Lucky Me

Gender Bender

It was almost time for my next class, English. But since the gym is empty in 3rd period, I think I will stay here and practice for a while. I grabbed my lucky basketball and walked out, dribbling it down the court. Mr. Higgins was watching me and smiled, writing things down on a sheet of paper. I walked up to him and leaned against the frame of the door to his office. "Hey, Is there going to be basketball try-outs for the girls?" I asked him. I was worried since he gave me that concerned look earlier. He sighed and put a hand on my shoulder, I knew something was wrong. "I'm sorry, Zaria." He began to say. "Basketball for girls is no more. Since your the only girl who loves basketball so much, It doesn't make sense to have one." I was shocked and my eyes flew open. "N-No basketball try-outs?" I mumbled under my breath, collapsing onto the floor. This couldn't be happening! He knows how much I'm willing to become famous and end up on a basketball team, But I didn't expect this to happen! He sighed and bend down over to me.

"C-Coach, I need to be on this team! Please!" I begged, holding back tears. He sighed and shook his head. I stood up, Knowing what I was about to say was going to be something I need to do. "Put me on the boys team then." I demanded. He looked up at me serious, then looked at his clipboard. "You know, The boys can be a little rough at times," He warned me. I shrugged. "I can handle it, I mean I'm a tomboy you know." I smiled. He chuckled and gave me a rub on the head. "As you wish. I will tell the guys the news." He said, writing my name down on the list. I laughed and gave him a huge hug, soon going back to playing.

--In the boys locker room, Coach Higgins P.O.V--

I watched as Zaria continued to shoot around different hoops around the court. She was always a strong and powerful girl. But I didn't know what the boys were going to say about having her on the team. I walked into the locker room where they were talking away about the try-outs, I knocked. "Guys, I have some news." I said proudly. Everyone looked up and tilted their head. "What is it, Coach?" Nicholas said, messing around with his hair. I sighed and looked out at the court. "We have a new player joining our team." I said. The guys cheered and gave each other high-fives, having that joyful look on their faces. "A girl." I continued. Then everything went silent. "Did you just say, A girl?" Elijah raised an eyebrow. I nodded. "Zaria Smith, The girl you've met earlier. She is a powerful player." I continued to say. Jared perked up at the ceiling then walked over to me. "Her? Are you sure?" He asked. I nodded and opened the door quietly, Showing him how much she practices. She make a three pointer shot and smiled. "YEAH!" She screamed, Laughing. Jared smiled and nodded. "She doesn't mind being the only girl?" Tyshawn asked, throwing his hair back. I shook my head silently and chuckled. "You've never met a girl like her, Trust me." I said before walking out. The guys nodded at each other and had their little meeting, then rushed out to see her. "Welcome to the team!" Elijah yelled, picking her up and twirling her around. Zaria laughed and looked at Jared, who was the proudest of all. I guess they will get along well, and become the best of friends.

--A couple class periods later, Zaria's P.O.V.--

School was FINALLY over. I lifted my backpack that was filled with homework up and rested it on my back, soon grabbing my skateboard. "I can't like, Totally wait for this party!" Brooke said with her friends Savannah, Hannah, and Justice. They walked past me and knocked my skateboard out of my hands, giving it a huge crack on the wheels. "Oops!" Justice said, giggling. I gasped and growled at them, giving them all death glares. "Make sure you don't go into the pool, It might get bloody like your fucking face is gonna be right now!" I yelled before picking it up and slamming my locker shut. The three of them gasped, and Jared soon walking up to Brooke. "Hey," He said silently. Brooke gave him a kiss and walked away. I examined my board to see if I could ride it home, But I couldn't. I gave Jared a sad look and rushed off, Covering my face from tears falling down. The only place I could think of going was the park, My secret get away place. I passed through many people and ran across the street and sat quietly on the swing, crying. No, I didn't want anyone to know my pain, I want to show them that I'm stronger than this.. I looked up to see Tyshawn look down at me with a concerned look on his face. I wiped my tears away and gave him a fake smile. "W-What's up?" I asked. He had his hands behind him with a smile. "Well, For being the first girl on our team, I decided to get you something," He said before pulling out a panda and a picture frame with all of the other guys. I smiled and took it from him, smiling. "Awww, Tyshawn!" I said, giving him a hug. He chuckled and hugged me back. "How did you know I like pandas?" I raised an eyebrow. He chuckled and pointed to my book bag and my earrings. "Well, It was obvious." He laughed. I felt so welcomed. Is this what being cared about felt like? I liked this feeling.. It felt, Nice. We sat down on a bench together and got to know each other.