Sunny Side Down

37 Minutes (Jay)

           

I held the ball in my hands, making eye contact with the basket. Nate stood between me and my target, cocky enough to think that he would win, desperate enough to not give me an open shot. I dribbled, going from my right hand to my left, quickly back to my right. I stepped in and he followed with both hands up to contest the shot. I gave him one head fake, even dipping my shoulder in slightly to sell the deception. I stepped back, all ten toes behind the three point line. I squared up, elevated, and released the ball. Upon landing my left hand fell to my side while my right hand hung limp in the air. I waited for the swoosh sound, but instead I heard the ball hit the rim and ricochet violently. Nate and I both scrambled for it, me nearly tripping as I tried to get to the ball. Nate's hand was almost on it, I had to do something. I stretched myself as far as I could to reach, poking the ball away in the process.

Out of nowhere I received a second wind and I sped up. Nudging Nate's slightly bigger body out of the way, I jumped at the ball, slamming my two hands around it. I didn't have a moment to check where I stood, and Nate only gave me about a few inches of space. In possibly my worst form I chucked the ball at the hoop, trying my best to imitate my limp hand pose from before. Nate crashed into me, causing us both to hit the ground, but as the balled kissed the glass and swished into the net it didn't seem to matter. I exploded off the ground, my thumb and index finger creating a circle, while my other three fingers formed a three. Energetically I slashed through the air.

"GAME!" I yelled. "LET'S GO!"

Nate, who was still on the ground, looked mad, which made me smile all the more. "C'mon, bro," I said extending my hand towards him, gesturing to help him up.

"Don't touch me," he responded, pushing himself off the ground, attempting to stand. "Let's run that back."

"Bruh," escaped from my mouth. "That's was our second game."

"Okay, so let's go for three."

"I'm tired, I won, and I've gotta go. The last time I checked, so do you."

"Whatever.You're still trash and I'm nice. Let's be out."

I shook my head, but walked with him anyway. A bead of sweat slid down my forehead finding its way to my beard then to the bottom of my chin. My legs felt like noodles and my lungs could barely hold a breath, but the win somehow made it all worth it. We eventually found ourselves in the locker room, which was once again permeated with the foul blend of BO and cologne. I first walked over to the water fountain. I bent over to take a sip, swearing that this taste came from heaven. My locker was next, good o'le #46. Spinning in my combo I was reunited with my backpack, shoes, and casual clothes. I reached for my phone and tapped in the pin, revealing three new texts. One from mom, and two from Amy.

Mom: I put gAs in the truck 4 u. Hsve a great night. <3 Mom  3:21 P.M.

Amy: Just got out of work baby <3<3<3 4:30 P.M.

Amy: Can't wait to c u 2nite valentine...btw if u can't bring chocolate its totally cool lol
4:31 P.M.

I laughed a little to myself before throwing off my sweaty clothes. I washed my face in the sink and attempted to dry off as much sweat as possible. Putting on a moderate amount of body spray I started to get dressed. Blue jeans and a  black button down with watch, leather jacket, and leather boots to match. I looked good. Nate looked over smiling wide.

"Glad you got all dressed up."

"Son, can you please, hurry up." I said, patience escaping my voice. "I don't have time for some dumb jokes."

"Relax, man. What time is the bus?"

"5:35."

"And what time is it now?"