The second half

When she was shooting around when the ref blew his whistle. The second half was about to start. She walked over to the

bench. I want the starting five out there, man to man. We need to press, they caught up quite a bit. We can win this but we

are going to have to work for it. Everyone nodded then walked onto the court.

White ball. The ref said handing the ball to Jimmy.

Lyssa was being guarded by number 5, one of their guards. He was holding onto her shirt so she couldn't get far away. She

finally broke away and got the ball, he guarded her closely, she passed the ball to Jimmy. He elbowed her in the stomach.

AHH. She screamed holding her stomach.

Technical FOUL. the ref yell.

What, how was that a technical? the gouchos coach yelled.

He intentionally elbowed her. Thats a flagrant foul and he's outta here!

Coach you better put another player in.

Johnny, go in for him.

Yes sir. He said taking off his warm up and running onto the court.

Two shots. Coach who is shooting the tech?

Number ten. He said pointing to Lyssa, who was standing up straight now but still holding her stomach.

You up for it? the ref asked her as he handed her the ball.

Yea. She said taking the ball from him.

She dribbled three times spun the ball in her and and dribbled another two times. She took the shot and made it. She

repeated the same routine and made the second shot.

White ball.

Jimmy inbounded the ball to Lyssa. This time she didn't pass it back. She drove right to the basket and made the lay-up. She

didn't fall back either, she stayed up and played defense. She stole the ball and took a jump shot. She made it and continued to play up. The score was now 37 29. The gouchos got the ball up the court, but threw it away trying to pass it down low.

Time out. The coach called angrily.

Everyone walked to there benches. Lyssa didnt even bother sitting. She lifted up her jersey and looked at her stomach.

It was all red and purple. Jimmy looked at her and saw her stomach.

Wow he really hit you hard didnt he? He asked as he touched the bruise, she flinched and stepped back.

Yea well its all part of the game. she replied walking over to the bench and sitting down.

Lyssa you want to come out? The coach asked her when he saw the bruise.

Nah, I'm good. They did it to take me out of the game, and unless they shoot me. I ain't coming out. She

said as she tucked her jersey back in.

Are you sure? he asked concerned.

I don't want to give them the pleasure. Plus I play better when I'm mad. I get more agressive.

I know it shows. The whistle blew and they walked back onto the court.

white ball.

They inbounded the ball to Lyssa. she dribbled up court and passed to Spinner, he passed back and she took the three.

It was good. She stayed up and played defense. She slapped the ball away and it was a loose ball. She dove on the floor

to get it, and got to it the same time number 14 on the other team got to it. She was holding onto the ball when the whistle

blew and they called a jump ball. Lyssa's knees were all red with little cracks of blood on them, from burning the skin off when she slid on the gym floor.

The ref blew his whistle. My time. he said pointing at Lyssa's knees.

She walked to the first aid kit and put some band aids on her knees as fast as she could and walked bak out on or court.

Does anything effect this girl? Both coaches asked to themselve's as they watched her run back onto the court.

Blue ball.

Lyssa was playing defense, when she noticed that the guy she was defending was right handed. She switched her position

and forced him left. He lost control of the ball and kicked it out of bounds. There was two minutes left in the third quater

White ball.

Sub he heard one of the coaches call to the refs.

The ref called in the subs.

A guy came up to Lyssa, and told her he was in for her. She said okay and walked off the court and sat down.

I wanted you to have a minuted to rest before the fourth quarter. Coach Armstrong said to her as he handed her two ice

packs. She nodded and took the ice packs and put one on her shoulder and the the other under he shirt on her stomach.

The buzzer went off, it was the end of the 3rd quarter. The score was 40 to 29.

Good, they didn't score that quarter. We're playing really strong defense. keep it up. Lyssa I want you to start shooting

more threes, your shot is on and we need to bring our score up more. I want us to run chicago 2. Jimmt your going to bring

the ball up.

Everyone went in and stood on the court waiting for the other team.

The ref blew his whistle and waited for the gouchos to get on the court. White ball.

Lyssa inbounded the ball to Jimmy and ran down court.

Chicago 2. Jimmy yelled out.

He passed the ball to the right wing, they passed it back. he passed it to Lyssa, she caught it and shot the three. Its good.

She randown court and set up for defense. She was on the left wing. The point guard passed the ball to where she was and she

intercepted the pass and went for the fast break. She had Jimmy on the other side of her and a defender right next to her

she threw a behind the back pass to Jimmy who made the lay-up. There was alot of oohs and ahhs, from the crowd. The other

team brought the ball up and passed it to there guard. He took a three and made it.

About 4 minutes had gone by, the teams scoring about 10 points each. Which made the score 42 to 55. There was about two more minutes left in the game. Number 4 from the other team fouled Jimmy. He was at the line for two shots. He made the first. Lyssa was inbetween to defenders, and stuck her butt out getting ready to box out. The guy that her butt was facing was not paying attention to the game he was looking at Lyssa's butt. The nodded at Jimmy who intentionally missed the shot and aimed it to go Lyssa's way. She got the rebound and put it up for another two points. She fell back on defense and saw that they broke the press, she positioned herself to take the charge. Alex ran up to her to take the lay-up and she didn't move a muscle until he hit her. She fell back and waited for a call.

NO basket, Offensive foul. The ref yelled.

Lyssa jumped up with happiness. And took out the ball. There was about one minute left in the game. Jimmy passed her the

ball and she slowly brought it up court. She passed the ball to Spinner, who passed it back, then to Jimmy then back to her,

then back to Spinner then back to her. About thirty seconds went by and she started to dribble. She saw Nunez wide open

for the lay-up, she passed the ball to him and he made the lay-up. They all fell back on defense. There was about 15 seconds left in the game. Number 4 rush a three and missed. Spinner got the rebound and just held the ball and waited for the clock

to run out. The buzzer went off. They won the game. They lined up to shake hands with the other team. After they were done,

She ran over to Sean and Dylan and gave them hugs. When she hugged Sean she flinched, she had forgoten about the bruise.

What's wrong? he asked as he noticed her flinch.

Nothing, we just won. she said happily.

I know I was watching. He said laughing.

Come with me. She grabbed Seans hand and dragged him away. I'll be right back Dylan. Tell paige to wait for me. she said as

she walked away.

Okay. He replied.

She took Sean outside the gym, through him against the lockers, and kissed him. She put his arms around his neck and he

put his hands on the sides of her stomach. She flinched again and stepped back.

Now do you want to tell me whats wrong. he said as he let go of her.

Fine. She said pulling up her jersey, revealing a very dark red and purple bruise on the mid right side of her stomach.

How did you get that? He said with a worried look on his face.

Remember when I screamed, and the kid got thrown out of the game for a flagrant foul?

Yea.

He elbowed me in my stomach. she said pointing to her bruise.

Where is he im going to kill him. he said angrilly.

Look its a contact sport, I'm fine.

Your not fine, look at your stomach.

I've had worse. All I need to feel better is for you to come to my house after I change. she said smiling at him sweatly.

Okay.

I have to go get changed.

Yea sure. he said as he followed her back into the gym.

She went into the locker room, and everyone started clapping and congragulating her.

Why is everyone clapping she asked looking around.

The're clapping because you scored 27 points. Jimmy replied as he patted her on the back.

For real? she asked looking for the score book.

Yep.

Cool. she responded as she went over to her locker and got her stuff out. She took off her shirt and then took out her

hair band. It let her long curly light brown hair flow down her back. she through on her shirt and jeans and put her hair

back up.

Leave it down.

Huh? she turned around to see Sean watching her.

Leave it down. he replied as he took her hair band out and put it in his pocket.

She put on her shoes and walked out the locker room with Sean. When the that kid Alex from the other team came over to talk to her.

That was some inpressive playing. He said to her putting his hand out to shake her hand. She reluctantly put her hand out

to shake his. I've never in my life seen anybody play like that let alone a girl.

Thanks I think? she responded looking at him funny. Umm I have to go, she said as she started to walk away.

Okay, well I look foward to watching you play again. He said. But his voice faded when he noticed she didn't care

She walked over to Paige, Dylan and Spinner.

So 27 points, impressive. Paige said as she poked her in the stomach.

Ahh, don't do that. She said holding he stomach trying to make the burning sensation go away.

What's wrong. Dylan asked

Nothing I'm fine.

No your not, show him. Sean said to her annoyed that she was trying to hide it.

Show me what? Dylan asked annoyed that she was trying to hide pain from him.

I said I'm fine. She tried to walk away, when Sean grabbed her, and pulled her back. He lifted up her shirt just enough to show part of the bruise.

That is not nothing. Dylan said looking at her stomach.

Yes it is. She said, finally getting out of Seans grip and walking away.

She turned to Sean.

Don't even bother coming over. She turned back around an walked away. Sean looked hurt, confused and annoyed.

She doesn't mean it. She does't like to show pain around other people. She thinks of is as a weakness. Stay wth Paige,

I'll go after her. Come to her house in like 15 minutes. OKay? Dylan said as he slowly went after Lyssa.

Yea sure. he responded still looking confused. How does he know her so well? He asked as he turned to Paige.

You have to ask Lyssa that. She said reluctantly.

Hey Lyssa wait up. Dylan said to her when he saw her walking out of the building. She didn't slow down. So he ran to catch up to her. Will you slow down a minute he said grabbing her arm.

What do you want? she asked angirly.

Well for one I was you to stop walking so fast, and two talk to me.

Fine what. she said slowing down a little bit.

You know he was just trying to help.

I know, but what right does he have to do that? If I don't want the whole world to know I'm hurt then what right does he

have to show people it?

Your his girlfriend, he cares about you. He thinks your hurt so he wants you to get help.

What if I don't want help.

You never want help. Your the most stubborn person I know. I bet if you got shot and you were dieng, you wouldn't let anyone know. You know how they would find out? They would see the blood coming out of you. And I bet you still wouldn't say anything.

Maybe thats true. But I'm not shot, and this is no big deal. Its just a bruise.

I pretty nasty bruise. They arrived at her house and went inside.

Whatever.

He's going to be here in a few minutes weather you like it or not. You are going to tell him how I know you, now you don't have to tell him what I know about and you dont have to tell him your past. But you do have to let him know

how me and Paige know you so well.

Why? why does it even matter?

Because he is your boyfriend, and you've been with him for over a month, and he doesnt know you half as well as I do. I

think its fair you atleast tell him why.

Fine. She heard Paige open the door, and saw her walk in with Sean.

Hey. They said as they walked in the living room.

Hi. she responded with no tone in her voice.

Talk to him, me and Paige will go get you some ice.

Whatever.

What does he want you to talk to me about? Sean asked curiously.

He wants me to tell you a little more about myself, and also how Paige and him know me so well.

That would be nice to know. he said smiling at her.

Okay see heres the deal. Dylan stayed with me and my family for a couple of months about 3 or 4 years ago. Paige came and visited him when he was out there, so I met her too. After he went back home, he visited every summer with Paige.

Why did he go to live with you?

My mom and his mom were best friends in high school, and she called my mom up and asked if he could stay with us. My mom

said yea so he stayed with us. When I got off probation, my mom decided I should move somewhere where people didn't already know me and called up his mom and asked her to look after me while I lived here on my own.

Oh I see. Everything seems to be making alot more sense now.

Yea.

What about that whole weakness thing?

Ask dylan.

Ask me what? he said as he handed her a pack of ice for her stomach and one for her shoulder.

What you were talking about with the whole weakness thing. Sean answered for her.

That's a simple one. Lyssa's father was the type of guy who never spoke about his emotions. Lyssa picked that up from him.

She doesn't talk about how she feels. And when she is in pain, unless she can't walk anymore she won't say a word. She

doesn't cry in front of people either, she feels both of those emotions are weakness's. I've only see her cry once, no matter

what she goes through she very rarely cries. She very rarely shows pain. Thats why she got so annoyed when you made her show me the bruise. She thinks of it as you breaking a secret. Although you wouldn't know because she probably didn't tell you.

Sean just sat there quetily for a minute, noone had noticed Lyssa wasn't in the room anymore.

Where did she go? Sean asked as he looked around.

Did I mention that she is a pro at sneaking out of rooms, and houses? Dylan said laughing. Shes probably upstairs.

Sean got up and walked up stairs, and walked into her room. He saw her sitting on her bed looking out the window. He walked

over to her and just sat there looking at her.