I've Changed

31. salt

~~~~

"Congratulations!" Staff and teammates scream as the team rushes into the locker room. They exclaim in glee for their successful game.

"Beat that motherfuckers," Ashley pumps a fist into the air. "You're going to Vancouver," he punches Elijah and Lucas in the stomach. Afterwards, she grabs my shoulders and shakes me in excitement.

"Foster and Davis!" The room falls silent.

Coach marches in furious with some anxious bench warmers.

He first targets Jae, who sits alone in the corner and drags a towel all around his hair. Then he glares at Aaron who's already packing his stuff.

"This week, both of your behavior on and off court has been unacceptable. It almost cost us this game boys. Seriously..." he shakes his head disappointingly.

"This goes for everyone on this team."

"Yes Coach." They say in unison.

"I don't know what's up with you two but handle it like real men or you'll be benched," the punishment catches both of their attentions. "Actually worse, you'll be kicked off this team."

"Wait, Coach—"

"Save it, Davis." He raises a hand. "Understood?"

Aaron and Jae exchange glances from across the room. Although they carry loathing for each other, there's a mutual agreement that happens between the two.

"Good, now enjoy the win!" Coach walks out and leaves us to celebrate.

Theo shimmies his chest, moving towards us. "Let's get this groove on!"

Elijah scrunches up his face.

"C'mon, I know you want to," Theo's voice slightly vibrates from him aggressively shaking his shoulders. When he realizes that Elijah or Lucas won't cooperate at the same level, he gives up. "You know what, peace out."

"He's weird man," Lucas shakes his head laughing at him.

"A personality," Ashley sighs. "Anyways, gotta do some rounds. I'll see you at the after party."

"Bye," I watch her saunter off with Lucas and Elijah following.

I'm about to leave and finish my own errands but a certain person catches my attention.

I approach him, "what's wrong?"

Jae throws his towel over his shoulder all while staring at the plain ground.

"Your team won."

He should be celebrating with the rest of the team. Instead, he's somber in a random corner.

"Barely," he rubs his shoulder. "I messed up too many times. My rebounds...or my assists—fuck!"

I sit next to him, "you have the whole playoffs to make up for it. These poor plays have been for only one game, out of this entire season so far. Keep it that way."

His head lowers in humiliation.

"Coach is right though. My poor plays cost us so much."

"He's hard on you because he has high expectations."

"My behavior is still unacceptable."

"You're a talented player, Jae. I don't doubt you'll make it up in the next game. Every athlete makes mistakes and has their downsides. Similar to them, you're capable of realizing this, and using this to improve."

He looks at me touched, "you're so nice to me."

I narrow my eyes at him, "you don't want me to be?"

"I was being sarcastic if you couldn't tell."