Chapter 45: Dreams

Natasha PoV

I glanced at Drew and sighed. What was that guy's issue? Why was he so rude to Sylvester? The guy was just trying to do his best. Honestly, I can't stand guys like that!

It was one thing to be competitive, but what he was displaying was something else entirely. It was as if he took pleasure in belittling Sylvester. At least I would've suspected that if not for how deadpan Drew was.

I glanced back to see Wilt offering Sylvester some tips. It was heartening to see someone stand up for the underdog. Wilt really was no longer the kid who used to pick on me in elementary. 

Turning my attention back to my duties, I couldn't shake off a sense of annoyance. As the team manager, I had the responsibility to maintain a positive environment. If Drew and Loxus continued to act this way, I would have to step in. No one had the right to make someone feel inferior, especially when they were just trying to improve.

As I looked around the gym, I saw the rest of the team members engrossed in their training, unaware of the drama unfolding in their midst. I sighed. Drew said he was doing this for Sylvester own good, but was that really the case? Was crushing the dream of another really for the best? 

I sighed. Drew seemed like the kind of guy who would say letting a person hang on to a futile was more evil than crushing said dream.

My eyes went to my cousin. Yosiah was showing off to Wilt's sister. 

I walked over to him, seeking some of his advice.

"Hey, Yosiah, can I have a word with you?"

He turned around, a look of surprise on his face. "Sure, Natasha. What's up?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to phrase my question. But I decided to be straightforward. "Do you think it's wrong to let a person hold on to a difficult to achieve dream?"

Yosiah hummed, tilting his head to the side as he considered my question. "Well, to some degree, it can be detrimental to a person's mind. Constantly chasing something that seems unattainable can lead to a lot of frustration and disappointment," he answered.

"But," he continued, "that same dream can also be a positive driver. It can push a person to work harder, to improve themselves, and to keep going even when things get tough."

I nodded, understanding his point. "So, dreams can become obsessions?"

Yosiah's eyes widened slightly, but then he nodded. "Yes, they can. And when that happens, it's usually not healthy. But it's a fine line, Natasha. There's a difference between being passionate about achieving your dream and letting that dream consume you."

I thought about Wilt and how he pushed himself to his literal breaking point. He hadn't gone past that breaking point, but if he kept going, it could wreck him.

"Why do you ask?" Yosiah asked, tilting his head.

"Is it because of my little brother?" Vanessa asked from the bleachers.

I shook my head. "Well, not originally. You see, Drew was trying to get Sylvester to give up trying to join the team. It made me try to get into Drew's perspective."

Yosiah glanced at Sylvester who was chuckling nervously as Wilt cheered him on, drawing the eyes of the other players.

"Ah, I see," Yosiah said, his gaze drifting to Sylvester as well. "Drew's approach might be a bit harsh, but sometimes, reality can be that way too."

"But," he added, turning back to me, "that doesn't mean we should crush someone's dream without giving them a fair chance to prove themselves. Everyone deserves an opportunity to try."

Vanessa nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Plus, everyone progresses at their own pace. Who are we to decide when someone should give up?"

I sighed, relieved that they understood my point. "I just hope Drew and Loxus can see that too."

Yosiah smiled. "Different perspectives exist. Whether that's good or bad depends on how they interact. Like lava flowing into the sea, it can lead to a chaotic burst of steam. Or form something new and beautiful."

"Are you saying it's not bad that those two think that way?"

He picked up his basketball. "I don't know the context behind those views. It could be they were genuinely trying to help Sylvester. College basketball isn't a walk in the park. It will be tough for our seafoam-green-haired friend."

"But," Yosiah continued, bouncing the basketball lightly on the gym floor, "the way they're going about it might not be the best. You don't push someone to give up their dreams. You help them understand the challenges, and then leave it to them to decide."

I nodded, my gaze trailing over to where Sylvester and Wilt were. "But isn't it also cruel to let someone chase an impossible dream?"

Yosiah stopped bouncing the ball and glanced at me. "That's where it gets tricky. It's not about the destination, Natasha, it's about the journey. Sometimes, the pursuit of a dream, no matter how impossible it seems, can lead to growth, self-discovery, even happiness."

"But what if it leads to heartbreak?" I asked, thinking about how devastated Sylvester might be if he didn't make the team. Same with Wilt. His leg issues made his dream risky.

Yosiah shrugged, a gentle smile on his face. "Then it becomes a lesson. In life, we'll face many disappointments. It's all about how we bounce back from them. If Sylvester doesn't make the team, he'll be upset, sure. But it might also push him to work harder, to improve his skills, and come back stronger."

I sighed, my mind buzzing with these new perspectives. "I just wish there was an easier way."

Yosiah chuckled. "Don't we all? But life isn't meant to be easy. It's the challenges that shape us, make us who we are."

Vanessa smiled. "As long as there are people to support them, it will be okay." She was staring at her brother. So, shared my concerns regarding Wilt...

I smiled and nodded.

She sighed. "That said, pushing someone to keep holding onto a dream they know they can't fulfill can also be harmful. My brother tends to like pushing to reach their dreams, but I fear one day he might hurt someone rather than help them."

I frowned. Then, how much help could we give to others?

Yosiah spun his ball in his index finger. "Natasha, remember that moderation is key. Giving people everything and taking everything might seem like two opposite things, but they can often lead to the same result. People need help but they also need a level of independence."

I smiled at him. "You really should've majored in philosophy instead of psychology, Cuz."

He chuckled. "Hey, there's stuff one can learn from both. At the end of the day, they aren't too different."

"Right," I said, my gaze drifting back to the rest of the team. Sylvester was still trying his best, despite the earlier incident, and Wilt was still cheering him on. It was heartening to see.

"I just worry about them, you know?" I confessed, my gaze trailing over to where Drew and Loxus were. "I don't want anyone's dreams to be crushed, but I also don't want them to get hurt."

Yosiah nodded, understanding my concern. "It's a delicate balance, isn't it? But that's the thing about dreams, Natasha. They're personal. It's their journey, their struggle. We can only guide and support them. The rest is up to them."

I sighed, knowing he was right. As the team manager, I could only do so much. It was up to them to decide how far they were willing to go to achieve their dreams.

"And remember," Vanessa added, her gaze softening, "you're not alone in this. You can come to Yosiah or me if you need help with anything."

I smiled at her. "Don't worry, I will."

As I walked away, my mind was still buzzing with the conversation. Yosiah's words echoed in my head. Dreams could become obsessions, but they could also be powerful motivators. And while it was important to be realistic, it was equally important to give everyone a chance to prove themselves.

I looked around the gym, at the boys, each engrossed in their training, each chasing their own dreams. And I realized that, in the end, all we can really do is support each other and hope for the best.

As I reimmersed myself in my managerial duties, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose. I would do my best to foster an environment where everyone felt valued and respected, where everyone had a chance to chase their dreams, no matter how difficult they seemed. 

And as for Drew and Loxus, I hoped they would eventually see the value in that, too. Especially Drew. His 'realism' felt like it stemmed from something. Maybe he was the one being destroyed by his dream... if that were the case, I needed to help him.