New Beginning (Pearlshipping-AshxDawn)

Chapter Seven

It was recess time at school and the kids were outside. It was now October and the leaves of the trees were starting to turn red and orange and fall from the branches.

Julia, Grace, and Melissa were playing a game of basketball with a few of the other girls that were on the basketball team. Alex, Alan, Anthony, and Jake were sitting on the grass not far from the game, talking. The weather was getting cooler, so everyone was wearing jackets.

"So how did the hockey game go?" Alex asked. He had been banned from one game because of his fight.

"We won, but barely. The final score was two to one." Jake replied.

"It was weird without you there, playing with us, Alex. Everyone on the team plays better when you're there." Alan said.

"Plus, you're the team captain and you spearhead the Triple-A line." Anthony added.

Alex nodded his head. "While I was grounded, my parents talked to me. They helped me see things differently. I won't be getting into any more fights in our games."

The boys glanced around and looked at the basketball game that was going on. Grace caught the ball that was passed and shot. The ball hit the backboard and fell through the hoop. She had scored.

Nice shot, Grace. You're slowly, but surely, improving. Alex thought.

She smiled and Julia ran over and high-fived her while Melissa said something to her.

"Good game!" Melissa cried suddenly. "Recess is almost over, so let's stop now."

Grace, Julia, and Melissa started to head over to where the boys were sitting when Melissa's mom, their basketball coach, walked over to them. They stopped and turned, seeing her coming towards them.

"I was watching you girls play and I have to say, great job. You're getting in a little extra practice, which never hurts. I also wanted to remind you that we have practice today after school, in case you forgot." she said.

"Mom, how do you feel about our team and the way that we're playing? We've had three games so far and lost each one and have yet to win a game. I feel like I'm letting you and the school down." Melissa said sadly.

"You aren't letting me or the school down, Melissa. It's the first girls' basketball team that this school has had in years and we're all still figuring things out. The whole team is improving with each game and you girls play better and harder each time. Just keep practicing and don't get discouraged.

"Anyway, I came here to tell you that the team needs some spare players, girls who can play if someone is sick or hurt or unable to play for other reasons. So for today's practice, I'm inviting back some girls from the tryouts who didn't make the team. Grace, if you're interested, you're welcome to come to the practice and you might just become a reserve player for the team."

Grace stared at Melissa's mom in shock for a moment before she smiled.

"I'd like that. I'll stay for the practice after school." she said, nodding her head.

And maybe this way, if I did become a reserve player, I'll gain more experience. By next year, I'll be a better player and may be able to make the team for real. she thought.

Melissa's mom walked off and Julia and Melissa started walking towards the boys, but Grace didn't.

"You coming?" Julia asked.

"I'm a little tired from our game, I'm not as athletic as you two. So I'm going inside to get some water. I'll see you back in class." Grace replied.

Grace stepped away from the water fountain, running her hand along her mouth, getting rid of any water that had splattered from the fountain. She turned and started walking back towards the classroom.