𝑭𝑨𝑳𝑳𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑳𝑰𝑲𝑬 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑺[paused due to lack of inspiration]

Chapter 2.

Leah

As I awakened, I observed a beacon of sunshine which established its way through my window lay on the tiled floor like fragrant honey. I sauntered in bed thinking what to wear to school today when I realized today was the Basketball Finals.

Shite.

I hadn't realized that I could well in sports other than picking up an article and puting it back in place. After admitting high school, I felt that I could try out for the girl's basketball team. Evidently, I procured a spot and at the start of my senior year; they offered me the title of the girl's basketball captain. I had also tried out for the girl's soccer team but there weren't many girls to create one and the selections were hence called off.

I was precisely proud of myself because I actually shone in at least one kind of sport. I dragged myself for a shower as my brain still hadn't retrieved from being drowsy.

*~*

'Do you assume we'll win?' I inquired nervously fidgeting with the strand of my shoulder-length hair that escaped my sleek ponytail.

'Why not? When the team involves a captain like you, we have to win.' Ila suggested slapping her blonde hair behind her shoulder from the back of her hand

Ila, who was present in the status of being my bestfriend. In Freshman year, we became bestfriends. After all, a weirdo needs another weirdo in her life right? Only, she's a bit weirder than me.

Approachable as she was with her sleek blonde hair which commented her olive eyes altogether.

We started walking towards the library when an intimate voice called out to us.

'LEAH! ILA!' declared the owner of the voice.

We spun around, to face a slightly panting Shay. Her mousy brown hair following her back. She paused as she approached us.

'Whoa! what's the rush, Shay? Ila demanded

'Just wanted to catch up with you'll.'

'Yeah. We noticed you were quite busy from the few past days, avoiding us' Ila reacted sarcastically

'Look I'm sorry, okay. I wasn't neglecting you'll but matters turned up and I want to make up for that'

'You better.' I vocalized, expressing for the first time since Shay's appearance.

'My place after school? After cheerleading practice of course.'

'Shay!' We sighed as we began shuffling away.

Everyone always knew Shay for cheerleading and as a matter of fact, edged up with having admired by cute guys with her mousy brown straight hair and green luminous eyes that peaked in her dark skin and me, evidently being the non-admired ones. Although it wasn't like I didn't exist, I did. I was fairly remarkable after I succeeded in becoming the basketball captain of the girls' team.

*~*

In the locker room, I heard the murmuring of the girls talking about their day and the rustling of them getting their jerseys and shoes on. Coach walked in, the room silenced. She gave her preamble speech, her voice echoing off the lockers, everyone listening to her as if she was a public speaker.

The speech of the coach was full of energy. I was feeling more energetic and trying to relax from all personal worries and issues of daily life. The purpose would be to concentrate on the game and play it with absolute focus.

The audience applauded for the Bearista basketball team almost made me crazy to show the sticking and exciting game to all the audience. The entire Bearista team members were feeling crazy to win and pumped up to play the best game of their life. We left the security of the odorous, stale and stuffy changing room and headed out the floor, where the crowd was almost deafening with 'buzz!' for the purpose of encouraging and giving more confidence to all team members.

I glanced up the stands to see Neil, along with the several others cheering for us. It was very unusual, as he never showed up for Girl's basketball matches until today, that is. We had this eye contact, and I broke it off as soon as I realized it.

We all looked at each other and said, 'it's time to start!'.The first touch of the orange leather ball was exiting the grip stimulating to the touch.

We got the ball, and the first basket scored, then the next and the next as the first half of the game seemed to fly by. When it hit halftime, the score was tight and everyone, including the crowd, remained tense, waiting and desiring for a win.

It buzzes again, and then the whistle of the referee. The next half started, and it went by just as fast as the first half, and then a roar of excitement went over us as we got the tying basket.

'Time out!' yelled the coach of the opposing team.

We ran to the bench, sat and tried to listen to how we would play the last 45 seconds. We were so close to each other that you could practically hear the heart beats thundering in the other girls' hearts. Coach's lips were moving and there was a small breeze from his hand moving as fast as he told us where we had to position ourselves to secure a win. All that was on everyone's mind was the need to score.

They came back on, with no more time to think about the hurt or sting. I heard nothing but my team; I saw nothing but the orange ball, two baskets and the nine other players on the floor. We all tasted the salty sweat and the sweet taste of wanting a victory.

' Ten, nine, eight, seven...'

We strip the ball from the other team at half court. The only thing left to do was watch our wide-open rookie score a jump shot to win.

' Six, five, four, three, two, one, buzz.'

To get where you have never been, one has to do things he/she would have never done. I know that everyone on the team that night pressed harder than they ever did, maybe for themselves, but mostly for the rest of us. We did it for each other. We won.

The feeling of excitement comes alongside a much-awaited win. It makes all the stakeholders feel to enjoy being at the top of the world.