Chapter 49
After school, Jack kissed Elizabeth's hand and left for the locker room. He had one last treatment with Candy. Then he needed to go home. He was supposed to pick up Elizabeth at four thirty to meet the normal group at Abagail's for their pregame meal. Jack was excited about potentially playing tonight, but he was still a little nervous about everything he shared with Elizabeth.
Candy was pleased with Jack's progress. His ankle was getting stronger each day, but it was still limited in movement and strength. A good tape job and the ankle brace was essential if he was going to play.
"So, if you were a betting woman, what are my chances?"
Candy smiled as she messaged Jack's ankle and calf. Every player, male or female, wants odds. She learned a long time ago not to give odds to athletes. "Let's just say better than most. But Jack, you need to realize there is a good chance you won't be playing tonight. You know that ankle better than anyone. Be honest with me…how is it feeling?"
Jack sighed. "It's getting stronger. Still limited in movement but I think that's because I'm scared to use it fully."
"That makes sense, but I think it's more than just scared of reinjuring it. Is it weak?"
"I'm not sure if I would use the word 'weak'."
"Then what would you call it?" She challenged him with a chuckle.
"Limited…but improving by the moment." He sassed.
"We'll see during warms ups. You will be tested, and we'll see how it responds."
"Pray for me then." He exhaled.
…
The normal group was at the café waiting for Jack and Elizabeth. Cory and Steph were sitting beside each other. They were sitting beside Steven and Connie. Lee and Rosemary were sitting across from them. Cory wasn't too excited about his little brother eating with them, but Steph made him. He hated to admit it, but they did fit in well with the group. Lee had kept up his promise of not being around his older brother too much.
"I hope Jack gets to play."
"Me too, Cory. Don't get me wrong. Malichi and Shane has done a good job in Jack's absence, but it's just not the same."
"I completely agree. They have done a good job. Jack's just different."
"He is. The two young pups are starting to think like Jack, but not fully yet. They'll help in the tournaments."
"I agree. If anything good could come out of Jack's injury, it's that those two guys got to play a little more."
Everyone looked up when Jack and Elizabeth walked into the café.
…
When Jack pulled into Elizabeth's driveway, she was waiting for him by the front door. They were pushing time. By the time Jack stepped out of his truck she was already at the front of his truck.
"You know I'm supposed to go to the door or you can't go out with me." Jack sassed her.
"I know, but we are pushing being late. So, let's go."
Jack shook his head at his girlfriend. He reached for the passenger door to open it for her. "Hi." He stated as he gave her a gentle kiss as she walked around him to get in the truck. When he closed the door, she slid over on the bench seat so she could sit beside him. Jack smiled at her as he walked in front of the truck. He kept eye contact with his girlfriend the whole time. He settled behind the wheel and cranked the truck. When he put it in gear, he placed his hand on her mid thigh. Elizabeth kissed him on the cheek and placed her hand over his.
Elizabeth always seemed happy to see him and be in his presence. He loved that about her. She made him feel special. He bumped her shoulder with his. As he pulled out on the main road, he stated. "I love you, Bella."
…
"Wow. This place is huge!"
"It is." Viola stated as she and Ted walked onto the steps of Hamilton East High School. While he wasn't from Buxton like Jack, his hometown was comparable in size to Jack's.
Ted wanted to go and watch his cousin play. He hasn't seen him play since Jack was a sophomore. He spent a little bit of time with Jack last night. He was looking forward to spending some time with him over the weekend. He still has to practice the piano at least one more day over the weekend.
"You could fit two of my schools in this one."
"Yeah."
"Are you ok?" He asked as he took Viola's hand.
"I'm fine."
"Would you like to try that again?" He challenged his girlfriend.
"My high school career was good. I liked it. However, thinking back on it I don't like who I was."
"Viola, you are not that person anymore. I really like the young lady you have become."
"Thank you."
"Now, may I have a kiss before we walk in and sit with my aunt and uncle and your parents?"
Viola reached up and touched his cheeks with her fingertips. She gently kissed his lips. "Come on sweet man."
…
The time together with the group at Abagail's was nice. As usual, there was plenty of laughter and teasing. Everyone was involved, including Lee. Cory even laughed at some of his jokes. Steph would often elbow him when he was giving his little brother a stare. The group was closely knit. Jack was his usual self, but Elizabeth could sense he was still struggling with the fear he talked about earlier. Elizabeth would often squeeze his hand for support. They didn't speak about it. She didn't feel he wanted to talk about it. Especially in front of other people. He appreciated that fact.
As the young couple made their way across the parking lot of the high school, Elizabeth noticed that Mrs. Wilson and Adam pulled in. She slightly pulled on Jack's hand to stop him. He looked in Elizabeth's direction and smiled. She nodded in Adam's direction.
"There's my guy!" Jack exclaimed as Adam got out of the car. He quickly walked toward Jack and Elizabeth. His arms were in the air waving in pure excitement.
"I love that guy." Elizabeth stated.
"Me too." Jack stated as Adam walked into his arms. Jack picked him up and twirled him around twice.
"How are you two?" Mrs. Wilson asked.
"We are good." Elizabeth answered for the both of them. Adam was trying to sign something to Jack. They were having their own conversation. Jack laughed and nodded his head.
The time during the girls' game was normal. They were in the student section with everyone else. The girls lost the game by three points. When the third period ended. Jack gave Elizabeth a soft kiss on the lips after giving Adam a hug.
"Jack, you've got his!" Elizabeth exclaimed in a stern, yet quiet voice. "Now, play like you can. Everything will work itself out."
Jack nodded his head.
Elizabeth poked Jack in the chest with her index finger. "Do you understand me?" Before Jack nodded his head, she spoke again. "Jarrick…I need for you to say it."
Jack gave her a hesitant dimple smile. He loved for forcefulness at times. This was one of those times. He leaned in until his cheek was against her cheek. He whispered in her ear. "I love you, Bella. I understand."
"Good. Now, go and have fun."
She watched as Jack walked up the stairs. He hugged and kissed his mother on the cheek. He did the same for Grace and Mrs. Wilson. He fist bumped his father and William. Tom said something to Jack, and he nodded his head. Jack walked to the locker room without a limp, but he still had the boot on.
"Is he really ok?"
"Yes Connie, he is ok. Just nervous." Elizabeth stated as she studied his walk.
…
Jack sat on the training table watching Candy tape his ankle. Instead of working quickly like normal, she was taking her time. Once she was finished, she put the brace on the ankle. He sighed at the bulkiness of it.
"I know Jack, but it's part of the deal. We don't have a choice if you want to play and not reinjure it."
"I know." Jack sighed.
"You've got this brother." Steven stated. He placed his hand on Jack's shoulder.
"We've got this!" Cory stated as he placed his hand on Jack's other shoulder.
"We've got this!" Joe, Sam, Malachi, and Shane stated at the same time.
"Thanks guys." Jack smiled at his brothers. The entire team walked up behind Candy and the other guys.
"We have you, Jack." He heard in several different voices.
"Alright guys, you have ten minutes before we go out." Coach Franklin stated. "Jack, go through the warmup layup line. When everyone else begins to shoot around, that's when you and I will do our thing with Candy."
"Yes coach."
"Jack, if you don't play tonight, we have another two games next week. If you do play tonight, you will be on limited minutes."
Jack nodded his head.
"Come on, tough guy." Coach stated as Candy began to put on the special shoe.
…
As the guys were going through the warmups, Coach Franklin walked toward the student section. He stood in front of the group by the bench. He made eye contact with Elizabeth. He wiggled his finger for her to step down to the court. When Elizabeth stepped onto the side of the court, he leaned in and spoke to her.
"When Candy and I pull Jack to the side and begin to work him through some drills, you are to watch him like a hawk. Do you understand?"
"Yes coach."
"I want your honest opinion on what you see and think. I will use yours, Candy's, and my opinion to make the final decision."
"Got it."
"What do you think they ate talking about?"
"Steven, I know that look. He is asking her to keep a watch on me." He shook his head.
"I think you may be right." He laughed. "If you so much as flinch or groan, you won't see the court for the rest of your life. I wouldn't limp if I was you."
"You may be right." Jack chuckled. Elizabeth was intently listening to Coach Franklin, but her eyes were glued on him.
…
As the two lines dispersed and several players grabbed some basketballs from the ball rack, Coach Franklin motioned for Jack to follow him and Candy. Jack took a deep breath and slowly jogged to the section of the court just before half court. He made eye contact with Elizabeth. She tapped her heart twice and mouthed the words, 'You've got this…I love you'. His smile gave her the immediate answer.
"Alright Jack, face me and take slow, long steps backwards." Candy commanded.
"Yes ma'am."
Jack straightened his back and bent his knees. He took long steps backwards while concentrating not to make any facial expressions that could be portrayed as pain. He went to the other side of the court and turned and repeated the same act until he reached Coach Franklin and Candy.
"How did that feel?"
"Fine Candy. No pain, just limited movement."
Coach Franklin was listening closely to Jack's words. He turned to look toward Elizabeth. She shook her head no.
"Is the limited movement due to the ankle or the bulky brace?"
Jack took a few moments to think about it. "I think both. There wasn't any pain."
"Good…good. Now, turn sideways. Begin with your right foot. Carry it across your body bringing your knee high. When it lands, use your left leg to advance. Please keep your body turned. You will be kind of be running sideways."
"Like carry overs that they do in football warmups?"
"Exactly. When you get to the other side of the court, come back facing the opposite direction."
"Got it." Jack stated as he turned and followed directions. Not only was Elizabeth, Candy, and Coach Franklin intently watching him, Tom and Charlette, along with William and Grace, were attentively watching him. Jack felt like he was under a microscope.
"How did that feel?" Coach Franklin asked when Jack got back to the small group.
"A little painful pushing off on the left leg. It's the sideways movement that causes me issues."
"On the pain scale?" Candy asked.
"Two…maybe an easy three."
Coach Franklin looked at Elizabeth. She raised her right hand and placed her index finger and thumb close together. "A little" She mouthed. Coach Franklin nodded his head.
Candy had Jack run through a few more drills. The drills forced him to go forward, sideways, left, and right movements. They ended with Shane guarding Jack as he dribbled the ball from one side of the court to the other side. The first trip was dribbling facing Shane. The trip back was dribbling with his back towards his defender. Everyone on the team would steal long glances trying to figure out Jack's playing status. Shane would play him close pushing him a little but didn't give his best effort.
When they made their way back, Jack took a deep breath. He turned to face his coach. "What do you think?"
"Take some shots. Let me discuss this with my team." Coach Franklin stated as he turned to walk away. Candy immediately followed him.
"Tell Elizabeth to be nice to me." Jack called out. Coach Franklin just waved his hand in acknowledgement of hearing him but didn't turn to look at him.
"What do you think? He asked Candy as they slowly walked toward their bench.
"Pretty good. A little restricted in movement on the side to side motions. That could be a little due to the ankle and or brace."
"Yeah, that thing is huge."
"It is."
"What's your honest opinion?"
Candy took a deep breath and a few seconds to think through her answer. She knew how much Jack wanted to play, but her priority was Jack's safety not his desires. "He's not one hundred percent. It is getting stronger. If you put him on the clock with limited playing time, I'm good with him playing."
"The big question…"
She cut him off before he finished his question. "He isn't susceptible to getting injured any more than if he was one hundred percent. The tape job and the brace will see to that. I'm more concerned with him getting injured because he isn't in the shape he was in before the injury. When you become tired, you get lazy. That's when he'll get hurt."
Coach Franklin nodded his head as he listened to the athletic trainer speak. He and Candy stopped in front of the bench. Elizabeth was sitting in her normal spot in the third row. She patted Adam on the shoulder and told him she'd be right back. She stepped down and walked around the bench until she was standing in front of the two.
"What is she doing?" William asked.
"She had been watching Jack by the coach's orders. I guess he wanted her input."
"What do you think?" Coach Franklin asked Elizabeth.
…
"Viola…is that you?"
"Jared? Is that really you?"
Viola and Ted had decided to go the concession stand before the boys game started.
"Yeah…I haven't seen you since we graduated."
"I moved to college. What are you doing?"
"Working for my father in his business. He wants me to take it over when he retires."
"That's great. Jared, this is my boyfriend, Ted. Ted, this a friend from high school, Jared."
"Nice to meet you Jared."
"You too." He smiled at Viola. "Vi, that's not the whole truth."
"Ted, we dated for a hot minute our senior year."
"I would say a little longer than a hot minute."
"I wouldn't. Now, are you still with Stacy?"
"No. That didn't last long."
The three stood in the concession's line chatting until they made it to the window. Ted asked what she would like to have and then he placed their order. As he was talking with the lady behind the counter, Jared spoke to Viola.
"Hey. We should get together before you go back to school."
"I don't think so. We'll only be home for the weekend. We have plans before we head back to school on Sunday."
"He goes to school with you?"
"Yes, we met there."
"And you brought him home to meet your parents?"
"I did."
"Viola, you wouldn't even bring me to your home to meet your parents." Jared's voice was full of disbelief.
"Hey." Ted stated as he kissed Viola on the cheek. His arms were full of snacks and drinks. "I don't know where we are going. Would you please lead the way?"
"Sure." She gave him a huge smile. "Let's go before the game begins." They turn their attention back to Ted. "Jared, nice to see you again. Have a good night."
"You too." He watched as Viola and Ted walked away.
"Ted, I can explain."
"Viola, you don't have to explain anything. You're not dating him. You're dating me."
"True, but…"
"Are you going out with him while you are home?"
"No. We only dated for about a week. He was a jerk who wanted way more than what I was willing to give him."
"I'm sorry you had to go through that. Now, we are dating, and I am very happy."
"Me too." She smiled at him grateful Jared didn't cause a problem."
"Now, where are we going?"
"This way."
…
Charlette and Grace intently watched Elizabeth, Coach Franklin, and Candy. They couldn't figure out what the group was doing. The look on their faces was pure concentration.
"I bet the coach is checking with Elizabeth."
"Why would he do that, Charlette?"
"Jack told me the other day that she texted him each day after practicing seeing how he was doing during practice?"
Grace laughed. That sounds just like her. She is very protective of the people she loves."
"She's good for him."
"Charlette, he is good for her." Grace stated as they continued to watch the small group.
…
"What do you think?"
Elizabeth took a few moments to gather her thoughts. She finally spoke. "He moved well. He looked a little stiff to me on that leg. The only thing I noticed was the side to side movement. Even when Shane was guarding him, forward and backward movements he had no reactions. The side to side movements was where his face registered pain. I don't think it was serious pain, but pain nonetheless."
"He said two or maybe a light three on the pain scale."
"From his facial features, I would agree with that." Elizabeth stated.
Coach Franklin rubbed his chin. He really wanted to play Jack. Even with him at eight to eighty five percent, he was a good player. He also doesn't want to risk him getting injured again.
"His movement wasn't as fluid as normal, but he wasn't too far off moving forward or backward." Elizabeth added. "Do you think he would injure himself more if he played?"
"I don't think so." Candy jumped into the conversation. "He isn't susceptible to injury until he becomes tired. I'm afraid he'll get injured if he is exhausted. He will try to cut corners and become a little lazy. That's when the percentage of him getting injured will go dramatically higher."
"What's your opinion, Elizabeth?"
"I'm ok with him playing, but not the whole game."
"I would recommend five minutes per period."
"I'm leaning to five minutes too." Coach Franklin stated.
"I would recommend four minutes. Especially if you think he'll get injured if he is tired. I know he isn't in shape like he wants. By playing a little bit, he'll get in paying shape without getting exhausted." Elizabeth stated.
"Good point." Candy stated.
"Thanks, you two. Let me think about it for a moment."
Coach excused himself and walked to the corner of the baseline. He watched Jack take a couple of shots. He looked good shooting the basketball. He didn't jump as high as he normally would, but he wasn't too far off. Plus, he didn't make a painful expression as he landed both times.
…
"Is that Teddy with my oldest sister?"
"It is, Julie."
"I haven't met him yet. I wasn't home when he was there practicing the piano."
"You really need to listen to him play. He has a gift."
"Really?"
"Yeah. He's very talented."
"She seems happy." Julie closely watched her sister walk down the hallway.
"Teddy is over the moon with her. I can easily see it."
"Maybe this will work out for her…for them."
"Maybe…"
"How funny will this be? Three Thatcher sisters are dating brothers, and the oldest one is dating their cousin."
"That sounds weird when you say it." Tom laughed.
"So, what are you thinking?" Julie leaned in and touched his shoulder.
"In a few weeks we can go out together officially on a real date. I'm looking forward to it."
"Me too." Julie squealed.
…
With one minute of warmups left, the guys began to put the balls on the ball rack. Jack placed two balls on the top row and turned toward the bench. He walked to the coach who was at the beginning of the bench. Jack was trying to get a read of his facial expressions, but the coach had a good poker face.
"So…?" Jack finally asked.
"You're starting…" Jack interrupted him when he hugged him. "Wait…" The coach stated after Jack released the hug. "You will be starting each period and you will play no more than four minutes."
"But coach…"
"Jack, this isn't up for discussion." The coach's tone was stern. "Four minutes…no matter how good you feel or what you say. Got it?"
"Unless I can convince you…"
"This is a dictatorship young man." The coach reiterated his point. He did soften it a little bit with the beginnings of a smile. "Four minutes per period. Not a second longer."
"Got it."
Jack's smile only grew when he turned to take his seat for the announcing of the lineups. He made eye contact with Elizabeth as he walked to his seat. He mouthed 'thank you' to her. Then he looked at his parents and gave them a nod and a smile.
"I guess she gave her approval." Charlette stated.
"She told me last night that she wants him safe but understands his desire to play."
"It's hard watching your kid struggle through things."
"Yes dear, but it is in that struggle that you get stronger and better." Thomas smiled.
"True, but that doesn't make it any easier."
"Your being such a mom." William laughed.
…
As Jack sat on the bench, the pesky little voice creeped up in his ear. You're not ready. You're going to hurt it again and be out even longer. You may even hurt it worse. You won't play well. He reached down and rubbed his ankle. He jerked up when he felt a hand on his back.
"You've got this!" Elizabeth voice was comforting.
"Thanks."
After the lineup were announced, the players walked on the court and began to shake hands with their opponents.
"Hey man, I'm glad you are able to play."
"Thanks man." Jack stated to his opponent.
"Your ankle good?"
"Better, but not completely right yet."
"I get that. I had one earlier in the season. I respect you and your game, but I'm not going to take it easy on you."
"I respect you and your game too. Maybe even more now." Jack smiled at his opponent. He could sense the respect that was given to him.
"Have a good game."
Cory won the tip off and the ball came to Jack. After catching the ball, he stood there for just a moment. He relished everything at that moment. The feel of the ball in his hands…the feel of standing on the court with the sound of the crowd's dull roar…the sweat dripping down his forehead…after a quick second, he looked around and then drippled the ball up the court. His opponent, the one who spoke to him just before tipoff was waiting for him at halfcourt. He was grateful his opponent wasn't taking it easy on him. That was the ultimate sign of respect.
Jack knew his side to side movement was the weakest part of his ankle. So, instead of trying to turn sideways all the time, he tried to run in a straight line at those angles. Even if he had to turn to the side, he wouldn't have to turn completely.
Jack drippled the ball to the right side of the court and passed the ball to Steven at the free throw line. Jack continued to run past Joe, who set a screen for Jack. He ran to the corner where Steven passed him the ball. Jack's opponent was fighting through the screen. He was open for a couple of seconds. When he caught the ball, he took the three point shot. He smiled when he landed. There wasn't any pain.
He took this shot hundreds of times in practice since his injury. There wasn't any pain when he landed, but that was practice. Practice doesn't have the intensity of a game. When there wasn't any pain when he landed, he knew then he could play again without the fear of pain. The ball went through the goal.
Elizabeth jumped up and down on the bleachers. One arm was around Adam and the other was around Connie. She wasn't only excited that Jack made the shot, she was excited when he landed and smiled. She knew in her heart he was going to be ok. She always told him that, but now she saw it with her own eyes. Most of the fear left her in that moment. She loved the pure excitement on her boyfriend's face.
Jack matched his opponent's actions and picked him up at half court. To his opponent's credit, he tried to force Jack side to side. He remembered that was his weakness when he hurt his ankle a couple of months ago. Jack was slower than usual, but he was still quick enough to guard his guy. He didn't guard his guy as close as he normally would, especially this far from the goal. He needed the cushion to help with his lack of quickness. Jack was trying to make up for this weakness in his physical game with the mental side of the game.
Sam stole the pass and turned up the court with the ball. His opponent stayed on him. So, he passed the ball to Joe who made an open layup. The crowd was going wild. The visiting coach called timeout.
As Jack walked to the bench, he nodded his head at Candy. He saw the question in her eyes. Then he found Elizabeth. She had her hand in front of her with her thumb up. He knew she was asking him if he was good. His smile gave her his answer. Jack's smile grew when he felt a cold bottle on his right arm.
"Thanks Adam." He stated as he turned around to see his friend's smiling face. Jack missed this part almost as much as any other part. Adam nodded his head.
…
By halftime, the game was going in Hamilton East's favor. They were up by eight. While they were in control, they weren't pulling away from the other team. They were hanging tough. Jack had five points and two steals. He was playing well, and his ankle felt good. There was only one time that it twinged, but nothing major. He was happy. He lost count of how many times he was asked if he was ok. He knew the people were just concerned for him.
"Good job guys. Cory, Steven…we will be coming to you more in the second half. They are struggling with you two. Let's slow things down and our offense goes through them first. If you have the shot, take it. If not, pass it back out on the perimeter. They'll make the shots. Malachi, Shane…good job in supporting us on the outside. Let's slow the tempo and grind this team. Jack, welcome back. You're playing well. How's the ankle?"
"Good coach, I can play longer."
"You are on the clock! No discussions!" The coach immediately shut down the conversation. He turned his attention back to the team. He wasn't having that conversation with Jack. Joe, Sam, Malachi, Shane…when you pass the ball down low, find the open spot on your side. Be ready for the shot."
"Yes coach." They all stated at the same time.
"Let's put them away." The coach looked around. Then he turned back to Jack. "Jack, it's your team."
"The coach is right." Jack began after the coach stood and left the huddle. "Slow things down. Be methodical. They can't handle Cory or Steven down low. We are feeding you two everything. You will have career highs after tonight. Every possession goes through you two. Everyone finds your spots. If the defense collapses, they'll find you. Cory, Steven…own the paint. Be complete monsters."
"It's good to have you back brother." Cory stated.
…
"Now Ted, tell me a little about yourself." William began as the two guys made a trip to the concession stands for the normal snacks for everything.
"Not too much to share. I'm in my junior year studying music. I'm concentrating in piano. I've played piano for as long as I can remember."
"Grace called me, and I was able to listen to you for a few minutes on speaker phone. Ted, you are one of the best piano players I have ever heard, and I have heard several through my years of attending music and art functions."
"Thank you sir. That's very kind of you to say."
"And you are Jack's cousin?"
"I am. Mom adopted me just after Jack was born. She's Jack's aunt. Shirley is Charlette's sister. My parents were killed in a car wreck. I don't remember them. I was two when they died. They were hit by a drunk driver. I was three when I went to live with mom."
"I'm sorry to hear about your parents."
"Thank you for saying that. The only mom I have ever known is Shirley. She loves me and has always treated me just like I am her own. I don't really think of myself as being adopted. I just don't remember my biological parents."
William nodded his head. "What are your plans?"
"I'm trying to finish off the next year and a half with my degree. I have some offers already to join a few sympathy groups."
"That's impressive." William stated as he stepped up to the counter. He placed the order from the list on his phone. Then he turned his attention back to this young man. "Viola told me about the first time you two met."
"Oh…yeah…There really were other seats available. She was just so…" Ted took a deep breath. "…I just wanted to sit beside her. I was shocked that she actually spoke to me."
William laughed. He remembered that portion of the story. "That's not what I was talking about?"
"Oh…what portion of the story are you talking about?"
"The portion that you didn't know our last name."
"I really didn't know it. I spend all my time in front of a piano. I'm not a business guy."
"That's what she said." He placed his hand on top of Ted's shoulder.
"Yeah, she was shocked that I didn't know it. When I realized the last name, I thought it was due to Jack bringing home his girlfriend to Nana's and Pop's house. In our family, that was huge news for several weeks before and after Thanksgiving."
"I think my oldest daughter is smitten by you."
Ted couldn't help but smile. "I'm grateful. I am completely lost in her."
William nodded his head. He was really liking this guy. He truly felt he wasn't after his oldest daughter to get anything.
"Did she really help build that home?"
"Mr. Thatcher, you should have seen her work on it. She was a beast."
…
Jack and the rest of the team walked out of the locker room with about three minutes remaining at halftime. Several guys grabbed some basketballs and began tossing them to the rest of the team. Jack looked up and immediately found Elizabeth intently looking at him. He nodded when she raised her fist with her thumbs up. He looked at her a little longer to make sure she understood that he was good. Then he looked into the middle section looking for his mother. He nodded when they made eye contact.
Instead of catching a ball and shooting to loosen up, he walked to the corner and sat down. He began to stretch out his legs. Candy came over to check on him. They talked for a couple of minutes until the buzzer blared its annoying sound throughout the gym.
"Alright, the starting five jump in. Malachi, stay ready."
"Yes coach."
"Slow and steady. Feed Cory and Steven down low. We're riding them home."
"Family on three." Jack stated when everyone placed their hands in the middle of the group.
Joe took the ball from the ref and passed it to Jack. He dribbled to the left side of the court and found Steven posted up with his player on his back. He smiled as he passed the ball to him. Steven took one dribble to the right and shot the ball over his guy. As the ball went through the hoop, the crowd cheered. Jack ran up the court to defend his player. He met him at halfcourt like he has done the whole game while he played. Instead of trying to get Jack to move side to side, he just played normally. He faked right and tried to go left. Jack read his belly button and stayed in the middle of his guy. He tried several moves, but Jack was always there to cut him off.
He passed the ball to his teammate on the left side and then ran to the right side corner. Jack followed closely behind him. Instead of staying there, he ran up the court to the top of the key on the right side. Again, Jack followed him. For the next minute when his team had the ball, He was constantly moving from one side to the other in consistent movement. For some weird reason, Jack was getting tired faster than in the first half combined.
Finally, the other player passed the ball down low and he missed the shot. Cory rebounded and passed the ball to Jack. He wiped away sweat on his forehead and slowly dribbled the ball up the court.
"Jack…East Thirty Three." The coach yelled out. Jack nodded his head and called out the play.
Jack dribbled to the left side of the court and bounce passed the ball to Sam. "Switch with me." Jack stated to Sam as he ran behind him.
Sam paused for a moment and then dribbled to the center of the court. Jack slowly ran to the corner of the court where Sam should have been.
Instead of going to the left, the ball should have dribbled to the right side and passed to Joe. He was to take the shot or pass it down low to Cory.
Jack remained in the corner of the court with his hands pulling his shorts to his knees where his hands rested. He was breathing heavily, trying to regain his strength. Elizabeth noticed what he was doing. She intently watched him. Charlette also noticed. She scooted closer to the end of the bleacher seat.
"Is he ok?" Grace asked. She also noticed it.
"I think he's winded."
"How? They haven't played more than a minute and a half." Grace stated.
"I'm not sure. He looks tired."
Joe took the shot. He nailed the three. Jack stood up and slowly jogged down the court. When he made eye contact with the coach, he tapped the top of his head.
"Malachi, go in for Jack!"
Malachi immediately stood and jogged to the scorer's table. He kneeled down waiting for the next pause in play so he could come in. Uncharacteristically for Jack, he was the last player on his team to get into defensive position.
Jack's player noticed how much Jack was struggling. Instead of staying on the perimeter, he jogged down to the block beside his teammate.
"Hey man. When Scott passes it out to the center of the court, set me a screen." He whispered to his teammate.
When Scott received the ball in the middle of the court, the tall guy turned and stood in front of Jack. Jack's player ran around his own teammate and went to the corner and received the pass. Jack couldn't fight around the screen. He was too tired. Jack's player caught the ball and shot a wide open three. Jack could only watch it as it sailed through the air and went through the hoop touching only the net. He lowered his head. The official blew his whistle when Coach Franklin immediately called timeout.
"Hey man, you ok?"
"I'm not sure. I just got really tired all of a sudden." Jack stated never looking at Steven.
Steven and Cory stood beside Jack for a few seconds. He was trying to gather his strength and breathe so he could walk to the bench. Cory and Steven slowed their walking down to walk with Jack to their bench that was on the other side of the court.
…
"Something's wrong." Tom stated.
"Yes. I think he looks exhausted."
"I agree with you, William.
"Do you want to go and check on him?"
"I do, but I'll wait to see what Candy says. She told me she will make eye contact with me and motion for me to come down there if she needs me. I don't want to hover if he doesn't need me to."
"It's hard to watch him struggle."
Adam squeezed Elizabeth's hand after he reached for it. She had begun to step out of her row to the steps to make her way to the bench area. She was watching Jack as he walked to the bench beside Steven and Cory. His teammates were just a few feet in front of him. They were all walking very slowly. They were not leaving their brother behind. Malachi stood and waited at halfcourt for everyone. They all made their way to the bench slowly. When Elizabeth turned her head to look at Adam, he shook his head no. He also made the ASL sign for no. While she was concerned and wanted to check on her boyfriend, she knew she shouldn't overstep. She didn't want to turn into the loving girlfriend and embarrass Jack in front of everyone.
Candy was waiting halfway between the half court line and the bench. She was also intently watching Jack and his walking. He wasn't limping or favoring his left ankle. She was grateful for that. He just looked drained of all his energy.
"You ok?" She asked when he finally reached her.
"Yeah. No pain. I just got exhausted all of a sudden." He stated as he stopped in front of her.
"Nothing is hurting? Ankle? Stomach? Chest?"
"No. Someone just drained me of all my energy."
"Can you make it to the end of the bench or does Steven or Cory need to carry you?" Candy sassed him with a grin.
"Thanks for having my back brother, but if you try to carry me, I'll never forgive you."
"Never." Cory and Steven stated at the same time.
"Come on tough guy. We have stood here too long already." Candy turned to lead Jack to the end of the bench by the baseline. She looked up to Jack's parents and mouthed 'He's ok' as she stuck her thumb up in the air.
Elizabeth exhaled as she saw what Candy did. She turned to Elizabeth and repeated the act.
"You good?" Coach Franklin asked as Jack walked by.
"Yeah. Just exhausted but I'm good."
"Nice. Have a seat."
"I still want to play in the fourth period."
"Sit." Coach Franklin demanded, nodding to the end of the bench. Candy stopped and spoke to the coach for just a couple of seconds.
By the time Jack made it to the end of the bench, the timeout was over.
"Have a seat."
Jack plopped down and then sunk down in his seat. He smiled when he felt something cold on his shoulder. Without looking, he reached for the hand that was holding the bottle. "Thanks Adam." Adam patted him on the back for a second before he turned to join Elizabeth, Connie, and Steph in the bleachers.
"Talk to me Jack. What happened?"
"I started feeling tired when my guy ran all over the court on their first possession. When I brought the ball up, I just couldn't shake the exhaustion. I passed the ball to Sam and went into the corner trying to catch my breath."
"Are you short of breath?"
"No. Just tired and couldn't get enough air in my lungs."
"Anything hurt?"
"No. Just tired."
"Ankle? Chest? Back? Leg?"
"No."
"Then what happened?"
"Running up the court was even more tiring. My man took me down on the block. When the tall guy set the screen, I couldn't go around him. I just didn't have the energy. I feel like I was completely zapped of it."
"If it wasn't pain, can you describe it? Would you call it a five hundred pound gorilla that jumped on your back?"
"I would call it an eight hundred pound gorilla. He came out of nowhere." Jack sighed.
"And now?"
"Better." He stated as he took a drink of the Gatorade Adam brought him.
"Sometimes after an injury and you begin to play at game speed, it catches up with you – all the excitement and adrenaline is too much when you are playing your way back into shape. Are you sure nothing is hurting?"
"Nothing."
"Drink that Gatorade and another one. I'll get you a banana. That should help too."
"Thank Candy."
Jack looked up to his mother and father. He nodded his head with his thumb up. He mouthed. 'I'm just tired.' Then he turned his attention toward Elizabeth. She was solely focused on him. "I'm good…I promise." He stated with a smile. She couldn't hear him, but she read his lips.
"Promise?"
"Yes." He nodded his head.
…
Jack sat the rest of the third period. After talking with Candy, Coach Franklin allowed Jack to play three minutes beginning of the fourth period. He pulled him and had him to sit rest of the game. Jack tried to talk him into allowing him to play, but the coach wasn't budging. The game was in hand and he wasn't risking his star player with a game already won. The coach eventually quick looking down the bench.
The buzzer sounded and both teams met at halfcourt to shake hands. Jack tapped his chest and gave Elizabeth a smile as he began to walk toward the locker room.
"Alright Jack. Be honest with me. How is it feeling?" Coach Franklin asked as he stood beside Candy. Jack was sitting on the trainer's table.
"The ankle isn't hurting. It doesn't feel swollen, maybe a little stiff since the brace and tape is off."
"How was the brace?"
"Restricting but it gave me a little bit of confidence while I had it on. I didn't like it while playing, but I'm grateful I had it."
"I'll text you in the morning. I want to know how it feels in the morning and if it's swollen."
"Aright Jack…" Candy smiled. "…me and you here in the morning."
"Yes ma'am. So, I'm still a candy baby?"
"For a little longer." She laughed.
…
Jack opened the left door as he, Sam, Joe, Steven, and Cory walked out of the locker room onto the court.
"Thanks guys."
"It was great to have you back even if you were in a limited role."
Jack nodded at Cory's statement. "Sorry I didn't help too much."
"You did just fine. You are recovering. By the time district tournament and playoffs begin, you'll be back at full strength." Steven stated.
"And with Malachi and Shane getting playing time that matters, that will help with our depth in the playoffs. They listened to you well. They played well."
"They played very well." Jack looked up and saw his girlfriend standing with her friends. While she was smiling, she had a look of concern in her eyes.
"Hey Bella." Jack softly stated as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. "I'm good. I promise."
"What happened?"
"I think an eight hundred pound gorilla jumped out of the stands and landed squarely on my back. I was just zapped of my energy all of a sudden. After resting the rest of the third period, I felt much better."
"What did Candy say?"
"That after an injury and playing in your first game back, the adrenaline and excitement goes away, and you feel very tired quickly. I felt normal during the fourth period."
She intently watched his eyes. She knew Jack was telling her the truth. She let out a contented sigh.
"Thank goodness. I'm glad you are doing well."
"I need to text Coach Franklin in the morning to let him know how I'm feeling and how the ankle is doing after tonight."
After the reading hour at the library, would you please go walking with me?"
Jack gave her a smile. He knew she wanted him to move a little without pushing too much.
"Lunch first, then walking?"
"That sounds even better Jack."
"We don't have any homework for Monday."
"True." She smiled as she stepped a little closer.
"Maybe a movie after the walk? Or going shopping or walking the mall?"
"Sounds like you would like to spend the day with me." She flirted.
"I'm caught." He grinned his dimple smile at her. She loved that little smile.
"Sounds good to me."
"It's still a little early. Why don't we say hi to our families and we run out and share an appetizer?"
"That sounds lovely., Jack."