Princess of the Court

Chapter Three

Majida jogged past Coach Sakamoto on her way to the field. She saluted him, grinning as she did so. His whistle fell as his jaw dropped. This was most likely the last thing he thought could happen. Majida figured she'd explain, and apologize, later. He seemed like a nice enough man, and the next two weeks were sure to be mad. Ignoring the befuddled looks of her fellow freshman she set a steady pace for herself. They would have to deal with her intruding on their space for now, and she would do all she could to make the process as painless as possible.

There were 11 boys in all. The aloof boy from her homeroom class ran at the front of the pack. He didn't seem to notice that she'd joined them. He didn't seem to notice anything at all. The other boys ran in clusters, chatting in between breaths as they went. Maybe he didn't know anyone else on the team? Or maybe he figured no one on the team was worth his time? It isn't my business in either case, she told herself, so she pushed it to the back of her mind.

After a few more laps they were brought inside for drills. Majida could feel all eyes on her every time the ball touched her hands. She'd arrived in Japan a full season before school began and spent a lot of time practicing by herself, as well as playing pickup games with middle schoolers ( older boys avoided her like the plague). Drills she could do in her sleep but being on a real court again made her want to play. She knew that want was troublesome and resolved to endure it. If all went well she'd be playing again soon enough anyway.

After drills they were called to line up in front of Sakamoto. The young assistant wrote a few notes on his clipboard before speaking. "Okay I think it's time to do a little practice game." He listed off 9 names and then smirked. "Mikami-chan right?"

"Yes..." she answered cautiously.

"Let's take this chance to shake things up a bit since you'll only be with us for a while. I'm putting you on the second team."

The boy's muttered.

"Uh," Majida didn't have words. And ok, maybe he wasn't so nice of a man. What happened to showing him is good side as a teacher? No apology for him!

"I was told that you wouldn't mind playing in practice games. Think you can't handle it?"

"Sure. I don't mind playing. But if I may be frank, if things were reversed I'd feel a bit resentful," she said, glancing at her yearmates.

"Nah, It'll be fine." he tucked the clipboard under his arm and then clapped his hands. "Let's get to it."

There was more muttering as the boys formed their teams. The two that were left out gave Majida searing looks.

Well this is a wonderful start. Second day of school and I'm already on the right track for making enemies, Majida thought as she walked up to the second team. "Sorry about this." She got glares in response. Majida sighed before continuing. "That's not going to help right now. We-"

"Are you looking down on us?" the tallest boy asked. His eyes seemed to glow like silver disks. They'd be nice to look at if he weren't glaring at her. "Just because you're from America doesn't mean anything."

"I wasn't..." she shifted her weight and placed her hands on her hips. "But I'm thinking about it now though."

The tall boy encroached upon her space."What did you say?"

"My accent is pretty good. So I know you understand me." She stepped closer and looked the boy in the eyes. "Don't get confused. I'm only here until the girl's team is reformed. Your primary concern should be impressing the coach, not bullshitting around with me. "

The boy scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Can't do that if my team sucks."

"That sounds like a personal problem to me."