The Player Diaries

Most Vulnerable Player

*****
(Ally said)

Yo D,

I am sorry I have been M.I.A. for the past few days. With the academic demands, the musical props and the basketball practices, I could say I am just a bedspacer in my own room. I am lucky to have a very thoughtful Mom who gladly drives me to school ;-) At least I could have power naps instead of driving.

You have been witness to my firsthand tell-all efforts to woo Stevie so I should not spare you my misery. Since I cannot afford leisurely writing today, let me summarize what happened.

We magically got the roles because Maria and Danny went to New York while Gaby filled in as director and Becca and Chloe attended regionals. We were breaking legs and kicking asses with our performance. And then for the final scene... we shared a kiss...

I know we should have shared a paper high five! I thought Stevie and I moved out of the friendship zone.

But I was wrong. With her cold treatment the following days, the fireworks I felt during that kiss were drenched in rain. The colorful sparks extinguished to smoke. I still do not understand why she's avoiding me.

Cut me some for being dramatic about this. I have a big game later so I need to clear my mind to focus. Wish me luck.

-Al

*****
(Stevie said)

After our kiss on stage, I got scared. What if I was Ally's flavor of the month? What if she finds a flaw and leave me? I knew I was getting ahead of myself but my heart could not handle another major blow.

It was easier for me to avoid Ally because some of my seniors came home for a short midterm break. They were hosting parties here and there.

They wanted to come to the game but I did not want to. Ally would be there.

"I am heading home after snacks. I need to study," I lied.

"Oh come on Stevie! You can do that in your sleep. Let's cheer for the Pab Penguins!" Bria said. She entered a school-of-rock-kind-of-university where the athletes were the lowest forms in the social pyramid.

"I heard Ally Hills is now playing for us. That's interesting," Chrissy added.

"That girl joined Pab?" Sarah reacted. "Let me talk to Coach. I will not let her skinny dirty ass corrupt my team with her dirty tricks."

Sarah stormed out of the diner, which was just across the school. Everyone else followed. I tried explaining that Ally was recruited.

"Give her a chance to prove herself," I said when we entered the stadium. "The school board pulled the strings to get her here."

"Plus she defeated you last year, Sarah," Chrissy teased.

"Hey! Hills cheated." Sarah answered. She glanced at me to look for an ally but I did not side with her. We both know her past actions were forgiven but not forgotten. "Alright, alright. Let us hope for the best."

The team came out with enthusiasm but there was something different with Ally. She looked at our direction and I almost raised my hand to wave at her but I stopped myself.

Their coach gave final instructions but Ally did not join the huddle. I saw her flirting with the cheerleaders, Britanny and Santana. My knees folded that I dropped to my seat.

"Are you okay?" Sarah asked. "You look pale. Let me get you some water."

"Yes. Don't worry. I just lost my balance."