The Trouble With Two Seasons

Chapter 6 : Wins and Proposals

Days flew by and a routine was struck in.

Summer walked into school, a feeling of definite restlessness overpowering her. Her stomach was tied up in knots, she dreaded the game night approaching for some odd reason.

Asher has invited her to their playoffs this evening.

Mount Crest High had a solid basketball team. Grayer was their star quarterback and her other athletic friends--Chris, St. Williams and Asher basically ruled the team.

It wasn't Summer's first time at a playoff. She had been to a lot, most at times to support Grayer and polish off St.Williams' ego.

This time it was quite different, she was rooting for Asher, to make the next big shot.

Time rolled by and hometime came. Then it was time for the game to begin. The school was chaotic, it was charged with an electricity of competition, pumped up for the game to begin.

Attention to lessons were minimal-- The student body was excited for the game. The hallways were decorated with game flyers. Rally towels flew about and so were branded Mount Crest Jerseys.

Summer stepped into the gym, the jersey she'd borrowed from Grayer looked baggy on her, it floated to her knees. She paired it off with some denim shorts, the hem of the jersey was tucked into one side of it.

She made her way down a crowded aisle to her seat on the bleachers. Dumping her phone and bottle of water on her lap, she pulled her gaze to the court. It was bustling with activity, the players were warming up and the cheerleaders pumped up the crowd.

A mop of chocolate brown curls caught her attention and she smiled, Grayer's blue orbs getting lost in hers.

Summer gave him an energetic wave and her usual two thumbs up signal.

Grayer chuckled and flexed his muscles, loving the attention on him.
He then reciprocated with a little salute Summer's way as her attention was taken by Asher who stood few metres away from him.

Summer smiled a wider smile and blew Asher an affectionate kiss. He playfully caught it and patted it close to his heart. Then with a little wave, he  gave her a wink and raced across the court to continue with his warm-up.

Grayer didn't miss the way Summer's eyes followed Asher as he raced across the court. Watching on, he swallowed, realizing that his best friend's attention wasn't going to be entirely on him anymore. He'd have to learn to accept this sooner though. What could he say, Summer Wells was falling in love.

"Give me a G, Give me an R, Give me an A..." A chirpy voice chanted from beside him.

Grayer pulled his gaze from Summer and turned to meet Winter leading the cheer for him.
The other cheerleaders chorused and the crowd applauded.

"You look distracted, get your head in the game!" Winter encouraged with a static smile, her grey irises earnestly searching his face.

He passed his hands through his hair, "Thanks. I've got it under control."

Winter scrunched her eyebrows up at him.

"I'm hoping to hear that after you bring the team to victory, Captain." She motivated.

Grayer gave an amused chuckle, raking his eyes over her. Her cheer uniform accentuated her lean model's body and her skin glowed with cheer spirit. Her hair was in a tight bun and a few strands had come loose framing her oval face.

She tossed her pompoms up and caught them mid air. Then she gave a little sashay and sprung out after the rest of the cheer squad who were filing out.

It drew a smile on Grayer's lips as he ran to huddle up with his team at the side of the court.The game was about to begin.

The referee's whistle, sharp and loud, rang throughout the gym fifty minutes later.

The game had come to an end, it was a win for Mount Crest High.

In a matter of minutes, even before the crowd could erupt in victory chants, Asher Smith discarded his ball gear and ran out of the court.

He'd made the last winning shot and his energy was unmatched that evening.

Courtney from the cheer team, held out a bouquet of roses to him as made a beeline for the bleachers.

The crowd was ghostly quiet now as each one of them focused on the star of the match.

It caught Summer by surprise when she realized that Asher was progressing towards her. Her heart thumped in her chest, she suddenly felt very lightheaded.

Asher's steps were calculated. He reached Summer's seat within a few  seconds. Summer slowly stood up from her position reclined in her seat,eyes glued to Asher.

In one swift movement, Asher pulled her closer to himself by her waist. His other hand held the bouquet away. Summer gazed affectionately into his eyes, their breaths became haggard.

"I played hard tonight knowing you were here rooting for me. You encourage me to push myself. You fascinate me and I would love to have you as my girlfriend, Summer Wells." Asher said earnestly to Summer's ear,  sending excitement throughout her body.

His breath was warm on her skin and it tickled her. A blush crept up Summer's cheeks.

Her eyes twinkled in amazement and the corners of her lips turned up into a smile. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest and she was afraid the entire room could hear it, if not for Asher's uneven breathing.

Slowly, Asher released his hold on her waist and she yearned for him to put it back.

He handed over the bouquet of flowers and she smiled wider receiving it in her arms.

The familiar scent reminding her of honey and Spring  wafted through the air and she took a little peek at the bouquet in her arms. It was her favorite bunch of flowers--tulips.

"The flowers are beautiful and yes, I would love to be your girlfriend Asher Smith!" Summer marveled at her bouquet.

"That's wonderful!" Asher smiled wide, engulfing her in a hug. Her consent had bestowed upon him an infinite feeling of euphoria.He'd finally bagged his dream girl, a win he'd celebrate endlessly.

The crowd yelled and catcalled. The energy from the evening was channelled in rooting for Asher and Summer.

"Yo! Kiss her already!" St.Williams screamed from the court.

The crowd screamed in unison. The atmosphere was electric and welcoming.

With that, Asher slowly broke away from the hug and tugged at Summer's chin. He drew in closer and planted his warm lips on hers. The kiss was soothing and slow.Summer savored the taste of him, liking the effect it had on her body.

The jeers and catcalls from the crowd slowly faded away as they both felt nothing but their presence.It felt magical.