FRIENDSHIP AND MEMORIES: WHAT A JOY! 2

They have to play Basketball every Friday afternoon at the court where they are currently at, which is the same court they found a block away from David's house when they were still young. The reason:

David was pouting when Joe met him at the basketball courts. They were both ten years old.

"What happened?" she asked.

"I did not make it to the basketball team," he complained.

She crossed her arms. He had her sympathy but she hates it when David feels so discouraged, she frowned, "Well, that is because you're not good at it."

David glared at her, "Hey! Whose side are you on? I can take you and beat you anytime."

"Oh yeah? In your dreams!!!"

That was the start. Joe was really good at Basketball because her father is the best coach for the All-Time Champion Basketball Team at Chiness. He did that as a hobby. That was when her father was still alive. Anyways, because of that argument, their tradition of playing Basketball was born.

At present, David is the captain of their High School's varsity team and is a recipient of a Basketball scholarship at a prestigious university. It was all thanks to her. However, though Joe was not bad at the game and could play with David at an equal footing, she is not in any varsity team. Though she can play better than the other players of the Boys Basketball Varsity, her true gender was a hindrance. The Girl's Varsity Team was an option but seeing that their uniform was girlish, she got disappointed to join; not to mention that the team was really bad. With that, she does not have any scholarship.

She shook her head and looked at David once more. He miscalculated and missed the hoop. She chuckled… her father never miscalculated. Her eyes saddened after remembering the memory she wished not to recall.

TRUTH 3: LIVING TOGETHER

She was eleven years old when her parents got into a car accident. Sadly, they did not make it alive. David's parents and hers were best friends. It was a special bond that continued from generation to generation. Thus, the birth of the JC Industries: Ji-Chen Industries.

After the said incident, David's mother accepted her in and treated her as a daughter since there is no one to take care of her anymore. Both Joe's parents were only children of her grandparents and the latter were all deceased as well. Not long after her parent's death, David's father died from heart failure. Since David was an only child, having Joe in the house made it a little bit happier.

Joe's bond with the Ji's became stronger. Kenji Ji, David's cousin and a frequent visitor became like a brother to her as well. She was welcomed like a family and treated as one too, even by the maids and the servants. Thus, the best friends live together at the same mansion. At first she was sad, because she had to leave her home. Then, she was happy because she could hang out with David anytime she wanted. Now, it is still wonderful but confusing most of the time…

TRUTH 4: SECRET LOVE

Joe sighed again after seeing David dunked and shot the ball in. She is secretly in love with her best friend. But currently, David is not interested in dating. Even if he was, he would not look at her as a girl but only as a best friend. She does not know when she began to see David not as a best friend but she knew that she began falling in love with him when they started Senior year. It was crazy but she would long for his arm on her shoulder. When he smiles and winks at her, her heart would go berserk.

With these moments, she would tell herself over and over again that she is blessed. She lives with him, he treats her well, and she is able to see him all the time. She is indeed a lucky girl!!! She smiled at the thought but immediately pouted after. 'I might be lucky but…'

"Why are you pouting?"

Her bubble popped, "Huh?"

"Are you pouting because I'm way better than you at the game or because you are secretly in love with me?" David teased.

Her heart went wild once more. She felt her blood go rushing to her cheeks. But, before she turned red like a ripe tomato, she calmed herself and glared at him, "Jerk… you're not my type."

David grabbed Joe's water bottle and took a sip. He sat down beside her, "Why not? From what I heard, I was hailed as the most handsome guy at school. Every girl drools when I pass by," he continued to tease.

Joe made a face and jacked her water bottle back. "This is mine… and you are way over your head. What an arrogant jerk could you be," she teased back.

David laughed. "I'm just kidding. You know me better than that," he said and lay down on the grass with his hands under his head.

"So… when are you going to pretend to notice those girls anyway? They really like you. As a matter of fact, they bother me so much about you," she asked.

"Are you sure they are running after me or after you? I heard you are ranked next to me as the hottest guy on campus."

Joe whacked him on the stomach, "Be serious and stop annoying me. When are you going to start dating?"

David laughed once more, "Why are you so interested? Do you want to date me?"

"DAVID!!!!" she yelled and stood up with hands on her waist and an arched brow.

David chuckled, "Why are you being girly? Haven't I told you to act as a boy or you'll get cooties…"

Joe shook her head and began to walk away, "I'm going home."

David stood up and grabbed her wrist, "I was just kidding. I'll date when I find someone likeable…"

"Now you're talking so nonchalantly?" she said and rolled her eyes.

"How do you want me to answer then? If I start liking someone, I'll date."

"So you do not like anyone yet?" Somehow, she wanted to be sure.

David shook his head, "Nope. Now, stop being such a girl…"

She looked at him, "I am not being a girl."

"Good," he said and picked up the ball and tossed it at her, "Now, let's play."

She smirked and started to dribble, "Bring it on."

David smirked back, "You know I would," he said and stole the ball from her.

He raised the ball up to shoot but Joe intercepted it. She dribbled to the ring and dunked. The ball went in.

David chuckled, "Not bad…"

Joe chuckled, "Oh please… you know I'm good."

They continued playing until it was dark and time to go back home.