The Sun and the Moon

Chapter 30

Dennis' POV

There's no moment realer than right before the 'deciding moment' in a game

Ever looked at an ostrich's face when it's angry? Its face scrunched up in frustration, eyes glinting dangerously at you and its beak half-open in a threatening way?

That's how Jessica looked to me. As soon as I saw everyone's long faces, my stride changed to a slow, hesitant walk. No one spoke. Until Henry coughed into his fist. "We need some good tricks up our sleeve at this point."

"That's all fine, Henry." Jessica remarked. "But only if we figure out both the opponents and ourselves."

She glared pointedly at me and for a second I wanted to retort but bit my tongue.

Nope. No more compromises on teamwork now.

Obito joined in, which seemed to add to the already gloomy atmosphere. It seemed that everyone was aware in some way or the other that tensions between me and Obito were hindering our progress.

"We'll handle that." Rin assured me. "Hopefully. Yes. But we need to strategize on how to handle all our opponents. When it comes to shooting, it's Akasha and uh, Spencer..."

"Spencer's not quick to grab or pass to others." Obito spoke, startling us. He glanced sideways at me, with a strange glint. "Shooting is his only skill. We need someone fast to intercept any ball thrown towards him."

Jessica crossed her arms, listening attentively to what Obito said. "Ok, and the rest?"

"Sally is good at blocking, but I've never seen her try to score. Which means that could be a weak spot." Rin suggested.

"Shino's usually good at surprise attacks." Henry scratched his chin. "You never know from where he'd come."

I couldn't believe it. For once, we were actually getting good ideas and coming up with plans and even Obito added a point or two.

As we re-entered the court and took up our positions, a strange new feeling lurked in my guts. It wasn't excitement, it wasn't hope but something else.

Something which told me that this could be our second chance.

Henry and Spencer and Coach Fred were at the center line. Spencer mouthed some taunting words to Henry, at which the latter merely glared.

The whistle blew. The ball was now high up in the air. Spencer gave a great jump and slammed the ball with his palm.

All of us ran, hearts thumping, while Spencer dribbled forward. And when I was right next to Spencer who was nearly at the three-pointer line, it hit me like a flash.

Passing. And receiving.

Spencer was looking to his right. Only Sally and Akasha were there. But Jessica and Rin were blocking them. No. That meant he would pass to either Tenten or Shino. Henry was handling the latter.

And it clicked. I lunged for Spencer, watching Obito rush towards Tenten in the corner of my eye. Spencer had barely thrown the ball, when it hit against my palm and I felt the hot, rubbery smell against my nostrils.

Spencer gaped as he saw me grab his throw halfway and before anyone could register, I dashed towards their basket like my life depended on it.

Jessica let out a "Hell YEAH!" and she swiftly joined me. The other players shook off their surprise late and were way behind.

I reached the three-pointer and right before Shino lunged at me, I tossed it to Jessica who caught it promptly.

Please, please.