9 Aspirations

My overwhelming excitement woke me up the next day. All I wanted to do was check the list of students who made it on the basketball team. I was confident in my performance in the tryouts so I wasn't concerned if I made it or not. I just wanted to confirm my thoughts so I rushed to school as quickly as possible. When I met up with Ayumi she could tell from the moment she saw me how ecstatic I was. We commenced our morning conversation as usual until we approached the school gate. From there we made our way to our classroom where we encountered Samantha and Alexander.

"Yo Yumi, what's up?" "Nothing much, just want to make it through school." "I feel you. Hey, what is Ken so excited for anyway?" "I don't know, he was like this throughout our walk to school." "Isn't he supposed to get the results for yesterday's tryouts today?" "Oh yeah, dude I completely forgot about that." "So that's why he's so excited. I hope he makes it on the team." "I'm certain he will." "My bro works hard 24/7. Of course, he will make it." "Hey, guys!" I greeted them cheerfully. "You have so much energy today Ken." "Thanks, Sam, I just can't wait to confirm that I became a member of the basketball team. Now that I think about it, why don't you guys join clubs?"

"Why would we do that?" Samantha wondered. "Well, being a part of a club helps to raise your social status. Plus you'll be able to have some fun and make some more friends." "I guess but I don't know which I should join bro." "Well I recommend you to join Computer Science Club, you should fit in there. Sam could join the Arts Club and Yumi could join the Literature Club." After a while, they agreed to my proposal and soon the teacher stepped into the class. "Good morning class. The basketball team wants me to inform you that at lunch those who attended tryouts should check the notice board in the courtyard to verify if you got chosen to be on the team. With that said, time to begin class."

Morning classes took a while to come to end. As soon as they finished the group split up temporarily. This was my opportunity to see if I would be on the team. I made my way to the notice board. With every step, my nerves built up more and more. I stood in front of it nervously scanning through the names to find mine. Eventually, I was able to find mine. Joy filled my entire body upon seeing this. I felt like I was one step closer to attaining my dream of becoming a professional basketball player. That joy came to an end when I felt a slight grip on my right shoulder. I looked to the side only to see Ryan, the coolest boy from my middle school, smiling with his hand placed on my shoulder.

"It's been a while since I've talked to you, Kennedy." "Hi Ryan, how are you?" I responded reluctantly. "Well, I saw you at basketball tryouts. I laughed to myself wondering why would this non-talented child attempt to join the prestigious basketball team of this high school. I was certain you would just end up humiliating yourself but somehow you made it on the team. Congratulations Kennedy, you really impressed me." "Thanks." His expression shifted from a condescending smile to a look of disgust instantly. "Are you trying to outdo me? I was better than you ever since you started middle school. Don't you dare think you can surpass me! I'll make you regret ever thinking you can be in the same league as me."

He released his grip on my shoulder then gradually walked away without saying a word or looking back. The tension between us had grown even stronger. In middle school, he strived to assert his dominance and anyone who would try and perform better or as well as him he would tell them off. I thought we could bury the hatchet but it seems I was wrong. I did my best to avoid him during high school but I knew deep down that if I would join the basketball team I would have to face him again whether it be sooner or later. Despite his narcissism, I refused to be intimidated or allow him the satisfaction of seeing me give up on my desires. I made it my goal to prove to him that I'm not inferior to him one way or another.

Meanwhile, the others were enjoying their experiences in their respective clubs. Alexander learned more about graphic designing, Samantha learned more about painting and drawing and Ayumi was able to improve on her writing skills. Also, they were able to interact with others and share their views which made them more social. Their social statuses received a boost as people were finally able to see the type of people they really were instead of judging what they saw on the surface. They were even able to make some new friends which I was proud of. "Hi, you're back from your clubs already?" "Yup and it was surprisingly fun." "That's an understatement bro!" "I enjoyed myself and was able to make a new friend so I'm satisfied. Did you make it on the team?"

"Of course, from now on I'll spend my lunch practicing with the team. I'm so excited!" "I just want to improve my art." "If I can get closer to being able to animate I'll be so happy!" "Maybe I'll be able to write a decent book soon." "Let's give it our best shot okay?" They agreed and we carried on with our day like normal. School became more welcoming to my friends and because of that, I was delighted. Despite having to deal with Ryan on a daily basis I was still able to enjoy basketball practices with the team and my skills definitely improved. I awaited what would occur in our near future.