Strawberry Blonde

六

On my way home I forgot I was suppose to meet Tanner at the park for our game at three.

My phone read 3:15 and the park was about ten minutes away.

" Hmm go home and face Bee's bombardment of questions or get a warm up in some B-Ball."

I turned the corner away from my block and galloped to the park with my book bag jumping on my back.

I finally reached the park and pulled out my phone.

3:20 ! not bad timing at all.

I went to the courts and there Tanner was practicing his free throws.

I watched as shot after shot either bounced off the rim or missed the hoop completely when an idea sprung into my head.

" Hey Tanner !"

His brown hair swished as he hugged the ball to his waist.

" You ready for this smack down !?" He growled

" That wouldn't happen but I have a better idea. Why don't you let me help you get better so you can get back on the team as co-captain ?"

That sounded less condescending in my head...

" So you think your that much better then me huh ?" He said throwing the ball to me.

I caught it in front of my chest.

" Tanner I just want to help you really, instead of fighting we could be working together ?" I proposed.

" There can only be one star player and that's me."
He said getting in a ready stance.

" So there's really no talking you out of this huh ?" I sighed dribbling the ball.

" Nope, now give me all you got !"

                                  ><•><

" I can't believe it...only two points ?" I said trying to catch my breath.

" Shut...up." Tanner said laid out on the floor.

I caught my breath then stretched cracking my fingers and neck before I pulled out my phone to check our score.

" So let's see you scored two points and I scored...forty four !"

Tanner picked up his basketball and started to walk away.

" Hey Tan where you going ?" I called after him.

" I quit alright, you're better than me. Atleast I can say I tried..." He said defeated without even turning back to me.

I sighed watching him as he walked away.

I really wish I could of helped him. Is he annoying ? Yes, but his persistence was admirable.

All's well that ends well I guess.

I got home at around five and blasted through the door slamming it shut.

" Are you okay sweetie ?" My mom said peering from the couch.

" I think I seen a snake in a bush so I ran inside." I exhaled exhaustedly.

She adjusted her hijab and went into the fridge taking out left overs from what I assumed was dinner.
" I made Eggplant Parmesan your favorite !"

My favorite in the house that is.

Growing up in an experimental Muslim household, certain things weren't available to me. My parents felt akin to some of the beliefs so they decided to convert but agreed to let my sister and I decide what we want to do in terms of religion/beliefs.

I still don't know, I feel like spiritual stuff really isn't for me but that's a small part to who I am so I won't go in detail.

" Aww nice !" I said pulling out a plate while cutting a chunk of food out for myself.

" So did you make any friends today ?" She
asked from the living room

" Actually yeah I think I met one..."