TORN: Matt and Chris Sturniolo (the sequel)

Chapter 13

I had not a single doubt in my mind about this game against Matt and Chris. I was here to win and I was going to win.

How we agreed for the game to work was for just one of us to play at a time and to see who got the highest score. We'd each obviously pay for our own turn.

'Oldest first.' Chris said, firmly, before anybody had stepped forward. Matt immediately positioned himself in front of the machine, clenching his jaw, ready to try and win. Clearly none of them knew about my history with this sport. I wasn't sure yet if either of them had even played properly basketball before. Matt made communication with nobody in the minute leading up to his turn, just inserted his money and stayed focused.

In the corner of my eye, I could see Nick and Kyler whispering almost silently, making sure nobody could hear the possibly snarky remarks that they were making about us three in this game and giggling at each other about them. Nobody else flinched one bit.

As the timer went for Matt, Chris and I locked eye content and he gave me a small smile, to which I reciprocated, but then looked away when the game started, to see Matt's ability.  I could feel his blush on the side of my head closest to him.

When Matt started throwing the balls into the hoop, I was shocked at how good his reflexes were as he missed some, because he just caught each one that didn't go in and rethrew it. But, I couldn't help but peak slightly at his muscles contracting each time he threw. My face heated up a little as I realized what I was thinking.

Matt was good at this game, I'll give him that, but I could do better. After a minute, the timer went off, and he had a total of 51. It hadn't beat the high score on the machine of 62, but still good. We all clapped. This competition was not going to be as easy as I thought it could be to win.

Chris was next, he was just as focused as Matt was before. They dapped each other up as they went past, but still a neutral look on both their faces. Nick and Kyler were still whispering as much as ever. Chris quickly put in his money and directed his eyes on the hoop. The countdown went as before. As soon as the last second ticked he threw the first ball into the hoop the most accurately I think that a person can. He continued to do this throughout the entire minute. No hesitation at all. His skills were perfection.

Green lights flashed, signalling that he had won, and the time was up. He had got a score of 70, beating that high score easily. Again, we all clapped.

Honestly, I was so shocked the entire minute about how good he was that I didn't notice my mouth open, in awe over him. Chris turned right around, saw the look on my face and smirked. The heat rushed to my cheeks as before but he broke the slight awkwardness by saying 'By the way Skye,' 'Uh?' I wasn't sure what he might say. He made me so nervous, in the best way. I was so scared that he would call me out on my tomato red cheeks.

'Your emerald beauties are brighter than those sad ass lights. They can do better.' And he just went over to stand by Matt, not saying a word more, indicating that it was my turn to try and conquer this game.