At first, I'm lost for words. A party? The last time I was invited and attended one was...
Ella's seventeenth birthday.
The last joyful memory we shared before her death.
"I guess that's a yes?" Lara asks, suddenly making me remember she's waiting for an answer.
"No."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not coming."
"Why?"
"Because it's none of your business."
"Or you're just covering because you're too shy."
"Shy? Me? Sorry? What? Girl, I think you've mixed me up with another girl."
"You think? So you're not sure?"
"I'm sure."
"So if you're sure, you would come with me to the party."
That girl was the same one who earlier in the cafeteria had saved me from Logan because she had understood how annoying the boy is. Yet, now she's the one I need saving from. No wonder her and Logan are cousins! Unfortunately, right now there's only one way to show Lara that I'm not that uncertain, scared, traumatised girl who vowed to never play basketball again and in order to keep that promise, ended her friendship with one of her closest friends and argued with nearly everybody who as so mentioned the word 'basketball'.
I sigh, exasperated. It's clear that I'm not going to win this argument so I might as well give in.
"Fine."
"Yes?"
"What else do you think I meant?" I ask angrily.
"Chill out. There's more to life than always stressing."
"Chill out. There's more to life than always stressing."
Where do I remember that? It's an echo from the past but with a different voice. But who? Suddenly, I'm no longer in the locker room with the most annoying girl in the world but at a basketball court, and with me there is Ella. We're playing but it seems like I'm moody as I get annoyed at the slightest mistake. Ella, who is winning, laughs and says:
"Chill out. There more to life than always stressing."
I am still lost in my memory when Lara abruptly clears her throat.
"Earth to Luna!"
"Huh?"
"I was saying let's go to my house."
"I thought we're going to the party."
"We have to change into some other clothes."
"What's wrong with mine?"
"Wow. Sorry, Luna. Just realised that your casual clothing is perfect for a party!"
There's sarcasm in her voice and the corners of her mouth form a sly smirk.
"I thought the reason for this conversation is to force me to a party not to criticise my fashion. And because of your insults I won't come to your little party."
I pick up my gym bag victoriously and is about is to walk off when I hear Lara mutter under her breath:
"Logan was right. You can't take a joke."
With those sentences, I sigh and say," Well Logan will be proved wrong."
YOU ARE READING
The Immigrant Who Played Basketball
General FictionShe was and Italian Mixed Race Girl, with a black mom. She was looked down on and insulted by the residents of her town, who said she couldn't do anything. But she never listened when it came to playing basketball, the sport that transported her awa...
