Hard To Love (Professor / Student)

3...2...1...

Hey guys. Sorry it has been so long. I know i use this every time as an excuse, but I have been really busy. To be totally honest, i also haven't felt inspired to continue writing either. If you enjoy this story and could take some time to tell me why or what I need to work on I would greatly appreciate it. I want to finish this story and go back and edit it. Thanks you all so much for everything. I enjoy reading all of your comments. Here is a quick chapter...

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Friday, the day of the big game. I left Mark's early this morning after a night I will never forget. Now I'm sitting in the locker room lacing up my shoes, about to take the court for a little practice before the team gets here. The gymnasium is empty, and the floor has been waxed. After stretching for a few, I grab a ball and start with free throws.

"Figured you'd be the first on the court today." A male's voice says from the sunny doorway. He walks further into the gym and I smile.

"Hey Ev. Wanna rebound for me?" I ask as he puts his backpack on the floor and takes a step under the basket. We do a few rounds of free throws, jump shots from the top of the key and some layups. Before we know it, the custodial staff starts setting up for the game. All the sound equipment is being plugged in and tested, the floor is being swept one last time and the chairs on the floor are being put out for the players.

"You're ganna kick ass tonight." Evan says as we take a seat on the bleachers.

"You think? It's been a while."
"Yeah, but you got this. You've worked hard and it clearly shows. Are you starting tonight?" He asks and I shrug

"Coach hasn't announced the lineup yet. I don't even know if I'm playing at all."

"He'd be nuts not to put you in" Mark says from the gym entrance.

"He's right" Evan says and I smile at the two of them

"You guys are just being nice."

"Regardless, you are a big reason this team has made it so far this year." Mark says as he takes a seat on the bench below us and his hand mindlessly rubs my leg.

"Ah Mark, just the man I was looking for" Coach Belton says as he walks in with a huge box. Mark's hand quickly lets go of my leg and lands in his lap.

"What's up, Walt?" Mark asks as he hops up and helps the older man out with the box

"Thank you." Belton says and wipes the sweat off his brow.

"What's in the box, Coach?" I ask as Evan and I get up to look

"I ordered new warm ups for the team and coaching staff. Here you go, Mark" Belton says and Mark holds the long sleeve shirt up to himself.

"These are really nice. Thanks Walt." Belton nods and starts sorting them.

"I gotta head to the locker room. See you after the game" I say and hug Evan. I look at Mark and smile before walking out of the gym.

"Good luck!" I hear Mark say as I open the door.

The locker room is buzzing with warm up music and the girls are pumped for tonight's game. This is our chance to write history. Our chance to prove to everyone we deserve this. Coach walks in and the music volume is turned down.

"Ladies, listen up!" he yells and everyone turns toward him "I don't need to tell you how big this game is tonight. Together we will make history. You all deserve to be here and I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of this team. Finish getting ready. I got you all new warm ups for the game tonight. Please find your number and throw it over your jerseys. I'll see you out there in 5 minutes." With that, Belton walks out of the locker room and we all finish getting ready. I lace up my shoes and throw on the new warm-ups before walking out of the locker room.