The day of Kendrick's visit to State University arrived, and he felt a mix of excitement and nerves as he stepped onto the campus. The sprawling buildings, the green lawns, the buzz of students going about their day it was a world completely different from the one he knew.
Paul Grant, the scout who'd reached out, greeted him warmly and gave him a tour of the facilities. Kendrick was in awe of the state of the art gym, the sleek locker rooms, and the massive stadium where the team played. This was a life he had only dreamed of, and now it felt so close, just within reach.
They ended the tour in the coach's office, where Kendrick found himself face to face with Coach Hardy, a man known for his no nonsense approach to the game.
"Rivers," Coach Hardy began, eyeing him critically. "I've heard a lot about you. Seen some impressive things, too. But I gotta know do you have what it takes to handle this level? College ball isn't a game. It's a commitment, a lifestyle."
Kendrick straightened in his chair, his nerves fading as he focused on what this meant for his future. "I'm ready, Coach. I've been training hard, putting in the work. This is what I want."
Coach Hardy nodded slowly, studying Kendrick with a thoughtful expression. "Good. We don't take this lightly. If you join our program, you'll need to bring everything you've got. You're up against some tough competition."
Kendrick's heart raced as he realized the weight of the opportunity in front of him. This was his shot, his ticket out.
As the meeting wrapped up, Coach Hardy stood, extending a hand. "Welcome to the team, Rivers. We'll be in touch about next steps."
Kendrick shook his hand, a sense of pride and relief flooding over him. As he left the office, he felt a lightness he hadn't felt in years. This was his new beginning a way out of the cycle he'd been trapped in.
But as he exited the campus, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his heart sinking when he saw the message:
"Don't forget where you came from. We'll be waiting."
It was from Trenton.
Kendrick's pulse quickened, the threat clear. He had taken a step toward a brighter future, but he knew the streets weren't done with him. Not yet.