The Reality Project (A Reed Deming Love Story)

Not Awkward

[RILEY'S POV]

"Wait," Katelyn said before we started the game. "It's not fair. You have all the good people, and you have one more person than us."

Matthew looked at his team, then sighed. "Yeah, I guess you're right," He admitted. He studied his team, looking for someone to give up. Everyone's faces were all like 'NO NOT ME' 'THOSE GIRLS? REALLY WHY ME?' expressions. Then, when his eyes landed on me, I put on a game face smile, like I didn't care, even though I did.

Matthew sighed once again. "I'm going to give Reed up. Not because he's the new kid. Because I feel he can beat us, alone."

"HEY!" The girls pouted, and Matthew's friends on the opposite team shot him frowns.

Reed kind of laughed, putting his hand on Matthew's shoulder, shaking it a bit. "Thanks," he mumbled, walking off with a smile on his face.

"We start off!" Mae declared, her hands in the air. What the freak.

Everyone on my team rolled our eyes. Matthew passed the ball to her as they did check-ins. Then, the game started. Mae passed the ball to Reed.

He dribbled past Matthew and Christian. Katelyn cried "REED! PASS! OVER HERE!" from across the court. I walked up to him, forming my block position. He smiled, still dribbling.

"Kind of an awkward position for a new kid and a pretty girl, darling," Reed commented. My face grew hot as I stood there. He ran past me, throwing the ball, making it in the hoop. What did he just say?

Matthew caught the ball as it flew through the chains, belonging to the high hoop. He stood outside the court, ready to take it out. Michael and Christian were shouting "MATTY!" right in front of his face, but he ignored it. I stood at the corner of the court, wide open, while some of the other players were getting blocked or something. Matthew looked lost, since he didnt see anyone open. Ugh.

"MATTY!" I shouted. It was the only way for me to get his attention. It seemed stupid calling him Matty to his face. Once he saw I was open, he threw the ball to me in a heartbeat. I dribbled, while everyone ran at me. Haha, basketball is just like fetch. I ran past people, the ball bouncing on the hard blacktop in front of me. People blocked, shoved, tried to steal, and shouted my name, but I kept right on going. Once I reached my sweet spot, I threw the ball. It rolled around the hoop slowly and dramatically, which always ticks me off. But it fell in, and I high fived everyone.

Porter got the ball, taking it out. I was blocking his teammate Parker, making sure the ball doesn't get in his hands. Porter looked around, and without me noticing, Parker slid to my right, and he was open. Porter saw him, bouncing the ball to him. I suddenly realized it was coming in my direction, so I caught it with my left hand. Once again, everyone came at me. I looked for anyone I could pass it to, but saw no one at the moment. I was surrounded by the opposite team, so it was very difficult.

"In between your legs, homie!" I heard a fimiliar voice cry. Matthew.

I smirked at the sound of his voice, and saw the person behind me, Mae. Her legs were wide open, so it was possible for me to dribble that way. Seeing that if I didn't hurry I would be tackled, I double dribbled the ball through my legs. Once everyone saw the ball no longer in my hands, they ran over to Matthew like it was a bone and they were dogs. Matthew got it, curling his tongue and then biting on it as he ran past blockers from the opposite team. Throwing the ball from half court since he was stuck, he made it. I practically wanted to hug him, but instead I high fived him.

After a few more shots and things, our coach blew his whistle. Time to go in.

"MATTHEW'S TEAM WINS!" He announced, high fiving and kinda hugging everyone.

"Good game," Reed complimented with a cute smile.

*2 HOURS LATER AT BAND*

I entered my band room with my clarinet and music book. So sad Reed isn't here, he's adorable and the nicest person ever.

"Kay, before we start, I just wanted to say this young gentlemen decided to join band since he's new and loves music," Mrs. Ariana stated. "Come on in, Reed!"

Woah, what.

He's in band with me too?!