The Acceptance Game

Chapter 1

It was now Physical Education class. Mr Derik asked for them to be partnered up for the basketball drills. Alexis was like a lost sheep as she walked around the sports hall looking for Nico. Things wouldn't be orderly with three classes having PE at the same time.

However, Nico was nowhere in sight. She turned and saw Lauren alone too. Maybe it was time to make a new friend. I can't depend on Nico for forever while in this school, she thought.

"Um, hi Lauren. I'm Alexis," Alexis awkwardly introduced herself. "Do you have any idea where Nico is?"

"I already know who you are, Alexis Rose. You do realize you have nice eyelashes," Lauren answered. "And no, I do not know where your prince charming went. I only know that he's mine."

Alexis was taken aback. She defended herself almost immediately, "Thanks I guess? But no, Nico is just a friend. I just wanted to hav-"

"OPPS! FRIENDZONED!!" Lauren laughed, so heartily that Mr Derik could hear her from the other end of the hall.

"Girls!" Mr Derik shouted. "Gather."

Alexis still did not have a partner. She picked up the basketball which rolled to her feet and started dribbling the ball across the court. Well, I could just do these alone.

Later, it was time to practice passing with a friend. Alexis went to a wall and began throwing her basketball at it. It bounced back and she would jump to catch it. It wasn't easy for Alexis but she was trying. Unfortunately, she missed a catch and the basketball went smashing into her head at full force. Alexis tumbled backwards and cried out in pain.

It wasn't just the hit from the ball anymore. It was memories from the past. It hurt. They were coming back to haunt her. Those memories flashed in her mind, causing her head to feel like a volcano close to eruption. She pulled onto her hair and screamed inside. She couldn't breathe. Her asthma was acting up. Alexis reached for her inhaler which fell out of her back pocket and tried to open it desperately. Her weak hands only trembled. She couldn't do it.

HELP. NICO. HELP. SOMEONE. ANYONE. HELP ME.

Just as Mr Derick was rushing over, Alexis passed out. All she last saw was everyone crowding around her and among those faces was a stricking someone.

Nico? Alexis wondered.