Buzzer Beater

001

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     The lights are bright. The crowd is on their feet. Five seconds remain on the clock. The ball is in my possession. I can prove them wrong. This is my one and only chance. The time is running low. The world slows around me. The boys yelling my name; although they aren't open, the commentators on their toes, the crowd shouting many things at a time, the tic-toc of the clock. 

     I race, dodging my opponent. I only make it to half court. The clock at 00:02. The ball flees from my fingertips. 00:00. It's going to make it. This is my breaking point. My eyes are closed. Praying. When my eyes open, I am not on the court. No where near the court actually. I'm in bed. It was all a dream. Women can't be basketball players. We are made for cheer leading and being pretty. But that will change today. Today is the day I will make history. My dream will become reality.

     "Girl are you crazy," my friend Tia asks. "They ain't gon' let no girl on the team."

     "I'll change that then," I say grinning.

     Tia is my best friend. We've been best friends since kindergarten. She stood up for me when people made fun of my dreams of being a basketball player. She is about two inches shorter than me with long, black weave. She has glasses, but refuses to wear them. 

     "Amelia, they won't let you play girl," Tia reminds me.

    "Just wait," I said. "I'll be a D1 athlete."

"Alright girl, but don't let nobody push you around. And if anyone messes with you, let me know." She's the best.

     The bell rang for first period, athletics.

     Tryouts are being held in the boys gym during the athletic period. I race to the locker room. Athletes can not be late. Ever. I quickly change into my uniform, black tight shorts with a black and white shirt that reads "Warriors." I hate these shorts. They're too short and make me feel uncomfortable. That's all gonna change when I make the team. I will be the best. Crap, I already am. I will be unstoppable. I am unstoppable. I tie my curls into a messy bun. I am ready to conquer.     

     As I make by way out the locker room I am stopped. Stopped by her. 

  Kathrine Thorn.

     Medium height (5'5), blonde hair, blue eyes, always bedazzled, captain of the cheer team, typical Malibu Barbie. Oh, and she hates my guts. Emphasize on hate.

     Best to walk around. I'm not going to let a brat ruin my morning. I try to walk around, but she again blocks my way.

     "Excuse me," I say just for her to block my way again. "I'm not playing, I need to go."

          She stares deep into my eyes. "I know what you're trying to do," she says as if its obvious. But I have no idea about what she's talking about. I cock an eyebrow.

     "Don't play dumb. You want my man."

     Excuse me???

     "I don't want Jaylen, sorry," I respond. Jaylen Wright is team captain of the basketball team. He is about 5'11, dark skinned, with black and blonde dreads. Kathrine and Jaylen aren't even together, but everyone knows that Kathrine has the biggest crush on him. I check the clock above me. 

8:59:38 

     I need to leave.

    I shove past Kathrine and sprint to the boys gym. Once I get in, I see all the boys on the bleachers, waiting for tryouts to start. Just enough time to catch my breath. A lot of boys are here. 14-17 years old, Freshman-Senior, 5-6 feet tall, unpopular-popular. Every type of person you can think of is here. Except for girls.

     The basketball coach blows his whistle. "Everyone on the court now!"

     This is my chance to make a change. Everything is about to change.

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645 words

Author's Note:

Hi Guppies, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!! I am planning on posting a chapter with a visual of my characters, because why not. There's not much that I want to say about this chapter, but I hope you enjoy the next.

- J. King