It's Just A Game

Chapter 11 Moments Together

My mother was sipping from a mug of coffee when I came down ready for school on a Monday morning. Her eyes sparkled dearly as I joined her at the table.

"Morning, Myah." She greeted as a plate of the sandwich was pushed in front of me. " Eat it."

I nodded at her as I stuffed my mouth big time. " Tasty!" I said biting more from the peanut butter sandwich.

Father came in from the back door with a newspaper in hand. He came near me and bestowed a kiss on my forehead. "How are you being the school basketball team's assistant coach?" He reached for the mug beside Mother's.

"I'm great. A little bit overwhelmed." I replied and dropped the half-eaten sandwich back on the table after seeing the clock that it is almost time to go.

My parents had this unwavering smile on their faces as if they were about to say something unknown. "I'm proud of you, Myah. Your brother was right about your talent and love for the game of basketball." She shook her head in disbelief. " Back then, I remember you hanging on your brother's words when he's with the boys. It seems like his will was passed on to you. I couldn't imagine my only girl being with boys yet you're one of them." Her eyes were beady and her tone a little bit unstable. Father hurriedly went to her side to comfort her with soothing words.

Immobile, I sat there just listening to my mother's words. Memories of my brother's laughter linger in my head with clarity. "Mom, it's all right. You need not worry about me. I'll be fine."

"Myah," Dad has this uncomfortable look. "I just want you to be careful. Remember we are always here for you no matter what. We love you.

"Oh come on, Dad, Mom." I groaned out loud as I grabbed the backpack I've deposited on the first step of the stairs. "I love you both. You're irreplaceable."

It made both of them nod in unison as my father started to reach for something in his pocket. There was a jiggling sound that came with it. " Your mom and I were thinking that it's time you should have it." In his outstretched left hand was a car key. Not just a plain car key but my brother's car key.

"We thought about selling Paul's car to buy you a new one but I know you'll prefer to have it instead of a new car." Mother said as she got hold of the key, reached for my hand and dropped it in the middle of my open palm.

I just stared at the key in my hand. This is so great, I told myself with shock and excitement slowly rising in me. I ran into their arms and was enveloped in their warm embrace. "You just don't know how happy I am with this gift. Thank you both of you."

"We want you happy, Myah. I know the boys are dropping you home alternately for the past months. I should thank them for their effort one of these days." Mom has recovered from her sudden emotional outburst a moment ago.

"By the way, when is the first game for InterHigh?" inquired my father with keen interest.

"That's going to be tonight. The school will be hosting the game between Dunhill High." I countered with the same enthusiasm and have recovered from the huge squeeze in my heart."Are you going to be there to watch?"

"Not tonight. I almost forgot to tell you that your mom and I had a business trip to attend to. That's good for two weeks." I grimaced knowing I'll be alone in the house that long. "Will you be all right?"

I nodded. "I'll manage, Dad."

"I already transfer funds into your account that you can use while we're away." Mother said after sipping coffee and her eyes still sad.

"You need to go, Myah or else you'll be late for school."He reminded me as I dangled the ring of the key on my pointer finger. "The car is parked outside too."

"Thanks, Dad!" I skipped on my way to the front door and my face lit up from ear to ear upon seeing Paul's Porsche Cayman standby ready to be driven.

I laughed thinking to myself inwardly. I'll take care of your baby, dear brother.

I got in the car, buckled the seatbelt and the car purred after putting the key into the ignition.

For sure Paul won't be happy if his car gets scratched or dented. I remembered arguing with him when I volunteered to drive his car to one of their games. He was quite annoyed with me when he allowed me to take over the steering wheel.

"I'll be careful. I promised, Paul!" I exclaimed in excitement as I resumed driving.

"Stop talking and focused on the road, Myah." His frustration was very much audible while uncomfortably sitting on the passenger's seat. "This will be the last time I let you drive my car."

"All right." I retorted. Alternative music dominated the air as we were on the road. It took us around ten minutes to reach our destination. We parked alongside another beat up truck and disembarked with ease while Paul collected his bag from the backseat. I waited for him.

Paul stopped in front of me and shook his head. "Forgive me for being nasty." He said sincerely enough for me to hear the rest of students gathered towards the gym.

I nodded and smiled. "It's fine, brother. I just want to annoy you so that you can shake off those jitters before the game. You're too serious."

And he laughed out loud. Some students looked at us awkwardly as both of us continued our way to the designated dugout.

A constant beep brought me back to reality as I waited for my turn to park. My tears kept falling down my face. I tried to rein on the swirling emotions since it made me miss my brother more. I got out off the car after finding a spot to park.

"Nice ride, Myah! A voice said not from afar that has become familiar to my ears for the past few weeks."Finally, you got yourself a car."

I looked up to see Chase leaning at the rear of his car. His presence kept on tormenting me. I feel gladness spread in me at the same time confusion on how to react when he's around."Thanks. That's Paul's but it's now mine."

"So that means I will not be able to take you home since you got your own car." I stared at him not wanting to see the frustration in his eyes. "I'm beginning to like our moments together in my car."

Again, I don't know but I walked out on him without a word.