A Jog Down The Memory Lane

chapter 3 : Who The Hell Does He Thinks He Is?

"Well, doesn't Andrew has the best timing ever? The idiot was fairly clear about the most important tournament of our lives coming up but no he thought it would be better to break his freaking leg while riding the skateboard. Bloody fool ". I thought angrily

Coach blew his whistle when our class was divided in to two teams. Most girls don't play basketball but today was an exception as coach was on his every now and then mood swings. No one wanted their ass kicked so everyone played.

The new kid , James , was on the opposite team. Teams were at tough competition and the jump ball had to happen now. I went for the jump ball from our side while kyle came from the other team. Both of us were equal in height.

Coach threw the ball and both of us jumped at the same time however my hand touched it first and sent it soaring towards Macy's face who screamed but caught it anyways. Running forward , I caught it from Macy as she passed it to me and started dribbling it towards the hoop.

" Now is the time to prove yourself buddy " , I thought sneeringly as I saw James standing as the defender for opposite team. I aimed my shot and in the ball went .

"3 points ",the coach yelled.

The game went on and the other team was in lead with the score being 15 : 18. Only 5 minutes were left for the game to end and by far every attempt of us catching up had been futile. The cacophony created by the players continually messed with my head and kept losing control. Tripping , losing the ball or better yet the ball bouncing off the hoop.

4 minutes left and still counting.

Adrian passed me the ball and I dribbled it towards the hoop but not near enough. A 3 pointer was needed. While dribbling I tried to dodge all the players who tried to check me. However James proved a tad bit more difficult then the others. He'd not let me get to a spot as he continually tried to grasp the ball back while I kept dribbling.

Silence was deafening as everyone watched us practically dueling in the court while the minutes ticked off. Merely 45 seconds remained. A burst of adrenaline was needed and an act on the impulse action but if we lost it would be the first game lost after my being captain. Not exactly rainbows and puppies for your reputation.

Mayn  wasn't this kid , James , good at his job. Might say I am impressed. With the ball in my hands I tried tricking him into moving to the left while I moved to the right and threw the ball to the board. It kept circling the ring and then went in.

The shrill sound of the bell sounded. Perfect timing I guess. My team gathered me in a hug and we celebrated for joy. If not a victory it was at least a tie.

I shivered as I felt a rough palm on my shoulder. Turning I saw James.

" Good game Rosa ", he said almost in a monotone voice

" Rosa , would you go and play with Elijah while Elliot and I sit for a while ?" , my dear brother Mark had asked me pointing toward Elijah who had shyly stood behind his brother Elliot.

" Okay Marky , but I want chocolate after", nine - year old me had said that time. I had always had many friends , I loved new people.

My brother had agreed with a kiss on my cheek and guided me and Elijah towards the sand pit in our garden. Elijah had stood staring at me for a moment while I sat making a sand castle.

" Is Rosa your real name?", he had asked with large curious blue eyes that had looked pretty in the sunlight.

" No my name is Mystia but Marky calls me Rosa because of my middle name. Its Rosabeth " , I had replied
" Can I call you Rosa too?", he had asked and sat beside me taking hold of the sand bucket.

I had nodded and passed him the spade. Since that day Rosa and Elly had become one big alliance against their brothers in prank wars , against the world........

Rosa...........

That nick name had triggered memories and those of people she had learnt not to think about anymore but how dare he called her that when James didn't even know her and how the hell had he known that particular piece of information.

Who the hell does he think he is ??