New Beginning (Pearlshipping-AshxDawn)

Chapter Four

It was P.E. class and today, the class was playing basketball. There were many games going on in the gym. Alex, Alan, and Anthony were playing a three-on-three game with Grace, Julia, and Melissa. The boys were winning by a few points, but the girls didn't mind, since it was a game for fun.

"Let's take a break." Alex said, trying to catch his breath.

The six friends walked over to the bleachers and sat down, sipping some water from their water bottles and catching their breath.

"You guys are doing great." Alan said.

"Yeah, I've never seen you play like this before." Anthony added.

"You guys are really giving it your all." said Alex.

"We're playing harder than usual because basketball tryouts are today after school." Grace explained.

"The tryouts last all through this weekend." Julia added.

"So this is a warmup game for us. We want and need to be as ready as possible." Melissa finished.

Twinleaf Elementary hadn't had a girls' basketball team in seven years, since many girls in the school didn't like to play sports like they did.

"Well, by the way you guys are playing, you'll definitely make the team." said Alex.

They looked at the floor and watched the other kids play for a few minutes.

"You know, hockey tryouts were last weekend." said Anthony.

"We made the team again and the coach even kept us all together on the same line. We're still the Triple A-line." Alan added.

"Coach even named me the new team captain." Alex said.

"Wow..." Grace said in amazement. "That shows just how good you are at hockey and how much people can depend on you, Alex."

"We're some of the oldest kids on the team, since grades one through three are one team, and grades four through six are the other." Anthony said as he took a sip of water.

"And since we're in grade three, we have to help the new and younger kids play better and we have to be good role models for them. All of the third graders from last year are on the older kids' team now." Alex said, setting his water beside him.

"Hockey is a team sport and as good as we are, we can't win games just on our own. Our new and younger team members need to be on the same level if we want to have a chance at winning and getting a chance at the championship again." Anthony explained, standing up.

"Well, I think that you guys stand a good chance of getting into the championship again. With the way that you guys played last year, it's a very high chance. And the team is mostly the same, too." Grace said.

"Yeah, all you have to do is get the new members at the same skill level and you're all set." Julia added.

"Jake made the team, too. He's really good for someone who's never played hockey before." Alex said to Melissa.

"Well, he's a fast learner and picks up on things quickly. He's always had a knack for sports." Melissa replied.

"Anyway, let's get back to our game. We were winning, after all." said Anthony.

"Not for long, boys!" Melissa said, laughing.

The bell rang, signaling the end of school for the day.

"Have a good weekend." Mr. Graham said as the kids packed up their belongings and walked out of the classroom.

"Good luck at the tryouts." Alan said, hugging Grace, Julia, and Melissa.