Losing Lucidity

Chapter 2

(3 years ago: Sophomore Year)
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"13 seconds on the clock, were 3 points away from winning the championship. Baker, you and the rest of the team come up with a play, I trust y'all." Coach Clark says.

"Nate, Liam, Chandler, Jackson, come here." Ryan says.

"When me and Jackson come down the floor, I expect you, Liam, to cut in fake back out and cut left, Nate, you're coming out screening me and cutting back out right, I'll kick you the ball and you shoot a 3.

*buzz*

"Chandler, do your thing, just don't flip anyone like last Friday, ok?" I hear Ryan giggle.

"Ok, boys. Here's to the season, here's to champions." Chandler says loudly.

"On 3, Win"

"1....2....3.... WIN!"

"LETS GO BOYS." I hear Jackson scream.

I see the ref whistle and Jackson hustle to the baseline, Ryan dribbling up.

I only hear my heart pounding and loud breathing, nothing else.

Ryan comes up the court and Liam gives me a look, I count to 5 in my head and take off for the screen. Liam's coming backside behind Chandler and pops to the corner, I roll off from screening Ryan and run in between Jackson and his defender, barely open on the right side, but I notice Liam is open, with all the force I have left in me, I fake a shot, pass over to Liam, only 4 seconds left on the clock.

Liam shoots and the buzzer rings as the ball is in the air.

I feel nothing but numbness and nervousness.

"And Anderton is in with the 3! The Wall County Varsity Broncos with 2015 championship win!

The team and I jumped around excited, Chandler of course jumps and hangs on to the rim, while Ryan and Jackson jump on Liam and the whole team runs in the circle at half court, screaming.

We all line up as the student section in the stands stand up. We embrace in our school song and head out after a talk with the coach.

"The seasons over boys." I say with both sadness and happiness.

"Nah Nate, it's never over." Jackson says patting my back.

"Well yeah, obviously." I say giggling.

Then I notice, a girl walk up to Ryan.

"Hey Ryan, you played so good tonight!"

"Oh uh thanks." Ryan says looking down.

I'm just watching surprised, ok... She's literally one of the hottest and smartest kids in high school. I swear. Why Ryan?

"Well um, only if you want, you can text me or call me or something, uh here's my number." She says.

"Thanks." Ryan says with a smile.

She hands him a paper and she leaves with a friend of hers giggling.

"Here." Ryan says shoving me the paper and walks out slamming the doors.

What the fuck is his problem?

I look at Blake, one of my team-mates and Jackson.

"You saw that right?" I ask them.

There was no words. I am so confused.