We're Still Human

Chapter 25: Audrey Hepburn and her Side Burns

After much back and forth, Nadia and I agreed to pick Stacy as our last member. Stacy is a tall, tan skinned brunette with a small scar on her upper lip from who knows what. She's a junior, and we both noticed that she's been campaigning to be head girl next year, so this might give her more of a competitive edge.

That's if we win.

I look over at Audrey and Meredith, watching them discuss with Kate. Audrey catches my gaze, and locks eyes with me, waiting for me to stop. I maintain my eye contact, and she rolls her eyes, focusing on her team again. A hand grazes my shoulder, and I look over it to see Nadia touching me.

"Relax, Nothando, leave it on the court, like always," Nadia says.

Stacy looks up at us after drawing on her paper for so long. "These petty things never die on the court, it'll carry on till one of them apologizes."

"Why do I need to apologize?"

"No one said you should, Yasmina," Stacy murmurs, finally showing us her drawing. "Mapped out the court; I think this is how we're going to defend ourselves."

I admire her artistry. "We're going against Jo and Lynn first, why defense?"

"Because Jo struggles at defense, much like you," Nadia steps in, pointing at the silhouette that seems to be Stacy. "And that's why Stacy will be guarding her. You, on the other hand, are going to be front."

"I rather not, I'm not the best at leading."

"You don't have to be, I'm good with assists, and you're good at layups sometimes, so I'll help you," she explains, pointing at the paper version of me. "Only if you'll let me."

I nod. "For the better of our team."

"Stace, you if we put you near Yasmina, are you able to do any three pointers, or do you want to stay back?" Nadia asks.

Stacy shrugs. "Whatever works for you, you're the leader, after all."

Both Nadia and I double take, exchanging glances with one another. Nadia purses her lips together before clearing her throat, looking back at the drawing. I shake my head, trying to rid myself of the thought of Nadia being team captain over me.

The whistle blows, saving Nadia and I the awkward conversation. She pats my back, and I get on the court, stating down Jo as she stands in front of me, the ball in between us. She smirks at me, and I, in turn, nod at her.

And once the ball goes up in the air, all friendship bets are over.

Knowing damn well I'm taller than Jo, I toss the ball our side, and Nadia quickly gets it, forcing me to run to Jo's half. I guard Lynn, who attempts to push me away, and once Nadia is close enough, she passes the ball to me, allowing me to get the shot. The ball goes in, and we hear the cheers of the team as Lynn tosses the ball to Jo.

Jo tries to get past me, but I sneakily take the ball from her, passing it to Stacy. Stacy avoids Lynn's block as she makes a half court shot, which successfully goes in. Nadia and I both cheer Stacy on, and I watch Nadia ruffle Stacy's hair a bit, grinning as she stands by me.

Joanne gets the ball again, dribbling past me as I chase her down. Nadia and I exchange looks across the court, and as if knowing what play she wants to do, I sprint back to guard Lynn, who looks easily confused. Stacy charges at Jo before she can reach the net and blocks Joanne's attempt, the ball skirting back to Nadia, who dribbles to the halfcourt line with Joanne on her tail. She glances at me, and even though she can make a clear shot, she instead chooses to pass the ball to me, and I take the opportunity to shoot, successfully winning us the 15 minute game.