by R. M. Garcia
“Billy Berry. I want Billy Berry.” Trista could see Misha’s expression change.
“You want me to set you two up?” Misha smiled; yes, he could do this for her.
“Why not, he’s cute as hell, captain of the basketball team, and also going to Stetson University,” Trista said, counting off with her fingers.
“He just broke up with Melissa. I think I can make it happen. I think you’re his type.” Misha never hooked up a girl before; the challenge would be interesting.
“You hook us up and we will be square,” she said. “And one more thing, my friend is now dating your friend, so we are inevitably going to be bumping into one another. Don’t talk to me anymore than you need to.” Trista was dead serious.
“Deal, but on one condition,” Misha needed to say a few things to her.
“What?” Trista asked furious that he was placing conditions on her demands.
“If you ever need anything, and I mean ever or anything, come to me. I will be there for you no matter what. I promise.”
“OK, deal.” Trista was surprised. She knew that he meant it. For the second time this week; she got to see the inner Misha, a kind and caring Misha. They shook plastic cleaning gloves and continued cleaning. Misha pulled out his phone and started going through the menus.
“Are you calling a girl to tell her you are going to be late?” Trista asked sarcastically.
“No, I’m just deleting an app. No more playing. I will never hurt any woman intentionally ever again,” he said, and when it was off his phone, he went back to cleaning.
“Well, maybe there is hope for you yet,” Trista said. “But I doubt it.”
Donnie and Abbie spent as much time together as they could over the next few days. He drove her to her tutoring appointments and picked her up afterward. It was not as much time as they had wanted, but it was better than nothing. He respected her wishes to earn money for college. On Sunday, Abbie invited Donnie over once again for Sunday dinner. Johan looked quite displeased at the news that they were officially a couple. Donnie had insisted on not keeping anything from Abbie’s parents. After a few deep breaths, Johan calmed down as he had known this day would inevitably come. He had scared off hundreds of boys, but he felt different about Donnie. After dinner, when Camille and Abbie started clearing the table, Johan motioned to Donnie. “Donnie, may I please have a word with you in the living room.”
“Of course,” Donnie said as he stood up and followed Johan into the living room. Donnie was a bit nervous but wanted to show respect. The pair reached the living room and sat down.
“My daughter is very important to me. She is my only child,” Johan said.
“I know.” Donnie wasn’t sure what was coming.
“She has a bright future in front of her, the first Gottlieb in our family to go to college,” Johan continued.
“I’m not going to stop her from going to college.”
“Not intentionally. Kids today don’t wait to be married anymore.” Donnie stiffened; he could not believe this man was having this talk with him, the use protection talk. “I see you two together, and I worry. I would prefer my daughter to remain intact until marriage, but should that not happen, please be careful,” Johan finished. Donnie just sat there in shock. His brain shut down and regressed. He could only see letters fly in his head. OMFG WTF. Donnie opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
“You aren’t here to tell me it’s too late, are you?” Johan asked.
“No, I mean. We haven’t . . .” Donnie began to say, but was in a near panic. This was one of those extremely parental encounters, and he was not happy. Abbie, please rescue me, he thought and started glancing back at the kitchen, hoping and wishing that the door would open.
“Good. Good. I am very glad to hear that, relieved actually.” Johan smiled with a sense of relief. Donnie was pale at this point. He had expected many things: treat my daughter with respect talk, sure, don’t hurt her feelings talk, obviously, but the wait until marriage talk, never. Donnie continued to look around for Abbie to come save him. When he looked back to Johan, the man’s face was inches from his. He had slithered across the couch without making a sound or disturbing the cushions.
“Gahhh!” Donnie yelped as he leaned back.
“Yes, I see we understand each other, correct?” Johan asked sadistically. Donnie immediately knew why Abbie had not dated. Johan was devious. He liked the man even more now. Well played, old man, you win this round, Donnie thought. The evening finished with a movie and several large bowls of popcorn.
Monday morning came around again, and Donnie once again felt refreshed and looking forward to going to school. He dressed after his shower and could now hear Misha rummaging down in the kitchen. He came down to eat breakfast. “Hey buddy,” Misha said.
“Pop-tarts, not acceptable, don’t you have eggs or toast? How about some bacon?” Cecilia said as she searched through the near empty refrigerator.
“Sorry, I usually eat light in the mornings,” Donnie said putting his shirt on. “But I have pancakes, syrup, and butter.”
“Now we’re talking,” Cecilia said and began mixing the batter. The three sat and ate stacks of pancakes. It felt good. Everything seemed normal once again.
“We won the game on Thursday but dropped the one on Friday night,” Misha said clearly upset.
“We can still get into the play-offs,” Donnie said.
“How many more games do you have?” Cecilia asked.
“Two more, one tonight and the last one on Tuesday, both against Dynna Buckley,” Misha answered.
“Are they any good?” Cecilia asked.
“Yeah, DyBuck was the team that knocked us out of the play-offs last year. They have a solid team and a seven-foot-tall center,” Donnie replied as he stuffed his face.
“We have to beat them twice this week.” Misha was distraught; he was very competitive, and hating losing.
“Well, I feel well enough to play tonight,” Donnie announced.
“So do I, but I hated missing Thursday and Friday.” Misha could barely eat. It was definitely bothering him.
“With me cheering you on, you can’t lose.” Cecilia tried to cheer up Misha. She hoped that showing some enthusiasm would help her friend relax a bit. The three of them finished the first of many breakfasts to come over the next few months and then headed to school. During lunch, the new group met up at their usual table. Trista and Abbie were already there when Donnie arrived. Kelly soon joined them with Trevor in tow. Rebecca had returned to school and was shocked when she saw Cecilia sit down across from her. She had been accompanied to the table by Misha who sat as far away from Trista as he could.
“Hello Spitfire,” Cecilia said to Rebecca. “No hard feelings?” Rebecca looked around and then looked at Cecilia and nodded. The tension at the table eased, and the group began to enjoy their lunch period.
“Trevor is moping,” Kelly announced.
“The team is losing without me there. It’s hard to watch,” Trevor replied. He seemed completely demoralized.
“It’s OK, dude, we’ll win tonight,” Misha said and added, “plus me and Donnie are back.”
“Yeah, I know. I hope you guys win, but DyBuck is just so good,” Trevor replied.
“Hey! My boys are back,” Cecilia said, placing an arm around both Misha and Donnie. “You’re not going to lose. If I have to, I’ll put on one of those tiny skirts and shake my ass and pom-poms for you.”
Kelly’s eyes went wide and then a mischievous smile crossed her face. “I can arrange that.”
“Oh, please do it,” Misha quickly said. Everyone laughed as Cecilia blushed at Misha’s response. The bell rang, and everyone headed to their next class. Misha walked next to Trista and spoke quickly, “Make sure you’re at the next two games. Front row.”
“I’ll be there,” Trista replied. Then the two walked in opposite directions.
“What do you think that was about?” Abbie asked Cecilia.
“No clue
, but knowing him, it could be anything,” she replied. The day went on as normal as it could for a Monday, and soon enough the school day ended, and the students who were going to watch the game began filing into the gym. Donnie and Misha were already practicing shots when Abbie and Trista arrived. Cecilia joined them soon after. They took seats in the lowest row behind the cheerleading squad. Kelly was also running the girls through their paces.
“OK, so where do Dodo and Meemee fit in on the team?” Cecilia asked.
“Oh, I can tell you,” Rebecca said as she took a seat next to Cecilia.
“By all means Spitfire, explain away,” Cecilia replied. Rebecca felt thrilled that Cecelia had given her a nickname.
“OK. The five starters are Trevor. He plays center. Steve is the small forward. Billy is the power forward and is also the team captain. Misha is the point guard, and Aaron is the shooting guard,” Rebecca explained.
“Where does Dodo play?” Cecilia asked.
“He is the second string shooting guard. He mostly comes in when they need to take a difficult shot and to let Aaron rest,” Rebecca explained.
“So who is that tall boy then?” Cecilia asked.
“Oh. That’s Dalton. He is the second string center,” Rebecca answered. Abbie looked over to Trista. She was busy scribbling in a notepad.
“Are you taking notes, Trista?” she asked softly.
“No,” Trista said surprised and hastily stowed the notepad into her purse.
“My dad watches basketball all the time. I can explain the game to you if you like,” Abbie offered.
“Thanks, I may need it,” she whispered back. The game was close. The lead changed several times, but in the end with a game-winning shot, Aaron Vega made the needed goal at the buzzer to win the game. The crowd exploded in cheers. Billy looked over to Trista and waved at her. She smiled and quickly waved back at him. Abbie now understood why she was taking notes on basketball. The next day, the school was abuzz about the previous night’s victory. The whole student body was getting ready for the game tonight. When the lunch period came, everyone gathered at their usual table. Their conversation didn’t wander far from the game this evening. It was all that the boys could talk about.
“So, CeeCee, can I expect you in uniform tonight?” Misha asked with a big smile.
“That would be your dream come true wouldn’t it?” Cecilia replied.
“I can still make it happen,” Kelly said. “It’s the last game. I can get you in.”
“You’re not helping me here,” Cecilia said to Kelly.
“You should do it, CeeCee,” Donnie urged and added, “last regular game and all.”
“No,” Cecilia replied and added, “no way, in hell.”
“I seem to recall someone telling me to fight for my man,” Abbie said looking straight at Cecelia . “That person should not be afraid to try anything, at least once.”
Cecelia looked across the table, and all eyes were on her. “OK, I’ll do it! But one night only.” Secretly it had not taken much to convince her. She had always wanted to try out for the squad, but she always felt self-conscious.
“Yes! CeeCee, you won’t regret it,” Donnie assured.
“OK, I will need to show you a few basic moves and get you a uniform. Meet me right after school in the gym,” Kelly instructed. Misha simply smiled and remained quiet. He was afraid if he said anything, she would back out, so he simply said nothing. For the final game of the regular season, Trevor was allowed to resume his role as starting center. Abbie, Rebecca, and Trista grabbed the same seats they had grabbed the previous night. Cecilia looked especially nervous and kept trying to tug her skirt a little lower. Kelly assured her that it was just the right length. The game started, and the cheers soon followed. Cecilia was doing amazingly well. Donnie cheered her from the bench. By the end of the first quarter, the Joan of Arc Angels were down by six points. Coach Rob readjusted their strategy, and by halftime the lead was cut down to two points. The halftime buzzer sounded, and the teams withdrew into the locker rooms and rested.
“They’re doing well,” Cecilia said to Kelly as they took the center of the court.
“They have a good chance to win it. Now remember to watch for my cues,” Kelly said. The girls performed some great cheers, even adding an impressively high toss with Cecilia’s help. After fifteen minutes, the teams returned to the court to resume play.
The third quarter started, and the Angels were only down one basket and determined to take the lead. The tempo of the game seemed to change. The DyBuck Devils began playing a more physical game. It was borderline-dirty. Donnie and his teammates began screaming, “Foul!” over and over, but the referees only called the most blatant of penalties. It became so bad that even the crowd was taking notice and booing the lack of officiating. By the time the fourth quarter began, the Angels were down thirty points and were well on their way to a loss. The dirty elbows and hacks continued uncalled by the officials. Then Misha elbowed the player he was guarding. The benches cleared momentarily creating a mini melee. After a few minutes, the officials regained control and subsequently ejected Misha. Donnie followed him to the locker room. As he walked to the back, he noticed a man in the bleachers. He looked like the man that had been outside Abbie’s house two Sundays ago. They exchanged glares until he reached the locker room.
“Misha, what happened?”
“I’m not sure what the hell is going on, but the zebras are only calling this thing one way.” Misha was enraged to the point of hysteria. He walked around in circles, tugging at his hair.
“So you hit another player?”
“I didn’t hit him for that,” Misha answered. “It was what he said to me.”
“What?” Donnie wondered what could have driven him to violence.
“He asked me if we’re training hippos to be cheerleaders,” Misha replied. “I just lost it and hit him.”
“It’s a blowout anyway, might as well get in a parting shot.” At that moment, assistant coach Torres came into the locker room with two other players. They were carrying Aaron in.
“What happened now?” Misha asked incensed.
“Their center kicked me in my knee,” Aaron replied in obvious pain. “I felt it pop.”
“You’re our best player!” Misha could barely contain himself. “They got us by thirty points, and they still keep playing dirty!”
“Did they call it?” Donnie asked.
“Hell, no, they gave me a charging penalty!” Aaron replied as he was placed on a table.
“You’re lucky, Aaron. It’s only bruised,” the nurse said and added, “but you’re done for tonight.”
“Coach, what is going on?” Misha asked, still pacing uncontrollably.
“I think we are getting screwed,” Coach Torres replied.
“Not if I can help it,” Donnie said and jogged back out to the court. He reached the bench and walked up to Coach Rob.
“How is Aaron doing?” Coach Rob asked.
“It’s bruised, but he’s out for the rest of the game,” Donnie replied. “Coach, I am pissed and I want in.”
Coach Rob looked at him and could see a fire in him, a fire he had not seen in over a year. “Well, get in there!” Coach Rob yelled. Donnie huddled up with his teammates and looked directly at the second string point guard.
“Jordan, just keep feeding me the ball,” Donnie ordered.
“You got it!” Jordan was only a freshman, but he was the only freshman that made it to the varsity team. He was very wiry and deceptively fast. Jordan took out the ball and advanced it up the court. Donnie got into position, and Jordan passed him the ball. Donnie tossed the ball over his shoulder from thirty feet out. Swish, three points.
The cheerleaders screamed, “SkyyyyyyyyyHooooooook!” and in unison performed an imitation of the throw in slow motion. Cecilia was caught off guard.
“What the hell is that?” she asked Kelly.
“It’s Donnie’s shot. It’s called the hook shot or skyhook. It
’s really hard to do, but when he’s on fire, he never misses it,” Kelly answered.
“He looks pissed to me,” Cecilia said.
“He hasn’t tried it all year,” Kelly informed. As the Devils returned the ball, Jordan was able to steal the ball and started a fast break. Again he passed the ball to Donnie. Donnie didn’t even wait to get close to the basket. He tossed it from half-court, another three points.
The cheerleaders screamed again, “SkyyyyyyyyyHooooooook!” This time Cecilia joined in. The game continued with Donnie making shot after impossible shot. His skyhook was impossible to block. The Devils continuously tried to intentionally foul him, but he would get the shot off too fast. The ebb and flow of the game had changed. Donnie’s unfailing accuracy and the constant chant of “SkyyyyyyyyyHooooooook!” had the Devils incredibly frustrated. Donnie could make out Abbie’s voice among the hundreds in the gym cheering for him, “Go, Donnie,” she would scream. After every shot, he would look over to her, and she would wave, clap, or blow him a kiss.
With just over a minute left in the game, Donnie had put up forty-five points, which tied the game. Rebecca stood up and started the crowd chanting, “Clinic, Clinic, Clinic!” The Devils had the ball and shrewdly used the shot clock to their advantage. They called a time-out just before their thirty-second shot clock elapsed. After the time-out ended, the Devils once again killed the clock. After their time-out, there were only thirty-two seconds left on the clock. They proceeded to use up another twenty-nine before taking their shot. It was good, and they took the lead by two points. The Angels took a time-out to regroup. Coach Rob drew something on his game board and showed the team. They all nodded and then returned to the court. Jordan took out the ball and passed it right away to Donnie. The rest of the team formed a wall in front of him. The Devils tried their best to get in and foul Donnie, but he let loose his shot. The crowd went dead silent as the ball traveled almost the entire length of the court. The buzzer signaled the end of the game as the ball was in mid-flight. Donnie turned around and starting jogging toward Abbie before the ball reached the other side of the court. Swoosh! The ball fell right through the hoop, hitting nothing but net. The gymnasium exploded in exhilaration. Donnie’s teammates rushed him and jumped all around him. The Devils simply stared in disbelief and walked off the court with their heads held low. The celebration continued for quite a while. Donnie managed to swim through the crowd to Abbie.
