I watched the BB players from afar. Tryouts were immediately after practice and as I watched them, all I could do was study the weaknesses of every player.
The captain called for a break and every player spread out either flirting with cheerleaders or chatting.
As I looked around, I saw Ava with Asher the BB captain. I immediately guessed that they were a couple. They actually looked good together.
A couple of cheerleaders passed me glances and I responded to them.
"Hi." A cheerleader said sitting beside me. "Leo, right?
I smiled. "Hi."
"I'm Shirley." She said. "We take Psychology class together."
"I haven't really taken time to notice." I said.
"I'm not blaming you for that, trust me." She said. "The crowd in Psychology class is large."
I laughed. "Nice to meet you, Shirley."
"Yeah." Shirley said. "You're here for tryouts?"
"Sure." I said. "Aren't I welcome?"
"Oh my God, no." She said. " I mean, you're cute and smart. Playing BB will make you like a complete dream for most girls here at Westfield."
I smiled. "That's nice of you to say."
She smiled.
The whistle was blown. "Well, that's my call." She stood up. "I'll see you at Tryouts. Good luck."
I watched as she walked back to the court. She's such a sweetheart.
Finally it was time for tryouts. Well, almost as I expected, I was the last to tryout.
"Finally.... Leo Patel."
At the mention of my name, there was a loud applause. Funny how I became that popular with three weeks.
My tryout partner was Asher, the captain. Ava's BF. I started off well. I used my best dribble skills. Cross Over and Hard power. I shot first with a Slam dunk, then a Running floater and finally a Fadeaway.
I won. Everyone cheered. I was amused. I didn't think I was going to impress anyone that much.
"That was the best performance I've seen today." Asher said. "Congrats, man. You're in."
Everyone cheered again.
"Your uniform will be ready by next practice." He said. "You can check out the practice schedule on the board at the entrance."
I was so happy. I felt so honored.
"You were great." Shirley said.
"Thanks." I said.
"People are saying you're even better than Asher." She said.
"Really?" I said. "What do you think? Was I?"
"Are you kidding? You were totes amazing."
"Thanks."
"So..."
"Shirley!" A voice called. It was Ava. Standing with her arms crossed.
"Sorry, I've gotta go." She said. "See you around."
I waved.
I head for my dormitory and as I entered the living room, there was a loud applause. I was really confused.
"Congrats!" Mason said.
"For what?"
"You got into the school's team." He said.
"I'm not the first to get on the team." I said
"It's not so easy to get on Westfield's BB team." He said. "Right guys?"
Everyone chorused a "Right!"
"And your performance is the best Westfield has seen in years." Chase added.
Yes, we were friends now.
I smiled. Now I knew what it was like for popular stars.