STOLEN COURT

Kelly had been worried that her little trip to the nail salon would make her late to meet Zack and Randy and the rest of their friends at the park. When Torrie dropped her off at the house, she ran upstairs to shower and get ready. In her bath towel, she stood in front of her closet and had a hard time deciding what to wear. She wasn't sure if to dress sporty since everyone was probably going to be in their practice gear or just dress casual in shorts and a t-shirt. She decided on some black capri yogas and a white t-shirt with sneakers.

Kelly was nervous to see Zack and especially Randy again. However, what was more nerve-wracking was meeting the rest of their friends. She knew Tiffany was very friendly but what if the others didn't like her or were rude? This was so not like her to just jump into situations, especially when it came to new people. However, she had promised herself that she would start over.

Kelly changed quickly and left her wet hair down to dry. She left her house and headed down the cul-de-sac and past her neighbors' houses. As she neared the neighborhood park she could make out the playground where she had seen the kids playing. However, as the basketball court came in to view there was no one there. The only people at the park were a man and woman walking their dog in the far corner by the trees.

All of a sudden Kelly got nervous. What if they had cancelled practice and weren't able to let her know since they didn't have her number? Or they decided they didn't want her to watch them? Kelly's imagination ran wild as she decided it would be best to just go back home. She was embarrassed all of a sudden to think that when she tried making friends it didn't work out after all.

She was almost halfway home when she heard someone calling her name behind her. "Kelly!"

Kelly turned around and saw Zack running towards her. She could make out Tiffany and Eve walking behind him. She was happy to see them but also very nervous.

As Zack made it to her, he smiled broadly at her. "Hey, where are you going? Weren't you going to hang out with us at the park?"

Kelly was embarrassed. "Oh yeah. I just got there and thought maybe you just cancelled or something."

By that time Eve and Tiffany had made it to where Zack and Kelly were standing.

"Oh I'm sorry! We're a bit late because someone was taking forever to do their hair! Like who curls their hair to practice basketball?" Zack complained looking at Eve.

"Someone who doesn't want to look all gross while shooting hoops flawlessly. That's who!" Eve said and smirked at him. Kelly looked at Eve and from up close she was even more beautiful that she looked. She had honey colored eyes and her skin was perfectly tanned. She was wearing shorts that showed off the muscles in her legs and a tank top that showed the ones in her arms. Her long brown hair was in a high ponytail that looked recently curled. However, something that she hadn't noticed before was a scar that went from the corner of her forehead down across her face to her neck. It was pretty faint but sometimes when she turned, it did stand out.

Kelly noticed she was staring at her and quickly turned her attention to Zack. "Whatever. Anyways…Kelly this is Eve, the annoying one and Tiffany the sweet one."

"Annoying? I am not annoying. I am sweet too!" Eve said giving Zack a look. She then turned her attention to Kelly. Kelly was thrown off when she was suddenly grabbed into a big hug. "I'm glad to meet you! It's so nice to have another girl in the crew!"

Kelly laughed and smiled at her. She then looked at Tiffany who was watching her with a shy smile. "I remember you from The Spot yesterday. It's nice to see you again."

"You too," Kelly said awkwardly remembering the questions she had asked Tiffany about her panic attacks.

"Well let's head over to start practicing a bit before Randy and Jack show up," Zack said and started leading the way to the park. Kelly thought it would be weird hanging out with these new girls but thankfully Zack was here and his constant chatter helped break the ice a little. "They usually get here late because Jack has to clean the kitchen and put stuff away before the evening staff comes in and Randy helps our Aunt Stephanie with some paperwork."

"Is your Aunt Stephanie the owner of The Spot?" Kelly asked quietly. She really was curious about the pregnant woman who had presented herself as the manager of The Spot.

"No, actually Randy and I are the owners," Zack said and seeing the confused look on Kelly's face he continued, "but we are not really old enough to run our own business so our aunt is helping us."

Kelly noticed a strange look cross Zack's face all of a sudden and she wished she hadn't asked anything. His usually excited and happy face turned somber and sad for a few seconds and suddenly switched back to his happy face. However, it didn't last long because as the four teenagers neared the basketball court of the park there were other teenagers already practicing on it.

There were four boys and two girls. Two of the boys were taking turns shooting three pointers. One of them was very light-skinned with red hair pulled in a short ponytail at his neck. The other had dark black hair in an interesting style which was a bit spiked up but to the side. Kelly then noticed the girls who were sitting on the park bench near the basketball court. One was dark-skinned with big brown hair that she wore in a big bun on top her head. The other girl was the one that caught Kelly's attention. She was tall, light-skinned and with long platinum blonde hair that had been pulled up to a high ponytail. She was wearing small shorts and a tight t-shirt.

Kelly knew if this girl was here then, yes, there was the flirty waiter from the first restaurant they went to eat at their first day in Clyde Hill, Mizanin's. He was in a focused conversation with another boy off to the side of the court. He was using gestures and waving his hands all over the place while the other boy just nodded his head in agreement.

Kelly had been observing this new group of teenagers that she hadn't noticed that Zack, Tiffany and Eve were huddled next to her whispering to each other. She turned their attention to them and tried to listen to what they were saying.

"Let's just call Randy before he gets here to see if we could find another place to practice," Eve said.

"No, he's probably almost here. Let's just wait and see what he says…" Tiffany started.

All of a sudden a loud groan was heard behind them and they all turned to see Jack and Randy heading their way. Kelly's heart started pounding hard and fast as she saw Randy. Why did this always happen to her? She tried to stay calm and told herself to not do anything to stand out.

As the two boys reached the group Kelly hadn't realized how big Jack really was. She felt like a dwarf standing next to him. He had a look of annoyance on his face as he looked towards the occupied basketball court. He hadn't even noticed Kelly, who was a stranger to his group of friends. Actually not even Randy had seemed to notice her which kind of made her heart drop.

"Bro, what are we going to do? Freaking Miz took our court! I don't know what they are doing here when they have their fancy indoor court," Zack complained.

Randy looked thoughtful as he figured out what to do. "We can try Brookdale court…"

"Hell no, man. That court is awful! The lines are not even painted anymore and the hoops are about to collapse," Jack said.

Kelly watched and heard as they argued for a few minutes over what to do. She didn't understand what the big deal was really. At her old school whenever teams would accidentally overlap practice times they would share the court, half and half. She thought of suggesting it and then it was like her mouth had a mind of its own.

"Why don't you guys just ask to share the court?" she blurted. All eyes turned on her and she could feel herself turning hot, especially when she locked eyes with Randy who looked as if he hadn't realized she was there the whole time. Jack had a confused look on his face probably wondering who she was.

"Uhh, who's this?" Jack didn't fail to ask.

"This is Kelly. She just moved here a few days ago and we invited her to practice," Zack answered for her.

"Oh," Jack said and made a grimace that almost looked like a small smile. "Hi."

Kelly figured Jack wasn't good with new people or much of a talker like Zack.

"The reason we don't share the court with them is because they don't like us," Eve said and rolled her eyes at them. "And well we don't really like them either because they are stuck-up and rude and…"

"Alright, alright we get it," Randy said using his tone of authority as he gave a look to Eve who only shrugged. "We'll just have to cancel practice today guys. I really don't want to argue with Miz today, it's been a long day. Jack…"

Kelly looked at Jack who looked like he wanted to run over and say something "not so nice" to the group of people on the court who hadn't even noticed them at all.

"Let it go, man. Let's just go home," Randy said. Kelly felt bad looking at Randy, he looked exhausted. His blue eyes didn't seem to shine as much as they usually did and she could see dark circles under his eyes.

As the group started making their way to the entrance of the park Kelly noticed how Tiffany walked next to Randy and smiled up at him. Again, she felt her heart drop and suddenly became angry at herself. She shouldn't be feeling jealous or nervous over Randy, she hardly knew him! She tried not to pay attention to them and watched Zack and Jack arguing and play punching each other in front of her. Then Eve came next to her and gave her a smile.

"I'm sorry we didn't really get to hangout. We wasted your time. If it wasn't for Miz," she said. Kelly kept wondering what the beef was with Miz and the other group so she decided to ask.

"What's your problem with them anyways?" Kelly asked.

Eve sighed, "It's such a long story but to make it short. Randy and Zack's dad, Robert, was business partners with Mike's (that's the Miz by the way) dad, Paul. They both owned the two locations of The Spot. Randy and Alex Riley (The Miz's cousin) who you probably saw listening on every word the Miz had to say at the park were best friends. However, something happened and suddenly Robert and Paul broke up their business deal and they each took a location. Paul changed the name of his restaurant to Mizanin's. Since their dads weren't working together anymore Randy was hardly able to see Alex anymore and to make it worse The Miz put it upon himself to keep them apart which he was very successful."

Eve said thoughtfully. "Alex was part of our crew. He was funny, kind and caring…"

Eve stopped talking and Kelly wondered about that. Eve seemed to care a lot about Alex and Kelly started realizing how much this group or The Clyde Hill crew really valued each other.

"So what happened to Zack and Randy's dad? Is he still at The Spot?" Kelly was curious to know.

At that moment Eve's face became somber and Kelly wished she hadn't asked anything. Eve answered looking straight ahead, "He passed away a year ago in a car accident. That's why his sister Stephanie is in charge of the place along with Randy but he's too young to do it on his own."

Kelly's heart dropped. She wished she had never asked. "Oh, I'm so sorry…"

Eve smiled at her, "It's okay you didn't know. Randy decides to avoid Miz and his crew rather than start something you know. It drives us nuts because we feel like Miz does stuff like this just to make us mad and try to get a reaction out of Randy. However, as much as he tries it won't work. Randy has too much going on to worry about Miz."

Kelly listened to Eve talk and stared at the back of Randy's head. She couldn't help herself she wanted to know more. So she kept Eve talking. "He works a lot doesn't he?"

Eve sighed. "He does. Right now it's not so bad because its summer and he doesn't have school. When he does he has school in the morning, practice right after when its basketball season and work right after. Then also some nights he stays later to help his aunt with paperwork and he still manages to get home and get his homework done and cook dinner for him and Zack."

Kelly couldn't help but look incredulous. Eve must have seem her face because she laughed. "I know! He's crazy!"

"What about his mom? Is she…?" Kelly suddenly felt hot again.

"Oh no his mom is fine!" Eve answered quickly, "She just works a lot. She works nights as a nurse at CH Hospital so she's tired when she's home."

Kelly nodded as Eve told her this and got quiet. She couldn't believe someone her age did so much. Randy was basically an adult already at seventeen years old. She stared at him again and watched as he poked Tiffany on her side and she giggled. Kelly looked away.

She turned back to look at the basketball court to see if Miz and his friends had noticed them. Everyone was busy practicing except for him. He stood there spinning a ball in his hands and staring after them. He looked confused as why they were leaving. Kelly was sure he was disappointed that he wasn't able to cause a reaction in them. Then his eyes moved to meet Kelly's and she quickly turned away feeling awkward.

"…yeah we should totally go!" Kelly was suddenly brought back to the people in front of her. Eve was the one has said that. Kelly moved closer trying to hear what they were saying.

"I don't know if I want to go," Randy said, "work kicked my butt today but you guys should go."

"Oh my gosh Randy! You say that every time! Come on just take a shower and drink a Red Bull and you'll be good. Plus it will be Kelly's first time going…"

Kelly jumped at the sound of her name. Where was she going? She turned and looked questioningly at Eve.

"Where…?"

"It's this spot down by Shimmering Lake that everyone our age hangs out at. There's music and people dance…"

"Outside?" Kelly asked wondering how people would hangout outside if it rained a lot in Clyde Hill.

"Yeah but people only go on nice days when it doesn't rain, like today. So are you down to go?" Eve asked even though a minute ago she had already assumed Kelly would go.

Kelly wasn't sure what to do. She was nervous to go and hangout with this group of people she hardly knew to a place she'd never been to. While she was trying to decide she looked up and realized they were all staring at her even Randy. She suddenly felt hot again and nodded quickly.

"Yeah I'll go," Kelly said.

Eve smiled and hugged her. "Yes! You see Randy, she said she will go!"

Randy was still looking at Kelly but with a different kind of look. He almost looked curious. He squinted his eyes then and thought about it.

"Come on Randy take a break and relax one night. Don't you want to see your girlfriend? I'm sure Stacy will be there tonight."

It was Tiffany who spoke this time as she came to Randy's side. With that, Randy looked down at the blonde who smiled up at him. He sighed and smiled. "Fine, I will go."

Everyone made sounds of approval except for Kelly who was trying not to look too confused of finding out that Tiffany was not his girlfriend. Instead there was another girl that actually was. Then Randy slowed down and walked beside her which caught her off guard.

"We can pick you up if you'd like since your place is close to ours?" he said looking at her with those piercing blue eyes. She couldn't say no, it would be rude.

She nodded. "Yeah that would be good. Thanks. What are you planning to wear Eve?" She was trying to start a conversation with Eve so as to not look so uncomfortable since Randy was still walking next to her.

"Oh, you should just come to my house right now so I can let you borrow something cute! I think we are about the same size. Tiff you should come over too" she said excitedly, "then the guys can pick us up later at my place."

"Yeah that sounds like a good idea," Tiffany said.

"Okay thank you," Kelly said quietly. She was still aware of Randy watching her. Then when Eve and Tiffany started talking amongst themselves she noticed Randy slow down a little. She could tell he wanted her to do the same.

They parted a bit from the group when he said quietly, "Be careful, Eve can go overboard on dressing up. Just let her know if you don't feel comfortable." He laughed and his eyes shone in a different way Kelly hadn't seen. He looked younger and not as tired as before.

"Oh gosh, now I'm getting scared," Kelly said and laughed too.

"Don't worry," he said, "I'm sure you're going to look great."

He then walked forward and joined Zack and Jack in their conversation leaving Kelly feeling her cheeks get hot again.


I finally decided to update this! I actually have the next chapter halfway done so expect an update either today or tomorrow. Let's get this story going shall we not? It seems people really like it even after so long! Thank you for that and for the reviews guys!

x lew