Chapter 6 – Game night

Timmy POV

So far so good. The plan was working. It was simple really. All I had to do was act depressed for a day and talk about how upset I was about how I couldn't play in the big game. Then , when the time came for Jules to leave, I'd tag along, making a big show of going to support my team. What my Aunt and Uncle , not that he was around much to notice, did not know was, that my bag was already pre-packed and waiting in the back of my car, and my team was at the school gym awaiting their captain, and at the end of the night, I'd change back , then head home then go straight to the masquerade ball/after party the girls had planned. They would never know. This game was important you see. I'd been waiting for a chance like this for years. I'd dreamt about the moment where I could prove my point to everyone once and for all.

We had about five minutes until Compton brought their players out from the changing rooms. We'd already been introduced since we were the school hosting the game.

Andy and Daniel waved me over. They were passing the ball between them, warming up. As I approached, they automatically included me in their throwing sequence.

"Feeling nervous dude?" Daniel asked.

"Nah," I lied. This is everything I had been working towards. It may seem like I'm being a bit over the top but its long passed the point where it's just simple high school rivalry for me, and basketball was just a small part of it. Andy and Daniel were probably the two of my team mates I was closest to. They were my best mates and the only two who knew the full story. Andy stopped throwing the ball for a second and had a serious look on his face.

"You're not going to do anything stupid though, right?" He knew me too well.

"Like I said, I'm going to settle this in the gym…..and out."

"And there it is!" Daniel added. I held up my hands, as to show them I was serious.

"I'm just going to play some basketball." I said calmly , still trying to convince them of my motives.

Daniel didn't look convinced and added with a smirk, " If that's what we're calling it these days…"

Andy started the ball up again and said, "ok dude, you don't need us to tell you we got your back, but bare in mind , you're already in deep with your Uncle, and plus the schools aren't stupid, there's security outside and Larko's in the gym. There's no way your Uncle wouldn't find out. And even if he doesn't, I don't think you can afford to get into any more trouble with Larko." He had thought this all through. I looked over at the bleachers to see Larko sitting next to Principal Tanner.

"To be honest boys, my Uncle, Larko , and the consequences of this are the last thing on my mind." I said telling them the truth. It was going to be action first, think later.

" Just save it for later though if you can , preferably to a time where there are no big figures of authority …..or my Mom in the audience" Daniel said. I smiled at Daniel not wanting to disappoint his Mommy. I gave them both a nod in thanks. I knew they were right. It was probably better to do this somewhere else. Even if something started here, Larko and the teachers would put a stop to it before it even began, and then I might not get another chance at it.

"Introducing the Compton Cobras!" the speakers boomed out. We stopped passing the ball and went to our side of the court. Meanwhile the crowd was cheering like crazy and Compton ran through the double doors, tearing through their school banner.

Ok, there goes Ben and Mark. No sign of golden boy yet. 'Keep calm Timmy,' I told myself, 'save it for later'

Most of the team was out now and I still hadn't seen him. Even though I knew he was back, I still had to see him with my own eyes to believe it. Like a trophy, they left him until last. In my opinion he was last and least. He hadn't changed much in three years. Just grown a lot taller and I didn't want to admit it but he had come back with more muscles than he had left with. I wasn't too upset though, as I had my own set to be proud of. Seeing him right in front of me transported me back, and I felt like the wounds were still fresh. I had the sudden urge to hit him , but carried on my pep talk to myself to save it for later.

They started taking their places on the court. I could feel Ben seeking me out with his eyes, trying to see my reaction at Romeo's entrance. I purposely looked right back at him with confidence to show him that it didn't faze me.

Romeo walked over to his place , which happened to be right near me. The coaches were still talking over last minute plans and setting the scoreboard. Romeo looked up and instantly recognised me. I saw a moment of hesitation in his eyes, which was quickly overcome.

"Hey, long time no see huh?" he said with a smile? I was slightly taken aback. It wasn't an evil smile, it was a friendly one. Oh he had to be kidding, he wanted to act like nothing happened. I just looked at him. He looked surprised at my lack of a response.

"Come on Timmy, it was a long time ago, we've all grown up and changed since then. Let's start anew." Of all the things I was expecting, that was far from it. Who was this guy? He sounded like one of those cheesily happy salesmen, who have said this speech a million times before. With his track record, he probably had. I was temporarily speechless.

"You're joking right?" I asked. Did he seriously look hurt? I was not going to be the bad guy here! Just then a group of Compton cheerleaders walked past us taking their spots on the sidelines. I was so sidetracked with the whole Romeo conversation I didn't notice Rose split from the group. She walked up to Romeo and kissed him .

"Good luck baby ," she said , then looked over to me as an afterthought. "Oh hey Timmy," she said casually. That was it. They probably planned the whole sick encounter, from him wanting to be friends to her coming over. I can't believe I thought for a second that he had changed.

"Timmy, its not—," Romeo started , but I didn't want to hear it. I wasn't going to be sucked into his lies again. In that moment I forgot my whole pep talk and my plan to hold off any form of a fight. Screw Larko and the consequences. I pulled back my arm , ready to throw a punch, but I was stopped when I felt…raindrops? It took me a few seconds to remember we were in the indoor gym. I looked up, my plan of attack distracted,to see the sprinklers going off. I then heard the fire alarm , and the voice of Principal Tanner, through the loud speaker, directing everyone out of the gym. Most of the audience was already on the courts making their way outside frantically. In the crowd , I lost sight of him.

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