Slam Dunk

Chapter 6

After a long series of homework "exercises", it's time for lunch. Dang forgot the time. It's almost time for me to beat the bully in 1v1. I stare ahead, yup it's her. I shake my head. Focus man! I nod. I'll relax for lunch then I can let all of my energy out on the bully. Nice thinking.

"Sup kid! Don't you like the new class. We'd all hate to see you leave," he says, smirking at his friends.

"Sure," I nod trying to show no anger none at him. Wait till RECESS!, My head screams at me. After a whole lot of mind wrestling, it settles down. A snap out of the match and see the bully wink at me. Oh son! You just didn't do that?! My insides are boiling now. It's like somehow he knows my crush. Nope! I can't let the bully get to me. I calm myself, taking routine breaths, and quickly turn on my heel and walk away.

As we exit the doors, I feel pressured. Lordy! It's game time. As I approach the bully, I notice he is chatting with Victoria (the girl. you know who!!!) I punch him in the back, and he spins around, and knocks me hard in the jaw. Great! More blood. By now I'm used to its hard, mettalicy taste.

"I'll make you a bet", I say, eyeing him coldly.

"What if it," he asks.

"If I beat you in a 1v1 basketball game, I get to dance with Victoria, " I say.

He's taken back. Also, to my surprise I notice Victoria give me a sweet smile. I try to return it. The bully is nervous. You can totally tell it in his eyes, but still, turning down a bet like this will just show weakness. He nods, taking my hand, even though I hadn't offered it. It's on, it all (kinda!?) comes down to this game. Had it been 3 years ago, I probably would be a guaranteed loser, but today is today, and I'm going to make the best of my skills. As we make our way to the hoop, an 8th grader passes me the ball. I notice a large crowd gathering around us, and Victoria in the back, looking amused. We check the ball and I dribble around him for a bit. I notice that anger is brewing in his eyes. I fake him out, step back, and let the basketball fly. It sails through the air then designed through the net. His eyes flash many different emotions, diverting my attention. As the game goes on, the score stays, I'm 2 pts ahead of him. It's down to the final minute, and its his ball. He dribbles around me, placing his leg between my foot. And twisting my leg back into a J shape. I grimace and crumple to the ground. I can't move. No one can move. As I'm laying helpless I watch as he sinks a three. Gosh dangit, remember to hire a ref next time. I look down, fighting the urge to fight back, and as I stand I see the bully standing over me, smirking.

It's over, I failed. That was probably the most humiliating moment of my life, oh, wait, I forgot about the dance. I sigh. More and more humiliation. Life is horrible, well, for now.