The news spreads quickly. Everyone is amazed that I am playing on the boys team. Already, I've become pretty popular. My story is all the gossip now. Everyone stares at me wherever I go on, on the school grounds and off. After all, East Corner is a very small town. Everybody knows everybody. I am on my way down the hall to basketball practice about fifteen minutes after the bell. I have plenty of time, so I use it. I causally dribble my ball down the hallway, sure that I am alone. Suddenly principal Daniels comes out of his office. "Lindsey Zytillio!" (Z-eye-till-e-o) "No basketballs are allowed in this school."
"I have basketball practice tonight. Our school can't afford balls, so I bring my own. Besides, school's out anyways." I say calmly.
"I don't take sass." He snaps and holds out his hand.
"My ball?" I finally ask after staring at his hand blankly.
"Give. Me. The. Ball. Now!"
I reluctantly hand it over. I, not snotty or sassy, just turn and walk away towards the gym. Coach loves me. He will make principal Daniels return my ball. It was my absolute favorite! Allie and my team got it for me when they found out that dad got promoted. They all signed it for me too. Never was it too flat. Never was it too pumped. It was perfect. Always perfect. Coach will get it back. I know he will. My thoughts are all gloomy until I get in the gym and coach is holding something out to me.
"For you." He says smiling.
YOU ARE READING
HARDER THAN IT LOOKS
AcakI am a girl. So what? Almost all of my friends are boys. Big deal. We are all friends, brought together by the game. My strength: ball handling. My weakness: I am small. Tall, but very skinny. Size really matters in this game. I am playing better th...
