YAY - I've finally written the first part of the round robin. This is the list of people who are participating (straight from the other thread - feel free to sign up at this thread - I'll be updating this as more people sign up!)

1. kat
2. Titania
3. Esther
4. Anne
5. Roisin
6. Mackenzie
7. Smartie
8. Taateli
9. Lily
10. iceprincess
11. violet
12. sweet sami
13. Pimmy (moved)
14. Phillip (added - 081203)
15. Veer (moved)
16. Susie (added - 040504)
17. ferrerofiedx89 (added - 040504)
18. juanqui.ferrero (added - 050504)


How will this work?
Basically, all participants will be writing chapter(s) to the story. It's like the "5 word story" that is happening in the Locker Room board, just that this time, you can write a lot more! There is no "central theme" to the story - so you can write in any genre you want (well, as long it flows from the previous chapter!) Since we have no idea where this story is going to go... the title will be decided by a poll once the round robin finishes!

At this moment, there will be two rounds in the round robin. This may change depending on how the story is going and how many people are participating.

I'll also be posting this at the fanfic site - http://fanfic.juanqui.net If you're participanting and you haven't registered there, I can post it up for you :)

Rules...(eck!) & Guidelines
>> There is no word limit - but the "recommended" one is no more than 2000 words per chapter. Keep it concise. :)
>> This round robin is classified PG-13. No rude stuff ok! We reserve the right to modify anything that is not appropriate.

>> The story must "flow" - even though there're different authors for each chapter!
>> If you're the next person to write a chapter please submit it within 2 weeks at the latest. We don't want the story to go on for a whole year!

>> If because of whatever reason (school etc) you can't submit the chapter within a reasonable time, do let us know so someone else can have their turn.

>> Please give comments to the other authors, so we can all improve in our writings!

That's all I can think of at the moment, feel free to let me know if there's anything else I should include!

Here it is!

Chapter One

The crowd erupted. Sounds of cheers and applause roared through the stadium as he walked out. The noise from the crowd was so loud that he can almost feel the ground shake. The cheers and applause were meant for him, yet, he could only force a faint smile.

As he stepped up to the podium, there was even a louder roar ringing through the whole stadium. The sounds of the banging cheer sticks deprived him of hearing anything else. Then finally, the announcer begins,

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome you all..."

He could hardly pay any attention to what the announcer was saying. He looked up at the sky and wondered what had gone wrong. The weather was slightly colder today, because of the rain earlier this morning. However, this could hardly compare to what he would expect back home.

Home... it seems too long since the last time he was there. A place he dearly missed right now. Just another day, he thought. Another day, and he will be sleeping in his own bed, playing on his Playstation 2 or just lying around on the sofa.

"JUAN CARLOS FERRERO!"

He immediately snapped out of his thoughts and instinctively raised his right arm and smiled for the cameras above. At that moment he was amazed by how flawlessly he reacted. It was almost second nature. He accepted the metal with a smile and shaked the man's hands. As the metals were being presented, a section of the crowd chanted,

"ESPANA ... ESPANA ... ESPANA..."

He turned his head slightly to focus on that section of the crowd. They were all dressed in red and yellow, some had the Spanish bucket cap and others were wearing the Spanish football jersey. Someone was even wearing the Real Madrid jersey! He longed to see his favourite team at the Bernabeu. Not too long now, he thought. He already got his tickets to a champions league match next week. His whole family will be going, and even the Valencia supporter amongst them promised to cheer for Madrid for a day. He didn't have to search too hard for her, she stood out from everyone else. She was cheering and clapping along just like the rest of the crowd.

He could not believe she was wearing that shirt today. "What's wrong with it?" She said to him this morning. He could not help but laugh. "But ..."

He couldn't continue when a pout appeared across her face, which made him laugh even louder.

"You're just teasing me." She replied, "I made this shirt just for you! Do you know how hard it was to put all those photos on the shirt? I HAVE to wear it now."

How could he argue with that? But it was still very strange seeing himself on the shirt. His father and coach had a good laugh about it too. But she was determined, "This is my way to show support for the team!"

It was then the feelings of sadness crossed his mind.

He let her down. He let the whole team down. His country's pride was on his shoulders today and yet, he could not pull off the greatest victory of them all. Not too long ago he remember saying in an interview, "If I can be number 1 at the end of the year and win the Davis Cup, it will be a perfect year."

It feels like he totally jinxed himself by saying that. This year's Masters Cup was a disaster. He could hardly remember the last time he won a match and he finished the year as number 3. What went wrong? He kept asking himself. The victory in Madrid just last month gave him so much confidence he thought he could conquer the world.

Where is this feeling now?

He could not help but look at the scoreboard. 6-0 in the fifth set. The scoreboard was mocking him. The final set went by so quickly he could hardly work out what was going on. He pinched himself on the arm. He was hoping it was all a dream.

The team captain began his speech. The usual congratulations to the Australians and praised everyone on the Spanish team for their efforts. Despite the captain's kind words he could not help but think if he'd only played better today, they would be the ones holding the trophy.

He could still remember that day in Barcelona when Javier jumped on him after he won his match against Lleyton Hewitt. If only he can have that same feeling again... well, maybe not being crushed under 10 people, but that rush of adrenalin you only get when you win.

His thoughts were interrupted again with a tap on the shoulder.

"That way for the cameras Juanqui." Carlos said. The team then left the podium to pose for more photos.

He felt another tap on the shoulder. "You did well today Juanqui." This time it was from Alex.

Obviously not good enough, he thought.

"Don't be too hard on yourself." The team captain said to him after the match. "Remember, the odds were always against us, and you have tried your best."

The same sentiments echoed across the team. Even the newbie of the team, Feli, offered him a glass of champagne as a celebration of their efforts this year.

As they walk out of the stadium Carlos and Alex were already talking about where they can party tonight. They were in unusually good spirits, considering the results. But that's also because they've been on the tour for many years. As Carlos says all the time, "Things change so quickly around here, one day you're the toast of the party and the next day, you can't even get in."

He thought about what Carlos said. There will be many more finals and many more trophies to win right? He has to concentrate on next year now. This year went by so quickly he could hardly think of what's in store for the next.

"Didn't you hear what the captain said?" Someone said loudly. "Quit that frown on your face and celebrate the end of the year!"

That was Carlos again. The whole team agreed. As everyone leaves the small locker room to head back to the hotel, Carlos pulled him aside.

"Feli and I have an idea." They both looked towards Feli and Feli replied with a cheeky smile on his face.

"What idea?"

------------------------

please leave a comment everyone - I haven't written fics in a LONG TIME....!

and now... I will pass the story along to Titania!!! :lol:

oOh... great start Kat! The bit about Pat's shirt is super cute and I can totally imagine JC's reaction (very real... and funny) ^_^ Can't wait to see what you girls come up with to continue the story!!

*agrees with Nana*

Fabulous start Kat! ...made all my DC memories flow back again... *sob* ...loved how you made Pat sweet as well!

*scractches head*

It really good Kat, how do you expect me to continue...heheheh just kidding..I'll have to think real hard now...I hope posting the second chapter on tuesday is ok. :(

oh wow kat that was wonderful!! you should have write more fanfics. isn't this suppose to be fictional ;).. I'm just trying to say it's party true and I can so imagine the rest of the the story you made up really happen. I think you did a really good job capturing his emotion. I felt bad for him before but after reading this I felt even worse :(.. coz I'm sure that's how he feels.
and the t-shirt bit is really cute too :D

oh my... that is just sooooo good. you completely make me remembered about the davis cup especially the last day. *sob* and i still felt jelous with Pat, she's so gorgeous B)

hey Kat
I've got a question: do we have to add the chapters in the same order like your list above?

ooh thats a really good start kat! i've 2 say its much better when in the fanfic when sumthing in it has actually happened although now that u've left it on a cliffhanger i expect all of other writers 2 run riot! hehehe

good question Veer - i only added an order of authors because I didn't want ppl to write something only to find someone else continued with the story.. etc etc... you know what i mean?

so unless everyone wants the story have branch out into all different directions?!?!?! any ideas?

everyone - thank you sooooooooooooooooo much for your comments!! I was thinking I was being too long-winded at times cos it always take me forever to get to the point.... MUCHAS GRACIAS!

nana - I had to put that shirt part in just cos I think the fact that she's wearing it was too cute LOL

lily & steph - i can't believe DC was only like... last week! *memories*

titania - that's ok, i know it's hard to think of something to continue a story if you didn't write the beginning of it....

pimmy - usually I will start a story and never finish it... so I haven't written fanfic for a while now!

i guess the 1st chapter was only partly fiction - but most of the stuff is imaginary anyway! i wanted to write about DC final cos I had good memories of it... :P

roisin - yeah I like mixing fact with fiction hahahahahaha

it was a really good start kat. i love the way you merged fact with fiction and i can soooooo think jc was thinking like that. poor guy. he played well though. cant wait for the next part. :D

kat, I'd say go with your list above. It would suck to spend so much time on a story and find out somebody already posted one. Although multiple branches would be interesting; it would be as confusing as anything and that's probably a little too much.
One thing.. can you put down lower down the list? say either half way down or the end of it becuase I have finals coming up in two weeks and my parents are coming over after that to join us on a roadtrip. so I'll be a little busy for a month or two. thanks :)
Continue writing from where someone else left off can be challenging becuase it just doesn't flow but that's the fun part of it ;) I'm sure Adilah will do a real neat job though ^_^

wow..... that was soo good, Kat. I don't feel so good since I'm not good at all writing ff's in English. Plus, i'm between two great writers... wow, it's gonna be quite difficult......

I'm right after you... so you mean me? omg, esther I'm so touched :D.. *hugs*
since you won a writing competition and I don't think your english is bad at all (in fact I think it's much better than mine) I'm sure we can look forward to 3 fabulous ff's in a row from kat, adilah and you :D. I'm sure you'll do great. Where's your confidence girl?

pimmy - yeah that's what i thought too... probably just easier to keep it as it is...

ok ^_^ - i'll edit the first post.... just so that i don't have to decide a new order, is it ok if i just put you at the end?

sweet sami - thank you!!
esther - thanks as well! i'm sure you'll come up with something good - kekekeke

That would be just fine kat thanks :)

done :lol:

Kat,a wonderful start!!
And I start to feel nervous,too,also the problem with my english...well,difficult but I have to try. ^_^
hehe...great idea!can't wait to see Adilah's chapter...come on!! ;)

how long does a part has to be, cuz I normally don't come further than 3/4 paragraphes, than it takes a couple of days longer...

Yikes....the pressure is building...and I havent even thought of anything... :( I will try my absolute best....

It was Feli right that said "what idea" I just needed to be sure

Titiana I think Juan-Carlos, cuz Carlos pulls him outside to Feli and he and Feli have the idea

if its nething like ur other ff, it'll be fab!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hey kat! how do i sign up?

Wow - Mucho awesome Kat!!! :D
*sigh* the memories....thanks for making me re-live such an awesome week...it almost seems like a blur!!
Cant wait to see the next parts...Get cracking girls!! LOL

Although Im not kat. you go to the fan fic fun topic. it's most probably on the second page of centre court. or you can read Kat's first post

LOL okay I'll just add you to the first post. Titania is right btw, there's a link to another thread there.

violet - thanks!!

Anne - there's no "set length" for chapters as such, as long as you add something to the story by moving it along .... somewhere... LOL <-- I hope that makes sense

Titania - it was JC who said "What idea?" :lol: omg - don't feel pressured or anything! it's just something fun for us to do during these LONG tennis-less summer (or winter). LOL

Liz - when you said MUCHO .... that reminds me SO MUCH of MUCHO CHARLIE :wub: wahahahahahahaha you know this guy at work (who's kinda my boss) said he saw me on TV but I bet he's just teasing me <_<

you know kat, if you were decked out in spanish colors then you probably were on tv. also sounds like you like this guy! ^_^

that's a scary thought...

okay - the "guy" should be replaced with "OLDER MAN IN THIS FORTIES" - eck, wrong choice of words by me.

:sorry:
i'm actually laughing my face off now!

:blink: I'll bring this thread back on topic now and end the discussion here..LOL!

Chapter 2

Neither of them wanted to voice out their answer. I waited but they just smiled at me. Carlos patted me on the back and went off with Feli. I stood there and watched their retreating backs. Whatever the idea I had a feeling it wasn’t good, or innocent. I just sighed and waited for my ride.

“Don’t lose sleep over it Juanqui” Feli said with a wide grin on his face, as he went into his waiting car.

Patricia was riding with the rest of the entourage, so I had to ride alone. In the car I had a million thoughts running through my mind. Slowly I reached for the medal that was just presented to me. Gleaming, shinning a sight to see. But when I touched the medal it felt cold and hard, like life itself.

……………………..

“ are you ok?’ Patricia asked. “ I don’t know” I replied. She gently laid her hand on top of mine and squeezed gently. “ this too will pass” She said her voice a soft melody. I tried to rejoice for the New Year, but I couldn’t bring myself. “ don’t keep it in, tell me” Patricia urged.

“ Everything has gone so fast, I can’t keep up. I try to be what people want me to be that I lost myself along the way. Late at night I try to hear my heart but it too listens to the world and not the real me. I can’t say no anymore cause people will think that I am a snob. Nothing I do ever satisfies people.” I confessed.

Delicately she touched my faced and said in the most softest of voices. “ you did your best and that is all that matters. In your heart where it truly matters you are still the best.” I took her left hand and kissed the palm of her hand. “ thank you” I replied.

“ don’t worry we will be home soon” she said before she left.

……………………………

In the middle of the night the phone rang. “ Juanqui? You pick us up at bar. We very drunk.”Carlos said over the phone. He wasn’t asking he was telling. His speech incoherent and barely audible. I asked for the name of the place and went in search for his drunken teammates. Hoping the press haven’t gotten to them first.

At the sight of the three of them, I would have laughed. They were sprawled all over the sofas of the bar. The funnier part was Feli and Alex singing Careless whisper on the karaoke machine. Those two are the only people who could bring a tear to my ear.

“ Juanqui!! Come sing with me. We can do a duet” Alex said. His body slightly swaying. “ no it’s ok. You can continue with Feli"I answered. “ OK. Wait no. We dance.” He said while motioning his arms as if already dancing. Carlos on the other hand was just sitting and drinking away.

I didn’t feel like dancing or drinking. “ Look, I didn’t come here to party. Im here to take you all back to the hotel.” I said over the sound of music. Feli was trying his luck to be the new Justin Timberlake by singing Rock your body.

“ ok, ok we go” Carlos said trying to stand up. I helped all three of them into a taxi. They were really a sight. “ you no fun anymore, you know” Feli said while giving me an exaggerated pout. Carlos and Alex nodded in agreement. I just shook my head and ignored the statement.

“ but don’t worry what we plan for you will loosen you up” Feli said before passing out. “ Carlos, What are you up to?” I asked. “ Wait and see, just wait and see my friend” he answered. Alex just smiled. “ I can’t wait” Alex voiced out.

Now I really am curious, and feeling mixed about it. I feel happy that they want to make me happy but scared that it will be something nasty. Carlos, Feli and Alex were all in on it but who else. But whatever the idea , I too can’t wait. And smiled when I heard them snore.

YAY mine is finally up...!!!

Esther- Iam so sorry if you find it hard to continue but I was totally blank when I tried to think of the "idea".I did think of one idea for the "idea" but it seemed really corny. If you still need me to proof read, just Pm me your story

Kat- I dont know how to post it on the site. do I add story? or what?

Everyone else - When Carlos, Alex and Feli are talking there a some grammer mistakes coz they're drunk!!heheheh I seriously couldnt think of anything else to write. I admit this isn't my best work...

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that bit is so funny! good job, although im very curious as 2 what the "idea" is!

very good titania! it's got me all curious of what's going to happen!

I'll be honest that it wasn't your best writing, but it was still VERY GOOD! I'll be happy if mine is even 1/4 as good.

haha nice move dilz!!! Increase the tension evenmore and pass it on to the next author ;)... Very smart..
love the drunk part.. boys are soo funny when they're drunk.
one thing though Adilah, it seems like you're too scare to let something happen coz you won't be writing the next chap and you seem afraid they won't connect or something... Seriously don't worry about it.. that means the rest of you girls too. Don't be aftriad to leave the stop in the middle of something.. that's the fun of it. don't write just to get by. this is not a competition.. it's just for fun and the more messed up it gets, the more fun ;) It's like the 5 words game.. the more random things are.. the funnier it gets
Don't get me wrong Adilah I still love it. I always like the way you describe stuff. Makes me feel like I'm actually there.

*PMSL* :lol: :lol: :lol: ...that is like the funniest fan fic line I've read in ages!! *dreamy sigh* if only Feli really did try to pull a JT... nice work Adilah!!

Good luck with the next part, Esther!

hahahahahahaha :P thats soooo funny and i can picture it too. its really interesting Adilah im really curious about the "idea" ^_^ cant wait to see what Esther does with it. im sure it will be great. :lol: