Ch. 16

A/N: What did I tell you all? I am back again with another chapter. Who is ready for it? Fair warning, this might be short. I am sorry for that. Also, we are two chapters away from this story being over, as always, I do not/ have not/nor, will I ever own the rights to Welcome Back, Kotter or any of its characters and themes. Eva is my own creation though. Now, enough of the talking, lets get into it!

It was a Saturday night and the attendees of James Buchanan's gymnasium were rocking as they waited for the basketball game to start. Freddie was on the floor with his teammates shooting three's, stretching, and doing laps in preparation for the game. Freddie had that feeling in the pit of his stomach. Tonight, was going to be amazing. He wasn't sure if it was because he was in the zone and ready to play or because Eva was coming to watch him. He hoped she would act better than she did the other day. Meanwhile, Eva had just made her way into the school.

She followed the noise of the people and found herself by the gym. She was clad in Freddie's jersey that he dropped on her doorstep last night, hot pants, and pristine white sneakers. People eyed her strangely as she passed by them. More than likely wondering who she was and why she was wearing Freddie's old jersey. Eva did not even feel self-conscious. She just held her head high and walked through the crowd. That is when she sees Freddie. "Freddie!" Eva calls out excitedly. Freddie hears his being called and searches for the source. That is when he sees Eva.

He does a light jog over to her. "Hey, Angel. Thanks for coming." Freddie greets, pulling her into his arms. "Are you kidding? I wasn't missing this." Eva laughs before going onto her tiptoes and kissing him roughly. Freddie is caught off guard and incredibly happy his family was not hear yet. His mother would come unglued at the sight of him making out with Eva in a public setting. Hell, somebody is probably even going to tell her what he did. He does wind up kissing her back. The only reason he stops is because coach yells, "Washington! Get over here now! We got a game to win, son."

Freddie pulls away. "See you." He waves to her before jogging back to the court. Eva takes a seat on the bleachers and the game begins to start. Freddie is instantly thrusted into the action. He's scoring points left and right. Freddie is absolutely killing it. "Go baby!" Eva cheers loudly and blows him a kiss from the stands. This causes her to catch mean and almost ugly glances from Freddie's friends and a woman who is more than likely his mother. Buchanan winds up winning the game. Freddie scored right as the buzzer was going off. It was like magic.

Freddie is stunned at his performance. He is stands at half court as what it seems like everybody in Bensonhurst pours out onto the floor to celebrate with Freddie. They all seemed to want to bask in the glow of victory. Eva is surprised at the amount of people who walk up to Freddie to congratulate and show support for him. They seem to genuinely care. The school, his friends, his family, his team, his coach, teachers, neighbors. Eva feels like she had just walked in on a very private moment. As if it would Be ruined if anybody knew she was her.

His ex-girlfriend should be here standing next to him fielding the "You must be very proud questions." Eva honestly should probably be at some party. So, Eva walks out of the gym. Freddie saw Eva leave. He fought through a crowd of people just to get to her. "Eva!" Freddie calls out to her. She turns around. "Shouldn't you be celebrating?" She asks as tears well up in her eyes. She really doesn't fit. "Yeah. I want you to come with me. Are you alright?" He wonders. "No. I don't belong in this moment. I am not her and I am never going to be. You have so many people that love you. It is incredible." Eva realizes.

"What are you saying? Freddie asks confused. Was this about to be what he thinks it is? "I need to leave you alone. You don't need me." Eva admits. "What are you talking about? Yes, I do." Freddie dismissed. "Oh yeah for what? Parties? Dine & dashing? LSD? Weed? Sex? Freddie you do not need me. You're better off." Eva promised. "So, what does this mean?" He asks feeling a heaviness in his chest. "I'm leaving. This s it. I am sorry." Eva kisses Freddie on the cheek and then leaves.

Freddie's feet feel like cement as he's watching her walk away. He feels stupid. He lost his damn mind for that girl and this is how she acts? She is right. Freddie does not need her. At least that is what he tells himself all night. Meanwhile, Eva goes back to Queens and doesn't even go home. She hits a bar and begins to drink away the pain.

A/N: D.R.A.M.A.T.I.C huh? This chapter was incredibly sad and probably my least favorite chapter to write because it is so heavy. Anyway, like I said, we are two chapters away from this being over. I cannot wait. This is probably my most interesting story because I got deal with varying subject matter. Anyway, I am going to let you all go. Thank you for reading and I will see you guys next Saturday. Bye guys! Also, R.I.P to Chadwick Boseman.