Chapter 53

Jack bent over fiddling with his stupid brace. His ankle was just taped and the brace was just put on. He was sure Candy used a little more tape than normal. His meeting with her was just a couple of days ago. She gave him a green light to play longer, but he still knew she was worried about him. His 'inflatable toy' as he called his brace, seemed much larger than normal. He hated the brace, but knew he had this game and two more to wear it. Elizabeth had already threatened him with the punishment of death if he took it off one second earlier than he was allowed. He had no idea how he could be so scared of a young lady, but he was.

He finally got his shoe tied enough to be comfortable. He was still wearing the low cut shoe on his left foot because of his inflatable toy. He still swore it was a child's inflatable arm floatie that was repurposed as an ankle brace. He looked up into Candy's eyes and knew exactly what she was telling her.

"I know." He stated with a sigh.

"There's a difference from knowing and doing."

"You have been talking to my ma too long." He shook his head. "That's what she says."

"Don't make me go and get Elizabeth."

"No need to turn mean." Jack laughed.

"Do as your told."

"I will. I promise."

…

Elizabeth looked around the gym as it was growing silent. The game was almost over, and the girls were losing by six. She looked toward Adam. He was smiling. If you were around Adam, you would always smile. He just had that effect on people. He had this way of taking away everything that was bad. He put the last of the skittles in his mouth as he turned to her. He smiled and waved his hands. She leaned onto his shoulder.

"Was that good?"

He shook his head as he made the ASL sign for yes.

"Want another bag?"

He repeated his previous act.

"I'll go." Connie stated. I need to go to the restroom anyways."

"Father will bring us our normal snacks. I think he likes doing that."

Connie smiled. "Mr. Thatcher is a good guy."

"He is." Elizabeth looked up and noticed her father was walking toward the stairs on the bleachers. She smiled at waved at him when they made eye contact. He winked at her and nodded. She understood his meaning.

She turned when Steph elbowed her. "What is he doing?"

Elizabeth followed Steph's gaze and her eyes landed on Charles standing in front of Jack saying something.

"Good grief." She stated when the buzzer sounded to indicate the end of the girl's game.

…

The guys were lined up along the wall beside the double doors to the locker room waiting for the girl's team to finish up their game. They were down by six with fourteen seconds left in the game. Cooperstown was a good team, and the girls knew it was going to be a good game. The guys knew the same too. This was going to be a tough game. Everyone was laser focused. Jack was surprised when someone spoke to him. He was standing at the end of the line of players like he always did. He looked into the eyes of Charles. He was standing just a couple of feet in front him.

To say that Jack was surprised would be an understatement. They haven't spoken in a long time. Jack couldn't remember the last time they spoke. Maybe it was at the football game when they got into the fight. If they spoke after that, Jack couldn't remember it. Maybe he just didn't want to remember it.

"Jack, can we talk?"

Jack didn't know what to say. He was so focused on the game. He had zero desire to speak to Charles. Not one ounce of Jack had any desire to speak to this guy. Instead of saying anything, he just stared at Charles. Jack's stare was growing colder by the second.

"What is he doing?" Steven stated. He began to walk toward Jack and Charles. He had one ball under his arm.

"Jack, I think we need to talk."

"Hey man, what are you doing?" Steven barked at Charles as he stepped in between the two guys.

"I wanted to speak to Jack."

"No! Not now and not here! This is absolutely the wrong time for this. We are running out on the court at any second."

"Later?" Charles spoke looking at Jack.

Jack only narrowed his eyes as he looked at Charles. They were the same height. Steven stayed where he was until Charles turned to stand at the end of the seniors.

"You ok man?"

Jack nodded his head.

"Don't let him get in your head. We need you out there."

Again Jack nodded his head. Steven looked into Jack's eyes for a moment. When he saw what he needed to see, he began to turn to walk to the front of the line.

"Thanks man…you always seem to have my back."

"It's a full time job." Steven laughed as he turned to walk to the front.

"What was that about?"

"I don't know Cory. Let's keep an eye on that guy." Steven stated as he was at the front of the line.

"Got it." Joe stated with Cory and Sam.

Going through the layup line, Elizabeth kept a close eye on Jack. He seemed unphased by the little interaction with Charles. He gave her a smile and a thumbs up. She also noticed that he reached for his ankle brace a couple of times fiddling with it. It appeared to be uncomfortable.

After a few minutes of warming up in the layup line, some of the players walked to the ball rack and began tossing some balls to the starters and the four players who would come in and give them rest to begin shooting. Instead of shooting, Jack walked to the corner of the court and sat down. He adjusted his pullover and his pants. He began to stretch his legs. He played close attention to his left ankle. He adjusted his inflatable toy a couple of times until he caught Candy's glare. He stopped messing with it and concentrated on stretching.

…

While he played, Ted had this unique expression on his face. One part of it was pure concentration. He pieces of music he played were symphony level music. It took concentration to play them correctly and well. The second part of the expression was pure peace. He loved playing the piano. It was a joy for him to sit in front of the piano and play. While his other classmates complained about the excessive practice schedules they were required to keep each day, Ted really didn't have a problem with it. He simply enjoyed it. He looked up from the piano he was playing and noticed the love of his life standing there watching him.

Viola had decided she missed her boyfriend. She simply wanted to be with him, even if he was busy. Plus, she loved listening to him play. It was just something about how he played that brought this peace to her. Her mind was always busy. Elizabeth always joked with her that her mind was at warp speed all the time thinking about something. When she listened to Ted play, it quieted her mind. While she enjoyed listening to him and the peace it gave her, she was more moved by the young man that was playing the piano. She had heard some of the best pianist in the world play, but only Ted's music brought her such peace.

As Viola stood there watching her boyfriend play, she realized the difference wasn't the music that brought her the peace she loved so much, it was the guy that was playing the music. Ted was the one that brought her peace. His pure joy of playing; his calmness of playing; him just being in the moment enjoying what he is doing is what brought her peace. The fact of their deep discussion just a few days ago when he opened his heart to her and shared it with the hopes and intentions of a life together moved her even now just thinking about it. He was drawing her to him. Now she perfectly understood what Elizabeth meant when she would say that Jack just has a way of drawing her in.

Ted's smile grew at her presence. The peace that was one portion of his expression deepened. For Viola, it expressed pure love. He wasn't expecting her to show up at the restaurant. She was complaining about her import/export business class and how impossible the professor was being. She was so secretive about what she wanted from the project that was due in a couple of days. Viola didn't know why her professor was being so vague about what she wanted. Ted's dimples were drawing her in.

…

Jack stood from the bench when his name was called. He relished the feeling of playing. He ran through the tunnel of players high fiving everyone except for Charles. Steven kept a close watch on them. He jogged up to the opposing coach with a smile.

"How are you, young man? You good?"

"Yes coach. I'm healing."

"That's good." He stated, holding onto Jack's hand longer than normal. "It has been a pleasure watching your game film. You're fun to watch play, but also you gave me a headache this week."

"Thank you, sir."

"Play well and I hope you continue to heal quickly."

Jack nodded his head in appreciation of the coach's compliment.

"I've watched your team, they are well coached. They play hard but clean. This should be fun."

"Yes young man. It will be a fun game to compete in. We're coming for you." He laughed. "Play well."

"I wouldn't expect anything less from you and your team."

Jack let go of the coach's hand as he patted Jack on the back. He fist pumped the three refs and walked to the little huddle in the center of the court. Jack motioned for Malachi and Shane to join the five starters on the court.

"Intensity! Everything you got! Let's have some fun! You with me?" The six players nodded their heads. "I'll give you what I got. I promise you that. I expect the same from each of you!" He stared into the eyes of everyone in the huddle. Cory began to bounce on his feet. He was getting excited. "Cory…Steven…you have to own the paint. For us to have any chance to win, you two have to show up in a big way. Joe, Sam, Malachi, Shane, you've got to pick up where I leave off. We have to play as one unit; one heartbeat. Play hardnose basketball! Nothing stupid! They get nothing easy!"

"Let's go young men." The ref holding the ball stated as he walked by. Jack ignored him.

"Men, it's been a joy playing with you. Tonight, we own this!"

"It's great to have you back." Sam stated.

"Cory or Steven…we're coming to you first. You set the tone.

Cory and Steven nodded their head. They had a serious look on their faces.

Jack extended his hand to the middle of the huddle. Each player placed their hand on top of Jack's. He quickly looked into each guy's eyes. "Men…this is our house! We own our house!"

"Our house!" The other six layers yelled in one voice. Everyone settled down when they noticed Jack's expression.

"Let's go men. We have a ballgame to win."

After a second of pause, Jack nodded his head. He, nor did anyone else, say anything. They all began to walk toward the middle of the court.

"I'm sorry men, only five of you can play at one time." The ref stated walking up to the group.

"Oh…" Malachi stated. He and Shane were so pumped up that they forgot they weren't starting the game.

Jack stole a quick glance at Elizabeth. When they connected eyes, he gave her a little smirk.

"You good?" She mouthed.

"Yeah." He whispered. She read his lips perfectly.

"Promise?" She mouthed again.

"I promise." He nodded his head. She instantly saw the fire in his eyes and facial expression changed.

…

"Hey girl, have you seen Tom?"

"No Julie. I haven't since this morning before school. Why?"

"He wasn't in first period."

"I saw him getting out of a SUV and walk into the school."

"Charlette, his mom, must have brought him."

"Didn't you see him in first period?"

"No." Julie sighed. "He must have skipped the class."

"Are you two having troubles?"

"Yeah…I did something pretty stupid."

"Girl, what did you do?"

"I thought something that wasn't true and then I…"

"John said you two talked over the weekend. Are you finished with that new guy and going after John now?"

"No! John was my stupid mistake. We only talked twice through text messages. I thought Tom was going behind my back, but he wasn't."

"Oh…"

"Yeah…Tom's mad at me and I perfectly understand why." She let out a long breath. "Samantha, I really messed up. I want Tom back, but I can't push him."

"That doesn't sound like you."

"I know. I hurt him and it's killing me. Samantha, I want him back!"

"Then go and get him!"

"I can't. I need to give him time. I apologized and told him to call me when he has worked through everything."

"That most certainly doesn't sound like you."

Julie looked up when the guys began to work their way to the center of the court to begin the game.

"Well…looks like you may get your chance." Samantha nodded toward the top of the bleachers.

Tom had just stepped into the gym. He was waiting out in the hallway close to the concession stand. He was trying to avoid Julie. His heart is still hurting. While it was bad enough she spoke to a guy behind his back, it was worse since it was John. He figured he could sneak in the gym when the boy's game started. There was always a bigger crowd. If he didn't sit in the student section, then, if Julie had come to the game, Julie wouldn't have seen him. He still wasn't ready to talk to her.

"What is he doing all the way over there?"

"Looks like he is sitting on the other side of the bleachers."

"He skipped first period class. Which is the only class we have together. Now he is sitting on the opposite end of the student section. He's avoiding me."

"I would say. Haven't you two spoke since the argument?"

"No. I texted him Saturday and apologized. I told him I was sorry and that I would be willing to answer the call when he felt ready to talk. I really want to talk to him." Julie never took her eyes off him.

"You may need to take the first step if you really want this."

"I do. But…"

"You don't have to be pushy, but Julie, he's hurting. Look at him."

Juie reached for a tear that fell down her cheek. "Maybe…" Her voice trailed off.

…

With one last tug on his inflatable toy that was securely wrapped around his left ankle, Jack got ready as the ref stepped to the center of the court. He tossed the ball in the air. Cory jumped and flipped the ball towards Jack. He easily took the ball and looked up the court for a moment. As he drippled the ball, the guy defending him was waiting for him at halfcourt. Jack's straight line running was much better. He was still a little slower with side to side movement. He knew he needed to keep that movement to a minimum. He smiled. He loved that the defender wasn't taking it easy on him. That was a sign of true competitor respect. Jack leaned forward and drippled up the center of the court.

Cory set a screen for Steven. He ran to the free throw line. Jack lopped a pass to him and went to the right side of the court. Joe shifted down to the corner. Cory was on the opposite side of the painted area away from Jack. Steven knew he was guarded well. So, he passed the ball back out to Jack. As Steven did that, Cory faked going to the free throw line. When his defender took the first step in that direction, Cory pivoted and quickly turned to the goal. When he did, Jack alley hooped the ball just in front of the goal. Cory jumped and caught the ball, slamming it through the rim.

As Cory hung on the rim for just a half a second, the crowd went wild. The whole home side of the gym jumped to their feet screaming. Steph jumped up and down, spilling her popcorn all over Connie and Adam. Neither of them minded as they were celebrating in their own way. As Elizabeth cheered, she was intently watching Jack. He seemed fine as he jogged up the court.

Jack's player took the inbound pass and slowly walked the ball up the court. Jack met him at half court. Jack played pretty good defense. It wasn't as hard as he normally did, but he was close to his player. He had to take his opportunities while working around the limited movement of his brace. It wasn't constant pressure on his player. He had to learn when to take his chances. When his player passed the ball to a teammate, he ran to the painted area of the court and then tried to loop around a teammate that was setting a screen. Jack kept his hand on the player's back making sure not to grab his jersey and foul him. Instead of following him around the screen, Jack cut in front of the opponent and met his guy as he looped around. It was a smart play by Jack. The guy with the ball passed it to Jack's guy. By cutting the corner and not following his guy around the screen, Jack was in a good position to deflect the ball. He stuck out his left hand and tipped the ball away from his guy.

The ball slowly bounced away from them. They both went for the ball. Jack had no thought concerning his ankle. They both dove for the ball trying to knock it to their own teammates. The guy that set the screen for Jack's guy saw the bouncing ball and tried to get to it as well. He dove as well and landed squarely on top of Jack's left leg. His elbow landed perfectly on Jack's ankle.

Elizabeth saw what happened. She swore it was in slow motion like in a video clip on Instagram. She grimaced before the guy even landed on Jack's ankle. She could see it coming from a mile away. Along with Elizabeth, Charlette and Grace saw it too. All three ladies stopped cheering and placed a hand over their mouth. While the action on the court was fast, this portion was incredibly slow for them.

When Jack felt the player land on his leg, he grimaced. Not because he felt pain. He just knew the pain was coming. As the ref blew the whistle and pointed in the direction of the opposing team indicating the ball was awarded to them, Jack laid still on the floor. While he didn't know how long he was laying there, he knew it should have been long enough for the pain to register. However, the pain never came. Yes, he felt the guy on his leg and ankle, but the pain he was expecting from his ankle didn't come. He opened his eyes when Sam was standing over him asking him if he was alright.

"Yeah…I think I am."

"Are you hurt?"

"No." Jack shook his head. He sat up and looked toward the ankle. For the first time in his life, he was appreciative of his inflatable toy. It not only did its job in keeping the ankle stable, but it also protected it when the player landed on it. He actually admired the stupid brace. He patted it after adjusting it for a second. He turned his head toward his girlfriend. He saw the look on her face and knew what she was thinking. He gave her a smile and a thumbs up. He mouthed the words 'I promise'. Then he turned his attention toward his mother and gave her same gesture. He nodded his head to affirm he was good. Jack accepted Sam's hand and stood.

"You good?" Steven asked.

"Yeah…for the first time in a while, I think I am." Jack stated as he lightly stomped his left foot to the court. He had to test it one more time just to make sure it was good. He nodded his head when his coach yelled out to him.

…

While all the things were happening on the court, Julie had already made her way up the bleachers and across the hallway behind the stands. She was standing on the top of the bleachers just above where Tom was sitting. He was alone about halfway down the bleachers. Their parents were to her left. This was the first time she had noticed him being alone for any length of time. He was always a people person. She took a deep breath as the battle raged inside of her head.

She had promised Tom in the text from Saturday that she would give him space. She knew she hurt him deeply. She also wanted to give him time to work through everything on his mind. However, she was still Julie. She had a hard time sitting back and not pushing forward. On her walk down the steps, she formed a plan that she prayed was going to work. She had decided to say hi and be in his presence, but not to push too far. At the very least, she wanted to apologize to him face to face.

Julie held onto the center rail as she slowly walked down the steps. She never took her eyes off Tom. He had his head down looking at his phone. He had watched what happened to Jack. He had returned his attention to his phone when he saw Jack give Elizabeth and his mother a thumbs up. He knew Jack was good.

At the end of the row Tom was sitting, Julie let out a long breath and a short prayer that this would go well. She walked toward a distracted Tom and sat down beside him. She was just a few inches from Tom. She had missed him since Saturday. Sitting beside him only made her heart hurt worse. She knew she messed up and her greatest desire was to fix this. He had still not noticed her.

"Hey." She stated softly as she bumped his shoulder with hers.

Tom looked up at the voice he recognized and missed. He slid away from her by a few inches. He noticed the hurt expression in her eyes when he did. She also saw the hurt in his eyes after the shock was over.

"Hey." He whispered.

…

"Hey" Ted stated as he walked to Viola. He was so excited about seeing his girlfriend. "I thought you were studying?" He leaned in gently touching her lips.

"I was. I just needed a break."

"So you wanted to see me?" He flirted as he reached for her hand.

"Is that a problem?"

"Are you kidding me? I'm glad you're here." He leaned in for another kiss. This one was a little longer than the first kiss.

"How much longer do you have?"

"I'm done."

"Would you like to spend a little bit of time with me before I go back to the dorm to study?"

Ted pulled her closer to him by her hand. "Viola, for such a smart woman, you asked some of the dumbest questions." He chuckled as her body came to rest against him. "This is a great surprise."

Viola's face turned a little reddish in color. She loved that he was so loving toward her. She just wasn't used to it. However, she was very welcoming to his loving gestures.

"Are you hungry or do you just want to get a coffee and a pastry?"

"I've already eaten dinner at the school."

"A snack then?"

"Can we get a hot tea and take a walk?"

"Sure. Let me ask Joann. She's a friend who works here as a waitress. She'll get us something to go."

Viola nodded her head.

…

Charlette and Grace let out a short breath when Jack stood. They didn't notice he was favoring his foot.

"That was close?"

"You know, I couldn't imagine if my Elizabeth played sports. I don't know how you do this." Grace shook her head without taking her eyes off Jack. She was grateful he wasn't limping.

For Grace, Jack had truly become her son that she never had. She loved that he was dating her daughter.

"It's not always the most fun to experience. I love that he enjoys it, but when he gets hurt…"

"Yeah, he's not even mine and I feel the same way."

"He does call you mom."

"Yeah." Grace's smile grew at the thought. "That boy of yours is special."

"I want to grab that boy!" Mrs. Wilson stated with a bit of growl in her voice. "That young man needs to learn his manners!"

Charlette laughed. Adam's mother was just as invested in Jack as Grace was. Jack had always been so good to her son. The special ed group was misunderstood. They had their challenges. Most people were just afraid of what they didn't know. When Jack and Elizabeth began their little meetings in the morning and lunch, more students were opening up to the group. After the group said hello to the special ed group, many more students would stop them on their way to the cafeteria. Jack, then Elizabeth, opened the flood gates between the special ed group and the rest of the students.

"Calm down, Mamma Bear."

"I'm sorry, Charlette. I didn't mean to overstep."

"You're not over stepping at all. I feel the same way about Elizabeth."

"And me Jack."

"Well then, that number forty five better watch himself." Adam's mom stared at the young guy.

"Tom, where did you say they park the visiting bus?"

"Calm down William. A distinguished business man can't stalk, track down, and then physically assault a young kid." Thomas laughed.

"Are you telling me that you're not…"

"I'm not going to wipe him off the face of the earth…but if he looks at Jack again, I'm going to…" He stopped talking with William began to laugh.

…

"Are you ok?"

"Yes, I'm good." Viola let out a long breath. "That homework is just kicking my backside. The professor is just so vague, and she won't return an email."

Ted tightened her hold on her hand. He pulled her close so he would touch her shoulder.

"You'll figure it out. You'll learn your professor soon."

"Maybe but that's not helping me tonight."

"That's not the only reason is it?"

"What do you mean?"

Ted had a little smirk come across his face. She was beginning to love and hate that expression. She knew he was going to sass her.

"You were just missing me, weren't you?"

She fought against the urge to grin. "Haven't you been listening to my ranting?"

"So…you just need me?" His smile grew even more.

"Well…I…humm…"

"Admit it Ms. Thatcher, I'm growing on you."

Viola stopped and turned toward Ted. She stepped toward him wrapping her arms around his waist.

"I would say you are doing your best in trying." She flirted.

"Well…I'm not too sure what else I can…"

He was cut off when she tiptoed and gently kissed his lips. He felt her smile as she kissed him. Quickly the kiss deepened as their mouths opened and their tongues began their dance. He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer. When she moaned at his actions, he deepened the kiss.

"I love you, Viola." He gasped when the kiss ended.

"I love you, Ted."

…

Throughout the first period, Tom and Julie sat quietly beside each other. There was about a foot between them. They haven't spoken a word. After his initial shock and recoil of her presence, he hasn't created more separation. He also hasn't closed the distance between them either. Julie counted that as a win.

When the buzzer blared signaling the end of the period, she turned her head toward Tom. She took a deep breath before speaking.

"Tom…I'm sorry for everything I did on Friday night and Saturday. I allowed myself to be jealous when I saw you talking to that girl. Then I just let my imagination run away with me. I forgot the most important thing."

"And what is that?"

"That you're not that guy anymore."

"Julie…"

"Tom…I'm scared."

"Of me?"

"No. Of us." She didn't look up. She has never been this vulnerable with any guy before. This just wasn't in her nature. "I've never felt like this with a guy before. Never even got close to it." She shifted uncomfortably on the bleachers. "When I thought you were cheating on me, I thought I needed to strike first."

"So, you did speak to John first because it was him that I was jealous of?"

"Yeah."

"On the bus a few months ago, where you flirting with him?"

"I wasn't flirting with him. I don't like him in that way. I only did it because I knew you were jealous of him before. You hurt me so I thought I needed to hurt you more."

"What about the whole 'we need to communicate because we were huge flirts' thing? Was that just for me?"

"No, it was for the both of us…I just forgot it. Tom, I'm truly sorry for what I did."

He nodded his head as he looked at the empty bleacher in front of him.

"I know this sounds weird to hear, but I care for you so much that I was hurt when I saw you talking to that girl. I lost my mind. If I was thinking, I would have quickly realized that you wouldn't have done it. My emotions took over."

Tom silently listened to what Julie was saying. While he was still hurt, he understood. She was making sense. But most importantly, he heard the truth in her voice. He rubbed his face with both hands. For Tom, he was still hurt. He never felt for a girl like this, and she tore out his heart. He loved Julie. He still does. His heart and mind were still a little guarded.

"I promised you in that text that I will give you time. I was sincere with that promise. I want us, but I will give you all the time you need to work through everything that I did."

"If I ask you something, will you be honest with me?"

"Yes." She nodded her head.

"Did you meet him for lunch?"

"No. I did not. I sent him a text after you left to tell him to stop texting me." She pulled out her phone to show him the text, but he didn't look at it. "Tom, I really am sorry. I hope at some point you will forgive me. I don't want to push you. I just wanted to tell you that I am sorry face to face. Whenever you are ready to talk, I am ready. Just call me or text me." As she stood to leave, she heard his soft voice. She barely heard him.

"You don't have to go."

"Really?" She hopefully asked.

He didn't say anything, he simply nodded to where she was sitting. He didn't say anything, nor did he move closer to her or take her hand. They just sat in silence.

…

The team was huddled around Coach Franklin. He was giving them instructions on what he wanted them to do in the second period.

"Hey Jack, how are you feeling?"

"I'm good coach. The little rest was good for me."

"Go in. Sam, take a break for a minute. You've played the whole first period. Get some water and rest for a minute, but don't get too comfortable. Jack, I want you and Shane to apply steady pressure on offense and defense. Don't run it, but push it a little."

"Got it."

This is the first time Jack and Shane will be on the court at the same time in a game. They have spent a lot of time together. Even during practice. If both were taking a break, Shane would stand or sit next to Jack and just pick his brain. He was trying to learn all he could from Jack.

"Let's go, young pup."

"I'm with you, old man."

Elizabeth stood holding Adam's and Connie's hand. She would be nervous when he would play after his injury. Now she was just excited to watch her boyfriend play the game he loves. The incident in the first period calmed her worried, loving girlfriend's brain. She knew he was good. Now it was just pure excitement watching Jack play.

Just before Jack walked toward the ref and Steven, he spoke to Shane. "Hey man, I'm coming to you. Take him!"

"Jack…I can't…"

"Shane, take him!" Jack demanded as he turned his back to the young guy.

Steven passed the ball to Jack. He dribbled the ball up the center of the court. As he crossed halfcourt, he called out the play, "Fourteen ISO!" Without hesitation, Cory and Steven went to the left block with their man following him. Steven was in back and Cory was immediately in front of him. Joe drifted down to the left corner with his man following him. Jack passed the ball to Shane who was on the right side of the court. Jack made his way to where Joe had been on the left side of the court about free throw level. This left the whole right side of the court with just Shane and his defender.

In the games Jack had missed, Shane had stepped up and played really well. As a freshman, he didn't have the experience Jack or the other starters had, but he stepped in well. While he certainly had to make improvements in his game, he was a talented player. The other guys enjoyed playing with him and encouraged him when he messed up.

When Shane caught the ball, he froze for just a second. His player was a couple of feet away from him. He looked past his defender and saw that the whole half of the court was open with just him and his guy on him. Then he looked at Cory, Steven, and Joe. They were all intently watching him waiting to see what he was going to do. Fourteen ISO was a play to isolate one guy on his defender. Everyone else would go to the other side of the court and wait. They would react to what the other guy would do. Then he looked at Jack. Jack gave him a small smile and nodded his head. Approval from his mentor meant everything to Shane. It gave him all the confidence he needed.

Shane blinked and then looked at his opponent square in his eyes. When he did, his defender stepped closer to close the gap between them. With his right foot, Shane stepped closer to his opponent. He straddled his opponent with his step, causing him to take a half a step back. When he faked left, his opponent leaned that way. That was all he needed with his speed. As soon as his defender leaned left, Shane quickly stepped right as he began bouncing the ball with his right hand. His defender wasn't able to recover. He wasn't anywhere close to guarding him.

When Shane reached the foul line, he slowed down just a bit. He drifted inside of the foul line reading Cory's and Steven's defenders. If they stayed on their guys, Shane had an easy layup on the opposite block from them. If they peeled off and came toward him, then Cory or Steven would have an easy layup. Cory's defender stepped up just like he was coached to do. When he did, Steven's guy stepped up to guard Cory. With one last dripple and before Cory's guy was too close to guard him, Shane jumped in the air. He tossed the ball to the left of the rim, just above it. Steven jumped and caught the ball. Then he slammed it through the rim. The whole home crowd jumped and cheered. Jack smiled knowing Shane had just taken a big jump in his confidence. Jack caught the questioning expression from his coach. His coach finally smiled when Jack shrugged his shoulders.

At that moment, Shane fell into the rotation with the whole team. His confidence was set and his position within the team was solid. Jack was the unquestioned leader of the team. The other four starters were right there with him. The starting five were just a special group. Malachi was a great sub for Jack, Sam, and Joe. Now, Shane was right there with Malachi. This only made the team stronger.

Elizabeth didn't know all the basketball jargon, but she knew her boyfriend. She knew what he just did for Shane and the rest of the team. He set them up for success in the near future. She loved him even more for it. He was unselfish in pushing others forward to succeed.

…

The game with Cooperstown was an intense game between two talented and well coached teams. There was no more than six points difference during the whole game. When one team would make a small run, the other would quickly match it. Jack played a good portion of the game. True to his promise with Elizabeth, he pulled himself out of the game when he was becoming tired. The coach sat him down for the first half of the fourth period. Sam and Joe were playing very well and Malachi and Shane were fitting in and playing well. With all of that, Jack was the glue that made the difference. He was missed when he wasn't on the court.

Charlette, Grace, and Mrs. Wilson intently watched number forty four every time he was close to Jack. While he didn't do anything else towards Jack for the rest of the game, they still watched him with a mother's eye of concern. William was already hoarse. His voice was tired from all the yelling and the game wasn't over yet.

Julie and Tom sat during the whole game never saying a word to each other. She wanted to say so many things. She did apologize to him. She thought that was all she should do even though her mind was full of things to say. She kept Elizabeth's advice in mind. Her older sister told her to take things slowly. To apologize to Tom and then allow him to set the pace. She was finding it difficult to be patient, but she knew she had to so she could have what she wanted with Tom.

"Julie…" Tom stated as the players ran up the court. His sudden voice made Julie jump. "…are you sure you didn't meet with John for lunch?"

"I didn't Tom."

"And you weren't flirting with him on the bus?"

Julie's heart broke a little at the hurt and uncertainty in Tom's voice. He was always so confident. His confidence was an attraction for her.

"No Tom. I wasn't flirting with him. I promise."

"Julie, I'm not sure I can trust you. You changed me into a better version of my true self. I've never been this way about a girl…when you went behind my back…" He was slow in speaking. "…you crushed me."

"I know." She lowered her head. "I am so sorry I did that. I didn't do it because I wanted to date anyone else. I was just immature. I was being stupid." She let out a deep breath and then with all the strength she held, she looked up and straight into Tom's eyes. "I have learned my lesson. Elizabeth and I sat outside the restaurant Saturday night, and we talked. I realized what I did. That was just before I texted you. I have learned my lesson. I will never do that again. I know I need to speak to you. I just wish I knew that before I did what I did."

Tom intently looked at her. He felt she was being honest with him. While his heart was still hurting, it was beginning to heal. He let out a shallow breath.

"I'm not saying I'm ready to continue our relationship, but I am not willing to shut the door on us."

"That's all I'm asking for, Tom. I just want a chance to prove to you that I want this." She waved between them.

He slightly nodded his head.

…

With two minutes left in the game, the starting five was out on the court. Jack was a little winded, but not too bad. He was getting back in playing shape but still had a little bit to go. The rest in the fourth period was helpful. It was a good coaching move by Coach Franklin. With Malachi and Shane playing so well, Joe and Sam were more rested than normal too. Hamilton East was down by one.

Jack's player fouled him during a shot. He made both free throws. Now, Jack's team was up by one. As they ran up the court, Joe spoke to Jack. "If they run motion to the right, your man will run off a screen for a three."

"Thanks man." Jack stated as he stopped at half court to pick his guy up.

Just like Joe stated, the opposing team brought the ball up the court and began to run motion. Jack took Joe's advice and played the screen very well. Jack's guy caught the ball and took the shot. Jack was in his face playing good defense. He was just inside the three point line. He made the shot. Now Hamilton East was down one. Jack started to lower his head.

"Head up man. That was great defense. He just made a really good shot. Now, we've got to have you." Cory told him as they made their way to their huddle after their coach called timeout.

When he reached halfcourt, he looked up and noticed Elizabeth looking directly at him. He nodded his head and raised his thumb to let her know he was good. Then he became lost in those seas of blue. Her facial expression turned serious. She mouthed, "Smile Jack, you're about to win the game." The truth in her face gave him confidence.

As Jack walked past the coach, he looked him in the eyes. "I. Want. The. Ball." His voice was slow and determined.

"It's yours Jack."

Coach Franklin kneeled in front of his team. The starters were sitting on the bench waiting to hear directions from their coach. Jack smiled when he felt something cold on his shoulder.

"Thanks Adam." He stated as he reached for the bottle of orange Gatorade.

"Alright men. We have twenty one seconds. Plenty of time to win this game. Jack, bring the ball up the right center of the court. Sam, get in that corner you love so much. Joe, go to the opposite corner. Cory and Steven, get on the blocks. Jack, fake right then break left to the center of the court. Nothing too fancy with that ankle. Make it as straight of a cut as you can. When you reach the foul line, you have five options. If Cory or Steven's man peels off to take you, you find them. If Joe's or Sam's guy pulls off of them, you can dish it out to them. If everyone's man stays on them, then you have a shot. You just have to have your guy out of position."

"Sorry guys…this one is mine." Jack stated as she looked at his brothers.

"Joe and I will follow you in in case of a rebound."

"Cory and I will be on the side for a rebound."

"No need fellas…they're won't be a rebound." Jack stated as he stood. He placed the Gatorade bottle on his seat. He tossed the towel on the seat as well after wiping sweat from his forehead. He turned to look at Elizabeth and gave her a smile and a wink. He stepped out of the huddle before anyone said anything. He walked on the court long before his teammates even stood up.

"Watch this…this is going to be good." Elizabeth stated.

Jack walked onto the court and to the back end of the court with his head down. He was focused on what he needed to do. Joe passed the ball to Jack and he dribbled up the right center like he was told to. He smiled at each of his teammates. They returned the gesture. Elizabeth never took her eyes off Jack. She figured he would drive the center of the court since he was cheating to the right a little. That gave Jack a little more room to play with.

With nine seconds left in the game, Jack faked right. When his opponent leaned that way, Jack crossed over dripple and went left. As he approached the free throw line, he didn't even look at the defense to see what they were doing. This game rested solely on his shoulders. His player was slightly behind him on his side.

"He's going to take the shot." Thomas declared.

"He is!" William exclaimed as he grabbed Thomas' shoulder and began to push him a little.

Jack jumped and shot a little floater. Everyone watched the ball float through the air. Jack landed and watched the ball. As the buzzer sounded, the ball touched the front part of the rim. It bounced up and landed on the back portion of the rim. Then it hit the backboard and gently fell through the rim and into the net. He won the game on the last shot. When the crowd erupted in cheer, he turned and winked at Elizabeth. "Thank you." He mouthed when Cory and Steven grabbed him into a hug. Quickly followed by the rest of his teammates.