Sunday is always pack at the diner. It is the only day in this town where everyone gathers at a place like this to unwind, others go to the mall. Me and Jensen will only work half today though. But there will be another shift that covers half of the day.
I decide to use my half day to do my homework since I am failing with one subject. And it is bad to my record. It is bad for my Junior League draft. My coach is been talking with me about it. But right now I am trying not to fail this one subject because it could be my down fall and I am not going to let it to happen.
Jensen on the other hand have another plans with his girlfriend just like what we've talked last night.
"The offer still stand." he says.
"No, I'm good man. Have a nice day or date, whatever." He chuckles at my response then we go in our different plans.
I check my phone to see any notifications and see there is none. My eyes darts to the clock and see it is almost 12 nn. I tap my left foot to the ground, contemplating to go to the court real quick and play basketball with some friends but there's homework waiting for me at home. But without any further thinking. I starts walking to the court and play for maybe 20 to 30 minutes before I head home and do some studying.
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Already sweating profusely for the past few minutes. I walked through here and that adds up to my exhaustion. I don't complain though. It's a quick warm up and I feel good.
I dribble the ball going for a 2-point shot. My opponent tries to steal the ball from my grasp but I do the 360 degree lay up shot. I'm using my left arm to do the shot. I spin in the air and before he knew it, the ball goes to the ring. We are playing a one on one basketball game play since the others are busy or with their respective plans. I don't mind at all. I still enjoys it. Basketball is basketball to me.
I breath hard through my nose and do it again. Easy. I plan on exhausting my opponent first but I have to be sure I don't become exhausted first myself or it's useless. I work out daily, be it in the morning or in the evening. Stamina is a big plus in the basketball court. I have to build a strong stamina to keep up with the other players. It is one of my key skills.
"Nice game man." the guy says.
"You too man. Next time." I smirk.
"Sure. I will beat you next time." He says with certainty in his voice.
I smile at him and starts walking to the bench. I grab my towel and change clothes. My upper body is sweating profusely. Although it was only an one on one game play. I feel the exhaustion but I feel satisfied nonetheless. A big smile is plastered to my face. Nothing beats basketball, at least, to my experience.
I take a rest first for few minutes then I begun walking back again to where I came from. I pass by the mini store and buy some stuffs for the house. I just got my paycheck for the month it's the least I can do to help our mom.
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As I walk through the door, Alex bumps into me. I say sorry and she said the same thing. She helps me carry the stuffs I bought from the store into the living room.
"You're going out." I ask.
"Yeah. Levi asked me to hangout with him."
"I see. Okay just be home before it's too late."
"Thanks."
Me and Alexa may not see from eye to eye sometimes but we both know that we care for each other. And that's all that matters to me.
"Welcome back Rafael." Connie says while running to rescue me.
"Oh! Thank you much Con Con." she giggles at the nickname.
"I don't know what to do without you." she giggles more at my comment.
"Anytime Rafael." she smiles at me and wave to our mother.
"Thank you honey. Are you sure you aren't choking out your saving? I don't want you to spend your money for this stuffs. I can handle it." she explains.
"No mom. It's okay. I am saving just enough. More than enough."
"Okay if you say so." I smile at her. She bring the stuffs to the kitchen and puts them to their designated place.
● ● ●
I need a tutor.
Math isn't my strong suit. God knows how I hated math but I do love numbers especially when I and my team scores in the gameplay. I know I'm obsessed with basketball. Okay?
I sigh pulling my headphone from my ears.
"Hey Jensen." he picked up on the third try.
"Hey, what's up?" his voice sounds husky.
"Hey can you tutor me in Math?" I ask.
"Me? Nah man. I can't."
"Why not?"
"You're failing?" he asks.
"Yeah and why not?" I ask again.
"'Cause I may be good in math but I don't know how to explain it to the other people."
"That doesn't make any sense." I grab the pencil and scratch my temple.
"Exactly." I hear him chuckles at the end of the line. And some other voice. I guess it's Jennifer; his girlfriend.
"But I know someone who can help you." he suggests and my ear perks up.
"Really? Who?" I ask.
"Ollie."
"Ollie? Who's that?" I ask in confusion.
"He's in our grade. And he is a genuis in Math. With eveything." he says with certainty in his voice.
"How come I never heard of that name? Of him?" I ask still scratching my temple.
"Because my dude, he just transfered to our school a few months ago. He's in my few classes. And I recommend him to tutor you. He's your man."
"I see that makes sense. But how can I talk to him?" I ask.
"Dude, you're the Rafael. The Rafael of Damascus. You'll find a way." he chuckles again at the end of the line but this time I hear Jennifer.
What he said didn't make any sense. Then the line cuts off. Weird. What a weird kid.
Ollie. I say his name.
"You're a genuis huh?" I mumble to myself. I hope he can help me with this stuff. I plan on talking to the said genuis tomorrow at the school. With a plan of course. I left my textbooks at the study table and plop to my bed.
I sleep with the name Ollie in my mind.
Tonight I dream of something.