As We Grow Old

Chapter 4

When we finally got to the court, Trev was sitting on one of the worn wooden benches. As he turned to us, he started shouting.

"What the hell you guys? I've been waitin' here forever, let's play already!"

When we gathered around, we decided that Alan and G play as a team, while Trev, Jamie, and I played against them. It seemed fair, but no one knew how good Alan would be, or if he would play at all. He was still holding onto my hand, and me his, so we were curious as to what would happen after I let go. First, we needed to tell him how to play; as we all figured he didn't know how.

"You'll be on G's team," I began, "an' you an' him 'ill try and score on my team. G is the big tall guy, so jus' make sure ya' know who he is." I stuttered, not knowing how else to explain the game.

"Hey," said G, "I'll tell him what to do an' how it works."

I looked up at him, and cocked my head. G glanced down at Alan, and then turned back to me with a friendly smile.

"He's on my team."

I let go of Alan's hand, and he let go of mine. As soon as I did, he retracted into his shriveled-up form. Although he returned to that state, I could tell he was less scared. He did not cling to himself as tightly as before, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw his eyes peaking at me from behind his fluffy-brown hair.

He silently followed G, much as we had done before, and G very quietly spoke to him as they walked to their side of the court.

"Kid's weird."

Both Jamie and I turned to Trev and scoffed.

"What?! I'm jus' sayin' it like it is!"

"Hey," Jamie said, "don't talk like that 'bout him. He don't know better. His folks already give 'em enough of that crap. Don't need you sayin' it too."

I was surprised, I hadn't known Jamie for very long, but I'd only ever seen him act upbeat and kind. This new side of him was edgy, scary almost. I thought at first they might fight, but Trev just laughed it off casually as if nothing had happened.

"Alright," G exclaimed as he walked over, "I think he's got it now. If he don't, then I don't know what else ta' do."

"Okay then, let's play" Trev said as he bounced the ball. "Do you wanna tip off or nah?"

G looked over at Alan.

"Nuh, y'all just start. We'll play D."

"Blake!"

I turned, and looked over at Trev who'd called my name.

"You be point, look for me an' Jamie."

I hated whenever I was point guard. I'm a good ball handler, but I just never liked the pressure. Especially playing against G. He'd always tower over anyone on the court, and his arms are as wide as an eagle's wings. I grabbed the ball, and started towards the center of the court, two feet behind half court.

Alan wasn't much of a player from what I could see. Jamie and Trev were wide open because Alan just stood there. He was barley in front of the basket staring towards my direction. G was backed up quite a bit; it was obviously going to turn out to be 3 v. 1, so I regained some confidence.

I dribbled in towards the basket a little; feeling the leathery ball under my soft finger tips. I knew I had to make a choice. Jamie, or Trev. I hadn't really ever seen Jamie in action, so I didn't have a clue what to expect of him, but I knew Trev. He was an aggressive player- always in it to win; even if it means pushing and shoving a little too hard. He was like this outside the court too; always a little rough around the edges. In Alan's best interest, I swiftly passed to Jamie. I wouldn't ever want to be the reason why anyone got hurt.