Amaranth
Whenever there's going to be a game, school gets dismissed earlier. Today we have a home game.
I didn't have anything to do for about two hours and I didn't feel like going home so I was basically wandering around the building.
I went upstairs to Mr. Perez's class. I wasn't really expecting him to be there but he was.
"Knock Knock"
"Hey"
"What are you doing here? I thought you would have left already like everybody else"
"Nah. I'm going to the game so I figured I should stay and do my some leftover work. What are you still doing here?"
"I wasn't in the mood of going home. Do you need help with anything? I'm kinda bored"
"Sure. You could sort these for me" He said gesturing to some papers and folders
"Okay"
We both spent some time in silence before I spoke up.
"Can I get your opinion on something?"
"Sure"
"Okay. So this guy left a letter in my locker a while back saying that he likes me and wants to get to know me better. He gave me his number and we've been texting back and forth for almost 2 months, talking about anything and everything. Following so far?"
"Yeah"
"Now what's bothering me is that I know anything about him besides two major things: his name and what he looks like. Apparently we have a class together but he won't tell me which one. Part of me feels like this is some joke. How am I supposed to know that he's real when all I got is a nickname?"
"Did he give you a reason why he's not telling you?"
"He said he wants me to see him for who he really is first?"
"Okay. So that could mean a few things. One is exactly what you might be thinking, that this is all some joke. It could also mean he might be mostly looked at for his looks or what he has and wants someone to look at what's important"
"That makes sense. A lot of kids here get judged on how much money they have or how popular they are. And he could be up high on the social pedestal for either"
"Exactly. He could be looking for someone that won't use him. And then there's also the idea that you might already know who he is...and thinks you might turn him down so he's going about it this way"
"I guess I could understand that. But how long does he plan on hiding from me?"
"That's up to him. Whenever the time feels right, you'll get your answer. You just have to be patient"
I sighed. "Fine"
"So. I'm guessing you like him otherwise this wouldn't be bothering you so much, right?"
"Yeah. I do like him...a lot actually"
"Good. Now just keep that in mind and the time will go by really fast"
I looked over at the clock. I had used up that extra time here. It didn't even feel that long.
"I gotta get going. I have to get ready for the game. I can finish the rest of this tomorrow"
"Sure, no problem. I'll see you at the game"
"Okay. And thanks for listening to me"
"You're welcome"
I went on down to the locker room and took my time changing. The whole time I was thinking about what Mr. Perez said. After a while, more and more of the team showed up.
Then we went out to the court for the warm ups. I fixed my hair into a ponytail and started stretching.
Every now and then people would yell my name and I'd wave back. Natalie told me that when I play, I act more like a guy. That could be true but considering how extra feminine she is, she would think that.
Soon the time came for the game to start. The team was gathered around the bench and my uncle as he going over reminders and the first couple of plays. I glanced up in the bleachers and as usual the only people I see are Felix and my aunt who waved at me.
I looked around some more. Natalie was with the cheerleaders doing their thing before the game. And I saw Mr. Perez with a couple other teachers.
The horn blew meaning it was time to start. We walked onto the court and as the cheerleaders were moving over to the sidelines, Natalie gave me a quick hug. Both teams shook hands got into position.
I stood with the ref and the girl from the other school waiting for the jump ball. He blew the whistle and tossed the ball in the air.
I send it back towards my team and the game starts.
Jacob
I walk to the parking lot saying goodbye to students as I passed them. They were lingering a little because they were excited from our school winning.
The score was 67-30
Amaranth scored more than half of those points herself. She's so quick and is good at stealing the ball.
I made it to my car and noticed a piece of paper resting on my windshield.
I read the note and I froze.
Monkey see...
Monkey do...
You stalk her...
And I stalk you...
There's more to this game...
So you'll hear from me soon...
Just remember one thing...
I'm always watching you.
