The night is in full motion. The tension seems to have died of a little. Alcohol is a funny thing. It can relax even the most angriest of people or make them worse.
The old friends sit around swapping stories from days past. Like how they won the city championship in a blowout game. 110-64, I believe, was the finishing score. Or how Skyler shot a deep three from half court.
Or that time when Jay dunked in the paint on a rebound to allow them to take their first lead of the game. And Jack, gaining the most valuable player award. Or even Cole, one of, if not the best, passers on the team.
They all some sort of stories from their careers as far as they can go back. They had the best IQ to bring any team into deep waters, after all. That's how you win a championship. Teamwork.
Quinn looks at Skyler. It's probably the first time she's seen him smile in years. She tries her best to navigate through uncharted territory. How awkward can it be to have two former, best friends around each other, and you've broken one's heart.
"So why did they call you Ace, Jay?" Ask Mandy.
"Ace comes from being our Ace in the Hole. Never missed a fucking dunk in six years." Replies Jack, raising his glass.
"And Skyler, where did Storn come from?" She asks again.
"He used to make the court chaotic, make that shit a whirlwind for teams," replies Jay.
Mandy laughs, and she looks around the table for more nicknames to remember. She points at Cole.
"What about you? Something like, it's ju jitsu bro, right?"
"He got that because he kept choking people out when they stole the ball," replies Skyler.
The table laughs. Cole the butt of the joke as it seems. All harmless fun. Cole raises his glass in another cheer.
"Wait, Jack. What about yours. Jequis, I think it was." Asks Mandy.
"Don't waste your time, only Skyler knows, and he's never told anyone. It's their little secret," replies Cole.
The two gazes meet again. Jack raises a glass to Sklyer as he reciprocates. A mutual respect between teammates as it seems. Even though the two do not see eye to eye, they are undeniably the two forces on the same team. You add Jay and Cole to the mix, and it's a recipe for success.
"Damn, we had it good, guys," says Jay.
"We had it easy. College ball is a different beast," replies Skyler.
Mandy looks at Jay. She's been giving him the eyes all night. He smiles at her, forever a gentleman. Jay prefers the wine and dines. He likes to keep it respectful but is focused on his career right now. They all are, everyone has so much going for them at such young ages.
Cole no longer plays basketball. He now finds himself as a consultant for a major firm, and just last week, he made a ten thound euro deal on three contracts. Truly talented sales man.
"I'm going to get the drinks in, same again for everyone, right?" Says Quinn.
"I'll help," says Skyler.
The two make their way to the bar, Jack's head turns to keep an eye on them, as Cole twists him back around. Quinn orders the drinks. They stand in awkward silence.
"You haven't talked at me all night or even looked at me, Skyler. Says Quinn.
"You can't really blame me, Quinn."
She shakes her head in frustration. Skyler can't bring himself to look at her. Being back seems to have brought back some old feelings he felt five years ago.
I get it. You hate me. And -"
"That's the problem, Quinn. He continues, "I don't hate you. I've tried. Trust me, I tried. "
She shakes her head, confused, "Then what is it, Skyler?"
Before he can answer, the bartender sets down the round of drinks. Skylers grabs the tray and carries it back to the table, Quinn follows shortly behind. The drinks are evenly distributed as they cheers.
Suddenly, the bartender approaches the table with another tray, and on it are six envelopes.
"What are these?" Asks Jack.
"Someone came in this morning. They wanted me to make sure you all got one."
"Just us?" Asks Sklyer.
"Yes, sir," replies the bartender.
The group look at one another but take the envelopes off at the same. They rip them open and all look the letter in unison.
"Welcome home class of 2023.
I've been waiting"
-R