FLORENCE'S POV:
My body was tired and strained. I didn't feel faint, but the smallest efforts felt like achieving milestones the entire second half of the match.
When I watched Laurie's pass stay along the baseline on the opposite side of the court, I was relieved in many ways. Laurie had accomplished her dream and I was excited to be by her side when it happened. Also relieved to be done. To rest which is what my body was craving.
Laurie's racket went to the air and her hands were over her mouth shocked. She spun in the middle of the court until she fell to her knees. My best friend had defeated me to be US Open final.
My emotions were balanced on the court for most of the match, but any negative feeling I had was gone watching Laurie celebrate. A smile formed on my face while I walked toward the net and saw her reaching out to me. Knowing she wanted to share this moment, I walked up to her grinning with tears brewing in my eyes. When I got to Laurie she pulled on my arms and closed the space. She had me on my knees too hugging her while we kept our faces close.
"Ciao US Champion," I said with a smile.
She shushed me and pulled closer. We could hear a flurry of cameras all around us.
~
It happened. The thing I avoided the last few days finally took control of me at the worst possible time in front of the whole stadium and world. It wasn't uncommon for tennis players or athletes to cry after a major moment. This wasn't crying though. My lower lip was trembling as I walked up to the trophy presenter. Tears swollen ready to fall as I took my place in front of the microphone.
"Florence Bonsee, cong."
That's all I had to hear. My free hand went to my face and my chin fell. Before I could step back from the mic a gasp for air escaped me as I weeped.
The announcer smiled and asked for the crowd to cheer to help the moment. His voice telling me to enjoy the moment until I could at least breathe and step back forward. Laurie side stepped to me and I turned to cling to her until I couldn't postpone the interview any longer. I pulled myself away and stood sheepishly in front of the mic. My hand staying close to my trembling chin.
"We won't keep you long Florence we promise. We know you've been fighting fatigue and exhaustion this tournament. You still made it to the final to play your best friend. An incredible feat. Just talk us through it."
"It's just really special," I managed to squeak out and brushed a tear away with a finger. "I don't have many words, just so happy. For Laurie, my dearest friend and doubles partner. No one is more deserving and your play was sensational. For my family up in that box." I lump formed in my throat and I stepped back before resuming. "This aren't tears for losing I promise. Tears of happiness. I'm proud of the way I played this whole tournament. I'm beyond proud of my opponent and their first slam. And I love my team and family," I simply said before stepping back from the mic for good. The tears leaking out of my eyes again.
"Thank you Florence. Crowd let's show her some love." I listened as the fans roared and I gave a wave.
"Now to our champion, Laurie."
Laurie accepted her trophy and spoke eloquently. Her voice confident, humble, and proud all at the same time. She paid compliments to the fans. She showed loved to her box. After she separated from me right after the win, she ran up to her box and kissed Lando the same way I kissed Charles a year ago. She thanked him personally in the speech as well.
"And I'm ready to party with Florence in New York," she closed out her speech with a wink to me. My thoughts went to the idea and I gave her a nervous smile and wink.
~
The club reeked of crowded people in a sweaty room. There was no way I could have missed this moment with Laurie without raising many questions. My only valid excuse that I couldn't stay out late. I was coping with exhaustion and fatigue after all. Laurie understood and was simply excited we were clubbing together.
I was sitting at the VIP table after the little dancing I could manage. The lime club soda I was sipping on had two jobs. One, to be subtle and no one could question why I wasn't drinking. Two, to simply keep my nose in a smell that wouldn't make me vomit on the spot.
Charles and Lando had gotten up to relieve my dancing with Laurie. They didn't occupy her long as she was already stumbling towards me with two shots.
"Shit," I whispered to myself as she approached.
Laurie plopped next to me scooting close, our sides touching. She was visibly drunk as she should be and having the best time. "Victory shot with my best friend," she smiled pushing the liquor in-front of me.
I did my best to cover letting out an oof. "I don't think I can Laurie, my body might not be able to handle shots."
She shushed me by shoving her finger in front of my mouth. "One won't kill you," she said cheekily. "Pleassse. It's not like I get to win the US Open every year with you around."
I studied her for a moment, her eyes squinted and concentration everywhere. "Fine," I grumbled and grabbed the shot with an idea. "And don't you dare sell yourself short," I added. Knowing if everything went well the next 9 or so months, I knew the secret that I wouldn't even be in the tournament.
Laurie held up her glass as the song changed. "One, two," she began.
"Ooo I love this song," I let out strategically.
"Oh me too," she said shaking her hair as we clinked glasses and she took the shot like a wild woman. I held up the shot close to my face, the scent nearly sending me over the edge. I dumped it out behind me feeling a little liquid run back onto my skirt. "Let's go dance," Laurie said getting up.
I looked up and saw Lando returning and Charles still stepping around the dance floor. "Go dance with Charles," I laughed. "I'll be right there, gotta pee first," I smiled. Maybe more throw up but it bought me a few minutes to step into the ally.
Laurie smiled and blew me a kiss. She ran off towards Charles and I watched them hug and begin dancing.
The smell of the liquor lingered in my nose and I shot up before Lando could take her spot. As I passed I caught Lando looking at me worried. "Florence?"
My hand went to my mouth and I stumbled passed him to get outside. I moved through the crowd to a door that opened to a side street that was empty. The fresh air was welcome but ignored for a moment while I leaned to the side and hurled.
A moan escaped me while I stepped away from the vomit and walked to the opposite building wall. Leaning against the building, I let my legs give out sliding down so I could sit against the cool brick for a moment of composure.
"You okay," a quiet voice came from across me. I looked up to see Lando leaning in the door frame. My head nodded and my hands fell to my face. I heard the door close and thought I was on my own till I felt Lando's shoulder nudge against mine.
"The fatigue getting to you?"
"That and the alcohol," I said doing my best to lie.
Lando chuckled next to me. "Yeah the shot really hit that you dumped behind your head."
"And the."
"The club sodas Charles has been ordering for you at the bar," Lando said cutting my sentence off.
I looked up at him while he raised his arm to put it around my shoulders. "Are you okay Florence? I'm just a touch worried about you."
A small smile formed from the act of kindness. "Thank you. And yes, I'm just so fucking tired."
Lando nodded while we both turned to look ahead.
"I'll be okay," I offered out.
"Exhaustion and fatigue huh?"
My jaw clenched at his question and I turned to look at him. He was still looking forward but he looked to know something and was practically biting his tongue.
"Charles didn't," I began to say freaking out. I assumed no but I couldn't control the worry I still felt.
Lando shook his head no then looked at me. "No he didn't say anything. I just remember my mom when I was little. Pregnant with my youngest sister, she was miserable."
"You know," I asked shocked.
Lando gave me a comforting smile. "The evidence was just too thick. You just confirmed, but after seeing you down club soda all night then toss that shot I was pretty sus. I asked Charles to hang last night and he said he was already in bed. He doesn't know but I track him. Stole his phone once cause I thought it would be funny."
I let out a giggle and shook my head at the story. "You track him and he doesn't know?"
Lando smiled back at me. "When I was a rookie I really wanted to go to this party I knew Charles was going to. So I took his phone at the race that weekend. Showed up to the party that night and had the best time. Been tracking him for years. George and Carlos too but that was mutual."
I smiled at Lando enjoying the distraction of the story and letting my mind process the information he shared. "So you knew we were at the hospital?"
Lando nodded looking forward. "I almost asked but then remembered talking to Charles just about how much you've been battling this tournament. Then the media released a statement on your fatigue. Figured it was that until I saw you tonight."
"Did you tell Laurie about the hospital," I asked curiously.
Lando smiled. "Never, she wouldn't even let me stay with her last night she was too nervous. Plus that would have only made her worried about you. I figured if it was something serious we would know in the morning."
"Well it's something serious," I added.
Lando shifted his arm so he pulled me close into his side. "Naw, you two are going the be the coolest parents."
A chuckle escaped me. "Thanks, I promise we will share when it's time."
"Secrets safe with me," Lando said while I rested my head on his shoulder.
"You know Laurie is the more famous than you," I said teasingly. "She was a beast out there today."
Lando laughed and I could feel him nodding. "Oh she's way better and cooler than me in every way. Maybe I can challenge her once I get my first win."
"You already a winner can promise you that. But I can tell your race is coming soon."
Lando thanked me before helping me to my feet and getting me back to the party. I felt a thousand percent better at the moment.