I'm Fine

Chapter Nineteen - Adrianna

March

I was beyond blessed to be a part of the basketball team this year. Yes, it caused some concerns and some backlash from the girls basketball team, but the coach really wanted me to play with the guys this year, and so did I.

My teammates weren't just random kids; they were my family. I adored every single one of them, and I appreciate the fact that they quickly accepted me into the family.

"Whoop!" I hear someone yell just as a hand slams into my rear end.

I quickly spun on my heels to see Lonny bouncing away like an idiot. Scratch that, I adore everyone on the team, besides Lonny. I don't think anyone likes him, but he makes the numbers even so we keep him around.

"Do you want me to jump him later?" I heard a voice behind me say. I turned to see Brock towering over me. I let a small laugh erupt from my throat.

"No, that's okay, his day will come." I tried to joke, but honestly, I want to be the one to jump him. I'm just not sure who would win that fight.

"So Adrianna...I was thinking about going to the milkshake place after the game tonight. Would you like to join me?" Brock asked as he nervously stared across the gym.

Poor guy tried almost every practice. He's sweet, but I don't know how many times I can nicely let him down; he's apparently not getting the hint. Thankfully a voice behind us saves me from this excuse.

"I'm down for milkshakes. Are you buying Brock?" Bryson said as he screeched to a halt next to us. I gave him a quick appreciative smile. Brock lets out an annoyed laugh.

"Bryson, don't you have a girlfriend to bother?" Brock snapped back at Bryson.

I stepped back in shock, I've never seen Brock so defensive. I almost feel bad that I'm giving him so much grief since I won't go out with him. Before Bryson could respond, Brock let out an annoyed huff as he walked towards the gym doors.

"Are you going to let him talk to you like that captain?" I mocked towards Bryson. He let out a dramatic laugh.

"Yeah, he'll get over it, and I'm sure he'll ask you out again later anyways." He joked. I gave him a playful punch again before turning to see if anyone was in earshot from our conversation.

"I actually couldn't go out with him after the game anyway; I already have a date." I blushed as I stared at the ground, trying to fight back a smile that wanted to break through so strongly.

"What! Who is it?" Bryson whispered as he stepped closer to help hide our conversation. I didn't respond, instead I let the smile win the impossible battle as I turned my face towards him.

"Nico?" He gasped. Again I didn't respond; I just nodded my head, letting the smile shine through.

"Dude, I am so happy for you guys. When did this all happen?" He pried.

"When we did the whole get-to-know-each-other assignment for the student council charity drives." I answered.

"Oh, I bet you got to know her." He mocked. A laugh erupted from my throat.

"No, we just kissed, but we have our first official date tonight." I explained.

"That's so exciting. Where are you guys going?" He asked as he took a swig of his water.

"Well, I am still freaked about the whole thing, you know, from how it all went down before. So, we are just going to have a picnic on the hill." I explained as the smile washed away from my face. I hated hiding this relationship, but I just haven't figured out how to go about telling everyone and not having it be a big deal.

"You're still worried about what others will think because of what happened at your last school?" I couldn't tell if he was repeating what I just said or confirming if that was the case or not. So I just nodded, 'yes'.

"It's going to be okay. No matter what you guys do. If anything, you have an amazing support group that will back you up." He tried to comfort me.

"Really? You think the guys would support me with this?" I began.

"Why wouldn't they?" He asked.

"Because they barely accepted me as a girl teammate. Now I am not only the girl teammate, but I also am the one who is dating the school transvestite." I shot back.

"Dude, that's not how..." He began but didn't get to finish because of a basketball flying at our heads.

We both dodged right in time as the basketball bounced off the bleachers and across the gym. We turned our attention towards the direction of the throw to see Lonny running towards us.

"Hey captain, are you done flirting so we can end this practice, or do you guys want to get a room." Lonny spat towards Bryson.

I could tell that Bryson was holding back what he wanted to say, but with being captain, he is held at a higher standard, especially when the coach isn't here.

"Ten laps around the gym, dribbling, then you can leave before the game." Bryson shot back. I could hear groans from the other members who heard the orders. I, too, wasn't too happy about it.

"No, not everyone, just Lonny. Everyone else can take some time for themselves before the game. Be back at six." Bryson announced, loud enough for everyone to hear. It didn't take long before the rest of the team took off out of the gym. Bryson grabbed a nearby basketball and chucked it aggressively at Lonny.

"Ten laps, now." He demanded.

Lonny looked upset, but he brought this upon himself. He turned his attention towards me and glared at me as if I had given the orders. Lonny took off around the gym, dribbling the ball as he went. I could tell he was cutting corners, but I didn't care to say anything.

"You're free to go before the game." Bryson repeated, this time with more of a professional demeanor. I could tell he was still just trying not to lose it on Lonny.

"Aren't you going to head out before the game too?" I questioned.

"No, someone has to make sure Lonny does his laps." He replied, still not taking his eyes off Lonny.

"I can do that; you go hang out with Avery." I tried to help, but his troubled face didn't change at the sound of her name like I thought it would.

"She said she would see me at the game, so I guess I am not hanging out with her again." He hissed. I didn't want to pry anymore; he already seemed upset about the whole Avery situation the last time we talked.

"Okay, I'll see you at the game, captain," I replied quietly as I quickly grabbed my bag and water bottle from the nearby bleachers.

"And Adrianna," I heard from behind me. I spun around towards Bryson again. "Good luck tonight." He said as he finally let a smile breakthrough. I just responded with a smile before continuing out of the gym.