Freya slammed a flier on Blue's table. She had a wide grin on her face. Blue looked up at her then down at the flier.
"Try outs is taking place in the basketball court today for interested juniors wanting to join the team." Freya announced to Blue.
Blue picked up the paper. "I thought tryouts are put on hold because of the situations on ground." Blue said.
"What situations?" Freya pouted.
"The roaming beast."
Freya laughed. "It can't penetrate into the school's premises of course. The beast is outside the school's premises."
"But....,"
"Why are you giving flimsy excuses, Blue? You love basketball, why are you making this such a big deal?" Freya quailed.
"Don't get me wrong. I'm excited." Blue picked up the flier, studying the flier.
"But you clearly aren't. Or are you still thinking about Jason?" Freya side-grinned.
Blue scoffed. "What do you mean I'm thinking about Jason? He's the least of my worries."
"Or don't tell me you're liking him already? He's no different from that beast. How can he hurt you so bad and wants to play the good guy? Forget him. Basketball is your first love. Focus." Freya told her.
Blue laughed at that. "To be sincere, I was banned from getting involved in sports."
Freya paused, "By who?" She asked.
"My mum."
"But your mum isn't here with us, is she?" Freya asked.
"No. Danielle is."
"Ha... Your aunt. She's now like some sort of watchdog or something?"
"What do you mean watchdog?" Blue asked.
"Listen Blue, the other day you played basketball with the boys at the court when you came into school. Did your aunt get to know about it?"
Blue thought about it for a while. "No, she didn't."
"Get into the team, practice and practice that even if your aunt gets to know. You'll strike a deal with her. Prove your worth first."
"What kind of deal?" Blue rolled her eyes.
"Don't be such a dumbass. Make her see reason why you need to be on the team. She wouldn't tell your mum, would she?" Freya placed a hand over her friend's shoulder.
"Wow. I didn't think of something like that." Blue smiled, turning to look at her friend.
"You see? Tryouts is taking place during recess. Don't miss it. Think about it." Freya patted her friend's back, stood up and winked at her.
********
At recess, Blue rounded up the block in a vest and green shorts. Then she walked into the basketball ball court. Coach Bernard was writing down some names in a note pad. Freya was beside her, assuring her of her stay in the Big Boars team.
Bernard was build, bald headed. He usually wear polos on shorts. He was never smiling. One look at you, he could tell if you'll make it in his team or not.
Blue looked around, she could see some familiar faces. She waved at Hanson, who waved back at her. Then, he came running towards her.
"You are here to join the team?" He asked her.
"Yes. But... I'm only seeing boys here. Are there not girls like me?" Blue asked him.
Freya kept passing glances at them while they talked.
"That's the problem. There are no girls team, this is an only boys team." Hanson told them.
"But it was never stated in the flier." Freya pointed out, stretching the flier towards his face.
"Freya, please put that away." Blue said, then to her Hanson she said. "What am I to do, am I to forfeit this?" Blue asked him.
"Let's give it a go. Although, I bet he wouldn't give you a glance." Hanson said to her.
They all walked to the coach, greeted him.
"To what do I owe this gathering?" He asked looking at them each.
"Emm. Sir, this is Blue Nane. She's an exceptional forward. She can also shoot as well." Hanson said.
Coach Bernard had his brows knitted together, he smiled. "Isn't she a girl? Why is she joining the all boys team?" Then he turned to Blue and said. "When a creation for an all girls team is made, you can make your way." He grinned then turned away.
"Who else is here to register for the tryouts?" Bernard's voice was heard.
The boys began to garther around. Hanson looked at Blue disappointedly. He shrugged having nothing else to say to comfort her.
"No, I can't give up yet. There must be something I can do." Blue said to Hanson and Freya.
"There's nothing you can do, Blue." Freya's shoulders sagged.
Blue shook her head, walked towards Coach Bernard, took the nearest basketball and shot it into the net. Coach Bernard stopped to watch her. Others too.
He scoffed as she pushed Hanson to square with her in the court. Hanson had to join her. After being dribbled by her, he paused to catch his breath.
"You are being too hofty for a girl." Coach pointed at her.
Blue swallowed, as sweats brewed on her brows. "I'm just being me....coach." she told him.
"That could cost you. There is no all girls team for now. Don't sweat it, let it go. Unless you are to be a boy." He laughed at that while the rest of the boys around him joined him.
"I'm sorry, babe." Hanson mouthed at her.
Freya felt bad for her friend. Why didn't the school create an all girls team? Why?
Blue nodded. She turned to catch the sad expression on Hanson's face. Maybe this was it, this was what her mother had always wanted. Never to be involved in any basketball.
She turned around and started walking towards the door. She caught the face of Jason, he was standing in the stands. Her heart learpt out of her. She froze, she couldn't breathe. Did he follow her here? Did he see her play? Her heart was pounding rapidly. She looked away, trying to catch her breath. Suddenly, their shared kiss played in her head and she hated herself at that instant.
Whatever she was feeling for Jason was pure hatred, afterall he had been cruel to her.
Freya noticed and traced Blue's line of sight.
Jason.