Justin locked his stance, slowly dribbling the ball. He glared at Symone, her eyes flashing with anger. He was going to get her, and he was going to get her good. He sprinted in, sidestepped her easily for the first shot.
“Make It, Take It.” he said through clenched teeth as Symone checked the ball. He tried the same maneuver again, but Symone was ready, blocking him. She snatched the ball from him, took it out and came back almost before Justin had time to think. The rest of the game continued until they scored was tied 9-9.
Symone had the ball, and Justin could see the sweat dripping off of her onto the court. He knew he must look the same, if not worse. The game had been fast and furious, both at their best. Symone watched Justin carefully, planning her moves. He knew just about all of her tricks, so she had just one choice left. She took the ball back to half-court, and dribbled a few more times. She made this shot 7 times out of 10, and she just hoped today would be her on day. Justin, realizing what Symone was going to do, charged her, but by the time he got there, the ball was swishing through the net. Justin, not being able to stop in time, plowed into Symone, knocking her to the ground and pinning her under him.
“Get you’re sweaty ass body off of me!” she yelled, giving Justin a hard shove. He jumped up quickly and strode away, not bothering to help her up. Symone got up and dusted herself off. Her leg was a bit cut, and the blood trickled down it. She limped over to the bench and sank down next to Krysti.
“Could you hand me some water?” Symone gasped for air. Krysti picked a bottle up out the ice chest, handed it to her, and silently walked away. Symone shook her head, not even trying to figure out that situation. Her brain needed oxygen and her body needed water before she could think.
Justin sat at the other end of the bleachers, glaring at Symone and gulping water. Terri, who had arrived with Chris halfway into the game, sat next to him. She had seen Justin lose, and knew he got upset. But losing to a girl is even worse, in his mind. Terri knew he wouldn’t be ready to talk, so she got up and walked over to where Symone sat, now alone. Symone was into her thoughts, watching Lance, Krysti, Nicole, JC and Chris talking and playing around on the court, and didn’t notice the woman sitting next to her.
“Ms. McLaughlin!” She exclaimed in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“Well, I can to watch the game. I heard my favorite pop star was facing off against the best basketball player I know, and I just had to see it.” Terri said. Symone looked at her history teacher and basketball coach, and also friend and mentor.
“You know Justin?” Symone asked, not quite believing her.
“Oh, I do. I was his tutor when the boys first started, and he’s the one that introduced me and Chris.” Chris, hearing his name, turned to Terri, winking and blowing her a kiss.
“You and Chris are dating?” Symone couldn’t believe her teacher hadn’t told her this.
“Well, not dating anymore. As of today actually.” Terri blushed faintly, and showed Symone her ring finger, with the diamond ring sparkling on it. Symone looked at Terri, her eyes as wide as her smile.
“Congratulations!” she said, giving her a hug. Chris, hearing this, came over, followed by the rest of the entourage, wondering what was going on. Chris looped his arms around Terri’s waist.
“Are you telling people our secret?” He said, kissing her neck gently.
“Oh, so being engaged to me is so bad it has to be a secret?” Terri kidded, elbowing him in his stomach. All at once, everyone sprang to life. Terri and Chris were enveloped in congratulatory hugs and kisses and handshakes. Terri noticed Justin still standing off to the side, but closer now.
“So, what do you think, Kid?” Terri said, looking up at him.
“I think it’s the best news I’ve heard all day,” he smiled for the first time since the end of the game, and gave her a hug.
“Yeah, now you’ll never be able to get rid of me.” Terri joked.
Soon after, everyone began to gather up his or her gear and head out. JC, Nicole, Lance and Krysti were going to a movie and Chris and Terri were heading to the offices to tell management. It was just Symone and Justin left at the court.
Symone spoke first. “Look, about tonight, I understand if you don’t want to go.” She said, slinging her bag over one shoulder.
Justin shook his head. “Yeah, ya know, I think I just want to go home, shower and relax. I’m not in the mood to celebrate, really,” he said, coldly, tucking the last couple water bottles in his bad.
“I figured.” Symone said, under her breath. Justin looked at her sharply, but said nothing. “Well, I guess I’ll see you around, or something. I’ll be in Orlando all summer, with my sister, and Terri said something about her wedding.”
Justin had no look of even hearing her. “Yeah, see you.” As he turned and stalked off, it was all Symone could do to hold back the tears. She had really blown it. If only she hadn’t kissed Lance, if only Justin hadn’t provoked her. This was a really mess now.
