No Turning Back (Rewrite)

Chapter 23

The adrenaline rush after winning a basketball game never failed to put me on cloud nine. A genuine smile conquered my face as my team enveloped me in tight embraces. Their cheers mixed in with those of the crowd, booming through every inch of my eardrums. My heart raced in my chest, recovering from the anticipation of watching my shot fly. Time nearly stopped as we all witnessed the ball swoop neatly through the net – just as the buzzer screamed.

Truthfully, it'd been a tough game. The other team was on our ass each quarter, blocking our offenses and dodging our defense. Most of their players were quick on their feet. They passed the ball around us with ease. Still, they were no match for our strategic approach. Speed may have taken us off guard, but we were prepared to meet them head on.

The scoreboard had been neck and neck throughout the entire game. Our opponents were above us by one basket within the last ten seconds of the fourth quarter. If it weren't for my flawless three-pointer, we surely would've lost. But, I couldn't have that. Not my senior year. Despite all the bullshit my teammates threw my way, I refused to let them down. I had to lead them through another undefeated season with a championship to top it off. If not to satisfy them, then for my own damn self. I deserved that much.

I glanced around at the whooping crowd – which I hadn't looked at once during the heated match. I was too preoccupied with my opponents that I didn't give the families and fans in the stands an inch of attention. Now, with them cheering and screaming my name, I had to bask in the glory.

Smiling, I scanned the animated crowd. Donnie was the first pair of eyes I caught. He was standing on top of the bleachers with my jersey number painted on his cheek and my jersey from freshman year overwhelming his tiny body. Words I couldn't hear left his mouth in excited screams. Beside him, my parents stood, clapping and whooping. Smiles I hadn't seen for some time were spread across their faces. A tear threatened to form in my eye as my father held up both his thumbs. His pride, always in small doses, finally hit me directly. But that's to be expected. It's basketball season, and I'm the star player. Of course, he had to congratulate me.

My eyes drifted to Donnie's right side, noticing familiar ripped jeans. The smile on my face widened at the sight of Jayden's warm smirk. He was staring down at my brother, amused by his antics. He raised an eyebrow as Donnie tugged at his jeans and pointed in my direction. My boyfriend looked up at me and a grin spread across his face. He paused his clapping to wave at me.

"Hi," I murmured under my breath. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him as my teammates towed me into the locker room.

"Victory party at my house," Conner exclaimed once we were inside. "Come right over! Booze and music are already prepared!"

Justin raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so you just knew we were going to win, huh?"

Conner threw his arm over my shoulders. "Duh! We've got the best player in the state on our team! Those other schools are no match for us!"

Justin rolled his eyes. "Yeah, whatever." He nudged his chin in my direction. "Nice shot."

"Thanks," I replied.

Conner squeezed my shoulder. "You should bring Jayla to the party!"

I opened my mouth, ready to ask him who the hell Jayla was.

"Yeah, Danny," Justin added. "You should bring your Latina princess out of her castle."

Ah shit. I'd almost forgotten about my little lie. "Uh, I don't know. She's not really into parties."

"How about we ask her?" Conner suggested. He tried to push past me towards my locker. "Where's your phone?"

I blocked his way. "I'll call her on the way out. Then, if she wants to come, I can pick her up on the way."