The volleyball team was big news Monday morning. The players’ names were announced over the loudspeaker during morning announcements, the trophy was put on display in the main hallway, and Claire was interviewed for the school paper. Melody appreciated the attention she received, but there was some sadness to go along with it. Now that volleyball season was over, she would have to find some new distraction to keep her mind off Becky.
In the weeks that followed, Melody kept mostly to herself as she concentrated on her studies. All through her senior year, Melody would excel academically and maintain a GPA worthy of the honor roll. She had the highest grade in auto mechanics and was nearly fluent in Spanish. Melody also discovered she really did enjoy her psychology course when she was not staring at Miss Hauser’s legs. After the lengthy volleyball season finally ended, Melody had more free time and used some of it to put in extra hours at the supermarket. The only social life Melody really had was the occasional party her teammates invited her to. The entire team, including Melody, wanted to keep the tight bond they had formed and promised to keep in touch after graduation.
An especially harsh winter arrived with the new year, and Melody faced another miserable January. The winter gloom was unbearable because it reminded her of Becky’s passing. One night, Melody cried alone in her room, clutching her photo album tightly to her chest. A full year had now passed since she last saw Becky alive. As memories ripped open old wounds, Melody felt as if her heart was breaking all over again. Winter had always been a wretched season, but now, Melody hated it more than ever. Lying on her bed facedown, she again vowed to get to Florida. Screaming into her pillow, Melody cried, “I hate winter! I never want to see it again!”
***
After volleyball practice, Melody reported to Coach Heucke. After knocking on the open door frame, Melody peeked inside the office and saw Ingrid sitting behind her desk.
“You wanted to see me, Coach?” Melody asked.
“Yes,” Coach Heucke answered. “Come in, Melody. Have a seat.”
Melody entered the office and sat in one of the wooden chairs facing her coach’s desk. Melody was always happy to speak one on one with Coach Heucke but had no idea why she wanted to see her this afternoon.
“First things first,” Ingrid began. “How are they looking?”
“I think you’re gonna want to keep your eye on Vicki,” Melody answered. “I’ve been working with her and she already has a pretty good serve. She can block too. I think she’s the best freshman player.”
“I’d like to thank you for sticking around,” Coach Heucke said. “I’ve never made it mandatory for seniors to attend practice after the season ends, but these girls all look up to you.”
Melody smiled. “It’s my pleasure, Coach. I’m going to miss it.”
After returning her smile, Coach Heucke spun in her swivel chair and reached for a volleyball resting on the shelf. Then, after facing Melody again, Ingrid handed her the volleyball. Upon accepting it, Melody noticed the signatures.
“Here,” Coach Heucke said, handing Melody a black Sharpie marker. “I only have a few names left to get. Claire is hunting down the stragglers to get them in here.”
Melody happily took the marker and looked the ball over. She signed her own name directly underneath Claire’s. Next to her last name, she added the number nineteen. Melody then handed the ball and marker back.
“Thank you,” Coach Heucke said. “Between you and me, this will always be my favorite team.”
“I wish we had one more chance at that fifth set,” Melody said. “We could have beat them.”
“You could have,” Coach Heucke said. “But I’m satisfied with the way it ended.”
“What?” Melody asked. “How can you say that? We were almost the regional champions!”
“Melody,” Ingrid answered. “Championships are eventually forgotten. Trophies collect dust and medals are tucked away in sock drawers. I’ve always told you it’s the team that matters. What you did for Claire after the match is something she will always remember. When the entire team joined you, it was my proudest moment as a coach.”
Melody nodded. “She would have done the same for me.”
“Of that, I have no doubt. Now then, let’s get down to the real business of why I called for you.”
“What is it, Coach?” Melody asked.
“Are you ready to commit?” Coach Heucke asked. “I have letters from six scouts asking for you. Have you decided on a college or are you still narrowing it down?”
“Yeah, about that,” Melody said. “Coach, I’m putting off college for a few years.”
“What? Whatever for?”
As Coach Heucke sat in stunned silence, Melody told her the same plan she had explained to her parents. As Melody continued speaking, Coach Heucke crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair. From her expression, Melody sensed her coach did not agree with anything she was saying. After Melody finished, there was a long moment of uncomfortable silence.
“How can you just walk away from the game?” Ingrid finally asked.
“It’s not going to be easy, Coach,” Melody answered. “It’s my only therapy.”
“Therapy?”
“Yes,” Melody explained. “When I’m on the court, it’s the only time I experience inner peace. It’s the only time I’m truly happy.”
“Why?”
“Playing volleyball is the only way I can get my mind completely off Becky and everything that happened to her. Not even skateboarding can do that. Volleyball gives my mind the break it needs. It’s been over a year and I still miss her as much as I ever did. I’m very grateful for everything you’ve done for me, but now, I have to move on and find peace in another way. I’m hoping diesel mechanic school can help get my mind straight.”
“Melody,” Coach Heucke said, shaking her head. “I’m going to cut the bullshit and be honest with you. You are special. You have a gift. You play with an inner fire that cannot be taught. You’re a better player than I was at your age. You must take the next step and play at the college level.”
Melody shook her head, “I can’t, Coach. Even with a scholarship, it wouldn’t be enough. My parents can’t afford to send me to college. I’ve already told my parents I refuse to accept any money that has a high interest rate attached to it. I don’t want my father driving a truck into his old age because of me. I’m going to work my way through.”
“Melody, you can find another way,” Coach Heucke pleaded. “I can help you. If money is the problem, we can find an answer.”
“Coach, I’m sorry. I have to go to Florida. That is the only thing I have left. If I play volleyball for a Michigan school, I’ll end up staying here.”
“You don’t know that, Melody,” Coach Heucke said. “College is a wonderful experience that can open so many doors for you. While you’re in college, you can find ways to get to Florida that you haven’t even thought of. Claire is going to Michigan State. Could you imagine the both of you playing for the same college team?”
“Claire wants to be a teacher,” Melody explained. “As soon as she graduates, she can find a job easily. I wouldn’t be surprised if she taught here one day. I’m going into a field where I need more than college. I need work experience. I can’t get that playing volleyball.”
“A mechanic? A garage owner?” Coach Heucke asked. “What is driving you to do this?”
“I enjoy it,” Melody answered. “I’m good at it. When a truck gets towed in, I want the driver to know a girl is fixing his truck. He’ll learn real quick I can fix it as good as a man!”
“So that’s it,” Coach Heucke responded with a raised eyebrow. “In your own way, you are on a crusade for women’s equality.”
“For four years, I’ve been the only girl in Mr. Shaddock’s automotive classes. Yes, it inspired me. If I could have it my way, I’d open a garage with all female employees!”
“Melody, I am not trying to discourage you,” Coach Heucke said. “In fact, I find your aspirations admirable. If you were just an average player, I would wish you well and that would be the end of it. However, that is not the case. Melody, thousands of people saw you play this season. There is no telling how many girls you’ve inspired. You must continue to showcase your talents. I still have some pull in certain circles. I might be able to get you a walk on tryout for Team USA. Melody, go to college, and you could play in the 1992 Summer Olympics!”
Melody released a long, slow sigh but said nothing.
“Consider this,” Coach Heucke continued. “Suppose I handed you a plane ticket to Florida and a million dollars cash. What would you do?”
“After I gave half to my parents, I’d fly to Tallahassee and play volleyball for Florida State. I’d go to the Olympics, then play professionally. After I got older, I’d settle down somewhere and be a high school or college coach.”
“I didn’t hear anything about a garage or trucks,” Coach Heucke said. “Your heart lies with volleyball. At the very least, can you admit that?”
“Half a million dollars makes a big difference,” Melody said. “Now, I’ll cut the bullshit. I love volleyball. I wish I could stay a senior forever and continue playing for you until we win regionals. I wish I could just play volleyball and skateboard my life away in a world that has no winter. Unfortunately, reality sucks and you don’t have a million dollars to give me. I lost Becky, please don’t ask me to give up Florida. I’ve made my plans and I intend to get there my way. It may take longer than I’d like, but I’ll get there.”
“Alright, Melody,” Coach Heucke said. “I will not argue with you.”
“Are you disappointed in me?” Melody asked.
“I’m not disappointed in you,” Coach Heucke assured her. “However, I believe you are doing the world a great disservice. This is your decision and I hope you are successful. If you change your mind, I will be here to assist you in any way I can.”
“Thank you, Coach.”
“You better get going,” Coach Heucke said. “I’ve kept you long enough.”
Melody got up, wished her coach a good day, and quickly departed. Alone in her office behind a closed door, Ingrid sat very still. With her elbows resting on her desk, her thumbs supported her chin as her index fingers lay against the bridge of her nose. Deep in thought, Ingrid reflected on the conversation she could hardly believe had just taken place. After four seasons, Ingrid believed she knew Melody well, recognizing her as a strong, yet vulnerable, young woman. Though she had always been careful not to interfere with a student’s personal life, Ingrid now found herself in a dilemma, wanting to make an exception. She wanted to help, but Melody had to open her eyes to the opportunities being offered to her.
Coach Heucke shifted her attention to the envelopes containing letters from volleyball scouts interested in Melody. She shook her head, unwilling to give up on a girl who had taken a very special place in her heart. Ingrid stood up and walked over to her wall of photographs. Looking at Melody’s image, Coach Heucke frowned. She was at a loss to understand how Melody could quit volleyball, a sport that could open the world for her. Ingrid’s frustration grew as she continued to stare at the photograph. She had a decision to make. She could remain quiet and wash her hands of Melody, or intervene for the girl’s own good. Finally, Ingrid turned away from the wall.
Seating herself behind her desk, Ingrid flipped through her Rolodex. After finding the number she needed, Ingrid picked up the phone and dialed. Placing the phone to her ear, she heard the phone ring twice before the other end picked up.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Barbara Mivshek?” Ingrid asked.
“Yes, speaking.”
“This is Ingrid Heucke. I’m Melody’s volleyball coach.”
“Yes, Miss Heucke,” Barbara replied. “Is there something wrong? Is Melody hurt?”
“No, no.” Ingrid assured her. “Melody is fine. She just left my office.”
“What can I do for you, Miss Heucke?” Barbara asked.
“I understand your husband works out of town during the week,” Ingrid began. “I would like to set a time to talk with both of you. I can meet you at your home. Preferably when Melody is not present.”
“My husband will be home Friday night,” Barbara said. “Melody works from noon to eight on weekends. What is this about?”
“I am concerned about Melody’s future. She just divulged her plans to me, and frankly, I don’t believe she is acting in her own best interest.” Ingrid explained. “May I meet with you and your husband on Saturday, at two o’clock?”
For a moment, there was silence on the other end. Finally, Barbara answered, “Yes, of course. I’ll tell Douglas to be expecting you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Mivshek,” Ingrid said. “I’ll see you Saturday.”
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