The Beginner's Guide to Henry and Gabriella

| 11 | if the only class you're acing is P.E, then you might need a tutor

Henry's POV

"So, you think you've got what it takes to be a part of this team?" Coach Perez's gruff voice reverberates off the gymnasium's thick walls.

With a clipboard in hand, he scrutinizes the boys lined on the white baseline clad in their workout attire for today's basketball tryouts. Some are scrawny but tall, and since most are freshmen and sophomores, time in the weight room would do them good, but all of it won't matter if they can't play.

He continues, "This is a division one team. For your sake, I hope you know what kind of playing I'm looking for; otherwise, don't bother stepping on the court. We have no junior team here. Only varsity. So, if you're doing this for fun, I suggest joining your local park's team."

The fleeting glances some give to each other don't go unnoticed by Coach, who tries to conceal a smile because he enjoys making newbies squirm. Three years ago, I was them, but I was confident in my skills, and I let it be known. How else was I supposed to stand out among the rest? I'd never touched a weight room before my growth spurt peaked during the summer break before sophomore year.

"This game is more than just shooting a ball through a hoop. This game is about discipline, hard work, and teamwork. Expect to wake up at 5 am for morning conditioning."

Two boys walk out of the baseline, grab their duffel bags, and leave. Coach doesn't acknowledge them.

"Expect Saturday practices."

Another one leaves.

"It is your responsibility to balance school and basketball, but that's a conversation if you make the team. Now," Coach looks over his shoulder at the team and me. "Adam, Henry set them up for drills."

"Yes, Coach," Adam breezes past me.

I haven't spoken with him since he caught Gabriella and me locked inside the restroom two nights ago. The guy's been fawning over the brunette for months, and I'd understand if he wanted to punch the shit out of me. How exactly does one explain they ended up trapped with someone's girlfriend inside the restroom without it sounding like we did something? Sure, Gabriella's not his girlfriend, but it's the damn bro code.

"Okay, newbies," I shout, capturing the attention of two dozen boys. "We're going to start with some lay-ups. Half of you will go-"

"With me," Adam chimes in as he grabs two basketball balls, "and the other half will stay with Henry. I'm your Captain, and this here is my Co-Captain. Alright, let's go."

I sweep the jibe under the rug and turn to the team. "Four of you go with Adam, and the rest come with me."

Jeffery comes jogging to my side, along with Julio, Daniel, and Nathaniel, while the others go with Adam.

"What the hell was that?" Jeffery chucks his head in the direction of Adam. "Is he still pissed about his girl, and you?"

I almost want to snicker at the term his girl, and I don't know why.

"You want to gossip, Jeffery, or do you want to play?"

Jeffery smirks as he signals for Julio to pass him the ball. "Alright, let's see if these newbies have what it takes."

For the past hour, Coach had us running dribbling, shooting, and passing drills. The team and I were barely building up a sweat, but the newbies clutched their knees, catching a breath before going again. Playing ball is what we've been waiting for since the season ended, but this is hell for the newbies, especially when Coach looms over them without a word as he jots down notes.

Damn, it feels nice when the ball leaves my hand as it arches towards the basket. The swoosh is like sex to me, maybe better if I'm honest. Okay, maybe that's a little too far a reach. But, there's nothing compared to the adrenaline coursing through my veins when the referee spirals the ball up in the air, my knees bent, eyes glued to the ball, prepared for whatever comes next. Or when the crowd's roaring my name when there are 10 seconds left, and it's a tie with the ball in my hands. Then, I make it—the last winning shot.