Money M // Johnny Lawrence

Admit it Again

April 1985

I stood in front of the three point line of the basket, wishing the season didnt come to an end so quickly. I had a ball in my hand, ready to shoot. I had been here a thousand times. I loved every time i was here. It made me feel good.

We went undefeated and won the state championships, i guess that makes me a 2x champion. My karate trophy was in a box somewhere, the basketball trophy was in the glass display with all the other sports. I had made this school so much better. And in a month i have to leave.

I sat down on the court, bouncing the ball in front of me like a five year old. I was probably the only one here. I snuck in through the bathroom window, a classic I know. I just dont feel the same anymore. This place is the only time i get comfort.

I cant go to Johnny's and stay there, he hated my guts. The week after i kissed him, we just started ignoring eachother. We wernt mad at one another, we just had more important things to do. He had to make his neck better, and i had to find a place for my trophy.

I got up and started dribbling the ball. I worked on the cross over, I worked on my three point shots, I worked on everything. I didn't work hard, I just worked. It was silent. I was silent. Everytime the basketball hit the floor, it echoed. Everytime i shot the ball, you could hear the net make a swoosh sound.

My face was blank as I did everything. It was like my whole life was going good and going to hell at the same time. Anne and I are still the best of friends, but we're going to lose each other when we go on with our lives. I just lost my best friend. I lost Johnny, and he was the only one I truly cared about.

During this basketball season, i had scored over a thousand points and missed four shots. I missed those shots because i was either punched or fouled extremely hard. Everyone still called me Money, or Money Maker, or just something like that. I just missed the M Johnny called me. And Johnny missed the way his name sounded in my accent.

"I thought i'd find you here," i held the ball and looked at the doors. The blonde walked into the gym, his hands in his pockets and his usual strut. I ignored him and shot the ball, making a three pointer.

"You know me best." i sighed, turning towards him. He stopped a foot in front of me and looked into my eyes. "M," he said, looking down and back at me. "Monroe, you were the only girl i ever really loved. Ever since you mouthed off to me at the beach, i just fell for you," he told me. I clenched my jaw and my cheeks became hollow.

"I know i sound drunk, but i swear to you i haven't had a drink." he stepped forward. "I let Kreese get into my head, he kept telling me 'you'll hate her guts at the tournament' and 'you better kick her head in' and it just felt wrong," his eyes had tears in them. "Then when we actually went against eachother, i felt so bad. I felt as if i was chipping away whatever we had with each punch i threw," he wiped a tear from his eyes.

"Seeing you win, it made me relize what an asshole i am," he looked away, then back at me. "I was an ass to you, i was an ass to Ali, im just an asshole," he said, his voice shaky. "And i dont want to be like that anymore, when i was around you, i felt like myself. I felt like i was better when i was with you. I felt loved when i was with you, a-and," he took a deep breath and wiped his tears.

I pulled the blonde towards me and into a hug. He sobbed into the crook of my neck and breathed in and out. "Im sorry M," he said, i just rubbed his back in response. "Johnny, believe it or not, i felt the same way." i smiled and he laughed a bit.

He pulled away from me and held my face in his hands. His eyes were bright and he was smiling. I pulled him into a kiss and he kissed back, lazily throwing his hand and arms behind me as he did. He put his forehead to mine and smiled against me. "I love you." he told me. "I love you too Johnny, lets get out of here." i said, he agreed.

–

"Ya know, i like how youre the same height as me, you wont cause me back problems in the future."

THE END