Tattoo

1

They say that most people receive their tattoo by the time that they turn sixteen. A coming-of-age ceremony, if you will. A searing burn usually accompanied the new tattoo, along with a reddish hue that stayed on the skin for a day. It was always on the wrist- no case had ever been reported otherwise. A private name that was displayed in such a public area; the tattoo gave people more stress than it warranted.

Miranda remembered the day quite well. She was sitting at the dining table surrounded by family and friends.  As she blew out her 16 candles she saw the black letter scrolling across her wrist. "Benjamin A. Warren." She also remembered it burning like hell.

Her mother and Aunts were so excited to see the name on her wrist. Not so much her dad, who looked as if his little girl was all grown up.

Sitting on her moms bed that night Miranda turned looking at her the reality of it all settling in that the person who was made for her was out there and she knew his name.

"Mom there is so many people in the world with the same name, how will I know its him?" Miranda asked looking into Elena's eyes.

"The tattoo is not finished yet sweetie. When you meet him officially the date will be added."

Elena pulled her sweater back showing Miranda her wrist William J. Bailey  03-16-1969.

"You will know because it will happen immediately and you will be in love with them immediately as well. This love for him will be so strong, powerful and exhilarating.  You won't be able to describe it."

Miranda nodded her head. "Go get ready for bed Mandy."

"Goodnight mama."

"Goodnight honey."

(2 years prior)

Alright tomorrow night we play Kings Fort this is our first game and we need to show them that Western Branch has gotten ten times better. This is the best team we have ever had in history so I expect you all to do your best, last season we were just inches away from the championship game, but we barely lost that semi final game to the Oscar smith tigers. Looking at each of you I can tell that you are all hungry for this game you all want to win, but remember do your best and we will be fine." Anthony looked down at his clipboard, "Alright starters for our first game, Ben point guard, Kev shooting guard, Chase forwards, Michael power forward, and James at center. We are playing Kings Fort at Kings Fort so be back here by 4:30 so we can leave for the gym".

"Yes coach."They called back.

Practice was over and everyone went back home. The night went by fast for everyone as did their school day, after school they reported to gym and changed into their warm up gear. Yellow plants with a blue strip running down the side, in the strip was white stars they also wore yellow long sleeves jackets with Western Branch All Stars written in white. Once they got to gym they went to the guest locker room

“Alright the first game of the season let's make this the first game of our best season in history let's go", Anthony led the team out of the locker room and they were met with cheers from the parent's for their team
They listened to the cheers for Kings Fort who seemed to invited the whole school to cheer for them.

After a quick warm, and the national anthem Kings Fort's announcer came to the front of the middle of the gym and it was none other than tge principle himself. "Ladies and Gentlemen let's give Western Branch a true Kings Fort welcome, first let's introduce their starting lineup".

Ben and his team ran onto the court and stood waiting to tip the ball.

The all stars stood in a circle around Ben, "let's make this the best opening game of our lives, this is our year to win."