Enjoy!

17 Again: Scarlett's Story

Part 2

The week ended up flying by. Between having photo's done of the yard and meeting with various clients, she could barely believe it was Friday. Running around the house, she was trying to get ready to head to the game. Dean had called her the next afternoon and they had agreed to go to the Alex's game on Friday. Hearing a knock at the door, she rushed over to open it, and grabbed her purse off the table.

After a quick hello, they made their way over to his car. Scarlett was grateful that the school was close to her place. The small talk on the ride over was painful. As they walked into the gym, the team was on the court doing warm ups and getting ready. The stands were half full, giving the two of them plenty of options of where to sit. Dean made his way up the stands, as Scarlett scanned over the players looking for Alex. She waved at him after he made a shot and he grinned back at her. Alex turned and she could see him catch Mark's attention before pointing her out to him. Mark looked over at her and smiled. He lifted his hand, and seemed to suddenly catch himself before giving her a small wave. She watched as his eyes flicked above her, and he mouthed "douchbag" before grabbing the ball from Alex and taking off with it.

She turned around and started up the stairs to meet up with Dean.

"Man, that kid sure does not like me." Dean commented as she sat down. "So this is Alex's first game?"

"Yup!" Her eyes followed the two boys as they passed the ball back and forth. She was so proud of Alex for trying out. The divorce had hit him hard and he had started to withdraw. She was really grateful for the influence that Mark seemed to have on him. With Mike gone so much lately, it was nice for Alex to have someone that he could talk to.

As soon as the game started, it was like she was back in 1989. The only difference being instead of cheering on Mike, she chanted on Alex. As the clock counted down, her and Dean cheered on Alex.

While they watched the game, she found it hard to only focus on Alex. They kept following Mark around the court. He was so graceful with the ball, moving up and down the court, passing the ball, and swish of the net each time he scored. Her mind kept drifting back to the dance they shared and she was reminded of the way Mike would play. The sheer intensity that he would play with was amazing. Sweat dripped off him, matting his hair. She had to keep reminding herself that she was 37 and on a date. It was too easy to slip back to 1989 and cheer for Mike.

With 30 seconds left in the game, the team huddled for a time out. Alex was put back into the game and Scarlett's cheered for him. As the team ran back onto the court, she could feel Mark's eyes on her before he took his place. As the game started up again, Scarlett was draw to watching Mark as he easily sunk two baskets the net. Her heart caught in her throat as the other team blocked him. She watched as he glanced around and saw that Alex was open. With an easy backhand toss, Alex had the ball in his hands, and sunk the game winning point. Scarlett was on her feet cheering. She was so proud of him her heart almost burst. While he was still learning, she could see that he was going to be just as graceful as his father.

* * *

After an awkward dinner with Dean, she walked in the house. He was really a great guy, but she just couldn't shake the feeling that she felt like she was cheating on Mike. Dropping her keys on the table, she walked into the kitchen and played the voicemails that were waiting. Not hearing one from the kids, she looked at the time and picked up the phone to call Alex. When it went to voicemail right away, she grabbed her keys and headed towards the door. After a game like today, she knew where he'd be.

She made her way towards Ned's and was shocked at the party that was going on. Wondering where Ned was, she found a parking space, and made her way over to the house. Stepping inside, she started looking for Alex so she could leave a quickly as possible. This wasn't her house or her kid. This was Ned's problem to clean up.

As she made her way into the back yard, she heard Mark call out to her and rush to her side.

"Have you seen Alex? He's not picking up his phone and it's passed his curfew." She kept moving through the crowd and Mark followed. With a promise to show her where Alex was, she let him lead her upstairs. His hand was on the small of back as he guided her along.

* * *

She sat in the van in shock. Her hand was resting lightly on her lips, as the scene played it's self over and over in her head.

Mark had kissed her.

This was beyond wrong.

She was shaking, because no matter how many times she said it in her head, it was the most at peace she had felt in a long time. And she saw it coming. He didn't try to hide it at all. They were standing they and he gave her the look. The one that Mike use to give her. The one that said, "your everything" and she let him kiss her. And it was like Mike. So much like Mike, it was impossible to tell them apart. When she opened her eyes and saw long hair and not Mike's shorter style, she freaked out. Slapped him. She had to get away. But he wouldn't let her go, calling after her, chasing her down the stairs, saying things that couldn't be true.

Starting the car, she threw it in drive and took off as fast as she could.

The characters are not mine. I'm just borrowing them!