D is for DiNozzo
A DiNozzo family alphabet: a collection of mini-fics.
Chapter 1: A is for Anthony
Anthony D. DiNozzo III stepped to the foul line. Swish; first shot made. Swish; second shot made and he was in the perfect spot to intercept the inbounds pass from the opposing team. The two foul shots had put his team up by three points. With less than a minute to go, he knew that if the other team got hold of the ball, the game could go into overtime. He started to drive to the goal and then backed out of the key, dribbling the ball at his side.
He could hear his Abba's voice from what seemed like so long ago, back when he first played on a team in fifth grade. "Plan your moves, know where your opponents are, and know where your teammates are. Be deliberate and do nothing in a hurry."
He looked around, and glanced at the clock: twenty seconds. He dribbled closer to the key, feigned a pass and let the ball fly towards the net. Swish; the buzzer sounded. The crowd erupted into cheers; his family among them. Third consecutive state championship; his teammates were clapping him on the back, and moved to lift Anthony to their shoulders. He looked at the crowd, spotting his family; Abba and Ima were grinning from ear to ear. Grandpa was smiling and clapping his hands. He kept looking; he spotted his sisters and brother, Uncle Tim, his cousin John, Aunt Dee, and finally, his girl, the one and only Katie McGee. She looked at him and gave him two thumbs up. He grinned back at her, mimicking her gesture and then giving the sign for 'I love you.'
Then the announcement for game MVP came over the PA, "MVP is Anthony DiNozzo!" His teammates went wild and Ima and Abba hugged. They were led onto the floor for the presentation of the trophy, and other family followed. Ima hugged him, Abba ruffled his hair and then high-fived, Grandpa pulled him into a hug as only Grandpa could give, and Katie took his hand and then kissed him.
Anthony grinned; today was one of those days he would remember forever.