I won't be posting for a while, because I have exams coming up. Next update expected to be in October. Enjoy!

Sweat pours down the back of my neck. My breathing is almost ragged. My dad has been pushing me for the last two hours. My mind flashes back to my quiet conversation with Jackie before they left my house.

"You have to tell him. The enlistment for the new Junior National team is in two weeks. He'll want you to go." she said. I dragged a hand down my face.

"I can't. You know how he is. My dad will never accept it. He'll never approve."

"Left leg propulsion. Again." My dad's voice snaps me back to reality. My throat screams for water and my calf sends a sharp bolt of pain up my body. Still, I take up my position and force myself to move.

I walk to Lucas' house. The little gate is unlocked.

"Faster! To the left! Propel with your left feet, not right!" I hear stern orders shouted by a deep male voice. They're coming from the basketball court. Curiosity alone forces my feet towards it. Lucas is doubled over, the perspiration pouring down his
forehead. I've never seen him this strained before. A man I don't recognize stands close to him with a basketball in hand. With a jolt, I realize I do recognize him. Or, half of him. His nose and chin are exactly the same as Lucas's, and so is
his face shape. This must be Lucas's father. I vaguely recall Lucas saying something about his father training him today.

"Again." Lucas gulps in another breath of air and stands, taking the ball. I watch him dodge and weave around his father as the latter tries to intercept, and run up to take the shot. As the ball sinks into the net, his father lets out a noise.

"Yes, I know. Left hand." he says, doubled over, as his father opens his mouth to speak. Then his father catches sight of me and stares. Lucas looks up and follows his father's gaze. He straightens up. "Hi, Maya. Dad, this is Maya Hart. She was here this
afternoon. She's kind of a new addition to the basketball group." I awkwardly shift forward towards them.

"Hey, Lucas. Hi, Mr. Friar. Umm... I think I left my wallet here just now?" Lucas glances at his dad for a heartbeat, then whips his gaze back to me.

"Let's take a break. Lucas, why don't you go help your friend find her things." Mr. Friar takes his water bottle and walks towards the house.

"Are you okay?" I ask. Lucas gulps in more air.

"Fine." A beat of silence. Then-

"Nice shot, by the way."

"Not good enough, apparently." he replies bitterly. Then he clears his throat and says, "Let's look for your wallet. It was blue, right?" I nod. He turns to search the short grass. I grab his shoulder before he can turn away.

"Are you okay? Do you want to... talk about it?" I ask awkwardly.

"Let's search for your wallet." is all he says. I drop to a crouch beside the basketball court, searching the grass. Lucas does the same on the other side of the court. I walk over to the very edge of the basketball court, where concrete meets grass,
and bend down. I spot something blue. I reach in with my hand and pull out my wallet.

"Found it," I call, waving it over my head without turning around. I stand. Lucas doesn't reply. Just stands there. I stoop and pick up the basketball. Shoving my wallet into the pocket of my jeans, I dribble the ball absently. I stand at the two-point
mark and shoot. Then I move backwards to the three-point mark and shoot. I face away from the hoop. I bounce the ball once then catch it, as if receiving a throw from a team mate. Then I spin, run up, jump, and shoot while I'm airborne. The ball sinks
in the net.

"You got it," Lucas says, a smile on his face. "Isn't that the shot I was trying to teach you this morning?" I smile and toss the ball back at him.

"Beginner's luck." He shakes his head disbelievingly.

"Lucas." Mr. Friar walks towards the basketball court with who I assume is Mrs. Friar. She has long hair that is the exact same colour as Lucas, and the same bright smile. "I heard you have a visitor." Mrs. Friar says, smiling at me. "Care to introduce
me?"

"Mom, this is Maya Hart. Maya, this is my mom." He says, gesturing by waving his hand.

"Hi, Mrs. Friar. It's nice to meet you." I say, returning her warm smile. Her smile brightens even further.

"Hi, Maya."

"Lucas." Mr. Friar cuts in. "Let's get back to practice." Lucas's face remains impassive except for a slight twitch of his fingers. His face is stoic.

"Actually, Mr. and Mrs. Friar, I was going to ask if Lucas and I could go out for some food. If that all right with you, of course." I cut in before Lucas moves. Mr. Friar's face is disapproving. Mrs. Friar beams.

"Oh, what a sweet, polite girl. Of course you and Lucas can go out for food. Just be back before seven. You kids have fun!" I smile.

"Thanks, Mrs. Friar." I turn to Lucas.

"I'll get changed." he says.

I can't believe Maya just did that. I quickly get ready. Dad's probably going to be mad about this later. Maya and Mom are talking outside when I step out. They both look comfortable talking to each other.

"I'm ready." I call.

"Let's go, then. Bye, Mrs. Friar."

"Bye, Maya!" We are silent as we walk towards the gate. I push my hands into my pockets. Then after we turn at the end of the walkway, Maya speaks up.

"Tell me." My fingers squeeze the fabric inside my pocket. I wonder if Maya can tell how tense I am.

"First," I say, "let's go get some food. It's a bit of a long story."