Disclaimer: I still don't own Numb3rs or any of the characters.
Author's Note: I know, I know. I haven't updated in ages. Sorry! To make amends, I'm posting two chapters at once.
Also, I created a female character, but don't worry. She's not a Mary Sue. I just decided the co-ed team needed a little balance.
Chapter 6
Charlie enjoyed the feel of the basketball under his hand. The control he had over it. Bouncing it down and knowing it would bounce back up to his hand again. He confidently drew it up, took aim at the basket, and… missed.
As Charlie darted forward to retrieve the ball, a discussion broke out behind him.
"Maybe it's a family trait. I noticed you missing a shot or two, Don."
"Gimme a break, Terry."
"I'm serious. Could be a genetic failing. Have you considered getting tested?"
"Know what else runs in the family? Benching players for mouthing off too much."
"Just trying to help."
"Uh-huh."
Charlie closed out all distractions around him. Focused on the rim and exhaled. Visualized the ball going in. Took the shot and… missed.
It was Sunday and the practice had gone well. Far better than their first attempt. In addition to filling out the rest of the team, they'd roped enough friends and co-workers into the project to have a scrimmage.
For the most part, Don's prediction that Charlie's game would improve to his usual level had been correct. Charlie had a talent for analyzing the opposing team's strategy and adapting plays in response.
He'd always had difficulty reading emotions of people he didn't know well. Studying their movements was much easier. He couldn't tell you why a player consistently took the shot even when passing the ball was the smarter move. But he could tell you, based on that player's averages, that blocking nearby teammates was a waste of manpower. Blocking him from advancing further was statistically more likely to push him into taking a shot that had a low chance of success.
The more time he'd spent with the other players during practice, the more he saw patterns in their behavior, which allowed him to both anticipate their opponents' movements and capitalize on his teammates' strengths.
The other players on the team quickly grew to appreciate Charlie's style because he readily passed the ball. He was more interested in seeing a strategy play out successfully than in getting the credit for making the basket himself. When he did attempt to make a basket, he was usually successful. He'd sunk several baskets over the course of the practice. Somehow, within the flow of the game, it came easily to him. His free throws, however…
Charlie pushed aside all other thoughts and concentrated on the moment. This one moment in time. Nothing else mattered. Only the arc as the ball left his hand traveling upward and… missed.
Not only had the practice been successful, it'd been fun. Terry's brazen behavior on the court energized the entire group. David, who'd modestly described himself as an "okay" player, turned out to be a formidable defense player. While admittedly not the tallest center ever, he still managed to block an impressive number of shots.
Kia Harris, a new agent fresh from the academy, had endless energy and never stopped moving on the court. Don claimed he'd picked her to make the rival team feel old, but Charlie suspected he was also using the opportunity to build up her confidence and give her a chance to get to know her co-workers better.
Best of all, Don and Charlie quickly fell back into a familiar rhythm based on years of playing basketball together growing up. They even made a couple of no-look passes because they could anticipate each other's movements so well. Charlie noticed that Don wore his knee brace again, but this time it didn't seem to slow him down.
Charlie harnessed the positive energy and redirected it into his shot. This was fun. This was easy. He could do this. He relaxed, adjusted his feet, sighted the basket, and… scored!
Charlie blinked. He'd gotten so used to missing that it took him a second to register that this time he'd actually made the basket. It wasn't pretty, but the ball went in after teetering along the rim momentarily. A promising start, Charlie decided. His elation was only slightly marred by the muttered, "Finally!" behind him.
Don dropped a hand onto Charlie's shoulder. "Okay, you did it. How about we get out of here? Come on."
Charlie shook his head stubbornly. "I can get this."
"Okay," Don soothed, "But not today. Practice is over, buddy. Come on, everybody else is changed and halfway to the bar by now. Let's go."
Indeed, everyone else had left. Only Don, Terry, and Charlie remained. Still, Charlie couldn't let it go. He shook off Don's hand, retrieved the ball, and focused on the basket again. This time, when he brought the ball up, Don swept it out of his hands.
"Charlie, come on! Time's up, okay? We have to clear out so the other team can…"
Don was interrupted by a loud, taunting voice. "Hey, Eppes! Trying to squeeze in a little extra coaching time? Guess I don't have to ask who the weakest players on your team are. You know, I did try to warn you."