"Elise," Chapter 28 (MF old/teen18, finger)
Sandy
I didn't understand what had happened with Elise all of a sudden, but she went back out with the team to start the fourth set, as both Elaine and I breathed a sigh of relief. The whole team appeared to have been energized somehow. Everyone was again flying around, hustling the same way Elise always did. This set looked a lot like the first had, with several lead changes. Trailing 12-11, one of Elise's Zephyr teammates was able to gain four straight service winners, winning the set for her team 15-12. Now the match was tied, and Zirconia had some momentum going into the fifth and deciding set.
You could tell that the fifth set was for all the marbles. The competition was intense, both squads going all out. It was outstanding, volleyball truly played at a high level. Points became hard to come by, and Zirconia led only 5-4 when it once again became Elise's turn to serve. Service was not her strong suit, and nearly all of her serves could usually be returned. At this moment, my girl picked a perfect time to excel at her serve. Four of her next six were not even returnable, and the Zephyrs were able to win all six points. A close set became an 11-4 margin. From there, Zirconia coasted; the final count was 15-9. When match point was won, pandemonium reigned on the Zephyr side, and Elaine and I hugged one another, cheering as loudly as anyone else. Elise and her team had upset their bitter rival, and Zirconia High had qualified for the state volleyball playoffs for the first time in over a decade.
As fans were starting to filter down to the gym floor, Elaine and I remained seated. I realized this was our little window to discuss anything we wanted, without Elise in earshot.
I started. "Elaine, you mentioned that you might want to say something concerning Elise's father."
"Yes, Sandy. It was really more in the way of asking your assistance on something that could come to a head soon."
That certainly piqued my interest. "Since we've agreed that we're all working toward the same goals here, at least long-term goals, I would of course be glad to help with anything about which you might require it."
Elaine turned to me. "Since there's no easy way to say it, and I don't want to volunteer too much information, I'll just come right out and give you the executive summary." I nodded. She continued, "Let's just say that my husband and I are not doing well, at least from my perspective, and it's likely something will occur, I'm guessing, in the next few months.
"My request is that you please assist me in helping manage Elise's reaction to it, if and when something does happen. I have no idea how she would react to some drastic change in our family situation, particularly just as she's getting ready to graduate high school and leave the nest. But I'm sure of one thing. Whatever she feels about it, as it now stands you're the one in whom she would most likely confide those feelings. May I ask if, within reason, you could possibly just be her sounding board if she comes to you, give her a shoulder to cry on, impart any wise counsel from your life experience, really anything it might appear that she needs?"
My response was quick and decisive. "Elaine, it goes without saying that you can be sure I'll do everything I can, everything you mentioned, more if necessary. You referred to it as 'managing' her reaction. I don't know if that's really the best way to put it. Her reaction will be whatever it is, and we'll have no control over that. BUT you and I can certainly be there for her as needed, and we can both do what we can to make any adjustment through a difficult time that she needs to make, as easy as possible for her."
I continued. "I experienced a devastating loss when my wife died three years ago, so I can identify with those types of feelings in general terms. So I'll draw upon any of that I can, in order to help her process any changes in the best way possible. That is, if she will allow me to help."
Elaine gave me a grateful look. "That's all I can ask. Thank you. And please, keep all this in strict confidence. No mention of this to anyone else, especially Elise. I don't know how it's all going to go down, and she really doesn't need to worry unnecessarily in the meantime."
I readily agreed. "You have my word, Elaine." And just then, I spied Elise walking toward our area from her locker room, looking up at us, a huge smile plastered on her face. "Look, there's our girl now. Time for some heartfelt congratulations, I'd say."
We walked down and met her on the floor in front of our section. Elaine gave her daughter a bear hug, held it, then released, stepping back. "That was one of the most impressive performances I've ever seen, dear. You stepped up, the whole team stepped up, and it was something to see. I'm so glad I made it out to witness this. Better late than never, huh?"
Elise positively glowed. "Thanks for coming out, Mom." And then, "We did it. I still can't believe it," shaking her head.
All this time, I stood to the side, witnessing the exchange. I wasn't sure what my role was in all the congratulations. I certainly didn't want to participate in a way that would make Elaine uncomfortable, or for that matter give anyone still in the gym any more gossip material.
Elaine looked at me, then turned back to her daughter. "Oh, for heaven's sake, Elise, go hug Sandy, too."
The girl needed no further invitation. She practically threw herself in my arms, squealing "We did it, Daddy--," and then immediately froze in place.
I caught Elaine's upturned eyebrow in reaction to her daughter's little slip-up. "You certainly did, Elise, and it was wonderful to watch. You were beyond great," I replied, gently disentangling.
Shortly after, we said our goodbyes and headed our respective ways. It was an afternoon to remember, and, as it turned out, for more than just the results of a volleyball match.
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Elise
Oh boy, our team finally got the whole Blanksville jinx off its back, then I had to go call Sandy "Daddy" in front of my mother. I had a feeling I knew what was coming, and it came even sooner than expected.