Just friends? Pfft. Yeah, right.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

I was sitting in front of the library, head buried in a book when i heard a loud thump in front of me. i knew it was Dave even before he said anything. Looking up from the book, i saw the huge grin on his face.

“Yes?” i asked, eyebrows raised.

“I got in,” he replied, grinning.

“That’s great! Congratulations!” i exclaimed, smiling.

“You have no idea what i’m talking about, do you?” he asked, eyes laughing.

I shook my head and leaned forward. “Nope. Not a clue.”

“The championships. I got into the team. We’re heading to Limerick for the match against the other schools,” he replied, practically bouncing in his seat.

I could not help but smile at his excitement. “That’s amazing! How long will you be gone?”

“A week. We’re leaving this Friday,” he replied, smiling.

I frowned. “A week?”

“Long, i know. But, coach is making sure we get extra lessons when we get back. Plus, i got you to help me out,” he said.

“Extra lessons? Me helping you out?” i asked, trying to catch up.

“Yeah, yeah. We’re supposed to meet up with the teachers after school each day. You can tutor me. it won’t be that different from you tutoring the other kids. Coach said this is a really huge break for us. We could get a scholarship to college,” he answered speaking quickly.

“Slow down there. I can’t tutor you,” i interrupted his string of words.

He frowned. “Why not?”

I laughed. “No way. There’s no way i’ll do it.”

“Aw, Jo, you gotta help me out,” he begged.

“Get another tutor. Shana could help you out,” i said, flipping through my book.

He closed the book, demanding my attention. “I don’t know Shana like i know you.”

“Exactly. You won’t listen to me. You’ll be playing a fool,” i explained, crossing my arms.

“What? No way, i won’t. I swear. Please, Jo. I need you,” he pleaded, clasping his hands in front of him.

I bit my lip while he stared at me with those wide eyes, begging me. He opened his eyes wider and pouted, hoping to look like a puppy. I had to laugh and agreed to tutor him. He looked ridiculous. He smiled at his little victory. Satisfied, he stood up to leave me with my reading and studying. He pulled at the end of my ponytail playfully before running off to practice. I smiled to myself.

Dave had wanted to be on the team so much. Not only was he a great player, he knew how work in a team. He was an excellent leader and member. He had practiced so much, forcing me to go to the court in the park with him. At times, i would play with him. Others, i would let him play by himself and give him tips. He usually ignored me as though i were an annoying fly. I was just there for company.

I finished my studying an hour later. I had no one to tutor that afternoon. I only took students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. As i packed my things and walked towards the gate, something caught my eye. I saw a figure in the court, dribbling. I thought it was Dave but it was Jeff. He was shooting hoops with Aaron while some of the players rested. He had a look of pure determination on his face. i did not realise i was staring until i felt my books slipped out from my hands. Cursing, i bent to pick them up.