19 year old Yolanda Khan is lucky to be going into her 2nd year of the college she's dreamed of: Princeton University with her twin sister. After she gets a spot in her Zoology class, Yolanda is determined and would do anything to keep her spot and...
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Playoffs are in a few hours and I've done nothing but lay in bed all day after Camyrn forced me to go to the last morning practice. The thing is, I wasn't tired or anything. I was only dreading the thought of playing in front of such a large crowd. I am used to it of course, but most of the school including some of their parents are going to be there and the pressure has never been so heavy on my shoulders. They all know my name and ranking, and the bar is set high for me.
Also Camyrn too, but he seems to be adapting fine. I managed to get through practice and back to my dorm to shower. I needed to wash up, but I ended up standing there, drowning in the hot water thinking about nothing and everything all at once.
The night before, my dad called me at least 10 times, talking about how I better be ready. "Don't forget everything you learned," and "I will be talking with your coach to see how you've been behaving," is what he told me. It wasn't just that. It all made things worse when he mentioned my mom and told me that wherever she is living her new life, this is what she would want for me and I can't mess things up.
I walk into the locker room with my bag. Many people gave me stares on my way here, but I try my hardest to ignore it. It is foggy everywhere since people are taking showers. It's full of shirtless and pantless guys getting dressed. My locker is next to Camyrn and Jason, who used to be my friend. He hasn't tried talking to me or none of that. I guess he's just fine with betraying me and our friendship. We all planned on staying in touch after college and living driving distance from each other. It's time to kiss those dreams goodbye.
Camyrn dads me up when he sees me. He throws on his jersey that says #3 in the middle, with his last name. It's 7:30, and we're supposed to be out on the field at 8pm sharp. Camyrn tells me I need to get dressed before the coach comes in and fusses at everyone. My brain is foggy as I try unlocking my locker, and fail twice. When I finally get it open, everyone is already dressed and putting on their helmets.
My jersey is covering my face when I'm pulling it on, and I hear something drop on the floor. It's my bag and big jug of water. I look up to see Jason walking in the distance, smirking back at me. I don't say or do anything. I don't have the energy to. I just need to get my shit together before it all comes crashing down.
I feel Camyrn looking down at me as I'm sitting on the bench, tying my shoes, moving at the slowest pace ever. "Come on man," he says. "Whatever is bothering you, you have to push it aside for tonight. We need you out there." I look up at him when I'm dressed. "I know. I'm moving as fast as I can. The clock turns 7:55, and the coach walks in, wearing his jersey, a cap, and shorts. He has a serious look on his face.
"Alright!" He says in a loud, strong voice while rubbing his hands together and eyeing everyone. "You already know the drill. We've made it this far and we're not going to act like a bunch of fools and disappoint everyone up on that fieldI You hear me!?"
Everyone nods, and his face grows more serious. "I can't hear you!?" "Yes Sir!" we all shout. "Damn, just a bunch of chipmunks," he hisses. He makes everyone stand in a line, and he goes through everyone, making sure we're all in check. My heart pounds when he gets to me, and stands there a lot longer than he did with the others. He leans into my ear and says, "Your daddy is out there on them benches. First row. You better not mess a damn thing up." I close my eyes. I hear some people giggle, and some trying to hold it in. "Got it sir," I said, clearing my fuzzy throat.
