New story guys. This is my last attempt at a Divergent High story. The first two tries didn't not go the way I wanted. Hopefully this one is a little better.
*I reposted the chapter because it came to my attention that I kept calling Tris, Carter. Sorry for the confusion. Carter is a character from another story of mine.
"Alright," Coach said during the timeout. "We've got a three point lead with two minutes left in the game. We hold on to this lead and we're on to the championship game on Saturday. Hold the ball as long as you can. We can't give them any extra possessions. Only take a shot if you absolutely know it's going in."
"Yes, Coach!" the girls chanted.
"How about we just give the ball to Tris?" Someone suggested. "She's the best ball handler on the team."
"It doesn't matter who has the ball as long as they keep it safe. You're all good ball handlers. Be confident in that. But if you really want to give it to Tris, make it a good pass. Alright let's break it down. Rebels on three!"
"ONE!"
"TWO!"
"THREE!"
"REBELS!"
Before she could walk back onto the court, the coach pulled Tris aside.
"Do what you have to do," he muttered.
Tris simply nodded then jogged back out towards her team.
"Let's get a stop, ladies," she instructed. "They get no shot."
The players set up their defense and waited for the other team to inbound the ball. As soon as they did, Tris headed towards the point guard who had the ball. The guard tried to cross her over, but Tris managed to get a hand in and poke the ball away. She got control of it and sprinted down to the other end, getting as easy layup before anyone could stop her.
The Rebel supporters went crazy. The basket made it a two possession game with a little over a minute to go. The fans could smell a victory, but the players couldn't let up just yet.
On the next defensive possession, one of Tris' teammates lost sight of the player she was guarding, allowing the other team to get a two-point jumper, bringing the lead back down to three. The ball was inbounded to Tris. With a quick peek at the scoreboard, she found that there was about forty-five seconds left. She hovered just inside their half of the court, dribbling in place to waste time.
"Get on her!" She heard the opposing coach yell.
As soon as someone began to run up to her, Tris crossed over twice to get some space. She passed to an open teammate that was just beyond the three point line.
Forty
The ball was passed around some more, being kept away from the greedy hands of the opponent.
Thirty-two
A pass was tipped, the defense managing to pick it up. They started their run back towards their end of the court.
Twenty-five
Tris got up on the player she was defending, making sure that she wasn't going to get the ball under any circumstances. The ball was worked around the court, trying to find the slimmest of openings.
Seventeen
Someone attempted to drive into the lane, causing the defense to collapse on her. She kicked it back out to a wide open player just beyond the three point line.
Twelve
Everyone watched with held breath as the ball soared towards the hoop. If it went in the game would be tied, if it didn't there would be a very short amount of time for the opposing team to try and score if they managed to get the rebound.
Eight
The ball bounces off of the back of the rim. All at once, everyone in the let out a collective breath. The ball dropped in front of Tris and she snatched it before anyone else could grab it.
Three
Tris dribbled away from the other players, a huge grin plastered on her face. When the buzzer went off, she threw the ball in the air and let out a victorious yell. Her teammates gathered around her and cheered along.
"And there you have it! The Divergent Rebels advance to the state championship game for the first time in school history!" The announcer broadcasted. The two teams shook hands for the last time and the Rebels met in the middle of the court to address the student section that had shown up for the game.
"WHO ARE WE?" The girls yelled.
"THE REBELS!" The students roared.
"AND WHAT DO WE DO?"
"WIN!"
Tris and her team laughed all the way back to the locker room. They were feeling euphoric. Nothing felt better than proving themselves on such a big stage. Their coach nearly broke down during the huddle because he was so overcome with emotion.
"Now remember girls," he started to say in conclusion. "You still have to go to school tomorrow. The bus will leave promptly at four o'clock. Bring a set of practice clothes. We will be staying in the hotel for two nights so pack appropriately. Shower up and get back on the bus!"
The girls were too excited to be upset that they still had to go to school the next day. There was some assembly that was mandatory for all students and it couldn't be switched. No one was really sure what it was about.
Fortunately, the bus ride back to Divergent High was only an hour long. They were able to get back at a reasonable time so they wouldn't be overtired tomorrow. Tris said goodbye to her teammates and walked towards her car, anxious to get home and tell her parents about the game. It was pretty typical that they weren't there, but Tris knew it wasn't their fault. Tris' father was a government official while her mother was a surgeon, so their time was fairly limited.
When she pulled into the driveway her father was out almost immediately to help bring her bags into the house.
"How'd it go, sweetheart?" He asked.
"We won!" Tris exclaimed. "We're going to the championship game!"
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "I'm so proud of you, Beatrice. You've worked so hard to get your team to where you are now."
"Dad," Tris chuckled. "Don't get all sappy on me. And please, don't bring Beatrice back. She was gone in middle school."
"Sorry," her father said. "I can't help but feel a little nostalgic, Tris."
The two walked into the house together, chatting about the highlights of the game. Tris' mother was in the kitchen and was overjoyed when she heard the good news. After a few minutes of her parents talking about how proud they were, Tris slipped away to talk to her brother.
She knocked softly on the slightly open door.
"Yeah?" She heard her brother yell. Tris poked her head in and saw he was at his desk finishing up his homework.
"Hey Caleb."
"Tris! How'd the game go? I'm sorry I couldn't be there."
"We won, so you can make it up to me by coming to the championship game on Saturday," she teased. "How'd your debate team do today?"
"Not too hot," he admitted. "Definitely the worst match we've had so far, but enough about that. Congratulations Tris. I'll definitely be there on Saturday."
"Good," Tris said. "I'm going to bed, so I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight sis."
When Tris woke up the next morning she felt ecstatic. Most wouldn't be this excited for school, but it was Friday and tomorrow she'd be playing the game she loved most for the chance to win a trophy. Quickly, Tris got dressed in a simple yet somewhat dressy outfit, applied a limited amount of makeup, and straightened her hair. She wasn't the prettiest girl at school, but looks didn't really matter. Tris stood out in her own way.
There was a honk outside so Tris quick grabbed her bag and walked out the door. Her boyfriend, Matthew, was waiting in his car for her. She hopped in and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks for driving me to school today," Tris told him.
"No problem, babe," he grinned, flashing her a million dollar smile. His black hair was tousled in a way that suggested he had just gotten out of bed, and his brown eyes had the familiar playful sparkle in them. The pair had been together for about six months. They met over the summer and made things official just before school started.
"It's chilly today," Tris said, making small talk on the way to school. She would have driven herself but she didn't want her car left in the parking lot all weekend, and she did like the extra time spent with Matthew. He was moody lately. Tris wasn't giving him all he wanted, even though he said he'd wait for her.
"It is February," he teased. "There's still snow on the ground. It's bound to be cold."
"You know what I mean." Tris playfully smacked him on the arm. "It's been warming up recently, but today it dropped back down."
The two bantered back and forth the rest of the way. When they pulled into the lot they were swarmed by Matthews's friends. Tris didn't really understand why he liked them. They were vulgar and violent, but Matthew saw something in them that Tris evidently didn't. She had her own friends but Matthew despised them, so she rarely got to see them at school anymore.
"I gotta go to the locker room," Tris informed Matthew, grabbing her bags and starting the short walk. She could help but notice, however, that Lauren went straight to Matthew as soon as she was gone. Tris understood; Matthew was a very attractive guy, but he was obviously not single so why did Lauren continue the charade. She trusted her boyfriend though, he knew how to hold his own.
Along the way Tris met up with Christina, her best friend. She was on the basketball team with Tris, so try as he might, Matthew couldn't prevent Tris from hanging out with her.
"God," Christina said in disgust. "Doesn't she get the hint?"
Tris looked back at Lauren and Matthew one more time, seeing what Christina was talking about. She was laughing at something he said, and he was smiling from ear to ear.
"He doesn't help, Tris. He's a boy so he thinks it's flattering. You have to tell him to stop talking to her and leading her on."
"He's not leading her on," Tris argued. "But he does seem to like the attention."
Christina simply rolled her eyes and continued walking. On their way, Tris tripped and stumbled into a passerby.
"Sorry," she mumbled, picking up her stuff and not knowing who she bumped into. The person crouched down to help her and she came face to face with Four Eaton. His deep blue eyes held her gaze steadily, revealing know emotion.
"Careful, Tris." He said quietly. Four handed her the remainder of her stuff and walked away. Tris watched him for a second. That boy was a mystery that no one has solved yet.
"What was that about?" Christina asked, snapping Tris out of her reverie.
"Nothing," Tris insisted. "I bumped into him and he helped pick up my stuff."
"Really?" Christina said, shocked. "I've never even seen him speak to a girl, let alone help one. He must be in love with you."
"Shut up, Chris," Tris laughed. Four, whose real name was Tobias, was the mayor of Chicago's son. He was a stellar athlete-football, basketball, and baseball-who hardly talked to anyone. Zeke Pedrad, the polar opposite of Four, was his only friend. He went by Four because that was the number on all of his jerseys.
The two girls finally arrived in the locker room, meeting up with some of their other teammates as well. They chatted about the game as the put their things in their lockers. As soon as they exited, an announcement went over the PA system.
"At this time, will the juniors and seniors please report to the auditorium. Thank you."
"So we finally get to know what this oh-so important meeting is about." Christina said to no one in particular. The girls filed in, making sure to get a seat somewhat close to the front.
At once, the entire room went silent when they realized who the guest speaker was.
It was the mayor of Chicago.
Marcus Eaton.
What? Tris and Matthew? Preposterous. All just part of the story, so don't worry. Let me know what you think so far!
~A
