Chapter 12 Tennis Match (1/2)

It was after school and a bunch of people where gathered around the school's tennis court. At one side stood the arrogant Aldrich wearing his white tennis uniform, on the other side was Alex still wearing his school uniform and black leather shoes.

Alex accepted the challenge without even thinking about it. His classmates who where there when he accepted the challenge were confused. It was obvious that Aldrich had the upper hand in this challenge being the school's tennis club's ace, but Alex still accepted. Could it be Alex was actually good at playing tennis?

The question of all the students was immediately answered when Alex asked Rachel ”What is tennis?” The guy didn't even know what tennis was, then why did he accept the challenge so confidently?

Rachel explained the basic rules of tennis to Alex. She already knew based on logic that the more experienced Aldrich would beat Alex hands down, but something was telling her she needed to believe in Alex.

”Alex you better not lose.” Hearing Rachel sounding like she was giving an order, Alex reflexively saluted.

”Roger that.”

Alex with racket at hand stood at the other side of the net. Aldrich on the other side of the net was smirking and at the same time irritated by how close Alex and Rachel were to each other.

One of the students became the unbiased Umpire. ”This game is an unofficial match, the first one to win seven sets is the final victor. Let the match begin.”

It was Aldrich who had the first serve,

SWOOSH!

As expected of the ace of the tennis club the tennis ball was going 95 mph and once it hit the ground it twisted its towards a different direction and headed towards Alex's face. The tennis ball was heading towards Alex's face yet with one hand Alex caught the tennis ball.

”15 - love”

The crowd got excited both at Aldrich's twist serve and Alex's barehanded catch. Rachel on the other hand got angry and shouted at Aldrich.

”What are you doing?! Are you deliberately trying to hurt Alex?!” Rachel was more angry than she thought.

Aldrich was still a bit shocked by Alex's ball catching, when he heard Rachel's complaint. He looked at Rachel and shrugged. ”It was not my intention to hit his face, the ball just twists like that when I try that serve.”

Aldrich went back into position without bothering with Rachel anymore. This time his serve reached 105 mph, not yet accustomed with the racket Alex reflexively hit the tennis ball with the hand that was closest to the tennis ball, which was his empty hand.

When Alex hit the tennis ball with his palms a loud smacking sound was heard. The tennis ball was returned, it was even faster than the serve of Aldrich.

”Out, 30-love” Yet even though it was amazing it was still out. Aldrich stood their dumbfounded by what just happened. 'He hit the ball with his barehands and it was even faster than my best serve!'

Everyone was super excited by what they just witness.

”What the hell was that?! He just smashed the ball with his palm!”