Ch. 09: Painting a New Path
The gym echoed with the rhythmic squeak of sneakers and the satisfying swish of the ball through the net. Ria sat on the bleachers, cheering alongside the other parents and girlfriends. She focused on Kai, his form flawless as he executed a perfect layup. But her smile faltered as a tall, lanky teammate named Brock sauntered over.
"Hey, Kai," Brock drawled, his gaze lingering pointedly on Ria. "Need me to grab you some water or something? Looks like your, uh, date's got her hands full with that sketchbook."
A vein pulsed in Kai's temple. "She's not my date, Brock," he said curtly, "and she's perfectly capable of taking care of herself."
Brock chuckled, a humorless sound that grated on Ria's nerves. "Just looking out for you, buddy. Wouldn't want your little artist girlfriend to get distracted and miss your glory moments."
Ria clenched her fists in her lap, the sketchbook digging into her leg. She wasn't some decoration, someone to be dismissed and patronized.
Before she could retort, Kai stepped forward, his voice low and dangerous. "Brock, that's enough. Ria is my guest, and I suggest you treat her with respect."
Brock raised his eyebrows, a smirk playing on his lips. "Woah, Mr. Tough Guy here. Just making conversation, that's all."
The tension in the air crackled. Suddenly, the coach's whistle cut through the noise.
"Modesto! Henderson!" he boomed. "Enough chit-chat! Back to practice!"
Kai glared at Brock for a beat longer before turning away, his jaw clenched tight. Ria followed him with her gaze, a mixture of anger and worry churning in her stomach.
As practice resumed, a sense of unease settled over Ria. Brock's offhand comments kept replaying in her mind, a constant reminder of the invisible wall his words had built between her and the rest of the team.
Later, as Kai walked her home, the silence between them was heavy. Finally, Ria couldn't hold it in any longer.
"Are you going to say something about Brock?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm so sorry, Ria. He shouldn't have spoken to you like that."
"It's not just him," Ria said, her voice gaining strength. "It feels like... like I'm not welcome there. Like I don't belong."
Kai stopped walking, his gaze filled with concern. "That's not true, Ria. Of course you belong. Those guys are just... well, immature jerks sometimes."
Ria chewed her lip, unsure of what to say. She didn't want to be the reason Kai got in trouble again. But she also couldn't stand the way she was being treated.
"Maybe I should just come to the games instead," she suggested tentatively.
Kai's face fell. "No! I want you there. You're my biggest supporter."
He looked around, then lowered his voice. "Here's an idea. Why don't you talk to Coach Miller? He knows you from your art class. Maybe if he introduces you to the team properly, they'll... well, they'll see how cool you actually are."
Ria considered this. Coach Miller had always been kind to her, encouraging her artistic endeavors. Maybe this was the answer, a way to bridge the gap and earn the team's respect on her own terms.
"You think that would work?" she asked, a flicker of hope igniting in her eyes.
Kai grinned, the familiar spark back in his face. "Absolutely. You're Ria, the future Picasso. You can charm anyone."
YOU ARE READING
The Unlikely Cupid
Teen Fiction[Season One of Aurora National High Series] Ria's heart hammered against her ribs as Kai complimented her art. Was this really happening? Could the star basketball player be interested in her, the perpetually frizzy-haired artist? Everything changed...
