For volleyball, it was potentially our last home game tonight because it was the first round of playoffs. Despite having good chances of winning, anything could happen, so we are having our senior night tonight.

"This is so bittersweet," I said to Lacey as we put our shoes on.

She smiled a small smile. "I know... I can't believe the season is almost over."

So a while later, I stood before my school and many people from our town. Tears were welled up in my eyes as the parents of the seniors made their way onto the court. My mom and dad waved to me from where they stood across the way.

I then looked past them, and to Ryder, who sat in the front row of the student section. He gave me a soft smile. Things with him could not be going greater. I wish I could have had him down on the court with my parents tonight, but we all know how that would have gone.

"I'm going to cry," Lacey whispered as Lucia was announced.

For our senior night, we each filled out a paper that had questions on it. It was stuff like, 'what are your plans for after high school?' and, 'who would you like to thank?' So, as we walked to meet with our parents, the announcer was to read that off.

"Don't...or I will too."

I glanced up at Lacey and we both burst into tears. It was a mix of happy and sad tears, but we both started to laugh.

"I can't even imagine what our soccer night will be like," she said as she wiped away her tears.

I laughed softly and wiped mine away too, but they were replaced with new ones. I gave up trying to wipe them away though because I was next to be announced.

"I love you, Ains," she whispered tearfully, which only made me cry harder, as the announcer said my name.

I walked forward to where the sophomores and juniors on varsity were lined up. I gave each of them a hug, but shared an extra big one with Madelyn because I have spent a lot of time with her. "Going to miss you," she whispered.

While I hugged the others, the announcer read my paper: "Ainsley Sloane has been playing volleyball for eight years. As of now, she plans on attending a four year college to play soccer, but she is not sure where yet. Her hopes are to study medicine so she can get on track to being a doctor."

I made my way over to Landen just as the announcer went over who I want to thank. "Ainsley, would of course like to thank her coach, Landen, for amazing sophomore, junior, and senior years of volleyball, and also for always believing in her. Also, she would like to thank him for picking her as his favorite."

Landen gave me a huge hug and laughed alongside some people in the audience.

"She would also like to thank her best friend, Lacey, for always sticking by her side and being so supportive throughout the years."

I started to make my way over to my parents and blew a little kiss to Lacey, who was so emotional at this point.

"Finally, Ainsley would like to thank her parents for providing her with so many opportunities, and just being there for her. She thanks them for showing up to every game, no matter how far away, and for being her biggest cheerleaders."

Tears were in their eyes as I walked right into their arms. My mom handed me a bouquet of flowers after we pulled out of the hug. "You are going to do great things," she said.

I smiled a tearful smile at her, and then looked at the crowd. Ryder wore a proud smile and was clapping.

"Biggest thanks of all to you," I mouthed.

He put both hands on his heart and smiled. "Love you, Ains."

After Lacey was announced and we took pictures, we started our warmup.

I may or may not have purposely shanked a ball into the student section so I could go say hi to Ryder.

He chuckled as I ran over to where he sat. "You did that on purpose, huh?"

"You know me too well."

"It's obvious because you never shank," he said with a smile as he handed me the ball, but not until after he gave me a quick kiss on the lips. "Kick some ass. I don't want this to be the last time I see you on the court."

"Will do."

And so, for Ryder, I played as hard as I could.

All the girls played exceptionally hard tonight, and our efforts were worth it because we walked off the court with a 4-1 win.

On to the next round of playoffs.

-

On Friday night, it was the football team's turn to play for a playoff spot. I stood with my dad on the sidelines as the team warmed up.

We were favored to win this game because we had won league, and this team lost to several teams that we completely destroyed. Therefore, everyone had super positive mindsets.

I was mostly just happy to watch Ryder play... he doesn't know it, but there's scouts here to watch him.

As if reading my thoughts my dad said, "the scouts are here. Make sure James plays well."

"Easy," I responded as the players ran off the field.

My dad left my side to address the team, but Ryder replaced him. He pulled off his helmet and I took it from him.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

He ran a hand through his hair and glanced down at me. "Nervous for whatever reason."

"Don't. This team is no different from any of the others."

"You're right," he stated. "Anything I need to know?"

I shook my head and stood on my tippy toes so I could put his helmet back on him since he was to go on soon. "They are more of an offensive team rather than a defensive team. Nothing you need to worry about."

He nodded and straightened his helmet. "Alright... sounds good."

I could tell he was still nervous, but those nerves did not stop him from playing incredibly well.

The crowd was going absolutely wild for him as he carried the team to a massive win. He beat his amount of touchdowns scored in a game, and did not throw a single interception. If he continues playing how he just did, we will easily see ourselves at states.

When the final minute of the game ran out, all the boys sprinted onto the field to celebrate.

I, on the other hand, went with my dad to meet with the college scouts.

Scouts from what looked to be from the most well known football schools were approaching us. There was a wide variety, from UCLA, to Ohio State... and all here for Ryder.

"I didn't realize they were from the biggest football schools in the country," I gasped as they stopped before my dad and me and shook his hand. 

My dad chuckled. "Are you here for Ryder James?" he asked.

The scout from the University of Georgia nodded eagerly. "Yes, that was some exceptional playing. I guess that tends to happen when you play under one of the best quarterbacks of all time."

My dad placed a hand on my back. "All you saw from Ryder tonight was from the work of Ainsley."

I felt my cheeks turn a red coloring as all the scouts eagerly stepped forward to shake my hand.

"How do you know so much about football?" asked the scout from Auburn.

I smiled and glanced up at my dad. "I'm his daughter."

"Amazing," said the UCLA scout, "so could you introduce me to Ryder James?"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," the Davis scout cut in, "you don't get James just to yourself," he said.

I laughed alongside the others. "Sure thing. Let me grab him real quick."

I turned on my heel quickly and ran over to where the players were gathered, still celebrating.

"Aye, James! Your girl is here!" one of the guys yelled.

Ryder stumbled out of the circle and smiled down at me. "Hi, gorgeous."

"Fix your hair, I have some people for you to meet."

He glanced back at the team, who were all raising their eyebrows at Ryder and me, but then to where all the scouts stood. His mouth dropped open as he glanced back at me. 

"No fucking way!"

"Language!" I hissed as I led him back over to where the scouts were waiting.

Ryder met with the scouts and I stepped aside with my dad.

"I can't believe this is happening," I said as all the scouts started to eagerly ask Ryder questions.

My dad nodded in agreement as Ryder's family approached us.

"Looks like you guys have yourself a future college pro," said my dad with a smile.

Nancy shook her head while beaming. "I can't thank you two enough. This has been his dream forever."

"All Ainsley. She keeps him in line during the games," said my dad, which drew laughter from his family.

A second later, Ryder rejoined us while wearing a huge smile. He threw his arms around me and I could not help but hug him back, even if my dad was right there.

"Thank you," he said into my ear. One hand was tangled into my hair, and the other was pressed firmly against my back. It was probably telling, but I did not care that much in that moment. I was just so happy for Ryder.

I pulled out of the hug and smiled up at him. He still held onto my waist as I spoke. "You did most of the work. I only tell you where I think you should throw the ball."

He chuckled and turned to face my dad. "You deserve it. Congrats, James."

"Thank you."

"Anytime, now I want to see you play just like that for the remainder of the season because if you do, we will definitely see ourselves at states."

Ryder wore a huge smile and I could not help but also smile. I was just so happy for him.

"Sounds like a deal."