Slice of Life 2026: 14 of 31- Late Night Pickleball

 In March, Two Writing Teachers hosts the Slice of Life Story Challenge. Everyone is welcome to share writing and comment on others in this special community. 

"How about one more game?" Lexi asked. "I'm rounding up the Meehan girls."

 It was after ten on a Friday night, and Lexi and I had just finished playing one last game. Clare and Cecily were hanging out with other team members, shoes off, ready to go home. I stayed on the court as Lexi approached them with her charm. I knew they wouldn't be able to resist. Lexi is a few years older than they are, and she has especially taken Cecily under her wing. She's Cecily's favorite person to play with. 

"They're in," Lexi said. "They're lacing back up. We're taking them on."

The match started, and Lexi and I surged off to a hefty start. On the other side of the court, Clare and Cecily weren't smiling. In fact, they might have been frowning and rolling their eyes. 

"Are they okay?" Lexi asked. "They look like they're going to kill each other." 

I wondered if Lexi had a sister. 

"They're fine," I said. 

We won another point. 

The storm clouds got lower and grayer on the other side. 

"Should we just call this?" Lexi asked. "We don't have to play."

"Nah," I said. "They'll work it out." 

When we changed sides, Lexi and I were ahead 11-6, needing to get to 21. 

"Let's finish this off," she said to me. 

On the other side of the court, the girls were conferring. I didn't need to ask them what they were saying. Have I mentioned that Lexi is a VERY good pickleball player. 

Play Mom, I could almost hear them saying. All balls go to Mom. 

For the next several points, a lot of balls came to me, and a lot of points went to them. #wellplayed

The mood got a little lighter, even though the time got a little later. 

And at the end of the match, they were on the winning side.

"One more match?" I joked. 

NO way. 

As a mom, I'm proud of these women. If I'm going to lose to anyone, I love losing to them.