I changed into my red jersey and packed my hair into a ponytail. Looking at myself in the mirror, I smiled. It was time for basketball practice and I was ready for Bianca.
I walked out of the girls locker room and went to the basketball court. All my teammates were already present and practicing ahead of our coach's arrival, even Bianca was there but she was wearing a blue jersey instead of red as she was the one who insisted that the team leader wears a different color of jersey.
The whistle which our coach used to gather us together was blown so we gathered together in a closer range to hear what he had to say.
"Hey babe."
I looked beside me to see Josh who also wore a blue jersey like Bianca. "Oh, you're here." I smiled.
"Excited huh?"
"Yup, can't wait to bring Bianca down."
He chuckled. "Go easy on the girl."
Mr Martins, our coach - a thirtyish tall and fit man with short brown hair - blew the whistle again to silence everyone and that was when I noticed Jason at his back still putting on the cloth he wore to school. "We have a try out who might join the team, he also happens to be new in this school and some of you might have met him in your various classes. According to him, he played basketball in his old school and he would love to be a part of us."
Wow, that was surprising news, Coach Martins didn't like organizing tryouts for one person. The general tryout for the varsity team had already been held earlier this September and this was the last day of the month. I, Josh, Bianca and a few others weren't part of the try-outs as we had been part of the junior varsity team in freshman year.
It wasn't very hard to see Jason's face being much taller than the coach. Is it possible that he looks more handsome now?
Coach turned to his back and brought Jason forward by the small of his back. "I rarely do tryouts for just one person but I'd like to give him a chance so just join the rest of the male team, play and have fun with the ball while I watch."
Coach Martins left to sit at the benches as they started playing, they were six of them - including Jason. What our Coach always watched out for during tryouts was your shooting skills. He always said the star of basketball is the one who could throw the ball in the net as many times as possible cause that's what people see and notices, but that doesn't mean your dribbling, defense, rebounding and even passing skills shouldn't be great.
And it was like Jason knew the drill, cause he threw the ball into the net more than six times with two dunks and he only missed once. Coach was smiling approvingly at Jason and I knew he had already made the team he didn't even need a tryout day two. I only tried out two days and I wasn't even this skilled, he played effortlessly with much skill.
By the time Coach blew the whistle to signal the end of the try out, everyone was clapping and hooting, including me. Okay, mine was a little bit louder as a girl who was beside me gave me a sour look but hey, aren't I allowed to appreciate skillful and wonderful playing?
Coach patted him on the back and extended his hand for a shake from Jason who was grinning widely and panting from all the adrenaline. "Congratulations Jason, you've made the team."
Jason took his hand and pulled him in for a hug and everyone cheered even louder. He pulled back the blonde curls that fell over his forehead as he smiled and waved at everyone. We had a new teammate, a new really cute teammate, why wouldn't everyone be happy? I looked over to Josh, he had a frown on his face and a bored look on his deep blue eyes. I guess he wasn't so happy that he had a worthy competitor since no one had ever come close to snatching the 'best' title from him.
I inched closer to Coach as Jason left his side to accept more hugs and handshakes from our teammates. "Coach Martins, you're still changing Bianca today right?"
A look of understanding passed Coach's blue deep-set eyes as he smiled at me, "Of course Jenny, we will."
I smiled back and heaved a sigh of relief. It was Coach Martins' idea that Bianca be changed. She could play, yes. But skilled? No. The Coach during our freshman year made her team leader because her parents were wealthy and affluent and donated a lot of supplies to the school especially the basketball team. She tried out for four days before she made the team, she wasn't that good but she's gotten better with time. Coach Martins just didn't think it was right she remained the leader when some were better than her and talk about leadership skills too she was just too bossy and didn't carry everyone along.
"Jenny." Coach called, "I guess it's you I appointed to play with Bianca today right?"
"Yes Coach."
"Well then, get on with it, the both of you, let's see if Jenny takes over or Bianca stays."
We both took our places on the court. As she was the one with the ball, she started, moving towards my direction. I tried to take the ball from her but she swiftly jerked my knee with hers in a way that wasn't obvious. I fell with my knee on the court while she threw the ball into the net.
"You cheated." I said, gaining back my stance and glaring at her while everyone cheered.
"It's only cheating if someone acknowledges it." She countered.
I wanted to report it but I decided against it. I would make sure that I beat her in this game and the fact that she cheated would make it even sweeter.
We continued the game. She tried to play her tricks on me again but the problem Bianca had was that she just wasn't smart. I foresaw what she was trying to do so I won in the next three rounds but lost the last one as she caught me off guard.
"I guess we have a winner." Coach said, applauding me. "And a new team leader."
I smiled as I saw Bianca's face. It was red out of anger. If anyone wants to make me happy or to burst into laughter, just show me Bianca's steaming face. It'll do the trick.
"You played really well today Jenny, I knew you had it in you. You'll make a great leader." Coach said, his smile never leaving his face.
"Thanks Coach Martins." I replied.
Mr Martin's phone rang and he excused himself to answer the call. Minutes later, he joined us but the smile on his face was gone. "I wish we could practice together... All of you but there is an urgent situation I have to attend to." He addressed the whole team and took his leave.
Bianca was the next to leave after Coach. She stormed out of the court with her minions trailing behind her. Then others started leaving until I was left alone in the court.
Actually, I wasn't alone. Jason was still in the court, a few distance away from me but he was also about to leave.
"Hey," I called out.
He stopped in his tracks and turned back to look at me quizzically, "yeah?"
My heart was racing. If care wasn't taken, it could fly right out of my chest. "Um... I ...I was..."
Shit Jenny, quit stalling and make a coherent speech.
"I was actually wondering if you could teach me some skills in basketball. You did a really great job today."
"Thanks but you also did a great job."
"Not as great as yours." I countered. I might have come up with the idea just so that I could talk to him but it was actually starting to make sense, I mean he dunked effortlessly three times with the advantage of his height. Not even Josh could dunk without putting much effort, let alone me.
"Nah, it actually was...I've got to go now, see you later." He smiled, turned his back to me and left.
I just stood there, unable to move. I didn't know whether to be happy or sad. Happy that he said I did a great job, that he would see me later and he smiled at me - yeah that was also something to be happy about - or sad that he didn't reply if he was going to teach me or not.
I left the basketball court gloomily and went in search of Jake who should be waiting for me by his car since he also took me home after school.
"Hey mister." I waved when I saw him.
He was busy with his phone but looked up when he heard my voice "Hi mistress, did someone break your leg? You look sick." Concern was written all over his face.
"I'm fine." I chuckled. "Guess what?"
"You broke someone's leg?"
"I wish I did but I beat Bianca today and I'm the new team leader." I gushed happily.
"Wow, that's nice." He said in a sardonic manner.
I frowned. "You should rejoice with me but I get it, you don't know how it feels to beat your rival in a game you enjoy playing."
"I get it, I'm really happy for you Jenny Perkins." He forced a smile.
I rolled my eyes. "Let's just go home, I'm tired."
"About that," he bit his lower lip. "I can't take you home today."
"Why? Is something wrong with your car?"
"Nope, something came up and I really need to attend to it."
"Never mind then, you can just hail a taxi for me and pay." I winked.
He chuckled. "I think you should go with Nathan, he's been bugging me lately that you completely forgot about him despite being neighbors, this should be the best way to bond. He should be at the football field, I'm sure he'll be very happy to see you."
"I didn't forget Nathan." I scoffed, "I greet him whenever I see him but since you mentioned him I'll go see him but only if you go with me."
He sighed very deeply. "Okay, let's go."
We got to the football field where Nathan usually practices as he was the school best footballer and quarterback. He also happened to be my next door neighbor and long time friend.
Immediately Nathan sighted us, he jogged over to where we were. "Hey guys." He seemed really happy to see us as he had a wide grin on his face, making big brown eyes light up.
"Hi." We both greeted back.
"To what do I owe this surprise visit because as far as I can remember, Jenny has completely forgotten about me and our friendship." He said with a sullen look.
"Hey, I came to your game on Friday." I countered.
"You did? But I didn't see you." His smoothened a stray look of his short blonde hair which was supposed to be slicked back.
"I actually did come for the game but I left early." I admitted. Sally was the one who had dragged me to the game as she was a big fan of football and Nathan. I, on the other hand, didn't like football. I preferred basketball.
He nodded his head and folded his arms, making his triceps and biceps bulge out, "I see."
"Nathan, can you please take Jenny home? I really need to leave now." Jake was obviously in a hurry to leave.
"Sure thing dude." Nathan replied while Jake took his leave.
"Practice isn't over yet, I hope you don't mind waiting here for me."
"I don't mind." I went to sit on the bleachers where spectators sat while Nathan went back to the field.
Actually, I really minded. Football was boring and tiring to watch.
He came back almost an hour later and we both walked to where his car was parked in front of the school. The school was almost empty but for the footballers and a few teachers.
We entered the car and started to drive home.
"Would you like to drop by my house? It's been quite long."
I gave it a thought. My mom knew I always came home a little late due to basketball practice so adding about thirty minutes to it wouldn't bother her that much. Nathan was right, it had been a while since I last visited his house. "Sure, I actually need a little break from home."
He stopped the car in front of his house and we both alighted. His house was a storey building painted purely white while the window rims were lined with gray. The walkway was lined with varieties of flowers which I admired as we walked up to the front porch.
Twisting the doorknob, he opened the door and I entered closely after him. I looked around the living room, everything seemed vaguely familiar.
"It's just like I remember." I muttered, sitting on the sofa.
"Not much can change in a few years." He replied as he turned on the large TV which was hung on the wall.
"Years?" I asked incredulously.
"Yeah, the last time you were here was in middle school." He replied dryly.
I bit my lips as I realized that he was right. The way he said it made me feel like a bad person but it wasn't my fault, my mom rarely allows me to visit anyone since I entered high school except Jake whom she trusted with her life. But it would have been easy to sneak in and out of the house to Nathan's as his house was just next to mine. So I guess I was partly to blame after all.
"You're looking very beautiful today Jen."
I blinked.
I blinked again.
And again.
I wasn't really expecting that. I wasn't wearing any makeup and my hair was packed in a simple ponytail and I was wearing a freaking jersey - I forgot to change back to my normal clothes after practice - not that I wouldn't look good without makeup or fancy dress, I do actually and I usually hear those kind of comments from strangers or people I don't really talk to so hearing it from Nathan felt kinda... weird. And he was looking at me in a weird way.
"Huh?" That was all I could muster as his brown eyes raked over me.
"Never mind." He gave a low chuckle, turning his face away from me. "We've got a lot of catching up to do, let me get you something." He said as he left the living room and went into the kitchen.
I nodded with a smile as I shook off the weird feeling from my mind and tried to watch what was playing on the screen.
Nathan showed up soon after with two glasses of drinks. "I'm sorry, I'm not really much of a cook and I didn't find anything you might like in the fridge so would you take fruit juice?" He handed a glass to me.
"Sure thanks." I took it from his hand while he sat beside me on the sofa with his glass in his hand.
We soon fell into a conversation, ignoring the TV we were watching. I sipped my drink as we talked, laughing at anything that sounded funny. As time went on, my eyes started to feel heavy then my mind gradually went blank.
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