Chapter one: New student

The morning sun poured into Dr. Peterson's office in St. Luke's hospital. He was oblivious to it, and to the birdsong outside the windows. His mind was focused on the three people in front of him. He had to put his past files aside, something he rarely did to attend to new ones. The new files had a case he couldn't handle alone, Dr. Peterson could see it clearly in their eyes: that the wanted their son to be able to walk again.

Though it was hard to admit it to them, but he knew it would make them to fret.

"Mr and Mrs Williams. Christopher your son won't be able to walk for the next three months. " Dr. Peterson said speculatively.

Dr. Peterson watched as Christopher's eyes narrow and focus on him. He shifted In his chair.

"No. "Christopher said in pain.

"But....you have a chance... "

"I can't play basketball during those three months then I can't secure a scholarship. " He cut the doctor and added a grin. Christopher turned to is father now, and recognized a subtle change in his manner. "I don't want to be on wheelchair or crutches, Dr. Peterson. I want quick recovery."

Mr. will and Dr. Peterson were intent on each other. Mr Williams was speechless, unmistakenly so, but there was also a look of consideration in his eyes. None of them noticed Mrs. Williams who was sobbing silently in her chair. Christopher stared at his mother,her face open and young, and just a little frightened. She wanted to cry out, he knew it.

EARLIER THIS YEAR

Christopher grinned."This team has the best basketball players. I'm looking forward to all of us getting scholarships and graduating from here." a round of applause followed after the speech made by the team captain Christopher Williams Imoh.

"Boys." The coach begun, he moved almost imperceptibly, positioning himself between Christopher and the doorway." We have heard what the Captain just said. Greenland high school needs us. with that I'm recruiting a new member. Matthew Usen."

Christopher pointed to where Matthew sat down, but before he could say anything again the coach spoke.

"Why don't you Chris let the boy in the team?."

"I'm basically human, Chris," Matthew said quietly. While laughter crowded the room.

"Matthew is a new student on transfer from Pathway high school," Coach interjected. "His report says he plays basketball very well."

"Oh?"

"I did some research on this team."Matthew shrugged off the details." I like the team and the school." The other members gave that statement another round of applause.

********

Christopher was astonished that Theresa allowed him to lead her outside without making any protest. Christopher and Theresa have been rivals right from junior high school in terms of class participation but outside classroom they were best friends. Two different things.

Christopher Williams Imoh. The first and only son of Mr Williams and Mrs Williams Imoh. The heir to a multi billion inheritance once he is twenty. He was no doubt tall, light-skinned, his brown eyes reflected perfectly when he stood under the sun, his outlined masculine structure stood out with his sharp side burns.

While Theresa Moffat, the last of three children. Tall, light-skinned, dimpled cheeks, long lashes. Her profile was sharply attractive.

Christopher'd probably never worked a day in his life. Theresa remembered the hard, pampered feel of his palm the da he held hers. Though he was a whiz in books, basketball and tennis. He sails his own yacht. Never does anything worthwhile. Only church, the books, basketball and her that makes him happy.

Christopher turned the rearview mirror opposite Theresa at the backseat as if to check her analysis while Matthew sat down beside him while he drove his white porch. Matthew maybe wasn't surprised. It wasn't difficult to deduce the rich kids in school. Christopher smiled as the merged into traffic.

Theresa smiled, "what made you leave your former school, Matthew?"

" everything." With the windows down, Matthew could hear the outdoor activities noises. The music from a variety of car radios competed against each other and merged into a strange sort of harmony. Matthew liked the cluttered, indefinable sound.

He felt himself relaxing and straightened his shoulders and turned to look at Theresa.

" And what is that everything?"

"The school lost its educational competition, no sports activities to help students get scholarships to study in the University. So I told my brother and he signed up here for me instead."

Christopher stopped at a red light, then turned, giving Matthew a long, direct look. " You sure look smart to me."He said. The light changed and he deftly slid the car into the parking lot.

"We can't go in there," Matthew told him with a glance at the exclusive restaurant.

"Why not?" Christopher switched off the ignition. "The food's good here."

"Oh....but money_"

Christopher eased himself out of the car, then leaned back in the window. "I got this. I'll be back."

The two watched him slide through the elegant doors of the restaurant.

" His father is well-known. He can do anything he wants as he is seventeen about to leave high school. once he is done he will go into the family business too." she said casually.

Matthew stared at her.

" I think he likes you," he said." I don't know if you see it, but I do."

The simple directness, had butterflies dancing in her stomach. Slowly, she turned to look at him again.

"we've been friends for almost six years and it seems like he doesn't have time for girls. why would he have time for me?"

Their conversation was interrupted as a waiter pulled open the door of the Restaurant, Christopher strolled out.

"Thanks." He said and moved past the waiter.

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