Playing to Win: Freshmen Year
Chapter 7: The Real Edward 's PVO
Edited by GeorgieM
My freshmen basketball season is in full flow at Cheevers High and it has been very interesting year so far on the Varsity Roster. Maddie and I are now best friends. I am her guy best friend and I am happy with it even though that I want to be her boyfriend now. Ever since the basketball tryout, I have butt heads and have got into the face of team captain Edward Jones Jr., who is son of the founder of Edward Jones Insurance company. He is rich, smart, and a great basketball player.
In the first game of the season, we played a very close game with the Chelsea High bears. I nailed the final free throw shot to win it for Cheevers. I was hero. Even thought I am riding the pine pony right now and in one of the last spots on the roster, Coach Little took me under his wing and put me on a program to help improve my body for this season and for the seasons after it.
Maddie was asked out by Edward the next day at school. I was furious that my sweet thang was now dating my worst enemy, my greatest rival on the basketball team, and the guy who hates my guts. I got jealous about it. Maddie became his girlfriend after one date together. Now that she's dating Edward, Maddie has forgetton promises she made to me and she has been treating all of her friends differently. Maddie, having seen how hurt I am, tried to make it up to me by coming to hang out with me at my suite.
The next day was the team's second game of the season. Edward scored 40 points and led Cheevers High to a blow-out win over the Springfield Jay Hawks. After the game, I called Maddie 'Sweet Thang' in front of Edward to get him jealous. Edward yelled back at me in the locker room, "Stop calling my girlfriend 'sweet thang' Zack. Maddie wants you to stop."
I yelled back at Edward, my anger evident, "You don't have the right to tell me what I can and cannot call one of the best and longest friends of my life. I have know her longer than you. Maddie likes when I call her Sweet Thang. Maddie would tell me if she wants to me stop, so back off of me."
I hate that Maddie is always saying how great and awesome Edward is and all she does is talk about how well he treats her. I know about Edward's past with Maddie's new friend, Heather. Heather is James's girlfriend; James is my new friend from the tryout. Heather and Edward used to be boyfriend and girlfriend. James was Heather's best friend and shoulder to cry on when she was in trouble, like I am for Maddie. James had always cared about Heather, like I always have for Maddie. When Edward started treating her bad in front of all of his friends, Heather got angry and went to James for comfort. Edward dumped Heather because he thought Heather was cheating on him with James. However, really she just needed James's friendship.
This weekend, Maddie was spending all Saturday with Edward at his parents rich country club. She was going to call me when she got home to her house, but Saturday passed and Maddie never called. That got me a little worried that maybe Edward took advantage of Maddie using money and alcohol to loosen her up. He could use it to get Maddie drunk. I hope that Maddie is ok and that she calls me soon. My phone rang with Maddie's Number, startling me from my gloomy thoughts.
"Hi Sweet thang," I said into the speaker phone."Hi Zack. What's up," Maddie answered
"I was just wondering how your day went yesterday with his parents at their country club." I ask."Zack, I had fun. His parents are really nice and the country club is nice as hell. I really thought that I didn't belong there." Maddie said."I am happy you had fun with his parents at their club. Maddie, I have question." I said.
"What Zack?" Maddie said.
"I was wondering who's parents are better, mine or his?" I ask.
"Zack, are you really going to make me chose between my boyfriend's parents who I met for the first time yesterday and you're Mom, who I have known for four years and who treats me like her daughter since I first started babysitting you. I also like your dad. I know I only met him a couple times when he was town, but I thought he was cool and a great dad to you guys..." Maddie answered. "I would choose your parents Zack."
"What did you do today?" I said to Maddie.
"Oh, I had something here at home I had to do today for a couple hours. Then I had to go start my Christmas shopping. Oh, on Christmas shopping, I was wondering what do want for Christmas this year, Zacky?" Maddie said.
"Besides you, nothing really. Surprise me with something that I would like and I will surprise you with your Christmas present also." I said to Maddie.
"Zacky, I can't, I already have a boyfriend, remember Edward? I think I have good idea what I want to get you for Christmas, though." Maddie said."Zack, what country did you and Bob choose to do your project on?" Maddie asked.
"We chose to do it on Canada. My group is coming over after practice tomorrow and I was wondering if you are willing to help us then?" I said.
"Of course I will help you guys. you and Bob are my friends. Bob is cool. I also think he is nice and one your best friends besides Cody and I." Maddie said.
"I will see you tomorrow during school. Can I have ride in the morning, Sweet Thang?" I ask.
"Zack, I'm sorry but Edward already offered to give me a ride to school, so I will see you at lunch maybe. Bye Zackie." Maddie said.
"Good night, Sweet Thang. Sleep tight" I said to Maddie. I love you, I added in my head after the call. Ha, Maddie never said anything about me calling her 'Sweet Thang'.
"Good Night Zack."
"Good Night Mads." I say before hanging up and going to bed.
Next Day at School:
I rode the bus to school today, because Maddie was getting a ride to school from my enemy, Edward. They have been dating for almost the whole last month. I hate Edward so much. He is mean to me in practice.
I wait in line during lunch with Derek and Bob to get my cheeseburger and fries from the lunch line. I see Maddie over in the Deli line, which she goes in every day to get a ham and cheese sandwich with mayonnaise. I have gotten a sandwich a couple times. She is in with her friends Heather, London, and Nia. I wave over to Maddie, who was looking at me and she waves back. I blow her a kiss and I think I see her blush, but its probably me over thinking my self again, like always.
After waiting in line, Maddie sits down at the table with my stuff on it. I notice that Edward is not in the lunch room today. I am kind of excited that maybe he isn't here today or he got sick during school and went home. After getting my food, I take my seat next to Maddie in the lunch room.
I actually don't have practice today. Coach gave us the night off to do homework, which is the first time since basketball season started that I have night off from practice. I will still probably practice shooting at the indoor basketball court at the Tipton's health center. I saw the sign this morning that practice was cancelled for the today. He gave it to us for all the hard work we put in so far this season.
"Hey, Maddie, where is Edward today? I have not seen him all day. Is he here today?" I ask Maddie.
"Yeah, Edward is here today. He told me when he drove me to school that he had something to do today during the lunch period so he wouldn't be here. He said that he would talk to me later." said Maddie
I think that it is very weird and creepy that he is not going to lunch today. I wonder what he had to do during lunch period, but really I don't care what he is doing. At least I get to spend the whole lunch wave with Maddie without him interrupting us. James and Heather come over to Maddie and I during lunch to sit with us.
"Hey Zack" Says James
"Hey James. How is it going?" I ask.
"Great, because we don't have practice today. I am happy, because I get to spend some time with my girlfriend after school today. I was wondering, Zack, if Maddie and you wanted to hangout after school." James asks. "Maddie, James just asked if you and I want to hangout with him and Heather after school." I say to Maddie with a big smile.
"I don't have work today since Moseby gave me the day off, so sure. If Heather can give me a ride to my house first to pick up my car for after." Maddie said.
"So, you guys can come? Good, Heather and I will pick up you and Maddie after school to go hang-out." says James.
The bell rings for nexr period and I have to go work on my jewelry box for Maddie and my mom. I should be done before Christmas with their boxes. I try to think of what I can get Maddie for Christmas. I want to get something that I know that she will be able to tell that I love and care about her more that the jerk Edward could.
"Bye Sweet thang. See you after school." I say to Maddie as we walk out of the cafeteria.
"Ok bye Zacky. I will meet you in front of my locker after school." Maddie says, giving me a hug before walking off to class with Heather and James. I see Derek and Bob and we start walking to wood shop. Bob is working on a DVD cabinet and Derek is making a grandfather clock for his grandparents.
After School
After the bell rings, I go to my locker to get my jacket out of it and my basketball bag. Then I head over to Maddie's locker to meet her. She wants to meet me at her locker so we can walk out to James's truck together. I see Heather is already there talking with Maddie.
"Hey Heather, Where's James?" I say.
"He is outside getting his truck for us." Heather says with a smile.
We walk out to the student parking lot. I see James' truck, a 2000 Dodge Ram pickup truck. I get in the back seat with Maddie, so James can give us a lift to Maddie's to get her car and then we're going to the Tipton to hangout. Heather and James have to go home to get some stuff to hangout, too. I think we are going swimming and the girls are going to watch James and I take on Bob and Derek at Tipton Health center's basketball court.
We arrive at the Tipton with James and Heather behind us so they can park in the employee parking lot because Maddie gave them her park code to park there. Maddie parks her car and I get out to open Maddie's door for her. I know she likes it when I open her car door for her. We walk to the front entrance to the Tipton and I give Norman a high five before introducing Heather and James to some of the staff as we head upstairs to my suite. I use my key to get in. My mom is on the couch watching TV.
"Hi, Zack and Maddie. Who are your friends?" my mom asks.
"This Heather and James. James is one of my friends on the basketball team and Heather is Maddie's friend and James's girlfriend." I say to my mom.
"Nice to meet to you guys." my mom says.
"Nice to meet you too, " James and Heather answer.
"Don't call me Mrs. Martin, just call me Carey. Mrs. Martin makes me feel older." my mom says with a laugh.
During the four hours of hanging out with Heather and Edward at the Tipton, we did a lot of stuff from playing in the video arcade, to swimming, to playing basketball at the health center. Bob and Derek showed up and James and I challenged them to a game. We killed them 21-5 playing a game of 21. The girls were lying on the lounge chairs in the gym talking about stuff, but I couldn't hear what they were talking about. I just had so much fun today hanging out with my friends instead of butting heads and getting into a fight with Edward at practice. Heather and James left, because Heather was having dinner over at James's house tonight so she wanted to go early and help James's mom.
After hanging out, Maddie and I decide to go upstairs to watch TV alone for a little while before Maddie has to go home. I sit on the couch watching one of the shows Maddie likes. I think she is watching the OC or something. I have seen it a couple times but I don't really care for the show. I just watch because I told Maddie we could watch what she wanted.
Maddie's phone rings and she answers it saying, "Hi, Eddy Bear." I know exactly who it is. Maddie's stupid boyfriend, Edward, is checking up on her. I just hate that Edward always has to call when Maddie and I are hanging out. Maddie is acting really weird today, also. I tried to give her a hug for driving me home so we could hang out with our friends, but all she said was 'no problem' and didn't accept my hug like she usually does. I think Edward has been treating her differently lately. Maddie is not all touchy feely with me like she always is when we hang out together. During Maddie's phone conversation with Edward, I hear a lot of 'no baby, I have not.' I wonder what that means? I also hear at one point, Maddie saying she's sorry to Edward. I am really starting to get worried about Maddie. Edward sounds like he is yelling at Maddie about something. I can hear Edward's voice, but I can't make out what he is saying. After about 15 to 20 minutes on the phone, Maddie says 'bye' and 'I love you' to that jerk Edward.
"Maddie, what was that about? I thought I heard him yelling at you for something." I ask, worried.
"Zack, it was nothing. Edward was just raising his voice like he always does when I talk on the phone with him." Maddie says trying to keep at straight face. She looks like she is about to cry or something.
"Maddie, what did he say on the phone? You can tell me anything, you know that Sweet Thang." I say, trying find out what he said.
"Nothing Zack. None of your freaking business what I said to my boyfriend." Maddie says, trying not to cry.
"Then why are you crying sweet thang?" I ask Maddie.
"Fine, Zack. I will tell you. I don't want you to call me 'Sweet Thang' anymore." Maddie says with a serious face.
"What?" I say, questioning what she said.
"Zack, what I am trying to say is that I have a boyfriend now and I don't want you calling me Sweet Thang anymore. It is time for you to move on. Please, before you get hurt by Edward. Zack, I don't like it anymore when you call me Sweet Thang. I never liked it. I only kept it because it made you happy." Maddie says to me starting to cry and sniff her nose.
"Maddie, your lying. You do like when I call you Sweet thang. You told me before. Edward told you to tell me to stop didn't he? Edward said if I didn't stop then Edward would hit you, didn't he?" I say to Maddie with a serious face.
"Zack, no. Edward doesn't hit me and he didn't tell me to tell you that I don't like when you call me Sweet thang. I told you Edward is not bad guy." Maddie says in between crying and sniffing her nose.
"Maddie, your still lying. I can tell. I know when your lying because you sniffle a lot when your lying. Maddie, it's ok to tell me if he hits you. I will protect you, I promise." I say to Maddie, taking her into my arms to hold her while she cries.
"Zack… yes…Edward told me to tell you to stop and he did threaten to hit me and beat you up if you didn't stop calling me Sweet Thang. I do love it when you call me that. It makes me feel special and I like when we are touchy feely with each other. We still can be touchy feely with each other, just not when Edward is around. You can call me Sweet Thang only when Edward is not around, too. Ok?" Maddie says, still in my over stretched arms. "Ok, Maddie, deal. I will not call you Sweet Thang in front of him anymore so that he doesn't hurt you. I promise, I won't try and hug you anymore in school also. Ok?" I say with Maddie still where she is suppose to be in my arms. I knew it the whole time that Edward was a bad guy. He's probably hitting Maddie and calling her names after every time we are together. James and Heather were right.
"Maddie, has he ever hit you or called you names before?" I ask Maddie, who is now sitting on the couch.
"No, Edward has not hit me or called me names before. He just make threats about hitting me and putting out rumors around the school." Maddie says to me.
"Maddie, why don't you just break up with the jerk if he's mean to you?" I ask.
"I say he is great all the time because sometimes he is great. He just gets into bad moods sometimes and takes it out on me. Edward can be very nice and sweet sometimes and, other times, he can be a jerk. I still love him." Maddie says. The last words break my heart. How could she love the stupid jerk after he threatens to hit her and calls her names?
"Zack, don't tell anyone about the threats from Edward, ok? It has to stay between me and you. You have to promise. I know you love me. Everybody knows you love me. If you love me, you won't tell anyone. Promise me." Maddie says and I know I can't tell anybody. I will keep my promise for my sweet thang's sake.
"Maddie, I promise to keep the threats and the name calling a secret but, if he harms you, call me so that I can come and protect you. I will go to the police if anything happens to you or it gets worse." I tell Maddie, who agrees.
Maddie says it is time for her to go home for dinner. I ask her to stay here for dinner, but she tells me she can't. It is her night to help her mom make dinner. So I walk Maddie down to the lobby, give her a big hug and a quick kiss on the lips.
"Goodnight, Sweet Thang. I will call you later before I go to sleep so we can talk more." I say before she says good-bye and walks off to her car in the parking lot.
I am angry as hell at Edward for making threats to my Maddie about hitting her if I didn't stop calling her Sweet thang. It is messed up that he threatens to beat Maddie up for what I say. What is he, two chicken to threaten to beat me up directly? I know I promised Maddie I wouldn't tell anybody about Edward's threats and not confronting Edward about it. I know it is going to be hard, because Edward gets me so freaking angry sometimes. So I am going to have control myself around Edward and not blow up about the threats he made to her. But if he lays one finger on her, I will call the cops and get his ass arrested. I will be by Maddie's side to help and protect her from danger.
I head upstairs to my room to start my research on my computer for the Canada project in global issues. I need something to get my mind off the whole Maddie-Edward situation. My Mom orders pizza for dinner after she burns the meatloaf we were suppose to have.
Before bed, Maddie calls me to say goodnight and to see if I want a ride to school tomorrow. She is happy to finally open up to someone about the threats Edward made to her. James was right, I have to be her rock, her protector and her friend because Edward is bad guy. One day, Edward is going to make a bad mistake and Maddie's going to dump him or Edward's going to dump Maddie. My guess is Edward is going to be all nice and happy with Maddie now that I can't call her Sweet thang in front of him anymore. He will probably go back to being nice and great to Maddie so that they will still be together.
After Practice: I sit next to my locker in the locker room while I wait for Coach Little, who went to the teacher's lounge for something or other. I see Edward and decide to taunt him.
"Edward, you not a captain. Yes, you are the captain of this team, but you never act like a captain like your suppose to. A captain is suppose to be a leader, he tries to make his teammates better, and is the player his teammates look up to. You, Edward, are no captain or leader. I think Edward should step down as captain and we should have a new captain be voted on. I nominate James as the new captain of the team. There is not a player more deserving on this team then James. He's what we need in a captain right now." I say to my teammates and the jerk, Captain Edward.
Coach Little walks into the locker room and hears some of Zack's speech. After looking at his players, he goes into his office and closes the door.
"Why should my team listen to you? You are just a poor, dumb ass boy, who will never be as good as me even with Coach Little's help. I know about your private sessions with Coach Little. There is nothing that stupid Coach of ours can do to help you get better. You think Maddie will ever love you? She will never love you, your poor. You can't support her or give her money." Edward says, yelling back.
"Edward, Mommy and Daddy gave you everything didn't they? I know what it takes to be good, a lot of hard work in the gym to get as good as you. I know what it is like to work for something so that you can obtain it. Yes, I do love Maddie and care about her lot. She is my best friend. I tried to date other girls but I just love my…( I stop for a minute as I almost called Maddie my Sweet thang in front Edward. I would have broken my promise to her.) I mean I love Maddie as my friend." I finish changing and walk out of the locker room to the parking lot. I am scared of what I had said to Edward that something might happen to Maddie because of it. I love Maddie too much and I couldn't control myself. I am happy I didn't say anything about the threats. I see James walk out of the gym.
"So James, how did Edward react to the argument between us?" I ask.
"He just started yelling 'stupid freshmen Martin doesn't know anything'." James answers back.
"Did Coach come out and say anything about our argument?" I ask.
"No, he just stayed in his office. I was next one to leave after you did. Zack, do you need a ride home or what?" James offers me.
"Sure James. I could use a ride home." I walk with James over to his truck and get in on the passenger's side.
At The Tipton.
I walk in to the Tipton and see Maddie at her usual spot behind the candy counter. I decide to hang out with her behind the candy counter. Maddie gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek as I start tickling her. She laughs hysterically. I know Maddie is very ticklish. Maddie starts tickling me back and I laugh as Moseby comes over to yell at us and for Maddie to get back to work.
"So, Zack, how was practice today?" Maddie asks as she straightens the candy shelves.
"Practice was good, until after practice with Edward." I answer.
"Zackary, what happened after practice with Edward?" Maddie calling me by my full first name is not a good thing.
"We got into a shouting match in the locker room about what skills a captain should have and I told him that James deserves to be the captain of the team this year, not him." I reply.
"Did I come up in this shouting match between you and Edward?" Maddie asks.
"Yes, you were mentioned." I say honestly.
"Zack, what did he say about me?" Maddie's voice shakes a little.
"Edward said that you will never love me or care about me ever." I tell her, still upset at the idea of that happening.
"Zack, you know he does this to get under your skin. You know I love you like a brother and friend. Maybe one day I will love you like a lover, but I do care about you a lot so don't listen to what Edward says. Just ignore him for me." Maddie says.
"Ok, Maddie. I will ignore him for you. I won't let Edward get the best of me." I turn to face her, wrapping my arms around her. "If I don't see you tomorrow or on Thursday, have nice Thanksgiving. Bye, Sweet Thang. I will call you later." I say as I give her a hug and kiss on the forehead before going upstairs to start my homework.
Friday-Game 3
Madide's PVO
I am at Zack and Edward's game today. Watching them with about 2 minutes left on the clock. By the way, Happy Black Friday. I finished my Christmas shopping for Zack today. He is really going to be happy with what I bought him for Christmas. I'll probably get him a few more gifts before Christmas but I already got his expensive gift.
I finished my Christmas shopping for all my friends and family, too. I went shopping this morning during Black Friday for everybody with my mom since she invited me to go with her. I didn't buy her present yet. I will probably buy hers online on Cyber Monday.
Zack's PVO
I had a awesome Thanksgiving yesterday. Maddie came over later on Thanksgiving day to have desert at the Tipton and hangout with Cody, London, Nia, and I. We had a lot of fun.
With about a minute left in the game, the score is 66-64. I score a season high for me with 10 points for the team, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. I have been on the floor for a total of 5 minutes, so far and am playing the defending Point against Brockton High.
The point guard passes the ball off to the Power forward for Brockton, Chucky Stevens, who Edward is guarding. Chucky shoots from the three point range with 45 seconds left. He makes the shot as Edward accidentally fouls him. So, he has a chance for the rare 5 point play. Chucky makes the free throws. James passes the ball into Edward. Edward dribbles up the court with 15 seconds left. I am running up as I see Edward getting double teamed. I call for the ball, as I am open from behind the arch with a chance to win it. Edward doesn't pass to me, instead he shoots under double coverage. Edwards shoots as the time expires. Edward misses and we drop our first game of the season to the Brockton High Warriors. We lost because of out ball hogging Captain, Edward Jones.
I go into the locker room and change as Coach starts yelling at us for our defense out there. "Team, your defense sucked out there, especially yours Edward. You lost the game for the them. Stop being a ball hog and pass the ball. Share the spot light for once." When the bus arrives back at Cheevers High, I see Maddie and Edward leave together and I am disgusted. I heard from Edward that he is taking Maddie out to dinner with his rich friends. My mom drives me home.
Maddie's PVO
This been one of the worst nights of my life. My stupid boyfriend and his jerk friends left me in the restaurant on the other side of town without any money. It is about 12:30 in the morning. I decided not to get in the car with Edward and his rich friends, Steve and Mark, because all of them have been drinking beer all night. I didn't have my license on me to drive for them. I was too scared to get into the car. I decide to call the only person I want to call at this very moment.
"Zacky? It's me, Maddie. Can you please pick up? I know it is about 12:45 in the morning, but I need your help to get home. Please, pick up if your there. Edward got drunk and left with his friends in their car." I say with tears in my eyes. "Please, call me back, Zacky, or pick up. Please, I need your help."
Author notes:
Will Zack pick up Maddie's phone's call?
How will Zack react to Edward getting drunk and leaving his Sweet thang at the restaurant bar and grill?
What do you think of Maddie and Edwards Relationship? And Edward's threats to Maddie?
What do you think of the story so far?