As she made her way towards the school gym, she looked up towards the darkening sky. She prayed that it wouldn't rain.
A bad omen, she thought as she picked up her pace. She passed by a beggar sleeping on the sidewalk and paused to drop in a couple of coins in the plastic cup at his feet.
Across the street, she saw him. He was in his basketball uniform, walking towards her. In his hand, he carried a plastic bag with two styrofoam containers. She met him halfway, "Hey."
He smiled at her, "Hey."
"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at the gym?" she asked him. He raised the plastic bag in return and walked past her, towards the sleeping beggar.
Oh.
She watched him as he gently called out to the sleeping man, rousing him out of his dreams. He handed the plastic bag to the beggar, who received it with heartfelt thanks. She had never seen this side of him, this sweet, caring side of him. It touched her heart how he helped those in need. With that thought, she felt her heart skip a beat.
Oh no.
She snapped out of her thoughts when a hand, waving, came in her line of vision. She blinked and focused her gaze on him.
"You okay?"
"Yes! Sorry, I was just..." she trailed off.
He looked at her, as though debating whether or not to question her further. She cleared her throat and started to move forward, "Let's go."
Together they continued walking, silence between them. She was starting to feel awkward. Her mind was practically screaming at her to say something, anything, to lessen this suffocating quiet.
"How'd your game this morning go?" she asked. She mentally congratulated herself for sounding so casual.
"We lost," he said.
"Wow. How'd that happen?"
They were almost halfway to the gym now and from a distance she could see other students heading their way there too.
"The team's dynamic was kind of off."
"I bet it was because of all the pretty freshmen watching your team play. With all that testosterone, I'm sure you guys were trying to show off by trying to outdo each other."
He laughed. It was such a beautiful sound, so carefree and light. It brought a shiver down her spine. She shook her head. What was she thinking? Thoughts like those were a big no-no.
"Maybe," he said after, "there were a lot of pretty girls, too bad none of them were the girl I was looking for."
"You were looking for a girl?"
"I didn't see her this morning, she must've missed the game."
She felt the wind get knocked out of her. Her heart constricted, she winced at the short pain. She didn't want to hear about this girl, she felt like it'd break her heart a little more to describe someone that wasn't her.
"So when's the next game?" she asked, trying to change the topic.
"It's at 2," he replied, looking at her, "you're watching this time, right?"
"Yes, of course."
"You better be cheering for me."
"I'll leave that up to your fangirls."
"Fangirls? What are you talking about? Mitch's the one who has a lot of fangirls."
"You're so dense. You're popular too. I mean, tell me exactly how many girls — and boys, have asked to have their picture taken with you?"
He didn't answer. She laughed, "I rest my case."
He looked at her, smiling, "What about you?"
"What do you mean?" she was confused.
"Aren't you going to ask for a picture with me?"
She felt herself grow warm at what he said. She didn't want him to think that she was just one of his many fans. She wanted him to think that she was more than that. Someone who stood out amongst the others.
She shrugged, in what she hoped was a bit nonchalant, "Nah, I don't have to have a photo with you. I see you practically everyday."
They were just outside the doors leading to the gym now. She turned to him, a small smile adorned her lips.
"Why don't you ask for a photo with mystery girl? She might watch your next game." What the heck was she doing?
"You think she would?"
"Of course. What girl wouldn't want to watch you play, especially if they find out how into them you are." Is she being masochistic right now?
"I don't think she knows how I feel."
"Well, you just have to show her how you feel." Her heart ached as she said those words.
"How?"
"Why don't you dedicate a shot to her? Look for her amongst the crowd, wink at her and make the basket."
He stared at her for a few seconds, before he burst out in laughter. She went red with embarrassment when she realized how naive she sounded. She made to leave him there before she made a fool out of herself any further. She would find herself a decent spot to watch the game from. But before she could take a step, he took hold of her hand, pulling her back to him. She gave a huff and was about to tell him off but he brought her into a hug. She stilled at their close proximity.
Oh god, no.
He chuckled and patted her head, giving her one last squeeze before pulling away, "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."
-4th quarter, 3 minutes left-
The crowd was growing wilder as the timer continued to count down. They were behind by 3 points. The cheers could be heard from both sides, each trying to outdo the other. Ball possession was on their team, the players running down the court. Passing, dribbling, trying to get an open shot.
Mitch, the team captain, has the ball. He dribbles it around an opponent player, and shoots.
Swoosh.
It goes in! They were only 1 point behind now. The ball in the other team's possession. One of their players tries for a shot, but it's a bit off and the ball ends up bouncing off the rim.
Rebound!
He grabs the ball, moving past the other players. His teammates block the opposing team's attempts to steal the ball, giving him a chance to make his way closer to the ring. He moves across the court with such speed that she almost misses it.
Less than 10 seconds left on the clock, she holds her breath as she sees him positioning to take the shot. The drumming of her heart is all she hears in the sudden hush of the crowd. And just before he takes the shot, he catches her stare and winks.
End.
