A Chance at Life

Shadows

My mind has been cloudy for as long as I can remember. It's when Shelby came along things started to be more clear, what I wanted in life became more visible. But I hate her so fuck that bitch am I right? Right?

——————

Standing in the auditorium after the longest assembly of the week, I hear a voice call out.
"Hey Shalifoe, you coming to practice tonight?"
I had no idea who said it but in the end it didn't really matter the answer was always going to be the same.

"Obviously, where's the spirit in saying no?" I grabbed the a ball off of the rack and dunked it into the hoop. "And the crowd goes wild!"

As I start to imitate an imaginary crowd screaming and cheering, one of the girls throws a ball at my back. "Come on, we all know that they'll be screaming louder than that. You have the spirit of a lion-" she begins.
"And the temper of a thunderstorm" Coach says cutting her off.
"But it's what makes me a great captain." I pick up the ball at my feet and our training session begins.

I've never really thought about how different life could be if it wasn't for basketball. I know for one my anger would have gotten the best of me, I've tried finding new ways to project the build up inside instead of throwing punches at people. Ever since Martha ignored me for a whole day after the argument I had with a teacher, I took a step back and I've been throwing myself into sports.

I love Martha more than anyone I've ever loved in my life. She's my best friend and adopted sister, I've been staying with her ever since my foster family gave up with me and I couldn't ask for a better family. Her mom has been busy with work and her dad is always away so it's usually just me and Marty hanging out, unless that bible-thumping talking gremlin she talks to comes over. I've told Marty many times she's gonna be used and Shelby will just mark her down as charity work to make her college application look good.

When Shelby and I make contact, it's dirty looks and shouting insults when her groupies make stupid remarks about my sexuality. Personally, I know it's clear their parents are no better than mine when it comes to caring for their children but a little respect doesn't cost a thing.

Training finished around an hour later and I start heading towards Martha in the car until I stop as I got a strange feeling. It's pretty dark out with it being November and I can only see so much in the area so I look around to see if I could see anything.

In the parking lot just out of reach from a streetlight I see two figures by a car. One was sat on the bonnet and the other was leaning over resting their hands either side of the other, I assumed they were kissing since their faces were so close together. I realized that staring too long wasn't great as both their heads turned and faced me, they both quickly got up and got into the car.

Forgetting my gut feeling, I continue to walk and got into the car. "What did you stop for?" Martha questions as she slurps on a milkshake.
"I was just looking around, had a strange feeling but it's gone now."

We get back home 10 minutes later and I grab the food Marty bought on the way over and we head inside. "Burger. Chips. Drink." I start to unpack the food and Marty turns on her favourite tv show as we get settled in. "Again?! You can't get a degree from watching shows about hospitals."
"It's educational, bet you don't know how to care for a broken wrist? Or what happens if you were to get into a car crash?"
"If you were anyone else Marty I would argue over this"
"I know and that's why we're best friends"

It starts to get late and finally after 3 episodes of what seemed like forever Marty heads up to bed and I'm left alone. I switch over the show to something more up to my speed...The 100. I know 100% I could survive what they go through, I'm too smart plus I'm a captain already so my leadership skills are perfect.

Eventually I start to fall asleep on the couch and I get woken by a notification on my phone.
'11:37pm : 1 new message'
I only have a few contacts in my phone, a few friends from school, Marty and her mum and my own number. I pick it up and begin to swipe when I see:
'I know you seen us earlier, watching us. Whatever you saw it wasn't like what you think it was.'
Honestly I had no idea who it was nor what I saw, I presumed this was one of the figures from the parking lot.
'Who is this?'
'You know who it is, forget you saw anything'
'If you're talking about after school, I didn't see anything'
'Good.'
'Who is this?'
'Shelby Goodkind'
My heart skipped a beat. Shelby? Why is she so defensive and why would she care what I saw. After overthinking for a good 5 minutes, I carry myself to bed and after what seems like hours, I drift off into a deep sleep.