It's Just A Game

Chapter 2 The Replacement Is Here

Classes were cut short today due to an emergency meeting for the faculty. This gives the students opportunities to either do nonsense or productive things during free time. I found myself wandering inside the library trying to look for references I can use with my Literature assignment. A thick Greek mythology book caught my attention and I pulled it out of the shelf, scanning the contents and images with less interest. Luke and the rest of the basketball team were called to report to Coach Stibbs. And Zareena has been invisible the entire day.

I've been reading for quite some time about The Odyssey when I felt a strange feeling of being watched from afar. I slowly raised my head to look around. I sighed because nobody was there. I went back to my reading but still can't seem to shake off the uneasiness.

I looked up again, trailing my eyes on the second floor. Gotcha! I found you, bozo! Yes, there was a guy leaning on the wooden railings. His eyes were focused on me. Gray penetrating eyes. He was wearing faded black jeans with a white shirt. A black hoodie slung over his left shoulder. His hair was jet black. The side of his mouth lifted into a smirk upon seeing that I caught him already. Unfamiliar face. He is absolutely not from New Harold.

Feeling a little bit conscious with the staring showdown, I looked away, collected my backpack and walked out without a backward glance.

I was at the door of the old building when the phone started ringing. I pulled it out of my jeans pocket and Luke's name was on display.

"Hello, handsome!" I chirped after pressing the answer button on the phone and placed it to my right ear. "What's up?"

"Hi there, sunshine! Coach Stibbs wants to talk to you. We're here in the gymnasium." Luke's voice was all serious and urgent.

"I have a bad feeling about this, Luke. Can you give me a hint why Coach wanted to talk to me?" I giggled trying to shake another wave of uneasiness settling in the pit of her stomach.

He gave a throaty laughed. "Hmmm..I can but it isn't my position to disclose it."

"Damn you. Don't leave me hanging." I sighed one more time. "Okay.Fine! Tell Coach I'll be there in 10 minutes." I didn't wait for Luke's answer before dropping the call.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the next building in quick strides not minding my surroundings. I continued to walk until the gymnasium was already in sight. I smiled. It has been awhile since the last time I visited such place. I jogged a little before halting in front of the huge door. I can hear voices mixed with the sound of bouncing balls.

I gathered all my strength, decided to continue on my steps into the dimmed hallway and into the hardcourt. The members were huddled in the middle.

"I'm here, Coach." My voice echoed that made everyone turn their attention to me. I ran from the sideline to join them in the group and squatted between Luke and Randell.

"What took you so long, Roswell?Out of shape?" Coach Stibbs crisp tone made me flinch while the boys tried to suppress their laughter.

"I'm sorry. I still do my routine, Coach. Always fit." That made the coach nod. He seemed to be buying his time.

"That's good to know. And one more thing, I asked you to be here because I want you on the basketball team as my assistant coach, Myah."

My jaw dropped with the news. I couldn't believe what I just heard. Me?As an assistant coach? You gotta be kidding me!

"But Coach, I don't think.." I stammered as I looked from one face to another of the players in front of me.

"The boys recommended you. I'm good with it. You know them like the back of your hands and their abilities. You have your brother's keen eyes for talents. I have talked to Principal Rudd about it and he approved." The coach's face lit up with a genuine smile.

"But.." I'm speechless. "No buts, Myah. We believe in you the same way we trust Paul." Randell touched my right shoulder.

All I did was a nod and I could hear the boys' yes' while the others were doing fist pumped. "Welcome to the team, Myah!" Coach Stibbs announced. "Come here in front and sit beside me."

Everything was happening so fast. I'm happy but I still want to digest what conspired. I shook Coach's firm hand. I smiled wholeheartedly. After the noise subsided, I heard Phil's excited tone among them. "The replacement is here."

"What replacement are you talking about?" My voice squeaked as I asked the air around me.

"Not a what, Myah but a who," Luke explained. The boys rose from their squat position to meet the guy. This time, the uneasiness was in full force as the same gray eyes meet mine. He was the same guy who was eyeing me in the library.

"Everyone meet Chase Landon. Your new team captain."

The joke is on me today!