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I continue my jog towards the park, and while I dribble and practice, I hear honks from fans from time to time. Holden is a small town, and I stick out very much. People will notice me no matter what I do. After about 20 minutes of walking and jogging, I finally make it to the park. I see no games are going on, and I'm the only one that'll be using the hoop. I make it on the blacktop and start shooting some normal shoots. My gifts when it comes to shooting and dribbling are second to none. Add that to the developments made to my game, and it's hard to guard me.
No one has ever effectively shut me down before. They can't guard what they can't reach, and since I have such a beautiful shot and high release point. No one can get a hand on the ball. I look towards the parking lot and see several black SUVs and cars. I shake my head slightly and continue my practice. I don't miss anything when it comes to practice. Since I have open space everywhere and no one to foul me or create contact, I don't miss. All the misses I had in the official games were because of uncalled fouls and multiple defenders guarding me as I get the ball with a low shot clock.
I never miss when I'm getting guarded one on one and have enough time on the clock. I'm the most efficient scorer ever, and I might end up taking KD's best scorer ever title away. That's a long ways away, though. I continue practicing in the cold September weather in my sweat pants and hoodie. I've come to like wearing things other than shoots. It adds a nice style to me, which is cool after 15 minutes of just shooting around and making all my shots. I see a car pull up, and 4 girls exit, all of them are on the gymnastics team.
Their leader, Hannah, is a spitfire. I've known her and her friends since 5 grade. While they are some of the most beautiful girls in the school, they are considered to mean girls. It's funny cause Hannah and her friends aren't mean to me. It's more of a casual trade of little putdowns. They must be here to run the levy by the river for cardio. Hannah sees me looking, and I raise my hand to wave at them. She looks to her friends, and they enter the blacktop to talk.
I hold the ball as they approach. I'm more than a foot taller than all of them. "I figured you would be out here. We are going to run the levy for some cardio. You're welcome to join us." I think about it for a second and decide just to stay here and practice. I shake my head, and she sighs. "Figured you would say no too. We are having a start of senior year party this weekend at my uncle's ranch. You're invited as always. It'd be nice if you actually showed up for once." I chuckle at the implication that I don't get out much.
I take a breath and look towards the many cars in the parking lot, all pointing towards the court. "I'm not sure I'm going to becoming. I have to do a thing with Ellie this weekend. She is taking me to Oregon state to see what they offer. We have to travel all over America every weekend for the next 5 months. Colleges are paying for me to come out and check them out before I make any commitments." If anyone understands, it's Hannah. She is in a similar situation and has constant offers from universities.
She tilts her head, giving a look of understanding. Her schedule isn't quite as full as mine. She still has a lot of traveling to do, though. "I was wondering if you are free this Friday night?" If I didn't know any better, the dirty blond and gorgeous Hannah is asking me out on a date. I give a knowing smirk, and she looks at her friends, giggling at each other. I don't have any plans for Friday night this week, which is cool. I can take some time to have a fun date with Hannah. It's Monday now, so if plans change for either of us, it gives time to reschedule or cancel.
I walk up to her and look down at her. She blushes slightly and messes with her long dirty blond ponytail. "I'm free Friday night. Hopefully, you don't mind picking me up in your car cause I ain't got one." I have no shame in that, and nobody judges me for that either. Everyone from my younger years knows how tough mine and Ellies life has been. They've been very understanding. "Text me when you have a thing in mind. Hopefully, nothing pops up for either of us." She chuckles and tilts her head again in understanding.
I watch the group head towards the levy and start their jog. Hannan has always been sweet on me, ever since we were kids. Many girls don't like her, but the mean girl is just an act to keep people at a distance. She's had a hard life too. I turn back to the hoop, and I shoot some more. I have a feeling in the pit of my stomach, though, like some drama is going to happen. I don't know why though, I can't explain it.