No Shame (Book 2 - No Regrets)

Chapter Thirty-Eight - Spark

KATIE'S POV

Our final basketball game, and final victory, for the season was last night. I, single-handed, scored over fifteen points in the last ten minutes. Not too bad for a fifteen year old, if I say so myself. After the game, Coach Sherbert surprised us with a pizza party, complete with brownies and ice cream for dessert. Dominick and Tyde weren't able to make the game due to scheduling conflicts. Mom is preparing to take one a big case at her firm and needs all the rest she can get. Dad got held up at the office for the whole first half and most of the second half of the game. He picked me up after the pizza party, he had a bouquet of flowers waiting in the passenger seat for me.

During the first half, while taking a water break, I spotted Christopher sitting in the bleachers. I knew he wasn't there for me, I don't think I even mentioned having a game this week. He and I still are working on navigating through the divide that has formed between us. He didn't see me looking at him. When I got back on the court and looked back, he was gone. I looked toward the bleachers a few more times, searching for him in the crowd but I never found him again. I checked my phone and didn't find any messages from him, none from before, none from during, and none from after the game.

This morning, my parents surprised me with a congratulatory breakfast of eggs, cinnamon rolls, and hash browns. We video-chatted with Dominick and Mollie, Tyde was already gone to work.

"Sorry we missed your final game, Aunt Katie." Dominick said as he lightly bounced Mollie on his leg. "We promise to make it up to you."

"The banquet is in a couple weeks, April 14, it starts at five." I mention. "I am sure I can arrange for a couple more tickets."

"Okay, I'll talk to Tyde and we'll see if Aria can watch Mollie for the evening. She or I will let you know later this week." Dominick says.

"Hope you two can join us." Dad says walking over to be on the camera. Mollie excitedly waves at him.

"Hope we can too. Mollie and I have to start getting ready to go. Congratulations again Katie." Dominick says. "Mollie, say bye."

Mollie takes a quick sip from her juice box before waving goodbye with both her hands. "Bye bye!" She exclaims.

"Bye." I say with a smile. Dominick says goodbye again before ending the call.

I close the laptop and move it aside to make room for my unfinished plate of food. I cut a big bite off of my cinnamon roll. "April 14 at five, that's when the banquet is?" Mom asks as she takes her plate over to the sink.

"Yes ma'am." I managed to say with my cheeks stuffed with food.

"Is it on the calandar?" She asks.

"Yep." I say in between chewing.

"Okay. Dad and I will be there." She says.

I give a thumbs up before stuffing my mouth with another bite.

~~~~~~~~~~

  Walking into Calculus, I find Christopher is standing at my desk, waiting. "Hi." I say to him as I set my bag down on the other side of the desk.

"Congratulations on your last game." He says moving to let me take my seat.

"Thanks." I say to him.

"Here." Christopher pulls a small lamenated square from his pant pocket. "My aunt and uncle are having a get together thing for their anniversary at their house and said I could invite some friends."