XVI. LET THE GAMES BEGIN.

2019.

"Hello, and good evening everyone." Glossy brown lined lips spoke near the mic, words coming out fluid and assertive with no intent on playing games. Looking up, Carmen took note of the press that was currently taking pictures of herself as well as recording and preparing questions they had for her afterward. "I just wanted to say that my entire journey at Challenger was nothing but easy. It gave me the time to look back at my fruitful career and remind me of what I love most and that is tennis."

Today was Carmen's press conference. After her win at Challenger, she knew that she would soon face the cameras and reporters who wanted to know anything and everything about her time there. She was used to it but she would also use that time to announce her hiatus as well as a secret that will take many by surprise.

Earlier in the morning, she and Aaliyah went over questions that they thought would fit the press conference as well as some that were deemed too personal for a press conference. Now that it was happening Carmen was more than ready to answer any question they had hidden underneath their sleeves.

Breathing out Carmen continued with her statement. "Yesterday I won against Amanda Seinfeld who I might add is one hell of a player. She reminded me of what tennis is and that was an experience that I'll never forget."

"Besides dwelling in my lengthy win streak — that's not all I came here to say." Looking at Aaliyah for a brief moment, the older sister gave her sister the green light to continue with what she had to say. "But recently after my win, I ended up having a sudden and unexpected health scare which made me realize that I've been pushing myself to the limit and that's not healthy. So as of now in front of you all, I am announcing my hiatus from playing tennis."

Sitting back, Carmen listened as a chorus of bushed whispers and looks of shock swarmed the room like a stench. Even though it stung a little for her to even say it she knew that it would be the best option that she had right now. Since the sports world isn't too kind to players that look like her.

"So what will you be doing during your hiatus? Of course, you'll be focusing on yourself health-wise — but are there some things that you'd want to venture into?" Asks a reporter, her brown eyes twinkling with interest, the recorder in her hand being stretched outright as she waits for Carmen to give her an answer.

"Well, I will be coaching Patrick Zweig during his match against Art Donaldson. So I won't stray too far away from the tennis world." Beams Carmen who couldn't wait to tell the world what she's attempted to keep to herself. "It'll be interesting but it's nothing that I can't handle."

"If there are any questions I'll be happy to answer them." Offers Carmen and all she could was watch as it all unfolded.

The reporter looks shocked, her eyes widening as she could not believe what she heard. Muttering something into her reporter, she clears her throat and points it once more. "Why Patrick out of all players. Ever since he's gone pro he hasn't had the most fruitful career. Aren't you afraid that this kind of negative publicity would cause a dim in your public image?"

Carmen's brows furrowed deeply as she mentally thinks to herself what kind of question is that? But to remain professional she could only laugh and brush it off. "No, not at all. Lots of times players have gone through a little bit of a dry streak but Patrick he's an amazing player so you can consider this just as two old friends working alongside together after being apart for so long. So no I don't think it'll affect my public image."

Humming to herself, the reporter continues. "Right! From what I've gathered all three of you — Tashi, Art, and yourself all went to Standford — well with Patrick as an exception since he went pro immediately. Wouldn't it be a bit of a challenge since you guys were once close and now have moved on to separate careers? With Tashi becoming a coach after her terrible accident to husband and biggest Men's Tennis player Art and being the biggest Women's Tennis player?"

Where was this reporter getting her information from? Tashi and Carmen were never close. They weren't friends, besties, nothing that related in that sort. They were tennis players that's it and that's the only thing they respected each other for. "I can assure you that neither Patrick nor I are challenged by this in any way. After all, it's not every day you get to challenge someone from your past."

"Glad to see that you're remaining calm and confident. Love to see it." The reporter decides on the subject and asks about her famed mother. "So your mother Anastasia Dowyner. It's been exactly five years since we've last seen her in the public eye since her health scare and at times has the comparisons made you feel as though you're doing all this hard work to continue a legacy? Or you're simply just doing it for yourself?"

"I am most definitely not my mother and my mother isn't me." Chuckles Carmen who in the end received a chorus of laughter throughout the room. "But she did instill in the determination and perseverance to remain tall and strong out there and I will forever be grateful. Even though my last name stems from amazing people, I am not ashamed or hiding the fact of who I am. But let me make this clear, I am carving my path in the world and creating what I hope would last for ages."

"Any last words to conclude this press conference?"

Carmen slowly stands up, making sure to make eye contact with everyone in the room. "Let the games begin." Making sure to make eye contact with the camera since she knew that either Art or Patrick would be watching she soon smiles.

Meanwhile, at their suite, Tashi looks at the television with a blank stare. Sitting next to her was Art who'd remain still. Even though he tried to hide it, his face was evident of emotions. With his jaw clenched her turned to his wife.

With the click of the remote, the television comes off and with that, Tashi glances at Art. Pausing for a moment, she thinks to herself. "As much as I'd hate to admit this — she's a fucking genius."

Art looks at Tashi with a puzzled expression. "I know that but when it comes to this why?"

Tapping her chin, Tashi snaps her fingers. "From the moment I saw them both in the lobby I had a feeling that eventually they'd team up — I mean washed-up tennis player joins forces with a woman like Carmen. The irony of it all."

"In other words, if you want to beat Patrick, you have to play ten times harder, and you have to work your ass off because Patrick will not play nice with you. That shit between you guys has to come to an end because that'll be the last time that I get embarrassed by you."

"But what if —"

"You are going to win."

"There is no doubt in my mind that you will win Art. The sooner you let it sink in your mind the better it is for the both of us." Letting out a soft sigh, Tashi looks at him one last time before standing up and leaving Art to himself.