Strange Days

Chapter 5: An Unexpected Turn

I came to the gym at 2:20, a little earlier than when practice is supposed to start, 2:30. I walk into the big empty gym. I didn't expect to see anyone else in here, but I found Keith already practicing when I walked in! I ran over to him quickly, "Hey buddy! I didn't expect to see anyone else in here!" As I get closer to him I realize he's wearing some new glasses. "Woah! Keith! I like your new glasses... They look.... How should I put this? They look stunning..!"

He looks over at me, "Oh yeah I just came in a little early to get a head start. I didn't expect you to come in early. I just got these yesterday, turns out I'm near sighted. Haha, maybe it'll help me make more baskets," he jokes, "but anyways let's practice."

We practice till the rest of the team arrives in the gym. Holy crap, he's made almost every basket he's shot. It's such an improvement I'm almost suspicious of this crazy boy... I can't believe this. The rest of the team soon walks in. I thought I was the only one who noticed the huge jump in performance... The whole team pointed it out too!

"Hey Keith, I like your new glasses. Where did you get them, your grandpa's house? Haha" Pierce joked around with Keith. Keith just ignored him and kept shooting and scoring.

Dylan Coale walks up to Keith who is shooting over and over, "Keith man, your glasses look fly!"

Keith barely acknowledged him, only looking over at Dylan for a second to say, "Thanks" and quickly returned to shooting.

Keith looks over at me quickly, and for some reason, I get butterflies. That's never happened before...

"Hey, Andrew!" He tries to catch my attention, but he had it before he called me. He passes me the ball, "Shoot it, Andrew!"

I knew I would miss it, but I tried anyway. I take a few deep breathes, I ready my feet and hands, I stare at the ball, then at the hoop, back at the ball. I pull my arms back and shoot it straight for the hoop. I made it! I actually made it!

"You made it!" Keith yells. That gets everyone attention and they all cheer.

"You know what Keith? Actually, I do have some hope for this team." Vincent says. "Hey Andrew, pass me that."

I pass him the basket ball and he goes to shoot. He doesn't make it the first time but the second time he tries, he makes it! Everyone on the team has made at least one basket today. This is crazy! I hope this lasts until the game. We all keep practicing shooting, I made 9 baskets just during this practice. Keith comes up to me and tells me, "I'll be right back I'm just gonna get some water. I didn't want you to worry. I'll be back soon."

We all keep practicing until all of us hear multiple shrieks from outside the gym. Of course, everyone is in a panic. My first thought, Keith, he's out there! I calm my team down a bit before saying this, "I'll go see what's wrong. I'll go check it out. You guys stay in the gym and stay safe." I'm running so fast out of the gym because I'm so worried about him. The whole time I could only think. Oh lord, Keith is out there. I hope he's okay. With every worrying thought, I run faster. I reach the doors and push them open as fast as I can. I see Keith standing there with a girl laying on the floor in front of him, unconscious. Keith looks up at me scared and he starts rambling, "Andrew! I'm so glad you're here, I need your help. I don't know how this happened. I walked out as she turned the corner and she hit her head and passed out. Please help me."

I don't even know where to start. I pull out my phone to dial 911. Suddenly, in the middle of me dialing the number, Keith interrupts, "Andrew.., wait." He leans in like he's going to kiss me. Is he actually going to? Would he actually do it? No, he would never.

He gets closer and closer to me until...he kisses me in the heat of the moment. I'm panicking inside, with butterflies fluttering in my stomach. My eyes widen when his lips touch mine, then they close. It was like time stopped and all I could think of is this moment.

This is my first kiss..