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Long overdue FBA story. Enjoy!
Sunday, June 9
Newark Stadium, Newark, NJ
The Minutemen players trudged off the court, leaving behind the Pride and the fans to celebrate. Scattered paper airplane missiles were tossed at the team by some of he patrons, rubbing a little salt in the wound. Wiley Twaddle (Woodchuck, SG) put his paw around Tina McCall’s (Fennec Fox, PG) shoulder; the young fennec had tears streaming down her cheeks. He knew exactly why she was crying; she feared she wouldn’t be here next year.
But she wasn’t the first to leave the court. That was Vera La Tiérra (Red Vixen, G). It was almost as if she wanted to get away.
The visiting locker room doors were shut, and the ladies went in first. Tina tried to dry her tears and collect herself as she went inside. The ladies suddenly heard a dull thunk, like a locker was being hit or struck. Sasha Ivanovich (Lynx, SF) led the way and opened the door first.
They heard the sounds of soft crying and sobs. Ericka Layland (White Mare, G/F) came in last and spied Vera huddled in the corner, still dressed in her red uniform. Her ears flattened to her head, she hid her face between her arms and knees, her shoulders heaving with sobs. It was clear she didn’t want to talk, but Layland walked over and put a paw on her shoulder gently.
“It’ll be okay, Vera...”
The vixen didn’t say anything or move her head, so Layland just went to dress with the others.
* * *
Vera eventually came out of the locker room dressed, but she was the last one to the huddle. Coach Morgan Roosevelt (Raccoon) praised the team for trying to face such a challenge, and went around the room, telling each player their positives, as was his wont.
Statements, some canned, some honest, were given to the press and the team left for the airport, deciding to take an overnight flight home.
* * *
Newark International Airport, Newark, NJ
The team members talked quietly amongst themselves as they boarded their chartered jet. The cabin was very high, allowing the taller players to sit comfortably. Leonard stowed his bag and sighed as he set down. All he could think about at that point was the look in Vera’s eyes as Coach Roosevelt talked to her earlier. She had been crying, and it looked like she was going to cry again. But she composed herself for the interview and answered all the questions. Still, she was hurting...
The fox then felt a tug at his shirt sleeve. Mack looked down to see little Ethan Rand looking up at him.
“Mr. Mack? Where’s Ms. Vera?” he asked.
Leonard’s eyes widened as the plane’s door shut with Coach Roosevelt’s arrival. He looked to the back to see the gathered group of ladies in the back.
Sasha. Marron. Tina. Eleanor. Ericka. They all looked a little worried.
No Vera.
He scanned the rest of the seats and didn’t see her at all.
“Oh my God...” he breathed. He then noticed Coach Roosevelt sighed audibly and stood at the front of the plane.
“We’ll have to leave without Vera. I saw her split off with the group to go to the regular concourses. Does anyone have any idea where she’s gone? Did she tell anybody?” he asked.
“No.”
“Sorry, Coach, no..”
“That’s a big N-O, Coach...”
“Dangit...” he cursed under his breath, mindful of the young squirrel in their presence. “Well, I’ll try to get in contact with her after the flight. In the meantime, just try to enjoy yourselves,” he advised.
Leonard rubbed his forehead and looked down at the floor. That order would be impossible now. Where did Vera go?!
Monday, June 10
Manny’s Sports Bar and Grill, Williamsburg, VA
No one had spoken to Vera all day. In fact, no one had seen her. She hadn’t shown up at the usual places she frequented in Williamsburg, so she hadn’t flown home. This was noted as Frola, Ivanovich and Mack went to eat at the local restaurant. They signed a few autographs for a couple of kits and the fans were generally supportive for the forwards’ good seasons.
Still, there was a lot on Leonard’s mind as he picked at his food with his fork.
“They’re really great guys on the Pride. Allen’s always good for a laugh, and Val’s a real nice gal under all that tough exterior of hers. And Lance? Just a biiiiiiiiiiiiig softie. If he wasn’t such a leopard, he’d be a big ol’ teddy bear. Like Shelia.” Jarrod said with a grin.
“Jarrod, please...” Sasha said quietly, starting to get annoyed by the mention of the team that just finished beating them.
“Hehe, all right, all right... you know I like to keep close to my friends.”
“Da, I understand...”
Jarrod nodded and then looked over at the tall black-haired fox, who was picking at his plate with his fork, his large plate of grilled chicken only half-eaten.
“Hey, 7-Up, you all right? Usually, you’re down to one out of 10 fillets by now,” the orange tabby asked. Mack frowned.
“I’m fine, Jarrod, just listening.”
“Suit yourself, bro.”
Sasha nodded. “I understand the strife we went through here though... it was very uncomfortable being in Galveston after ‘Underwood Rule’ incident. It felt a little like I was part of problem, and it didn’t seem to help team chemistry at first. Very hard to deal with,” she said.
Leonard just nodded. “I understand...” he said quietly. The Minutemen had to deal with the Underwood Rules themselves, trading away Forrest Stanley to Baltimore after the rule was instituted. Mack still felt a little bad that he poked Forrest’s eye so badly the veteran wolf missed nine games. Forrest was in good spirits, though, saying he’d rather have it been a friend doing it than someone who hated him.
“Has Vera spoken to either of you?” he asked. Sasha shook her head.
“Nyet. I haven’t spoken to her since yesterday.”
The big fox put down his fork. “I tried calling her periodically today, just so she’s not annoyed... she didn’t answer a single time.”
“Wow... she’s really taking this hard...” Jarrod said.
Mack sighed. “You don’t know the half of it, Jarrod... I’m getting worried.”
Sasha put down her fork, her steak half-eaten. “Then go to her, Leonard. She doesn’t talk about you directly even between us, but I’ve seen you two together... I know you’re in love.”
Mack nodded and rubbed his cheek.
The big fox nodded and stood up. He took out his wallet and plunked down 100 dollars. “That’ll cover the tip. See you guys later,” he said.
* * *
Morgan Roosevelt rubbed his forehead as he sat in his office. His work was never done. Though one subject was on his mind: Vera. He couldn’t believe that she deserted the team. Was she really that depressed?? He took off his glasses and pinched between his eyes. He had players react very emotionally before, but few took things this hard. Jake Masters once did when the team lost in the 1994 Finals, but he hadn’t had a problem like that since then.
Suddenly, his cell phone started to ring. He checked the caller ID quickly:
LA TIERRA.
Quickly pressing the green Answer button, he held the phone to his ear.
“Hello, Coach?”
“Vera, where the hell are you?! The entire team is worried sick about you!!” Roosevelt shouted into the phone. The vixen on the other end was silent for a moment.
“I... don’t want to say.”
“Why did you leave the team in Newark?? What in God’s name made you do that?!” Roosevelt asked firmly. He had these questions bouncing around in his head for two days. They had to come out.
“... Coach I want to be alone. Just... I want you to know I’m all right. I’ll come back.”
Roosevelt sighed and rubbed his head. “I believe you, Vera... I just want to know what’s going on. You’ve been depressed all year... you weren’t yourself... I rarely saw you even smile...”
Vera sighed heavily. “No, Coach... I’m not myself. I...”
Roosevelt heard her swallow heavily.
“... I don’t think I should be captain of the Minutemen anymore... I’m a failure as a leader. I deserved it when you benched me, you made the right decision...”
The veteran coach’s jaw dropped. He couldn’t believe that came out of her mouth. Headstrong, prideful Vera La Tiérra... believing she was a failure.
“Well, Vera... in regards to being captain... that’s not my decision to make. Talk to your teammates about that...” he said. It was true. The players decided each year who would be captain of the team.
“Mmmhmmm... Coach, I … I promise jou I’ll train hard. I promise jou I’ll get better for next season...”
The head coach nodded. “I know, Vera. Calm down, relax. Just come back to Williamsburg whenever you’re ready. Vera, I believe in you. I always have, no matter what roster decisions I make.”
Vera swallowed hard when she heard that. “Gracias, Coach... Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Vera.”
The coach hung up and put down the phone. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that she would be fined for leaving the team without permission. That was the last thing she needed to hear.
The team needed the old Vera back.
* * *
Mack sighed, laying on his couch in his Williamsburg home, gazing at his oPhone. Vera still wasn’t answering his calls, so he was gazing at some photos he took with them instead.
He had found a small beach spot near North Carolina while riding around one day and he took Vera there to experience it. It was quiet and secluded. Nothing but the waves and sand as far as the eye could see.
She had bought a new stars and stripes bikini to wear just for him.
Vera was so beautiful that day. They shared moments there that furs said only happened in movies. It was a magical weekend.
He soon drifted off in a light sleep, his dreams filled with images of the vixen. They were running on that very beach in the picture. He knew there was a lovely sunset, the sky bathed in orange.
Leonard woke up with a start, his eyes wide as saucers. He knew where Vera was.
* * *
Wednesday, June 12
Virginia’s Atlantic Coast, Princess Anne County
Vera sat on a dark blue beach towel and watched the ocean waves crash on the beach as the setting sun bathed her in its orange light. She stared out into the ocean, the greenish water gaining an orange tint from the sun.
She didn’t know why she was thinking about Leonard. She wanted to get away from him.
But he had shown her this spot. No one else was around, so it was very private. She only heard the waves crashing, the gulls squawking, and the salty breeze whistling in her ears. It was so peaceful.
A familiar todd walked onto the beach, clad in blue and red swim trunks, his long black hair flowing behind him. He draped a blue beach towel on the sand and sat upon it, lazily gazing out to the ocean. Vera watched this display in silence, then turned her body away from the fox.
“Jou shouldn’t have come, Leonard. I wanted to be alone,” Vera said. Her folded ears indicated she was lying through her teeth and Leonard frowned. However, he reached over and put a paw on her shoulder. Vera made no move to stop him.
“Vera, I don’t buy that for a second. I showed you this place. You liked the privacy and quiet. You’re even wearing the bikini you bought to wear for me.
“Please, tell me what’s wrong. You’re rarely been yourself for months. Ever since Fang held you scoreless, it’s like you’ve been in a stupor.”
The vixen remained silent.
“Vera... I hate seeing you like this,” Leonard said quietly.
“Just stop talking, Leonard...”
“But...”
“Dije que deja de hablar!” she hissed back. Leonard was taken aback, but then his eyes narrowed. He understood.
“I will stop talking if you’d just tell me what’s wrong! I’m your boyfriend, you should be able to talk to me! Don’t you trust me?!” he snapped, his voice rising.
“Estoy asustada, bien?!” Vera shouted. Leonard cringed at her screaming, but then noticed tears started to trickle down her cheeks, like she had been holding them in there for days.
“Lennie... Several times I htought I was a terrible leader. I felt like I couldn’t help anybody! Do jou know what I thought sitting on the bench in the playoffs??”
Leonard shook his head.
“I thought my career was over! That I would never be as good as Valencia! Or Barton! I haven’t felt this bad, this worthless since... since mother...”
Vera felt Leonard embrace her and she buried her head in his chest, shoulders heaving with sobs. This is what she held in all year, Leonard realized. Even with everyone there: Leonard, her teammates, her coach, Vera still felt alone with her struggles. The only thing that could possibly get through to her now was the truth.
“Vera... you’re not worthless to anybody... not to me or the team. We need you. Besides, most everyone has lost seasons. Remember when Teo had that terrible, awful season before we joined the team and the Minutemen were the worst in the league?”
The vixen nodded, sniffling.
“I saw that from the outside, even with two games. He recovered from that, didn’t he?” Leonard asked.
“Uh huh…”
“And everyone wanted you to lead. Everyone wanted you to get out of your funk. That’s why we all tried to improve and help you. Vera, I wouldn’t have done as well as I did without your inspiration and examples,” he said quietly. It was true: that was the sole reason that he had ditched his sneakers. He wanted to show support for his struggling captain. Show support for his girlfriend.
“But… but you were better than me, Lennie.”
“Even if I was, Vera… I don’t want to be. You don’t… you don’t need to have the weight of the world on your shoulders all the time. Just lead us by being yourself. We… I want you back. I love you…”
Vera laid her head on Leonard’s chest and closed her eyes, letting Leonard stroke her hair gently. She listened to the waves and his heart beat, letting that relax her. The two just enjoyed each other’s company for a while, the scenery just as peaceful and quiet as it was their first day there.
Vera then gently leaned up and put her muzzle near Leonard’s ear.
“Te amo tambien, maravilloso zorro…”
Their lips gently locked, the two losing themselves in the scenery and themselves, letting their troubles melt away for a few moments..
* * *
Friday, June 14
Vera returned to Williamsburg with Leonard to the delight of her teammates. She was especially surprised when little Ethan gave her a hug when she came into the practice gym one day.
“We missed you, Ms. Vera!”
The vixen smiled brightly for the first time in a long time and kneeled down to hug the young squirrel as her teammates agreed. “I missed jou too, Ethan. I just want to come in and get back to work. I want things to be normal again…” she said to everyone. That was as close as a “team meeting” as she would give them, but her teammates understood more than she realized. Vera was a complicated vixen, but she could lead like a veteran.
The vixen kept her promise she made to her coach in the weeks ahead. Vera worked on her jump shot, her crossovers, her defense, her dribbling, her stealing instincts, her passing. Everything that went so wrong last year. Each day, one or two of her teammates helped her, Teo Masalia (Black Panther, SG) defended her and reminded her of jump shot techniques. Nick Nwabudike (Elephant, C) assisted with her rebounding and reminded her of things she could do as she didn’t have the size advantage needed. Leonard Mack reminded her how to position herself for three pointers as well.
La Tiérra did well and gained more confidence as the days went on. Leonard was right: her teammates did believe in her. Maybe she didn’t have to give up being captain. Maybe what happened was that she simply stopped believing in herself.
There was nothing wrong with relying on anyone else. She would find it difficult to do that, she knew. Whatever ego she had left would make it hard. But it was for the good of the Minutemen. For the good of her development as a captain and a leader.
Vera remembered her prayers to the Lord before. She didn’t feel forsaken anymore. She had faith in Him, Leonard, her teammates and her coaches.
Now she had to have faith in herself.
Leonard Mack, FBA ©
buckhopper
Vera La Tierra, Ericka Layland ©
jtigerclaw
Wiley Twaddle, Jarrod Frola, Ethan Rand ©
christaphorac
Teo Masalia, Nick Nwabudike, Sasha Ivanovich ©
oinuttah
Morgan Roosevelt ©
sam-gwosdz
Sunday, June 9
Newark Stadium, Newark, NJ
The Minutemen players trudged off the court, leaving behind the Pride and the fans to celebrate. Scattered paper airplane missiles were tossed at the team by some of he patrons, rubbing a little salt in the wound. Wiley Twaddle (Woodchuck, SG) put his paw around Tina McCall’s (Fennec Fox, PG) shoulder; the young fennec had tears streaming down her cheeks. He knew exactly why she was crying; she feared she wouldn’t be here next year.
But she wasn’t the first to leave the court. That was Vera La Tiérra (Red Vixen, G). It was almost as if she wanted to get away.
The visiting locker room doors were shut, and the ladies went in first. Tina tried to dry her tears and collect herself as she went inside. The ladies suddenly heard a dull thunk, like a locker was being hit or struck. Sasha Ivanovich (Lynx, SF) led the way and opened the door first.
They heard the sounds of soft crying and sobs. Ericka Layland (White Mare, G/F) came in last and spied Vera huddled in the corner, still dressed in her red uniform. Her ears flattened to her head, she hid her face between her arms and knees, her shoulders heaving with sobs. It was clear she didn’t want to talk, but Layland walked over and put a paw on her shoulder gently.
“It’ll be okay, Vera...”
The vixen didn’t say anything or move her head, so Layland just went to dress with the others.
* * *
Vera eventually came out of the locker room dressed, but she was the last one to the huddle. Coach Morgan Roosevelt (Raccoon) praised the team for trying to face such a challenge, and went around the room, telling each player their positives, as was his wont.
Statements, some canned, some honest, were given to the press and the team left for the airport, deciding to take an overnight flight home.
* * *
Newark International Airport, Newark, NJ
The team members talked quietly amongst themselves as they boarded their chartered jet. The cabin was very high, allowing the taller players to sit comfortably. Leonard stowed his bag and sighed as he set down. All he could think about at that point was the look in Vera’s eyes as Coach Roosevelt talked to her earlier. She had been crying, and it looked like she was going to cry again. But she composed herself for the interview and answered all the questions. Still, she was hurting...
The fox then felt a tug at his shirt sleeve. Mack looked down to see little Ethan Rand looking up at him.
“Mr. Mack? Where’s Ms. Vera?” he asked.
Leonard’s eyes widened as the plane’s door shut with Coach Roosevelt’s arrival. He looked to the back to see the gathered group of ladies in the back.
Sasha. Marron. Tina. Eleanor. Ericka. They all looked a little worried.
No Vera.
He scanned the rest of the seats and didn’t see her at all.
“Oh my God...” he breathed. He then noticed Coach Roosevelt sighed audibly and stood at the front of the plane.
“We’ll have to leave without Vera. I saw her split off with the group to go to the regular concourses. Does anyone have any idea where she’s gone? Did she tell anybody?” he asked.
“No.”
“Sorry, Coach, no..”
“That’s a big N-O, Coach...”
“Dangit...” he cursed under his breath, mindful of the young squirrel in their presence. “Well, I’ll try to get in contact with her after the flight. In the meantime, just try to enjoy yourselves,” he advised.
Leonard rubbed his forehead and looked down at the floor. That order would be impossible now. Where did Vera go?!
Monday, June 10
Manny’s Sports Bar and Grill, Williamsburg, VA
No one had spoken to Vera all day. In fact, no one had seen her. She hadn’t shown up at the usual places she frequented in Williamsburg, so she hadn’t flown home. This was noted as Frola, Ivanovich and Mack went to eat at the local restaurant. They signed a few autographs for a couple of kits and the fans were generally supportive for the forwards’ good seasons.
Still, there was a lot on Leonard’s mind as he picked at his food with his fork.
“They’re really great guys on the Pride. Allen’s always good for a laugh, and Val’s a real nice gal under all that tough exterior of hers. And Lance? Just a biiiiiiiiiiiiig softie. If he wasn’t such a leopard, he’d be a big ol’ teddy bear. Like Shelia.” Jarrod said with a grin.
“Jarrod, please...” Sasha said quietly, starting to get annoyed by the mention of the team that just finished beating them.
“Hehe, all right, all right... you know I like to keep close to my friends.”
“Da, I understand...”
Jarrod nodded and then looked over at the tall black-haired fox, who was picking at his plate with his fork, his large plate of grilled chicken only half-eaten.
“Hey, 7-Up, you all right? Usually, you’re down to one out of 10 fillets by now,” the orange tabby asked. Mack frowned.
“I’m fine, Jarrod, just listening.”
“Suit yourself, bro.”
Sasha nodded. “I understand the strife we went through here though... it was very uncomfortable being in Galveston after ‘Underwood Rule’ incident. It felt a little like I was part of problem, and it didn’t seem to help team chemistry at first. Very hard to deal with,” she said.
Leonard just nodded. “I understand...” he said quietly. The Minutemen had to deal with the Underwood Rules themselves, trading away Forrest Stanley to Baltimore after the rule was instituted. Mack still felt a little bad that he poked Forrest’s eye so badly the veteran wolf missed nine games. Forrest was in good spirits, though, saying he’d rather have it been a friend doing it than someone who hated him.
“Has Vera spoken to either of you?” he asked. Sasha shook her head.
“Nyet. I haven’t spoken to her since yesterday.”
The big fox put down his fork. “I tried calling her periodically today, just so she’s not annoyed... she didn’t answer a single time.”
“Wow... she’s really taking this hard...” Jarrod said.
Mack sighed. “You don’t know the half of it, Jarrod... I’m getting worried.”
Sasha put down her fork, her steak half-eaten. “Then go to her, Leonard. She doesn’t talk about you directly even between us, but I’ve seen you two together... I know you’re in love.”
Mack nodded and rubbed his cheek.
The big fox nodded and stood up. He took out his wallet and plunked down 100 dollars. “That’ll cover the tip. See you guys later,” he said.
* * *
Morgan Roosevelt rubbed his forehead as he sat in his office. His work was never done. Though one subject was on his mind: Vera. He couldn’t believe that she deserted the team. Was she really that depressed?? He took off his glasses and pinched between his eyes. He had players react very emotionally before, but few took things this hard. Jake Masters once did when the team lost in the 1994 Finals, but he hadn’t had a problem like that since then.
Suddenly, his cell phone started to ring. He checked the caller ID quickly:
LA TIERRA.
Quickly pressing the green Answer button, he held the phone to his ear.
“Hello, Coach?”
“Vera, where the hell are you?! The entire team is worried sick about you!!” Roosevelt shouted into the phone. The vixen on the other end was silent for a moment.
“I... don’t want to say.”
“Why did you leave the team in Newark?? What in God’s name made you do that?!” Roosevelt asked firmly. He had these questions bouncing around in his head for two days. They had to come out.
“... Coach I want to be alone. Just... I want you to know I’m all right. I’ll come back.”
Roosevelt sighed and rubbed his head. “I believe you, Vera... I just want to know what’s going on. You’ve been depressed all year... you weren’t yourself... I rarely saw you even smile...”
Vera sighed heavily. “No, Coach... I’m not myself. I...”
Roosevelt heard her swallow heavily.
“... I don’t think I should be captain of the Minutemen anymore... I’m a failure as a leader. I deserved it when you benched me, you made the right decision...”
The veteran coach’s jaw dropped. He couldn’t believe that came out of her mouth. Headstrong, prideful Vera La Tiérra... believing she was a failure.
“Well, Vera... in regards to being captain... that’s not my decision to make. Talk to your teammates about that...” he said. It was true. The players decided each year who would be captain of the team.
“Mmmhmmm... Coach, I … I promise jou I’ll train hard. I promise jou I’ll get better for next season...”
The head coach nodded. “I know, Vera. Calm down, relax. Just come back to Williamsburg whenever you’re ready. Vera, I believe in you. I always have, no matter what roster decisions I make.”
Vera swallowed hard when she heard that. “Gracias, Coach... Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Vera.”
The coach hung up and put down the phone. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that she would be fined for leaving the team without permission. That was the last thing she needed to hear.
The team needed the old Vera back.
* * *
Mack sighed, laying on his couch in his Williamsburg home, gazing at his oPhone. Vera still wasn’t answering his calls, so he was gazing at some photos he took with them instead.
He had found a small beach spot near North Carolina while riding around one day and he took Vera there to experience it. It was quiet and secluded. Nothing but the waves and sand as far as the eye could see.
She had bought a new stars and stripes bikini to wear just for him.
Vera was so beautiful that day. They shared moments there that furs said only happened in movies. It was a magical weekend.
He soon drifted off in a light sleep, his dreams filled with images of the vixen. They were running on that very beach in the picture. He knew there was a lovely sunset, the sky bathed in orange.
Leonard woke up with a start, his eyes wide as saucers. He knew where Vera was.
* * *
Wednesday, June 12
Virginia’s Atlantic Coast, Princess Anne County
Vera sat on a dark blue beach towel and watched the ocean waves crash on the beach as the setting sun bathed her in its orange light. She stared out into the ocean, the greenish water gaining an orange tint from the sun.
She didn’t know why she was thinking about Leonard. She wanted to get away from him.
But he had shown her this spot. No one else was around, so it was very private. She only heard the waves crashing, the gulls squawking, and the salty breeze whistling in her ears. It was so peaceful.
A familiar todd walked onto the beach, clad in blue and red swim trunks, his long black hair flowing behind him. He draped a blue beach towel on the sand and sat upon it, lazily gazing out to the ocean. Vera watched this display in silence, then turned her body away from the fox.
“Jou shouldn’t have come, Leonard. I wanted to be alone,” Vera said. Her folded ears indicated she was lying through her teeth and Leonard frowned. However, he reached over and put a paw on her shoulder. Vera made no move to stop him.
“Vera, I don’t buy that for a second. I showed you this place. You liked the privacy and quiet. You’re even wearing the bikini you bought to wear for me.
“Please, tell me what’s wrong. You’re rarely been yourself for months. Ever since Fang held you scoreless, it’s like you’ve been in a stupor.”
The vixen remained silent.
“Vera... I hate seeing you like this,” Leonard said quietly.
“Just stop talking, Leonard...”
“But...”
“Dije que deja de hablar!” she hissed back. Leonard was taken aback, but then his eyes narrowed. He understood.
“I will stop talking if you’d just tell me what’s wrong! I’m your boyfriend, you should be able to talk to me! Don’t you trust me?!” he snapped, his voice rising.
“Estoy asustada, bien?!” Vera shouted. Leonard cringed at her screaming, but then noticed tears started to trickle down her cheeks, like she had been holding them in there for days.
“Lennie... Several times I htought I was a terrible leader. I felt like I couldn’t help anybody! Do jou know what I thought sitting on the bench in the playoffs??”
Leonard shook his head.
“I thought my career was over! That I would never be as good as Valencia! Or Barton! I haven’t felt this bad, this worthless since... since mother...”
Vera felt Leonard embrace her and she buried her head in his chest, shoulders heaving with sobs. This is what she held in all year, Leonard realized. Even with everyone there: Leonard, her teammates, her coach, Vera still felt alone with her struggles. The only thing that could possibly get through to her now was the truth.
“Vera... you’re not worthless to anybody... not to me or the team. We need you. Besides, most everyone has lost seasons. Remember when Teo had that terrible, awful season before we joined the team and the Minutemen were the worst in the league?”
The vixen nodded, sniffling.
“I saw that from the outside, even with two games. He recovered from that, didn’t he?” Leonard asked.
“Uh huh…”
“And everyone wanted you to lead. Everyone wanted you to get out of your funk. That’s why we all tried to improve and help you. Vera, I wouldn’t have done as well as I did without your inspiration and examples,” he said quietly. It was true: that was the sole reason that he had ditched his sneakers. He wanted to show support for his struggling captain. Show support for his girlfriend.
“But… but you were better than me, Lennie.”
“Even if I was, Vera… I don’t want to be. You don’t… you don’t need to have the weight of the world on your shoulders all the time. Just lead us by being yourself. We… I want you back. I love you…”
Vera laid her head on Leonard’s chest and closed her eyes, letting Leonard stroke her hair gently. She listened to the waves and his heart beat, letting that relax her. The two just enjoyed each other’s company for a while, the scenery just as peaceful and quiet as it was their first day there.
Vera then gently leaned up and put her muzzle near Leonard’s ear.
“Te amo tambien, maravilloso zorro…”
Their lips gently locked, the two losing themselves in the scenery and themselves, letting their troubles melt away for a few moments..
* * *
Friday, June 14
Vera returned to Williamsburg with Leonard to the delight of her teammates. She was especially surprised when little Ethan gave her a hug when she came into the practice gym one day.
“We missed you, Ms. Vera!”
The vixen smiled brightly for the first time in a long time and kneeled down to hug the young squirrel as her teammates agreed. “I missed jou too, Ethan. I just want to come in and get back to work. I want things to be normal again…” she said to everyone. That was as close as a “team meeting” as she would give them, but her teammates understood more than she realized. Vera was a complicated vixen, but she could lead like a veteran.
The vixen kept her promise she made to her coach in the weeks ahead. Vera worked on her jump shot, her crossovers, her defense, her dribbling, her stealing instincts, her passing. Everything that went so wrong last year. Each day, one or two of her teammates helped her, Teo Masalia (Black Panther, SG) defended her and reminded her of jump shot techniques. Nick Nwabudike (Elephant, C) assisted with her rebounding and reminded her of things she could do as she didn’t have the size advantage needed. Leonard Mack reminded her how to position herself for three pointers as well.
La Tiérra did well and gained more confidence as the days went on. Leonard was right: her teammates did believe in her. Maybe she didn’t have to give up being captain. Maybe what happened was that she simply stopped believing in herself.
There was nothing wrong with relying on anyone else. She would find it difficult to do that, she knew. Whatever ego she had left would make it hard. But it was for the good of the Minutemen. For the good of her development as a captain and a leader.
Vera remembered her prayers to the Lord before. She didn’t feel forsaken anymore. She had faith in Him, Leonard, her teammates and her coaches.
Now she had to have faith in herself.
Leonard Mack, FBA ©
buckhopperVera La Tierra, Ericka Layland ©
jtigerclawWiley Twaddle, Jarrod Frola, Ethan Rand ©
christaphoracTeo Masalia, Nick Nwabudike, Sasha Ivanovich ©
oinuttahMorgan Roosevelt ©
sam-gwosdz
Category Story / Miscellaneous
Species Unspecified / Any
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File Size 38.8 kB
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Really excellent story Sam! You have a great way with making the emotions of characters seem so genuine.
I feel bad for Vera, but everything happens for a reason. The way her Finals MVP was discarded as some fluke by the media, and then all the chatter as she started the season slow, I know it would weigh on the vixen. And it would continue to do so until she reached her breaking point.
Hopefully she'll be back to her old self for next season. The old Vera was a delight to follow! I know that vixen is still in there, she just needs to believe it herself.
I feel bad for Vera, but everything happens for a reason. The way her Finals MVP was discarded as some fluke by the media, and then all the chatter as she started the season slow, I know it would weigh on the vixen. And it would continue to do so until she reached her breaking point.
Hopefully she'll be back to her old self for next season. The old Vera was a delight to follow! I know that vixen is still in there, she just needs to believe it herself.
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