Game, Set And Match

*****

That following morning Lo was late for work. The one person she hoped to avoid was on the tennis court with her son playing against another mother and son team. She took a fresh jug of water down to the court and set it on a table used for that purpose. Rosie won that match hands down. Helen was a novice even though her son, Matthew was almost as good as Patrick. Matthew  was giving his mom pointers until Coach Whittle arrived  to take  over.

“You are late!” shouted Rosie at the top of her lungs. Lo ignored her.

“Sorry to be late guys, I didn’t hear my alarm go off and got stuck in traffic.”

“Whatever.” Muttered Rosie under her breath. Lo was tempted to ask her what was her problem but didn’t want to get into it in front of the kids.

“Helen I noticed that you’re not holding the racket correct, let me show you how.”

Helen grasped the lightweight racket awkwardly, and swung ineffectually at each ball that Lorraine threw, only occasionally making contact. Rosie claimed she was tired and went to sit in the umpire’s seat but she wouldn’t shut the hell up. Lorraine continued to patiently help Helen with her serve until she got it right. It was like Rosie had a Jekyll and Hyde personality for everyone else she had cheerful, encouraging comments but for Lorraine she had nothing but disparaging comments. She began to get on Lorraine’s last nerves until she called her out.

“Hey Rosie, why don’t you come over here and let’s show Helen how fun tennis can be.”

“Sure.” Rosie responded. “I thought you would never ask.”

*****

“She’s incredible, Rosie” said Helen quietly.

“No she isn’t, that was a fluke.” She shouted, she got so upset and riled up she flung the tennis racket away and stormed off the tennis court.

Patrick looked like he was going to cry from sheer embarrassment. Lorraine told him and Matthew to take a break and go get something to eat.

“I’m glad I saw for my own self that you are a real good coach despite what people have been saying.” said Helen. “Matthew’s made so much progress since you started coaching him, not to mention new friends, he loves it here, and my husband and I are thrilled to bits. With his progress. Keep up the good work Coach Whittle.”

“Thanks.” Lo responded. “Matthew is a really good kid. He’s a pleasure to coach. He doesn’t give me any trouble during classes and is very responsive.”

“Well,” said Helen, “Rosie’s done a lot of good with her charities since she took over the running of this place. Normally the board is headed by men and she made history as the first female to head it, which is an accomplishment in itself.  But I have to admit, there were times when I couldn’t see her leading a normal life. She has her hand in every cookie jar, always championing a different cause. I can’t help but wonder when she finds the time to be a proper mother to her son. She gazed silently ahead for a moment. ‘She’s got so much willpower,’ she continued, “Everything she does is to the best of her ability, she’s absolutely determined to succeed, it makes one feel quite weak in comparison. She’s got more tenacity than both of us put together.”

“I’ll have to agree with that last statement. Rosie is definitely a handful.”

“Sorry about Rosie’s behavior though, I went to high school with her and she was the high school sweetheart everybody doted and idolized her, so she’s used to getting her own way except with her parents, it is rumored she wanted to play tennis professionally but they wouldn’t allow it, saying it wasn’t proper for a daughter of theirs. She’s had a love hate relationship with tennis ever since.”

“Well I guess that explains a lot, I don’t have anything against her, she is the boss after all. I just wish she had conducted herself more professionally that’s all. Her little tantrum in front of the kids wasn’t appropriate at all.”

“I’m sorry about my earlier behavior Lorraine. I promise you won’t see a repeat performance ever again.” Lo was so deep in conversation with Helen she wasn’t even aware of when Rosie had manage to come up and stand directly behind her.

“Apology accepted Rosie. Let’s just put this behind us and move, agreed?”

“Agreed.”