Hard Work Commences

"Despite he didn't place first, he still did well." my mother said in my defense. Immediately my dad appeared in front of her with a scowl on his face as if my mom said something that offended him. "I wasn't talking to you woman!" His calm but disappointed tone had now swiftly switched to a violent one as I stood behind my mother riddled with inhibition. I didn't dare say a word to worsen his mood. "All of those distractions are holding you back." He claimed less violently. "To be fair you didn't say you wanted me to place first, dad you said you wanted me to get straight A's which I got," I responded softly and reluctantly.

He left slamming the door as he left. "Mom, is that really dad?" I wondered still a bit frightened. "Unfortunately, yes. When he gets riled up he gets like this. Don't worry though, I'm proud of you." She kissed me on my forehead and headed to her room with a frown on her face which she tried to conceal from me. For a while, I stood there looking at the door in fear hoping my father had soothed his spirits before returning. Eventually, when my body allowed me to I left for my room and let out a sigh of relief that no serious altercations occurred. I didn't want to even imagine what would happen if that was the case.

I couldn't remember for how long for but I impatiently anticipated my father returning to me one day. Yet I wasn't in a delightful mood. Not only did he overlook my hard work and accomplishments he called my friends a distraction when they were there for me through some very dire moments. I slept early, it was difficult to with my nerves acting up since I had to talk to my friends quickly before attending basketball camp. I was so anxious for camp as it determined if I would become a sub or player so I knew I had to perform at my best no matter what.

The next morning I woke up with conviction and awaiting me was a hearty meal made by mom which I thanked her for. The three of us say at the table in pure silence as my father covered his face with a newspaper being in an antisocial mood. I didn't want to bother him so I consumed the breakfast as quickly as possible as I could and bid farewell to my parents as I dashed for the park. It didn't seem like a bright idea but it would allow me to stretch my limbs and get warmed up before the intense drills we would have to go through. And to make situations worse, the narcissistic douche would be there.

I arrived and to my surprise, Ayumi was the only one there. "Hi, Ken! Over here!" she shouted to gain my attention while waving at me. "What are you up to?" I asked. "Just relaxing before I have to do some annoyingly lot of studying," she responded. "Why would you have to do that?" "My Literature mark might be excellent but the other marks need some work especially Mathematics." "I could assist you with that Yumi." I offered. "Aren't you going to be busy with camp?" she inquired. "I'll make time for you afterward. Meet me in the library around five this evening." I abruptly ended the conversation as I pulled out my phone and checked the time.

"Sorry to bail on you but I got to go or else I'll be late." I dashed towards the court not even allowing Ayumi to return the farewell. "Wait we got here a bit too late." Samantha entered stating. "Guess bro's time is limited. No prob we'll just have our fun without him. Let's go!" he pulled them away as Ayumi stared at me running further and further away until I completely vanished from her line of sight. A slight smile appeared on her face and when she was questioned about it she refused to say the reason behind it. They went on some enjoyable bonding time as I had to attend my camp.

I was short of breath when I arrived there. After regaining my composure I scanned the court and I realized I was the first person here. I had thought to myself that this would give me enough time to rest up before training but I was definitely wrong. Just as the thought appeared in my mind, the coach, the captain, and the vice-captain had arrived. I was forced to run laps to warm up around the court until the others got there. By the time I was finished I was so overwhelmed by fatigue that I couldn't imagine me making it through to the end of the day.

Despite this, I pushed on. At the end of the session I was breathing heavily, sweating profusely and each part of me was sore. I couldn't move an inch for a good while and of course, Ryan made sure to take advantage of the moment. Unfortunately, I was too tired to defend myself so I sat there being sweaty while enduring his long boring speech. Gladly I was able to move, barely, after his goading so I ran towards the library as fast as I could. My heartfelt like stopping multiple times during the run to the library but I didn't stop running.

I had received the library but my heart was racing at its fastest pace and I was inhaling deeply in an attempt to recuperate. Ayumi had just arrived after me and upon seeing this she immediately worried. "What did you go through?" she wondered as she was bewildered by my current state. "Don't worry about it, I'm here to tutor you," I said barely still trying to catch my breath. "Ok," she responded reluctantly. I struggled to stay awake and I zoned out multiple times but somehow I was able to get through the tutor session without passing out once. "Thanks, Ken I'll make sure to put what you've taught me to good use." "Glad to hear," I responded with a yawn.

"We should probably head home, you've had a long day Ken." "Okay, lead the way." She placed her hand around me and this time she escorted me all of the way home to ensure that I reached home safely in my drowsy state. I was struggling to keep myself awake the entire time. It took a while for Ayumi to carry me home because I weighed more than her since she was not only shorter than me but I also had a muscular build from training. I was no Arnold Swasaneger but I still had some muscles. Sometimes she would gently rest me into the ground while taking a break.

Eventually, she was able to help me reach home and passed my aching body over to my mom who helped me bathe that night and tucked me in so I could rest easily. I was a bit restless as I continued thinking of Ayumi walking home at this time on her lonesome but I knew she would take care of herself and avoid any trouble so I was relieved of my concern. I rested soundly being wrapped up in my nice and warm sheet and anticipated to dream about Ayumi but unfortunately, I had another one of those nightmares, and unfortunately more was revealed.