• Before We Met •

4

I was currently in the girls' locker room changing into my PE gear. I've always considered this room as a gossip room. Girls always have new 'intel' on people and they always decide to share it with their friends while I struggle with getting my stuck t-shirt down my back.

As I tightened my ponytail, I walked into the gym to see Coach Carter with her arms crossed, wearing the iconic PE teacher expression that almost every coach has.

"Alright everybody, since this is your first session of the year. I'm gonna start you off with the classic : baskeball." A couple of groans were heard throughout the gym. I, on the other hand, loved basketball.

We were being assigned our teams when my eyes caught sight of Sam. He was wearing a blank expression as Jay, one of the team captains, called out his name. On his way over to his team, his eyes caught mine and with a smirk and a subtle wink, he strolled over to his position.

"Aspen, you're with me." pointed Sarah, a girl from my class while snapping me out of my thoughts. I walked over to the line standing behind her as she chose a couple of other guys.

We had a pretty decent team. We were equally balanced in terms of gender and a good amount of us were pretty athletic so I guess it was safe to say we had a good chance at winning and I was more than determined, considering the loser would have to run 5 laps around the gym.

We all got into position and waited for the coach to whistle. With her intimidating voice, she shouted, "Go!" and the ball was thrown in mid-air, straight into the hands of one of my team mates. I ran to my position and as soon as Ryan was going to pass the ball to me, a hand was slapped straight on my face, catching me off-guard and missing the ball, which, may I add, also came hurdling towards my face.

I looked up with a furious gaze, ready to flip off whoever smacked me, only to come face to face with Sam.

That fucking asshole?!

He had his arms crossed around his chest and was smirking proudly while he towered over me. "What the hell is your problem, jackass?" I asked as I jabbed a finger into his chest.

"Basketball's a rough game. If you're not fit for it, then don't play." He said with his taunting gaze. "That type of sexism shit? You know, your ass must get really jealous of all the crap that comes out of your mouth." I sneered with my eyes narrowed.

I couldn't believe this type of mentality was still a thing. The thought of him winning made my blood boil and I had the sudden urge to win and shove it in his stupid, British face.

He didn't seem affected from my remark but at that moment I really wanted to prove him wrong, if not for myself, then in the name of all the women.

Calm your barbecue sauce, Oprah.

"I guarantee you, my team will knock your sorry little ass down to the ground, where you belong. Maybe you'll finally be put in your place." I scoffed.

"Oh, you think so? Let's see if you can last longer than 5 seconds in there" he taunted, watching my teeth clench in anger.

"Five bucks if I win." I betted. "Fine. You have to spend a whole 24 hours with me if I win." With his statement, I widened my eyes. "I don't think my boyfriend would be too keen on me having to sleep at another guy's house, even a jackass like you who he has nothing to worry about," I said.

"Seems like you're scared that you'll lose." He smirked. Again. I had only known him for 5 minutes and he hasn't wiped that cocky look off his face once. It was really getting on my nerves.

"Fine, deal." I extended my hand only to see him spit on his before shaking mine. I wiped my hand on my shorts while gagging and walked over to my team which was in a huddled position.

After making up a quick play, we did some sort of cheer (which I wasn't in on and ended up shouting "Go, go, go!" when all I was supposed to do was clap and cheer) and set up our positions. I was the play-maker and in full-focus.

You got this. 24 hours with him wouldn't be good for your sanity.

As soon as I heard the whistle, I dribbled the ball down the middle of the court and took a look at my surroundings. I passed the ball to Chad who was open, then ran to the other side. I got down in defence on the player next to me and covered Chad as he took a shot and scored 3 points.

Our team cheered and a couple of wolf whistles could be heard as our teammates were high-fiving Chad. I looked to Sam, only to see him bringing his team closer, mumbling something then clapping twice while they came running towards us.

I got in defence position once again as I saw Sam trying to make an easy lay-up.

Hell no, pretty boy.

I got in his way intentionally putting my foot out for him to trip and land on the ball. I smiled innocently. "Sorry, my foot sometimes has a mind of its own."

I turned around and walked back to my team only to see him mimick my reaction childishly from the corner of my eye.

This is going to be a long day.
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