(This is a sequel to the jump rope story!)
I stumbled into the sand with a gasp, whining as the hot sand hit my chest. My swimsuit was definitely more for style than function. The citizens of Bubblaine were known for being slow and laid back. Yet the one throwing the volleyball at me was gaining more speed than those ladies holding the jump rope.
“Oh, Dottie!” Peach called out to me. “Are you alright?”
“Yep!” I sprung back to my feet, not wanting my princess to worry. “Lemme try again! I can do it!”
“You’ve gotten quite a lot of sand on you, let me help you clean off.” She was about to stand from her recliner.
“After this turn, okay?” I brushed the sand off of my stomach.
“Can I help?” Tiara’s voice was so tiny that I could barely hear her.
“Of course, though that’s if I miss again.” I wondered if the one throwing the ball would have a problem with that. “You’ll probably get a way higher score, you’re so fast!”
Then, I jumped back into action. Hitting the ball the first couple times with ease. Since it was a beach ball, it often floated daintily in the salty air. At least until the thrower hit the ball with any kind of force. Then it would glide across the sandy court faster than my eyes could follow. After a while I would have to trust my gut and dive wherever the ball was generally headed towards. Once, when my eyes were open I swore that Peach was waving frantically at me. Yet, before I had any time to process what was happening I tripped over again. Sliding across the court and landing on someone’s...feet?
I opened my eyes and nearly choked. Pauline was standing over me, wearing a perfectly fitting red bikini. With subtle, adorable white dots. There was a bow right beneath her chest, drawing my eyes. I gasped, scamblimg to sit up. Now I knew what Peach was trying to tell me. She smiled warmly at me, holding out her hand to help me up.
“T-thank you...” My cheeks burned as red as her swimsuit.
“No problem. Oh, your bikini is adorable! Did you get yours from Lamode too?” She posed cutely, making sure that I got every angle of hers.
“Yeah...oh my god!” I giggled, trying not to stare too much. “That’s so funny! I guess we have the same taste in swimsuits. Red...really suits you though. You’re really pretty.”
“Dottie, you’re so sweet!” She clasped her hands together, grinning. “Well, pink is always flattering on you. I suppose we both look our best in polka dots.”
“H-honestly I’m surprised you noticed my suit past...all the sand.” I blushed, pressing my fingers together.
“Well, that’s normal around here.” She grasped my hand, making my heart flutter. “Oh, this volleyball game is just impossible! I tried to play earlier, but I swear that ball can teleport.”
“Right? I keep thinking I’m gonna do better next time but I’m always tripping over! Say...how about we try together? Well, Tiara asked to play too but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with adding one more.” I played with my hair.
“Oh, I’d love to! The more the merrier!” She hopped onto the court with me, just as Tiara appeared behind us. “Oh, Peach would you like to join?”
“Who, me?” Peach had just finished pushing her chair closer to us. “No thank you, I have the perfect view from over here. Do your best, ladies!”
The game started fast. With all three of us the first throws went by in a flash. Once things started speeding up, everything was much more manageable. Though, I often found myself getting distracted by Pauline. With her silky brown hair, even wavier in the humid air. Intense blue eyes focused on following the ball. Of course, the way her bikini flattered every inch of her body. Yet, I still got a few good hits in there. Eventually, we finally made it to over one hundred hits. Right as I managed to stumble over and fall on my back.
“Dottie! You ok?” Pauline was instantly on her knees beside me, her hand softly pressed to my cheek.
“W-well now I am for sure...” I could barely focus.
“We did it! Nobody has ever seen a score past a hundred!” She pressed a kiss to my cheek. “You did amazing! I swore we’d miss that last throw.”
“When you’re around I’m even more inspired!” I blurted out, the kiss giving me enough energy to sit up.
“Aw...that’s adorable.” She flashed me a wink. “Just like you.”
“Come on girls, let’s go wash off in the water! I hear that the carbonation is amazing for your skin!” Peach seemed just as energized as I was.
“Y-yeah, that sounds relaxing...” I gently touched the cheek that she kissed, my heart racing.
