The Game

"Tony what is it" I squeaked as he pushed me against the locker

"Answer the question Dalton! "he spat shoving my shoulder hard

" I don't know what you're talking a...about "I stuttered slightly, he asked me why I was late to come out of the locker room, I can't tell him the reason.

" I'm watching you! "he barked storming out of the hallways. He was angry.

I was so scared he would find out about my disguise. I made a mental note to find out more about the Cassidy's as I treaded carefully to the car park afterwards.

..........

The next day Tony avoided me during class and in the halls.

During practice, Coach asked us to play Horse, with Tony taking lead as the first player, he takes a shot which he didn't miss, James taking a shot from the same place which he didn't miss also and a dark haired boy whose name I later learnt to be Peter who James mentioned about being a part of the Rich Squad also took a shot.

The game continued until we spelled out the entire word " HORSE".

......................

Saturday came around extremely fast.

It was the day of my first game in Roosevelt High. Ava and I got to school early before the boys so I can change to the school's Jersey.

After dressing up quickly, the boys entered the locker room with Coach.

Coach gave us a quick pep talk before leaving the locker room.

We entered the court room dressed in a blue Jersey and shorts with Rangers printed on the front side waving to the fans, family and friends seated on the court seat. I could see Ava and Tracy in their cheer leading outfits dancing to the beats played by the school's band.

The whistle was blown by the referee for the start of the game, a game of two opposing teams of five players. We were playing against the red hawks. The ball was in our hands when it was thrown upwards by the referee.

Being a Guard was.... different.

Guards are the architects of the offense. The guards are the players that carry the ball down court, set up plays, and shoot from the outside. The guards typically score the most points and are valued for quickness, accurate passing and sniper-like shooting.

I could run faster than anyone on the team.

I was benched for the first half of the game. The red hawks are pretty good with their defense. They shoot really good.

The first half of the match was over with us having ten points and the red hawks having twelve points.

Coach said to move in during the second half. I will be replacing Tony after the break was over.

Second half of the match started.....

Minutes later the ball was in James hands, he threw it to me, I caught it, ready to sprint forward when a player from the red hawks blocked me from moving. I dribbled away from him side to side crouching down and popping up my legs as I shoot into the basket earning us two extra points.

The red hawks played against us harshly awarding us two free throws as they have accumulated too many fouls.

I was chosen to make the free throw since Tony our Captain was not in the court for the second half of the match. Our scoreboard was twelve (12) against fourteen (14). If I could make the shot, we win the match but if I miss, we lose since we were already at the last minute.

The ball was given to me, the referee blew the whistle for the first throw. I shoot the ball into the direction of the basket, but the ball went the wrong way and I missed the first throw.

The ball was passed to me again for the second throw. My eyes brought me to the direction of the spectators, how they were all expectant. The cheerleaders were cheering us on and Coach was trying to communicate with me.

I prepared myself for the second throw, listened to the whistle before throwing again through the hoop, the ball hit the hoop but didn't fall into the basket. I missed for the second time.

The referee blew the whistle to signify the end of the game.

We lost our first match of the season.

I lost my first game in Roosevelt High.

I looked to my left, I saw Tony glaring at me furiously, "Damn it, I'm in for trouble" I said to myself.