Champions 2

I like the loving wives category but it can be difficult to come up with something different and the comments are often ruthless. I try to explore alternate realities or situations with angst.

I do spell and grammar checks and proof read but bound to miss some. If that bothers you too much maybe think about reading something else.

Please check the tags, don't read it if it's not your thing. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy it, they are free and they are just stories.

Best Wishes, Satin

***

We met at John Nichol's tennis school; he was one of the few top coaches to provide high level coaching to working class kids.

By we, I mean myself Paul Robson and Melanie Graham; we were from the same area and excelled under John's guidance. All my mates played football, and I got endless ribbing about playing tennis, which was clearly a sport for 'ponces' according to my friends. That opinion was revised when they realised just how many girls played and what they looked like! And top of that list was Melanie, she was absolutely stunning and I was totally smitten. Blonde hair, lithe body and lightly tanned, she was the epitome of a poster girl for tennis. She was also the most competitive person I had ever met, matching her overbearing father, who seemed to be trying to emulate Richard Williams or Earl Woods in his efforts to produce a champion. My parents were too busy working and scraping a living to be too interested in what they considered a hobby, but they were happy it kept me out of trouble.

I was good at tennis and I worked hard at it, which caught Mel's attention, we became the star players for the junior team and I got on really well with her. We had tennis in common and shared the same dream all UK tennis players have, to win Wimbledon! It was almost 50 years since the last Brit won the female title and only Andy Murray had won the men's title in the past 80 years. Even that was a dubious claim, Andy is a proud Scot, and no Englishman had won Wimbledon since the 1930's.

We progressed and started winning tournaments, travelling regionally, then nationally and eventually overseas. John was a brilliant coach; he was trying to establish routes for working class kids to come through, without having to base themselves in America or Spain. This also avoided the huge fees associated with the famous academies. I knew he was helping out with all the expenses to supplement my sponsorship; my parents just couldn't afford it, that got easier as we became more successful.

I am not sure I ever asked Mel out, but we were a couple and were inseparable. We spent so much time together and had the same interests. We practiced and trained hard and then hung out together. I helped her in practice, as she obliterated all the girls in her age group and the group above.

My life was perfect, I had a realistic chance of becoming a professional player and I was dating the girl of my dreams. We gave each other our virginities, taking our time to make it special and avoiding some of the disasters my friends had warned of. Sex added another level of connection and trust to our relationship. The fact that she had a perfect body and really liked the act itself made things even better. I think she wanted to be the best at everything and sex was no different. I had to psych myself up for some of our sessions; they were certainly intense cardio work outs.

We had been together for over a year when a problem occurred. I had been beaten in a junior final by the most arrogant prick I had ever played: Nick Defraitas. He was from money, based at a famous American tennis centre and had a whole team backing him up. I had to admit he was better than me! It wasn't getting beat that was the blow, it was the fact someone my age was way ahead of me. John as ever seemed to know what I was going through.

"It's not that bad!"

"Jesus, he is so much better than me!"

"That's true!"

"Well thanks coach, talk about kicking a guy when he is down!"

He laughed so much, it even made me smile, then he went on, "He is better now... today, that doesn't mean to say he will be in the future or even the next time!"

"I couldn't get near him, he was coasting, and I got beat three straight sets for fucks sake!"

John thought about it, "He is more talented, but tennis is far more than that, you're tactically and physically better and that's before we get into the mental side of things. And he certainly wasn't coasting, all the games were tight, he just had the edge on you in the key points."

I wasn't sure if John was being truthful or just trying to encourage me. As ever with John, I walked away feeling a bit better about myself. The bright side was Mel winning her tournament.

Mel and Nick had to do the winners publicity together which pissed me off, as did the way they interacted with each other. The evening incorporated a sponsors' dinner, formal presentations, press and drinks. Nick was totally charming and everyone liked him, it seemed only I was immune from his bullshit. I left, not wanting to spoil Mel's night with my poor mood.

I was working hard, looking at everything I had done wrong against Nick. His forehand was lethal and I played to it too much. I seemed to win the longer rallies, maybe I needed to mix things up and move him around some more. We would be at the same tournaments, so I'd play him again sooner or later.

I called Mel to make arrangements to go out the following night, but got her voice mail. She never got back to me so I had an early night and caught her the next day. That started to happen more often, Mel being busy; I put it down to the tournament win and having more commitments to sponsors.

On the back of another voice mail, I went over to see her, it was nothing unusual and we knew each other's family well. Her mum invited me in and started explaining Mel was out.

I saw a huge bouquet of roses on the dining room table, "Wow Mrs Graham is it a special occasion or is Mr Graham spoiling you?"

"The chance would be a fine thing Paul, they aren't mine, they're... Mel's."

As soon as she said it, she realised her mistake.

I checked the card quickly, seeing the words... "Love Nick."

My heart sank!

Mrs Graham looked mortified, "I am sure they are just friends Paul!"

"Where is she now?"

"I am sorry Paul, they went out together."

I walked out with Mrs Graham following and asking me to wait while she phoned Mel. I just kept walking, muttering my goodbye.

Ten minutes later there was a call from Mel. I answered, "Paul, mum said you came around, sorry I was busy."

"Busy with Nick?"

"Well yeah, we were having lunch, it's nothing..."

I hung up! And ignored her calls, wondering if Nick was sitting waiting patiently for her to finish trying.

She was at my house the next day, "I am sorry Paul, my mum is furious with me for putting her in that position."

"At least she told the truth, unlike you! It wasn't the first time was it?"

"No we've been out a few times. I am sorry he was really persistent and I like him."

"You could have had the decency to at least tell me."

"Tell you what? We haven't done anything, it's not like I am finishing with you!"

"So you think it's ok to two-time someone, I thought I knew you better than that."

"Me and Nick are just friends!"

"I am not that stupid and neither are you! Even if you haven't crossed lines in your head, that is where it is heading. He is seducing you, lots of gifts and attention and you're loving it."

"I haven't crossed any lines, he kissed me goodnight that's all. It's all so confusing, I love you but I like Nick."

"I can sort that confusion out for you real quick... we're finished!"

"What... no you can't, I don't want that."

"It isn't always about what you want! I want someone I can trust and you've clearly demonstrated that isn't you. I'd like you to leave."

She did go, then messaged asking me to think again and if we could talk. I never did see any form of apology and her efforts felt half-hearted to me. I guess she had a ready replacement lined up. It didn't take long, it was obvious to everyone that her and Nick were an item.

I had to see her at the coaching sessions and tournaments. She tried to engage me in conversation; I put more effort discussing the weather with the checkout girls. Over the next couple of months, I focused on my tennis and pretended I wasn't missing her.

She caught me after training, "Paul, I just wanted to say how sorry I am about the way things ended with us. It was my fault and I wish... I wish it hadn't ended it that way. I lost my boyfriend and my best friend by being an idiot! I knew it was wrong, but I didn't think it would be the end of us. You at least deserved honesty; I should have treated you better."

I swallowed the bitter response, "Thanks for the apology, it didn't take you long to move on though!"

It looked like she wanted to say more, but I walked away. Our conversations became 'less frosty' after that if not quite friendly. We both avoided any mention of Nick.

Then I drew him in a tournament... Nick, in a semi-final. Mel was in the crowd and I had to try and control my emotions, but not too much; I needed them to give me an edge and I was highly motivated.

He was as arrogant as ever, smirking at me during the coin toss, whether that was about confidence in winning the match or Mel I wasn't sure. His start was blistering and he took the first set.

I was mixing up my shots, he was shocked when I came into the net a few times and the drop shots caught him unawares. I made him work for every fucking thing, it started having an effect, he looked shattered. I took the next two sets and was 5-3 up in the third. I went into the net for an easy volley and my world shattered along with my knee!

I heard the snap and thought it was something in the crowd. It felt like my ankle turned outward and over as I landed, and my knee went inward with my whole body weight going through it. There was a fraction of a second before searing pain burst through my knee.

***

After that it was a blur of medics, ambulances, hospitals, scans, doctors and nurses. They called it an unhappy triad; I had Grade 3 complete tears across the anterior, medial ligaments and meniscus. I knew lots of footballers did their cruciate and came back, while the triad was more common with American football injuries when impacted laterally.

Devastation would be an understatement; John and Mel were with me through it all. We were looking at reconstructive surgery and a long road back. I insisted they focused on Mel's development and that I'd be ok. That wasn't true, maybe I was trying too hard, the rehab was one step forward and then four backwards. Weeks turned to months, the knee was stable but I couldn't get a full range of movement and it felt uncertain, like I couldn't trust it to hold steady under stress.

Six months after the injury was one of the lowest points of my life. The knee wasn't improving very much and I couldn't see a way back. It was then Mel asked me out to dinner. I agreed, not thinking anything of it, we were friends and she'd been really supportive over the last few months.

"You not getting it Paul, I am asking you out!"

"What about Nick?"

"We finished months ago, it... wasn't working out."

"I don't know Mel, I am not in a good place and last time, after you left, I... struggled."

"It didn't work out with Nick because I am still in love with you Paul. I made a terrible mistake and bitterly regret it. Please forgive me and give me another chance, I want you and only you."

Mel's support and behaviour over the last few months had been amazing, she was there when I needed her and was at my lowest. We had dinner and it was great, just us... still friends, natural conversation, lots of laughs and fun. I really needed it and felt much better for it. The night that followed was equally blissful, although Mel had to do all the work; my bloody knee was causing a whole different set of problems.

After 12 months the medics confirmed it wasn't going to get much better, I'd be fine for a regular life, but the knee couldn't take the stress needed to be an elite tennis player. My 'career' was over at the ripe old age of 19.

I had no idea what to do, academically I was average and tennis was my life. I wasn't sure what else I liked or could be competent at. It was John who saved me again; he gave me a job at the club coaching and teaching classes. I hated how slow it was at first and got frustrated when members couldn't pick up the basics. The saving grace were the kids, they were so enthusiastic and their ability to learn was a real eye opener. They seemed to listen to me, and I found ways to make things easier and explain them better. I was helping with Mel's sessions as well, working alongside John.

John formalised my role on an aspiring coach's programme with the Lawn Tennis Association pathway. I supported Mel more using her elite level and transition to touring professional as part of coaching qualifications, alongside studying and courses.

I knew her game better than anyone and could add a lot to her development. Mel had both the talent and attitude to reach the top. There was a ruthless element to the way she played. I found myself liking the lower profile of coaching and leaving the limelight to others.

When I thought about it, I wasn't sure I had the talent to reach the very top. It was my effort and tactics that kept me competitive, but the guys at the top had all of that plus more talent. The technical and coaching side really interested me and I loved working with the kids. I started to feel good about things; this might be a better choice than flogging a dead horse to make qualifying rounds of minor tournaments.

Our relationship developed and I proposed to Mel when we were both 21 years old, she accepted immediately. But then said she wanted to keep it a secret; she didn't want the press asking about her private life. That was fine by me, I was happier in the background and our private lives were nobody's business. The only people we told and who attended the private wedding ceremony were John and our parents who were all sworn to secrecy. One disappointment was that her engagement and wedding rings had to remain in her jewellery box.

Mel's improvement was fantastic; she was competing well on the pro circuit, steadily climbing the rankings. At 23 she was ranked in the top 30 and had guaranteed entry into the majors. She was laser focused on her tennis, sometimes to the detriment of us, but I accepted that's what it took to succeed.

An irritation of her success was bumping into Nick Defraitas again; he was competing on the men's pro tour and top of the British rankings. I consoled myself with the fact I was on the brink of beating him, before blowing my knee up. To be fair he did ask about how I was doing and about the injury.

We went into the Australian open fairly optimistic. A couple of the favourites in our side of the draw were injured and Mel was in great form. We started hoping for a quarter final spot. The players she drew suited her style, and we had good plans for each of the matches. Everything seemed to land in our favour and she was up against an unseeded player in the quarters, she won that and then her semi in a very tough match. By far the most important factor was Mel playing absolutely out of her skin. Her opponent was also in her first final as well... and seemed nervous; Mel wasn't and took full advantage. Unbelievably my wife had become a major winner at only 23 years of age!

I had only a few seconds to congratulate her. "You did it Mel; you only went and bloody did it!"

She hugged me and John before getting dragged away by the press. I got into the press conference afterward, keen to congratulate her again properly. She thanked her coaching team and her family, no specific mention of me but that was fine, this was her big moment, fulfilling her childhood dreams. I was happy for her and she deserved the adulation.

Typically one of the UK tabloid reporters asked, "As the most eligible woman in tennis, is there anyone romantically on the scene?"

I could see she was irritated, "Absolutely no one, I am totally focused on and dedicated to my tennis."

The denial bothered me a bit; the strength of her statement exasperated that concern. I wondered if that were true... did her tennis come first? I felt uneasy; it was petty to think of that in amongst my wife's stunning achievement... but still the thought niggled!

I left the conference and hung around the family and coaches area, but could see from the newsfeeds; she was swamped by the media. John looked to be in a similar position. So I wandered into the bar and celebrated quietly by myself with a beer. It was one hell of an achievement!

I made my way to the apartment we shared with John for the tournament and waited up to congratulate her. They didn't return until 1am and John went straight to bed looking totally shattered.

I finally got the chance to speak to her alone, "Wow, you really did it. You were amazing, I am so proud of you."

"I still can't believe it. Where were you? I looked for you all night."

"I was there but couldn't get close to you without giving our secret away, in the end I gave up and waited here to congratulate you."

"Thanks baby, I couldn't have done it without you! I am sorry about that interview, I wasn't expecting the question and tried to shut it down... it sounded abrupt."

"That's ok, I understand, although I don't know how long we'll be able to keep up the pretence with you getting this much attention. Not being able to share the best moment in your life with you was really tough!"

"My best moment was marrying you, you were definitely there then and we shared a lot! I know it's hard, but everything is working so well, I don't want to change things."

I hoped her emotional high might lead to some intimacy, which had been lacking since the tournament build up. But as soon as her head hit the pillow, she was asleep; she looked so serene and peaceful.

The next day was even busier; everyone wanted a piece of her, including tournament officials and sponsors. The demands on John and Mel's time were overwhelming; we needed help, especially on the commercial and management side of things as we were getting all sorts of offers.

John and I reminded Mel that we were ahead of her development schedule and we needed to stay focused on her tennis. It was true; we were way in front of the curve and didn't expect to be this competitive for another couple of seasons.

Everything exploded; Mel was suddenly the centre of everyone's attention. The British press seem to lose all propriety and judgement, getting way ahead of themselves about Mel's future! The demands for her time were extraordinary; even though we rejected, denied and said no to most things. Before we knew it, we had a small entourage to manage her affairs. I missed it being just us, working together toward the same goal.

We spent less and less time together, and it started feeling like half a marriage. The pretence of being single prevented us showing public signs of affection, dating, sharing holidays and all manner of things. I was married to the country's dream girl, a stunning athlete and role model for woman participating in sports... and it felt like crap! My concerns were dismissed out of hand, it was already affecting us and I was worried that the success was going to her head.

What followed was a period of failure which dragged on for twelve months. Mel went out of a number of tournaments early; her frustration levels were sky high, not helped by the great British press heaping the pressure on. We spent a lot of time trying to keep her focused on the tennis and disregard all the external distractions.

I had seen Nick Defraitas' coach Tom Logan watching us practice and at some of Mel's matches, wondering what that was all about. I found out the answer a few days later, when Mel sat down with me and John in what suddenly felt like a formal meeting.