Heartbreak High: New Hope

25

Time seemed to slow down as he disappeared into the stands, leaving an indelible mark on the the intense game.

I shook my head vigorously, attempting to dispel the distraction, forcing my attention back to the pulsating rhythm of the match as time sped up again.

The scoreboard displayed a relentless tie, each point a hard-fought battle. The coach's urgent voice cut through the clamour, calling us into a huddle.
"Look, the scores are tied. We just need one more ball to win this thing," he emphasized, his words a rallying cry echoing against the walls. The whistle blew, a shrill signal to re-enter the arena and continue the fierce fight for the title.

In the throes of a last-minute play, the ball found its way into Nick's possession. I bellowed,
"Nick, I'm open, pass the ball!" He grunted annoyed, orchestrating a swift pass to Tyler, who, in a seamless dance of teamwork, relayed it to me. Nick's frustration hung in the air as the timer relentlessly ticked down, the seconds dripping away like the sand in an hour glass.

With a surge of adrenaline, I aimed, my entire focus honed on the basket. The ball soared through the air, a fleeting messenger of destiny. Time stopped again as the ball circled the rim of the net and I held my breath as the crowd erupting into a symphony of cheers and applause after the ball landed through the hoop. The final buzzer sounded, a triumphant crescendo marking our win.

The team lifted me into the air, their roars blending with the exultant cheers of the spectators. In that euphoric moment, the realization struck-we won.
Yet, as the cheers echoed through the gym, my eyes sought out Alec, only to find him leaving, a solitary figure exiting the gym.

Jazz, seeming to follow my gaze from the stance mouthed the inaudible words, "go!" her eyes gesturing to Alec.

I climbed down, feeling a rush of emotions-the happy win, the lingering shadows of Alec's fleeting figure.
Excitement and nerves collided into one within me, creating a mix of conflicting feelings as the cheers echoed through the gym creating a backdrop for my thoughts.

Sprinting out of the gym, I called after him, "Alec, wait up!" The urgency in my voice echoed through the corridor, but he visibly ignored me, turning the corner with purpose.

"Alec!" I called again, desperation creeping into my tone, but he remained resolute in his silent march. Determined, I quickened my pace, the echo of my footsteps melding with the heavy silence.