No one was supporting my decision to challenge Alicia. Her friends and sisters thought I was crazy, but I said in order to win, I had to beat Alicia at her own game. And that is why one of the challenges is a tennis match... I know. I'm stupid, but that's not the only challenge. We'll be doing badminton and table tennis. The theme is tennis stuff or stuff Alicia likes.

I've been training with Ivan, Alicia's trainer, to improve my tennis game. Speaking of my tennis game, it's virtually nonexistent. When he found out who I was, he was angry that I hurt his precious student. He then gave me a bone crushing hug and stated I was the only one who could help Alicia.

He was impressed by my terrible skills. Instead of being a jerk, Ivan was excited to improve my skills. Astrid and Gemma came to watch my practice. They would clap and cheer everytime I hit the ball correctly. It was nice having my personal cheer squad.

By the end of the week, Ivan was happy with my progress. He inquired if I wanted to continue training after my competition. I declined and said it was Alicia's thing, but I really had fun. Gemma stated that Alicia would be paying for my private lessons. I gawked at that since I forgot I had to even pay for the lessons. I was about to retort, but Astrid and Gemma led me away.

On Saturday, the games began! We first started with badminton. Her sisters and our friends were in attendance. Yaz handed Ali a racket while Taylor gave me mine. She gave me a reassuring smile before moving to the sidelines. Ali looked at the bird and gave it a hit over the net. Here we go...

Well, Alicia beat me... very, very badly. I had no idea how to properly hit the bird. I'd either hit it too soft or hit it at the net. I saw a hint of a smile on Alicia's face. When our eyes would connect, her smile would immediately drop.

The next game was table tennis and I dominated that. I made Alicia my bitch! Everyone was shocked at my skill. I revealed to everyone that I was the local table tennis champion in my little town. I saw a look of pride flash over Alicia's features. Gemma and Rosé excitedly announced that we were tied. I gulped, realizing the last game was Alicia's specialty. She noticed my fearful look and smirked.

When we got to the court, we saw Mr. and Mrs. McAllister in attendance. Alicia quirked a brow, but didn't engage with them. Ivan greeted us with a big smile. Alicia asked why he was here and he claimed that he had to watch his newest student's performance. Alicia shot me a glare so I quickly averted my eyes and whistled.

Alicia brushed past me to take her position on the court. Justin handed me a racket and gave me a reassuring smile. Her sisters gave me thumbs up and bright smiles. I turned around and walked onto the court. Alicia didn't even bother warming up. She knew she was going to kill me.

"Maybe she's accepted that she's still in love with Nicola and will go easy on her." I heard Gemma whisper to Astrid. Alicia bounced the ball a few times before throwing it into the air and whipping it past me.

"Guess not." Zara mumbled.

"Or maybe her stubbornness is causing her to double down on her thought process." Yaz nodded at Tamsin.

I gulped when Alicia smirked. She threw another ball up and whizzed it past me. Yep, I'm going to die. We were only playing three sets, but I'm pretty sure she used the entire first set to try pelting me with the tennis ball. Granted, I dodged most of them, but still! Alicia obviously won the first set.

Now, it got interesting during the second set. She wouldn't allow me to get a ball past her, but she'd hit the ball into the net or out of bounds. She'd also touch the ball with her racket even when it was going out. Because of that, I won the second set. Ivan was jumping up and down at my performance. I thought you weren't supposed to receive coaching!

Alicia's parents were watching the final set with a stoic expression. I honestly couldn't tell what they were thinking. As for our other audience members, they were all on my side.

Alicia wasn't taking it easy since she enjoyed whipping balls at me. Not past me, but at me! Ivan had to step in and say that if Alicia didn't change her game strategy, then every body shot would be awarded to me. Alicia groaned, but stopped hitting balls at me. She fed me balls that I was able to return.

Alicia stopped playing like a badass so that I would catch up. We were currently at a deuce. Alicia had to just continue serving like a beast to beat me. She bounced the ball and hit it into the net. Ivan announced that it was advantage, my way. Alicia glared at him before locking eyes with me. Her gaze was so intense that I withered under it. She gave me an unreadable expression before throwing the ball up. She then whipped it across the court.

I was about to sigh in defeat. I would be going home since I wasn't welcomed here anymore. I was no longer apart of Alicia's life and I just had to accept that.

What I didn't expect was the ball to land an inch outside of the boundary. I gasped in shock when Ivan announced me to be the winner. My friends rushed forward and tackled me in a hug. Shawn and KJ lifted me onto their shoulders and started jumping in excitement.

I was laughing with my friends since I didn't have to leave. I'd be able to stay and... and Alicia. Where is she? I turned to see her walking to the bench to sip some water. I saw her dad move next to her so that they could talk.

Alicia spared me a glance before leaving. She lost on purpose. She was an excellent player with extraordinary precision. She meant to hit that spot. She wanted me to win. But, why?