The Player Diaries

The Player has been Played

*****
(Stevie said)

After the party, we were still on cloudnine as we found ourselves reenergized to go to school. Surprisingly, it was not the case for Ally. There were only a few weeks left in the schoolyear and she seemed to be already over it.

Ally started an internship with Gold Star Lab right after prom and she was never the same.

"Are you skipping school again?" I asked Ally when she finally picked up her phone. I tried to be calm. "You can't miss our yearbook photoshoot this week. Your make-up exams are just around the corner. I can give you my reviewers."

"I think I can skip the photoshoot and I'll drop by this week to take all the exams," she answered. "Stevie... I already explained this... I have work. I have more important things to do. I need to hang up now."

"Ally wait--" But she did hang up.

"At least Ally still answer your calls, Stevie," Elliot said after the phone call. "She completely abandoned the basketball team. We're supposed to do a shifting in the rookies' training. Now we're working double time."

"Well at least Ally already brought you a championship trophy," Raj butted in the conversation. He's the president of Math Club. "She promised us that she will compete in the Mathletes. Now I don't have an alternate and I don't have the luxury of time to train someone else."

"Will you two stop it?" Gaby said. "Stevie's going through a lot right now. Ally was not here last year and the years before that but we managed. Please go now. I believe you have other things to do."

The two left and I found myself almost in tears. "Thanks, Gaby," I muttered.

"No worries, Stevie," Gaby answered. "I hate seeing you being stressed out. I actually have a plan to make Ally come to school."

"What is it?" We walked towards the publications room. "And what's in it for you?"

"We'll call her mom. I don't think her family knows she's missing school. My only gain here is you can finally focus on the yearbook. We're way behind schedule."

"I can't call her mom. Maybe Ally has her reasons. And I'm sorry for not meeting our deadlines. I'll work on it double time this weekend."

"If you won't do it, I will."

Gaby snatched my phone and dialled Helen's number. Gaby put Helen on speaker.

"Hi Mrs. Hills! This is Gaby, Ally's classmate," Gaby sounded worried. She was acting! "She missed her yearbook photoshoot today. I was wondering when she will be able to come to school."

"Are you sure you didn't see her today? She even left for school earlier than usual," Helen answered.

"Well actually, come to think of it... I haven't seen her for days now."

"Really?"

"Oh gosh, I think you don't need to know that. I'm sorry for being a blabber. Goodbye, Mrs. Hills."

Gaby dropped the call and walked away, leaving me speechless.

The next day, I saw Ally's car parked. I hurriedly walked towards our spot in the theater. And there she was--in her usual white shirt and ripped jeans.

"I missed you!" I screamed, running for a hug.

Ally was not responsive. "Why did you let Gaby talk to Mom?" she asked. I felt the coldness of her words.

"I didn't know she would do that. I'm sorry..."

Ally turned around.

"Allison Don Hills, we're not done talking!"

"What? If you don't have the answers to my make-up exams, then this conversation is pointless."

"Just go."

I was pissed and decided to channel my anger to other productive things. I got a pass for the whole day to work on the yearbook. It was easier not to think about Ally that way.

"I'm sorry, Ally, but we agreed to this on Day One. You have too many unexcused absences. You're getting an incomplete mark," I overheard Ms. Norbury on my way to the restroom.

"Is there a way for me to get at least a passing grade? I won't repeat my senior year for a course I could ace in my sleep," Ally answered.

"There's the Mathletes. I heard Raj couldn't find an alternate. I could talk to the faculty to give a special consideration if you win."

"When's the contest?"

"Tomorrow at three."

"Cosider it done."

"You have to show up first, Ally, then maybe I could consider it done."

"Thank you."

As soon as Ally was out of sight, I peacefully continued walking.

"Ms. Boebi," I was sure that was still Ms. Norbury.

"Yes, ma'am?" I answered.

"I heard you want to take pre-law."

"That's right."

"You see, I know a lot of people. I could put out a good word about you. It will help you with scholarship grants."

"That's so nice of you. Thank you."

"But I need to ask a small favor."

"Oh... of course." I knew it. "What is it?"

"I doubt Ms. Hills would make it tomorrow at the Mathletes. Can you be our alternate's alternate? You're the next best person in class."

"Geez thanks. But uhmmm... I got a lot in my plate right now with the yearbook." I tried resisting.

"I know you heard everything I told Ally and I also know you care about her a lot. If our school gets disqualified tomorrow, we will not have a chance to win. And if we do not win, Ally will automatically fail my class. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Ms. Norbury."