I'm so sorry that it took forever. You all probably hate me now, but please keep reading. I'll try to have the next update soon! I'm sorry if I messed up some of the Basketball terms. I don't know basketball all that well. ENJOY AND REVIEW :) I own nothing. (Sadly)

I wanted to thank the person who reviewed yesterday. He/she reviewed as a guest but it really motivated me to continue the story, so thank you.

We pulled into the school parking lot at six. "So I forgot that we have a half hour practice before the game. Are you okay just hanging around at the school? Jasmine is still out with Derek and I don't want you to be by yourself."

"I'll be fine. Besides, Amy will probably be here soon." Even though at the moment I was more concerned about hiding from Amy rather than going to find her.

"That's good." He started to walk towards the lockers but turned around. "Don't forget to sit near the bleachers so I can explain the game when I'm out."

"Will do,"

Chloe, are you already at school? Amy texted.

Yeah

Meet me in the gym? I was half tempted not to go, just so I didn't have to answer all of her questions about my 'date' with Alek. What would I even say? But, a small part in my brain reasoned that if I didn't go into the gym, then Amy would take it as a sign that I do like him, so before I knew it, I was sitting on the bleachers next to her.

"Where's Paul?"

"He's around here somewhere." Her eyebrows rose dangerously high. "Now, spill Chloe King."

"There's nothing to spill." I lied, but not well enough.

"Oh my gosh! Chloe, you like him!" It wasn't a question.

"Of course I like him. He's a nice guy and a good friend." I put emphasis on the friend part of the sentence. She gave me an exasperated look.

"Not like as a friend, but like as someone you want to date!"

"Don't you think that he could be listening in?" I whispered.

"He's not even in the gym yet!" I looked away and stayed quiet. "You do like him. It is so obvious by your blush." She pointed out. "So, is kitty hat off the list then?"

"I don't think Brian has ever been on the list. He's just a friend. I can't see him as anything more than that. But Alek…" I trailed off for moment thinking about what could happen if Alek somehow felt the same way.

In a way, I feel like we could belong together. I can see us dating, finishing high school, and then going to college together all while defending ourselves against the Order. And although I don't like the last part, if I was with Alek, then it would be worth it.

"But Alek what?" Amy interrupted my thoughts.

"I can see a future with him. That is, if he even feels the same way." I expressed my doubts out loud. If he didn't like me, then I would be so embarrassed. Alek has always been a flirt with all the girls, so what's the likelihood that he feels the same way?

"He likes you."

"How on earth would you know that?"

"I've seen the way he looks at you, and that is enough proof."

"Yeah, the way he looks at me is exasperation because I am always somehow doing something stupid and endangering everyone around me."

"No, he looks at you like you're the only person in the universe that matters."

"Which is probably because he's believes the Uniter is the most-"

"Believe me or not," She interrupted. "But that Mai guy has it bad for you."

"So, if you get fouled, you get to shoot two free throws that are worth one point each?" I asked confusedly. Alek was sitting on the team bench when I was one bleacher above him so I could ask questions.

The game was tied at the moment, 30-30 with only the last quarter left. Alek had been playing almost the entire time before coach told him he needed to rest before the last quarter. Apparently, everyone was counting on him for the win during the last few minutes of the game.

"Yes and no." He smiled. "Sometimes when you get fouled, you only get one free throw, and then sometimes you take it out of bounds and throw it back into the game."

"See, I don't get why they can't all be the same. It's too confusing." He let out a soft chuckle before turning his gaze back onto the game.

"It's not all that confusing if you're used to the game. You should come to them more often. Maybe you'll finally learn how the game works."

"When's the next game?"

"Friday at seven. Are you going to come?"

"That sounds like a lot of fun." I said and his face brightened. "As long as you don't mind explaining the rules to me again."

"Of course I don't mind." The coach blew his whistle. "But I have to go play now. I'll catch you after the game?"

The last few minutes of the game were intense. The score was tied when Alek went in. It seemed like every time Alek would score a point, a player on the other team, number 13, would also score a point. It was down to the last few seconds, the game still tied 44-44, and our team had the ball. Alek went up to take a shot, but got hit by number 13. The crowd went completely silent.

I expected him to get up right away, but he stayed down. Panic shot through me. Was he hurt? Right before I got up to see if he was okay, he slowly got up.

"Two free throws. The first one is dead." The referee called out. The teams lined up to take the free throw. Alek missed the first shot, but made the second shot. We had won! Our side of the bleachers erupted in cheers and a majority of the people stormed the court to congratulate the team.

"Good game," I told Alek as he walked towards me and sat down. He looked oddly energetic even though he just finished a huge game.

"Thanks,"

"You don't want to go see all your adoring fans?" I pointed to the group of cheerleaders staring at us. Or, more accurately, glaring at me.

"Nah, I'm good right here."

"Are you okay? You went down pretty hard when you got hit."

"Please, that was nothing compared to some of the times you've hit me." He joked. "You hit quite hard, for a girl." I resisted the urge to stick my tongue out at him. "I'm going to go change. Do you mind waiting a few minutes?"

"No, not at all."

"Sweet," He said. "Maybe afterwards we can go grab something to eat?"

"That sounds nice."

"I'll be back in a few minutes." A second later, my phone buzzed. R u still at the game? Amy asked.

Yeah, Alek is changing then we're going to get something to eat. Want to join? I quickly texted back.

Amy: U and Alek should be alone.

Me: Y should we be alone?

Amy: So he will ask u out on a date!

Me: That's not going to happen.

Amy: It will. J Give me the details later.

Me: Good bye Amy.

Amy: HAVE A GREAT TIME!

"Are you ready to go?" Alek asked, startling me. His hair was wet, like he had just taken a shower. He changed into dark jeans and a black long sleeved shirt, and was carrying a bag.

"Yep. Where were you thinking about going?"

"I found this really good Chinese food place that I think you might like. Does that sound good?"

"It sounds amazing."

"Yo, Alek!" Someone yelled across the court. "Are you coming to the party? It should be a lot of fun."

"Nah, Chloe and I are going to grab some food. Maybe next time."

"Here is your food. Can I bring you anything else?" Our waitress said as placing down our food.

"I think we're okay. Thank you though." The waitress nodded before heading off to seat some other couple.

"How's Jasmine doing? Is she still out with Derek?" It was really amazing that she started to go out. I feel like she never is just a teenager, and now she's getting the chance to relax.

"I think so. She said that they were going to go see a movie then grab some dinner."

"Any word on when Valentina is going to get home?"

"Nope. Although, it's usually like this. She comes and goes randomly. Jasmine and I got used to it a long time ago."

"I'm sorry. That sucks. It must've been hard growing up when she was gone constantly."

"You get used to it. Now, it just lets Jasmine and I have a little freedom." Alek shrugged.

"You have to try this orange chicken. It's amazing." He said when holding up a piece between his chopsticks. When I hesitated he moved the chopsticks closer to my mouth so it was almost touching. "Try it." I opened my mouth and he fed it to me.

"Ahhhhh! Spicy!" Alek started laughing hysterically. After quickly swallowing it, I took a deep gulp of water to put out the fire.

"It's not spicy."

"It is so spicy. How did you not find that spicy?"

"Maybe because I'm not a wimp." He chuckled.

"Ha ha. You're hilarious."

"I know." We continued the meal joking around with each other and chatting about random things before we headed back to my apartment.

"Wow, we're using the front door. That's an improvement." I said when we reached the front door. "I had a good time tonight."

"I did to. We should go out again." His smile was absolutely radiant.

"That would be really nice." Did that mean that this was a date? Ugh, I should just suck it up and ask him if we went out on a date or not, but I don't want to ruin the mood if it isn't.

I was about to search for my keys when Alek leaned in and kissed me.