LSU but somewhere along the line I lost my way; I should have been overseas by now rolling with the best of them but instead I’am stuck here in the Lion’s Den trying to teach some spoiled ass kids new tricks. One would think this was a dream job but for me it was far from it. When I signed on, I signed on as the Assistant Head Coach not the Head Coach. A shattered ankle put me out and a lack of dedication and training sidelined me for good. I’d worked so hard my entire career preparing for the USA team and I made it but because of one night of heavy partying and a girlfriend that wouldn’t take no for an answer I got into a brawl with some guys from another University and they made it a point to stump my ass out of commission. Cannot say Analiz, my mother, for all intents and purposes did not tell me to leave the very nice young woman alone, so as a punishment I was stuck here. Hell my boys even told me to leave the B alone; that was girlfriend number 25. Now I am on girlfriend 26 and cannot say I am not ready to move on but my mother is not having it, Carmonie Michaels, daughter of Richard and Barbara Michaels, the top donator of our precious LSU and a sharp ass thorn in my side. My mother, president of LSU made it a point that I be nice to her and not quote on quote make her like the other girls; but to me she was just the same; easy… . easy go… in… a freak… . But she was a headache; needy, jealous, nagging; and… shall I go on; was not the future Mrs. Wilson type.

There were two things I wanted, okay maybe three, a beer; a winning season; and a head coach… anybody that was not me. I did not want to be the head coach but I hated losing. I found myself day after day practice after practice saying the same thing over and over again; chest to the floor; we can’t play without a pass; get the serve over; hitters be ready; push the ball outside. Coach Jackson was ferocious with putting talent together I had yet to discover how to do it. When Coach Jackson resigned the only thing he told me was, "son here you go; I’m out." He handed me the keys to the office and the equipment room. Minutes later, I got a call from the school’s AD and my mother. No one ever explained why Coach Jackson left; it was a week before our first match… what the hell was I suppose to do?

As I attend practice day in and day out I grow more and more frustrated and miss the days were that was me out there. I get so frustrated sometimes that I lose it. I think to myself and sometimes say it to them, what is so hard!" Then check this out the one girl that could turn this entire team around lacks the passion that I once saw when I insisted Coach Jackson recruit her. This girl has the ability to take this team to new heights but she does not play from the heart and I do not have to have coached that long to see that. She is the most talented one on the team but you would never know it. What happened to the girl I saw on the beach; the one that loved to set a ball; the one with hands as soft as cotton; the awareness of a predator… where the hell is she and when does she plan on showing up. Cole—I begged Coach Jackson to recruit her and so far she has not been what I expected. If she would just be that woman… I mean player that I know she can be… hell what am I saying, I’m sure Coach Jackson would have expected more from me than what I’m doing now. Coaching female athletes is a pain in my ass; emotions run high but not for the right reasons. Most of these girls care more about…

Wassup Coach.

I can’t call it. Coach David Bradden, boy what I would not do without him. We played here together he was my outside and I was his setter. Freshman year we went all the way to Finals and lost by five to Stanford; and yes, I was the starting… the only setter. Sophomore year we made it back to the Final four being put out again by Stanford. My goal then was to see Penn State; I wanted to run over Stanford and go straight for Penn; so junior year we remained in first and opted out of playing Stanford in the first round, going straight through to Penn State. Now I wanted to demolish Stanford but I sucked it up and went with the flow to dominate Penn State in the National Championships; 25-15, 25-20; 25-22… yeap beat em’ in three. What’s the plan for today coach?

What you got in mind?

Dorian yo ass need to get it together and coach this team, straight up. Forget what the higher ups are saying; I’m trying to win…

Hey I want the same thing and I’m not worried about the higher ups; but the only one to lead this team won’t. We both knew exactly who that was. So you really think she can do it aye?

Yeah I do.

Look brah; professional to professional; brutha to brutha; player to player why don’t you just start being the coach I know you can be and talk to her?

Dunno, sometimes I want to but I just don’t think I can get through to her. She agreed to come here because Coach Jackson was supposed to be her coach, not me. I don’t think she wants to be coached by me.

How is it that you recruited her… ?

She doesn’t know that. I hadn’t even signed on as the Assistant Coach then… .

None of that really matters, something’s telling me we’re sitting on a goldmine; we just gotta figure out how to put it together.

So you think we have the talent here?

Yeap. I had this dream… don’t think I’m crazy… but listen, I had this dream that we were in the finals; arena was packed; some folks even gave up the football game to see this team play. I laugh. Yeah I thought he was crazy. So you don’t think we got the talent?

We are 0-8 right now…

What about changing the line up?

To what? I asked, feeling like he really had lost his mind. Well you seem to think that Cole is the messiah so give her the spot.

I don’t give spots, she needs to earn it and besides it’s going to take more than Cole’s hands to win over this team and to get to finals.

So talk to Cole and see where her head’s at or talk to Tara and tell her to get her act together.

Talk to Tara? Yeah he must have really lost it. Now that girl could care less about this team or this school. Legacy state had a legacy of its own. In the past, the women’s team had won countless National titles but in the past 8 years, we had not even seen play-offs. Look—either we work with the hand we were dealt or mix the deck up and reorganize; your call.

Practice went as usual; Cole was the same… no passion; Tara was the same; her hands were still terrible despite plenty of instruction to better the ball. She does nothing to better herself and everything to bring the rest of the team down. She was getting the passes. Ladies bring it in! I blow my whistle and everyone falls in; of course, at 5’11 freshman setter Cole is behind the team. Cole can you come in with the team please? I notice Mercedes and Tara move closer blocking her entrance to the huddle. Dave grabs her wrist and pulls her closer to the huddle. We need to make some changes to get this team where it needs to be. First off the cliques need to go; the attitudes need to change, when you come in here you need to be focused and ready for practice; pointing fingers need to stop. Over the next week, I am going to be looking to reorganize some things to get us to through the season. We have the talent here but we need to bring it together and we cannot do that without everyone on board. So I want you all… I look over at Cole hoping to get through but of course, her head is down.  . . . to think about if you really want to do this and really want to be a part of this team. Sleep on it. Practice tomorrow will be at 4 a.m. The surprise of the whole team, hell I even surprised myself. Yeap 4 a.m. if you’re late don’t bother coming back. We will clean your locker out for you and mail you your belongings. Is that clear? I heard someone chuckle as if I was playing, another smacked her lips; and one head was still down but at least I got her biting her nails. Oh and by the way we will still have our afternoon practice 6 p.m."

Okay what was I thinking? I had not planned on a 4 a.m. practice but I must admit it did stir some things up. Our next game is against William State a school out of Ohio. They are not that good but with the way we have been playing, it makes them look as though they are a championship team. They are not in our conference but we still need to win.

Hey Tara I need to talk to you, come in and close the door. My office was a decent size, I had to admit. I did some of the furnishing myself and it did help to be the son of the president of the school and great, great grandson to the founder of the school. Yeap, Legacy had been in our family since the doors opened and at the head has always been family. Upon taken office, I did a complete make over; this was to be my home away from home but most of the time I hated coming here. My walls were covered with posters of the greats that came through Legacy Men’s team: Hakeem Thompson, setter before me; Dorian Pullman; middle; Eric Alton; outside; Dave Bradden my boy and of course myself. To the left of my cherry oak desk lay a trophy case filled with trophies from when I was in high school through college and from championships I had won competing on the beach. The back wall directly behind me was covered with my academic accolades. Hell to the no did I have a picture of a girl… aka the supposed girlfriend Carmonie… hell no. The day I put a picture on my desk of a girl will be the day I decide to live out the rest of my days with her. Tara I am going to need you to lead this team… Now you are probably thinking, didn’t you just say that she could never lead your team? Correct I did, but with the plan I had forming in my head I had to make her think that she could.  . . . in order for us to make it to play-offs I need you to do your job as a setter and better the ball.

I do better the ball… I need my passers to get me a pass. Coach… she moves closer. I’ll do what I can but you need to work with them on passing. See what I am saying, not only is she flirting with me; I can tell that by the seductive move she just tried; the cleavage squeeze as I like to call it. Don’t worry I am not interested; she has the mental capacity of a five year old and she has been around the block nah make that the world more than Amelia Airhart. The Wright Brothers could not build a plane big enough to get through her. I sit back in my chair a move that says I am not interested; of course, she has no idea, so I get up and open the door, indicating its time to say goodbye. Work on your hands because I need a setter that’s on board; willing to push; who can better the ball; and one that wants to win. If you can do that then you’ll still have your position if not then I guess I’ll have to find someone else. She licks her lips. Coach I haven’t let you down yet and I don’t plan on it… now why don’t you work on finding me a libero that can actually pass the ball.

Goodbye Tara.

Goodbye Coach.

Dorian you’re late! I arrived at my league game 5 minutes before the game was suppose to start and the guys were already on me. I play here every fall to keep in shape and to keep my skills up to pare. A men’s 4s league on campus that my former coach started 5 years ago; for the last 3 I’d been playing every fall and winter. How’d practice go? Before I could answer in walks Dave. 4 a.m.! Are you crazy?

Now see you said act like a coach right, well… . He shook his head,  . . . unbelievable.

Let’s just play damn. We took the floor and my mind went into a silent abyss. I loved playing volleyball and the feel as though I was flying. It was nothing like setting a ball; this is something you have to love to do, you cannot be taught to be great at setting it has to be in you. I look at the volleyball as if it is a soft tender woman, a virgin even; you have to be gentle with her; cannot be too rough but you cannot be too soft either, your touch has to be just right before she’ll submit her body to you. And that was how I handled setting a volleyball; I love to touch a woman, love how my hands make her body feel. Aye, nice set… but did you really have to do all that-show off. I laugh. Why I gotta be showing off? Must be a woman near by; my boys always accused me of showing off when it was some girl passing the gym. I never really did, but always got accuse of it. Dorian-Dave isn’t that one of your players? I looked over to the direction he pointed and sure enough at the top of the stands was a purple and black hoodie; black sweat pants and a cord going down the center of the hooded sweatshirt… IPOD; hood covering her head… Cole. Oh that’s Cole. I said waving it off. Aye set me up. Was he freaking crazy; for one she is my player; two she barely talks; and three NO. No!"

Why not, what you hitting that? Irritation apparent on my face. Dawg I don’t socialize with my players…

Well hook me up.

No! I don’t encourage… no I’m not setting you up. Why… now see that is just ignorant. Apparently, Dave thought so too by the look on his face. You hitting it.

No I’m not! Go talk to her yourself. I grabbed my stuff and left the court. It was insulting that he even implied that I was sleeping with a player. They were mostly my age but still. Aye. I turned abruptly already irritated about the comments Ray had made.  . . . hey chill…

Oh Dave my bad dude, just a really bad day.

Why don’t you go and talk to her? I almost snapped. Dude I’m not going to talk to her; didn’t you just here me say that I don’t get down like that! He takes a few steps back. I wasn’t saying… just talk to her. She’s here alone, away from the team environment, use this as a chance to get in her head.

Oh… well she doesn’t really look like she wants to be bothered, now does she.

Well did you talk to Tara?

Yeah.

And how did that go?

"Other than the fact that she went Basic Instinct on me, it went as expected."

Figures… that girl been around the block a few times and you know I heard she trying to… .

She may be but I have no interest in her.

Talk to her… tell her what you need. As he tried to coach me into talking to her, I looked over to see if she was even paying attention to us. She did not look like the type that would be here just to see the guys but I had never seen her in here before. This girl could not possibly want to be bothered. She kept her head buried in her Nook and never once looked up. She had to see that there was a volleyball game going on. Well you talking to her or what?

Nah man practice is over I’m going home.

Two a Days

2 p.m. Friday… and thank god! An entire four days since the start of our two-a-day practices and believe me it was a drooling four days. I was so frustrated and felt I would never get to play. I was no longer looking for a starting spot I was just looking for a few minutes; hell, he could take me out after one rotation, I just wanted my chance. Coach hated me; every time he looked at me I saw the discuss on his face. It was as if he was saying why you even sign here. I hated to look up at him; didn’t he see I was busting my ass! The first two days between practices, I cried myself to sleep only to wake up and find my two adorable roommates talking about me behind my back. They were unbelievable; I know I am better than she is! Maybe she is screwing the coach.

Ringgggggggggggggggg

Yeah.

Yeah, is that how you answer your phone? What if I were someone calling for a job interview?

What do you want Bryce? Bryce was my big sister and as of right now, she was my provider. You called me.

Oh… can I borrow $10 till Wednesday?

What do you need $10 for and how was practice? I knew that was coming. I had been complaining to her every day and now even more with the two-a-days. She would have loved it; but I was not her. It was not the exercise by god no it was the grueling look in coach’s eyes. He stayed on me repeatedly. Whenever I messed up we suffered; and I thought the sets were good, but he just… . damn. Practice was the same, coach hates me; the team hates me; I can’t do nothing right; misfires; the same ole… same ole.

So how you doing? She knew I was getting depressed. I exhaled. Good.

Really Sonny… where’s that smile I’m use to hearing through the phone. You know I cannot see how you are having a hard time, you are a great setter and you know that. So what seems to be the problem?

I don’t know… I try. I work hard and you know that! I hate my team but still I try. It is as if the girls that are starting are not even trying to go to the next level; if me, Britt and Bridge were in those spots we would be killing it B, for real. Coach does not seem to want to make changes, even though he said he would. You should see this girl B she cannot set a table let a lone a ball. Her hands are terrible and just because she is a senior she gets to play. Do you know people are saying she is sleeping with the coach! I am not sleeping with the coach or anybody else to get no spot. F volleyball if that is what I have to do. I know I’m doing my part and you should see the passes I get.

Well what does he say about the passes?

He fusses about it but still I just think he’s picking on me.

Have you talked to him?

No… man he isn’t trying to hear what I got to say.

Sonny… tell you what, I’m off tomorrow so why don’t we go work out early and let me see what you need to work on. What time does the gym open?

I dunno, probably about … I dunno.

Can you ask the custodian… when I was playing the custodian opened up the gym for me.

I don’t even know the custodian.

What about the assistant coach?

Um well I guess I could, but what are we going to do?

Hey leave it to big sis, I’ll help you get through this and besides it will give me a chance to get back out on the court; I’ll get Miracle down there too. She is going to complain about it but she owes me one. So text and let me know.

Alright… I’ll try.

Sonny don’t try—make it happen. If she was bringing in Miracle, she was definitely concerned. When it came to volleyball Miracle was like the regulator… actually, when it came to any situation B could not handle Miracle was the regulator. Miracle was a two-sport athlete but had gone to college to play basketball at Ohio State and yes, she was a beast. She could have played volleyball too but O-State would not let her do both. Therefore, I guess I had better call to see if he’d let us in; I hope he does not tell Coach.

I made the call and Coach Dave agreed to let us in the gym around 3 a.m. so we would have an entire hour before anyone was on the floor. Now see, I being from a athletic family always arrived at practice at least 30 minutes before start time and an hour if I had to see the trainer. The other players including my girls did not arrive until five minutes before the start of practice.

To pass time away, I decide to go to the gym and see if I could catch another volleyball game. I had gone on Tuesday and found out that coach played on one of the teams. I could not stand coach and he hated me too, but he had game. The man had a nice touch on the ball and he was not bad on the eyes either but that is beside the point. His poise on the court was amazing. Hey wassup. I really did not want to be bothered I was just here to watch the games. Hey. I replied as politely as I could and kept walking. He did not get it, he followed. Hey shawty… you the girl from the volleyball team right? I nod and place my headphones in. Can I have a minute of your time please?

I’m sort of studying. I pull out my nook and find something, anything to read. So you study with your music in too? Actually, I did seeing that I was a double major Dance and African American Studies but right now, I just wanted to be left alone to watch the men play. This guy was alright but he wasn’t all that. His arrogance spoke different. He was about 6 and ½ feet tall, dark skin, tapered cut. Nice build but I was not feeling him. Let me ask you something… . He was not going to wait for my response. What you doing on Friday night? I could not believe it; he was arrogant. Studying. He took a seat next to me, leaning back looking me over as if he was god’s gift to women. Can we study together, I go here too?

No I think I can… .

Didn’t I tell you to leave my players alone? I did not even see the coach walk up. Ray I told you… . I did not even hear the rest of the conversation. Coach was pissed and again I would probably be blamed for it. He didn’t even look at me so I knew he was pissed and probably thought I came in here to talk to that guy; I didn’t even know him. I started to say something but then thought twice. I gathered my belongings to leave. Cole you don’t have to leave, he won’t bother you again. Shocked and scared as hell, I sat back down. First off, apparently, he didn’t think I knew the guy; secondly why was that? I thought I saw Coach look at me for the first time but I quickly looked away. In so many ways, he intimidated me. I do not know if it was because of his reputation and the records that he held or because he was the coach. I had never been like that with another coach before and could not figure out why my skin crawled and my stomach flipped when he came near or said anything to me.

Instead of waiting on my reply, he left the bleachers and readied himself for his game. Underneath my hood, that I pulled back up I peaked to see if he still had that disappointed look on his face that I would soon regret in practice tomorrow. He was still talking to the Ray guy.

I watched the games and he did as expected, great. I counted 28 assist, 7 digs and 4 kills for Coach, impressive.

Hey Serenity.

Hey Coach Dave. He took a seat beside me and finished changing his shoes. So what brings you back to our sanctuary? I smile. What you mean?

You were here Tuesday, I saw you sitting in this very spot. I was going to come up and chit chat with you but you were gone by the time I put my shoes on. Dang when I thought no one noticed. So are you serious about coming up to the gym early? I nod and hope he has not told coach. Is it still okay that I come?

Yes of course but can you shoot me a text when you are on your way so I know to get up?

No problem.

Thanks coach. Okay I was a very good judge of character and he wanted to say more. I was not uncomfortable talking to Coach Dave so I asked, Coach wassup, you look like you wanna say something? He blushes. Okay wassup with that, and I know that was a blush.  . . . you think Coach hates you don’t you?

He does.

Ever think that maybe he just wants you to do your best?

I am doing my best, I bust my ass.

Serenity the player within you hasn’t surfaced yet; you’re holding back.

Holding back what? Do you realize how many times… . 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6…Serenity there’s a lot you need to learn and when you learn it, you’ll see. He sees it.

Who see’s it? He continues lacing up his shoes. I know he does not expect me to believe that coach sees something in me. The only thing that… .Hey Coach ready? . . . I lost my train of thought. I should just ask him what he wants, I have pushed myself far enough! Far enough to even drop a few pounds over the last ten days.

Thanks Coach.

No problem. Bryce, Miracle and me arrived at the gym as my big sister has suggested. Now not only was I practicing at 4 a.m. I was here an hour early to try to work out my kinks… as Bryce had put it. My sister Mercedes was already irritated but she had not blown up yet.

We are already dressed so we stretch and prepare for our workout. I dressed in my practice gear; Bryce dressed in her old practice gear; and Miracle… . well Miracle looked more like a coach than anything. I guess she was not planning on doing anything but supervising. I brought out a cart full of balls and latters and such; all the equipment needed that we had not used. You need both carts of balls Sonny.

This isn’t enough?

Get the other cart girl, Miracle said. Still not a morning person Miracle? She just gave me the look and I got my answer. Miracle was a serious trip, especially in the morning. Okay let’s see what you got, asked Bryce. I grabbed a ball out the cart and started setting to myself as she watched. Two seconds later, I heard giggling. What? Miracle grabbed the ball out of the air. What?

I’ll toss you some balls just set them… Miracle will be the target. Bryce tossed me a few balls to get me warmed up and just as expected Miracle caught them right where she should have. Okay well there’s nothing wrong with your hands.

I know that.

Okay let’s try this drill. From what you tell me, it’s not often that you get a good pass in practice correct? I nod. Okay well how bout we work on setting every ball even if you need to get on your needs to set it. As a setter you should be able to pull a ball from anywhere on the court. She tossed balls at me at first slow and within reason. After about five to ten minutes, she was tossing balls everywhere. B how the hell… .

Baby girl… you need to let go and set the damn ball; quit making excuses. Tears were starting to form. If my sister did not see anything in me, how could I see something in myself? No you don’t! Look at me Sonny… . let it go! I heard her but could not look at her. Instead, I grabbed my IPOD, placed it to my side, and put the ear buds in, turning the music…I hope you can hear me…

I can now keep going. The music brought me my Serenity it was the other love of my life. I turned it up and returned to the drill. I can now see the ball and everything going on around me. She tossed me ball after ball… left right… shoulders square. After a few 100, I felt how the ball was coming off my hands, the feel of exhilaration spreading through my veins. I rolled, ran, and got the ball to its target.

Miracle started to hit a few and before long, I felt as though I was back in JO or on the beach and the court was my stage. That’s it Serenity… .

Listening to every note and hearing every drum… silence. All I heard was the ball hit the floor I visualized the play saw it developing before the defense could even set up. I even saw when Bryce ran the slide behind me and put it down. Coach Dave had joined in and started tossing the balls for us. So now, I had an arsenal of two hitters putting balls down.

Exhaustion caught up to me but I was fueled…

The team’s first practice of the morning had ended and I must admit I was not yelled at too much and I only had to do 90 lines instead of 100. Coach Dave kept his eye on me the entire time; it was as if he was encouraging me to keep going. The same tune was still in my head from the last song I had heard on my IPOD so that was all I really heard.

Before going to my 10 a.m. class I showered and…Where the hell are my clothes? I grab a towel and exit the shower to see if I just forgot to bring them in. I never leave my clothes outside of the shower.

I look on the bench outside my locker and notice that my bag is there but not my clothes. I walk around to the outside and see the culprits. Where are my clothes?

What clothes?

I’m going to ask you one more time, where are my fucking clothes? Pissed as hell I use language I rarely use. These two made life here on campus a living hell; well I guess I did do well today seeing my clothes were missing. My clothes Tara… .

Oh those old smelly rags, I through them in the washer for you. Taking a few steps closer, sizing her up, I grit my teeth. I thought I put this life behind me of whooping ass but she just brought it back to surface. I push her against the locker and she pushes back, forgetting that I am wet I fall to the floor; trying to catch myself I fall jamming two fingers. Shit! In pain, I cradle my hand to my center. It is broken, it is fucking broken. Tara and her puppet leave the locker room; I assume they are satisfied. I secure the towel around me and pace the locker room contemplating what to do. I cannot let coach see this, I would never get in; and I cannot tell him that these two ruined my clothes.

Serenity what’s taking you so long, we gotta get to class; why aren’t you dressed? I show Britt and Bridge my soak and wet urinated clothes. Oh what the hell happened?

Well I guess you showed her out today, that’s what happened, Bridge. A smile spreads across my face. Well I guess I did. Do you have anything I can throw on? Britt throws me a shirt and her spare pair of sweats. Thank god for friends.

Class went by and yes again I fell asleep. I was not tired until I got to this class. As I gathered my belongings, I felt the professor starring at me. He wanted to ask me why I was so tired, so I hurried to put everything back in my backpack and rushed out the door. Hey not so fast. Who, what… oh the guy from the volleyball game. Can I walk you to class?

I’m… I’m not going to class, I was going home my classes ended for today.

Oh well then you won’t mind having lunch with me; since you have nothing else to do. He smiles. Nice looking guy but it was something very sinister about him; not that I ever have time to date, but right now I don’t even want too. Look I appreciate it but my focus is volleyball and my classes.

Hey I’m just asking lunch, you gotta eat right; or did coach forbid you to that too? Every coach was like that, wanting your focus to be on the sport and not on boys. I’m in a hurry; maybe next time.

Okay, I’m going to hold you to that. I walked away leaving him starring more than likely starring at my butt; that’s what most guys did anyway. It did not bother me it came with the territory of being a volleyball player. All through high school and into JO I dealt with it. Hey wait up! Brittani’s class ended around the same time mine did so every so often we’d go grab a bite to eat over at my sisters before she got home from work… sort of raiding her refrigerator. Going to your sisters?

Yeap.

What went on in the locker room?

They took my clothes and through them in the toilet.

Oh I know you wanted to smack the shsssssss out of her.

You know I did but I freaking slipped and fell on my damn hand. I forgot just that quick that I was keeping that to myself. Dang girl; that looks broken, does it hurt?

No not really. She swiped at my hand and I quickly moved it back. It hurts doesn’t it?

Yeah but don’t you say anything.

How are you going to set a ball if you can’t use your fingers?

Just don’t say anything let me handle it okay; I can’t let a few broken fingers stand in my way.

Well put some ice on it at least. Brittani got in her car and I followed her on my rio red Ducati bike. My sister didn’t live far from campus and we had about 3 hours to spare before she got home. LSU was located in a little town called TC; it was just outside of Florida with the population of about 17,500 and over half of that was enrolled in LSU. Most of the residents grew up here; I did not but my family vacationed here every year and soon owned a few businesses in the area. It surprised me that my eldest sister Chris hadn’t decided on attending LSU, instead she went upstate to Tinsel, where I thought I’d make it but didn’t. She on the other hand was very successful; she was now a teacher at the local community college near her home in Tallahassee and a part time social worker at a local community center. My brother Darvin owned a club off campus and was in the construction business. Darvin was also my manager of sort and a photographer; he had hoped I become a model or a dancer… maybe even a singer but after my summers and springs here, I had taken the volleyball route.

When I started playing volleyball my brother Jarvis often teased me about only getting a shot because of my sister coming before me or better yet riding on the coattail of the family name. Yeah he is quite the character. Alpha my sister and certified CPA just thought I needed to manage my time and money right, which she started doing at the age of 14; she was sure of her course in life. Britt we got cookies; chips and dips; day old pizza… Oh I’m taking that; and left over Apple Bees.

I’ll take the left over Apple Bees and I know she got some pop in there. Britt and I could eat anyone out of house and home and we did just that whenever we came to my sister’s three-bedroom apartment condominium. Dude your sister sure does know how to live it up; 64 inch flat screen, surround sound; blue ray; and what is this?

Don’t touch that! My sister was a collector of coins and those crystal things that older people get from their grandchildren; her living room was filled with them. If it was not crystals and coins it was African Art, she relished in it; she could not tell you what half the stuff meant or where it came from; she just liked the colors and the way it always went with her furniture, which cost more than a semester at LSU.

So who was that guy you were talking too?

Oh I don’t even know his name, I seen him one day I was walking through the gym.

Well he sure is cute, was he trying to talk to you?

Yeah I guess.

What did you say?

I said I had to leave and maybe next time. Britt he isn’t my type.

Well what’s you type.

Somebody who doesn’t only want one thing and that’s it.

Oh so that’s what he was asking?

Yeah, nonverbally and he isn’t my type.

So think we’re going to play in the WSU game?

Yeap, I do.

Whud! Brittani you do, that’s a first.

What do you mean?

I don’t know I just see a change coming… a change in you. You rattle that girl today; she knows you’re coming for her spot so get ready because it’s only going to get worst from here.

Hey I’m only here to play volleyball, I’m not interested in going to war with her; besides she’s not even worth it and she can’t shine my damn shoes. We both laugh. You know when I get that spot I’m bringing you two with me right.

I know you wouldn’t have it any other way. You did well in practice today.

I guess I did, I only had to run about 90 times; coach hates me.

I don’t think so.

Here you go. Girl he hates me and I think he’s trying to run me out of there.

Nah, I think he sees something in you and that’s why he’s so hard on you; it’s typical when coaches see potential; take Love and Basketball for example. Monica thought the coach hated her too but coach was just trying to prepare her to be a leader and I think that’s what he doing to you, Brittani explained. I thought you said he was probably sleeping with Tara or Mercedes.

I didn’t say that, I said that was the rumor and besides I think he has more class than that.

Oh look at you a crush on the coach.

Hey he is fine as all balls though, right.

He alright, I replied. You kill me acting like you never notice him. I see you looking at him when he is not paying attention and do not think I did not see you at the men’s league game. I work over there remember.

I just happen to be in the gym, I didn’t know it was a league going on.

Yeah but you’ve been over there every game after that.

It ain’t even like that.

Yeah right. You can’t even look at him when he’s talking to you. I don’t know I mean it’s like you’re intimidated by him or something, I just feel the change in the atmosphere when he gets too close or he ask you to do something.

Oh stop Britt. Okay he is all right looking but it is not even like that; and yeah I guess I am a little intimidated by him seeing that he holds the record that I want to break. He’s a legend at this school.

The Ugly Broad Part I

Coach.

Sssh. I was standing along the wall of the bleachers watching Cole workout. It was 3:30 and she was already on the floor. How long has she been here, I whispered to Dave? I watched her setting ball after ball in her own world. It was just as I had seen her on the beach; playing from the heart and the blood sweat and tears; everything that I knew was inside her was apparent right now. Who’s the girl with her?"

That’s her sister and they come here every morning before practice to work out. I listened as her sister critique her every move at times she seemed frustrated but she shook it off and pushed even harder. I noticed she did the move I did the other day with getting a ball so low to the floor that she had to sprawl out of the way to recover. I also noticed that she jump sets and she is very allusive with the ball. Now why can’t she do that in practice? For the past few days, bits and pieces have been spurring out but nothing consistent. I listen harder but I dare not go closer, I like seeing her like this in her environment; she is intriguing to me. Girl I saw you in practice yesterday evening and the reason coach isn’t starting you has nothing to do with him liking you or not, why don’t you do this in practice! Huh! Just play volleyball sis, that is it and quit worrying about those silly hoes on your team. When I saw you in practice I was disappointed, no passion what so ever it was like you were just another cloud in the sky. I wanted to come down there and snatch your behind up. You do not deserve to play! Hell, if I ever run into your coach I am going to tell him to bench your ass until you get it together; the Coles do not get handouts. You show him your best or don’t expect to be back on the team next season. I watched as her sister poured into her like concrete; tears started forming in her beautiful hazel eyes and I had to hold myself back not to go to her. I do not know why I felt that way but it was as if I was hurting inside too. You want me to go out there? asked Dave. No… let them finish.

Coach hates me and I do try, I bust my ass for him and he looks the other way.

"Don’t even start, whip those tears away, you lucky I didn’t have Miracle there with me, she would have come down to the damn court. No one is going to give you anything . . . ."

I’m not asking for anyone to give me anything!

Serenity, honey look at me you know I love you right?

Yes, she whimpered. "Then be the player I know you are and play volleyball. You have to love this game . . . ."

"I . . . ."

You love it, I know; well show me, show your coach.

He’s not paying attention, he never pays attention; he won’t see me.

Have you talked to him?

About what? Through the sound of her voice, I heard anger, pain, and something else I could not name. Wait a minute, you haven’t talked to him about all this and you’re assuming he doesn’t like you. She laughs. Serenity how come you haven’t set down and talked to your coach?

He won’t listen. She sounded so sure of her… herself; she never once tried to talk to me. Since when don’t you talk . . . especially to your coach. You talk to coach Dave, why haven’t you talked to the Head Coach?

You still eave dropping? he whispered. I pushed him back. Good question huh; yeah why hasn’t she talked to you better yet why haven’t you talked to her?

Ssh.

He’s not easy to talk too.

Why not, you’ve never had a problem before.

Well you saw him! What did that mean? Not really I was sitting at the top; what’s wrong with him?

Nothing.

"So . . . . what’s the problem?"

I told you he’s different.

Girl! Talk to the coach. Damn. I wanted to know why she couldn’t talk to me, did I do something wrong? None of the other girls had a problem talking to me. I left them to their banter and went into my office. Shaking my head at what I just saw and heard; first I was not surprised with her performance, I had seen it before; it was the reason she was here. She was hurting and I wanted badly to comfort her, why did I feel the need to comfort this girl. I feel like I have been too hard on her… hate her, nah I do not hate her, I just know that she is… . damn. Coach you cool?

Yeah, yeah… fine I’ll be out in a minute. Ignoring me Dave comes in, closes the door and sits down; crossing his arms over his chest, back hitting the back of the seat with a huff. What!

Now you know I’ve known you a long, long, long time; so why won’t you talk to her?

I will talk to her.

Dorian I’ve been trying to get you to talk to her for the past month and you keep making excuses; as a matter of fact you both keep making excuses. Now… He smiles.  . . . . what’s the problem man?

No problem. I did not know what it was with