Melissa

The next morning Melissa woke up while her mother was preparing her basketball attire. "Morning mom." said Melissa. "Morning baby, how did you sleep?" asked Gracie. "Like a baby." Melissa replied and went to the bathroom to take a bath. After some few minutes she was done bathing and went to her bedroom. "This is it I guess" Melissa looked her basketball attire for a few minutes. She took her shorts and wore them and her shirt. Gracie stepped in while Melissa was still figuring out which tekkies she is going to wear for the game. Gracie took some pair of shoes she had seen while approaching Melissa. "What about these ones?" Gracie asked Melissa and sat down near her on her bed; Melissa smiled and took the pair of shoes from Gracie. "They remind me of dad." One tear drop came out of Melissa's eyes. Gracie held her chin and wiped her tear "It's all going to be okay at the end okay?" said Gracie smiling at Melissa. Melissa nodded. Gracie's phone rang she stood up and went to the kitchen, while . (Gracie on the phone) "Hello?" "Morning am I talking to Mrs. Anderson?" asked the caller. "Yes and how can I help you?" Gracie asked with a shocked face . "Ma'am a postman was there early in the morning to give you your parcel, unfortunately it seemed as if you were still asleep." said the caller. "Okay can he send it again later because I am not available now." said Gracie. "No problem ma'am the reason I called it is because the parcel is important." said the caller. "Okay thank you goodbye." Gracie dropped the call and stood and wondered what the parcel was about. Melissa came out of her room prepared to leave. "I am all ready now." She said to Gracie who was still in her thoughts about the parcel she will be receiving when she comes back from the basketball match. "Mom…" Melissa called Gracie. "Uh... oh you are ready?." Gracie asked Melisa. "what were you thinking about, is it about the call you just received?" Melissa saw that Gracie was a bit worried. "Yeah they said I am about to receive an important parcel." . "Urgh. Don't worry yourself too much about parcels after all they are just parcels." Melissa tried to enlighten her mother. "Okay then let's go."

The two arrive at the match, then they parted ways, Gracie went to sit down on the audience side while Melissa went to her team. "Hey Mel." said Jill. "Hey guys." Melissa replied hugging all of her team. "We sorry about your dad." said Jasmine. "And we happy to have you back." A voice said and Melissa turned. "Hey couch" Melissa said hugging her couch. "How are you doing?" asked Jackson. "I am just trying to survive." Melissa replied with a sudden tense face. "Okay but now we have a game right?" Jackson changed the topic and turned to the girls with some positive attitude. "We Do." shouted the girls. The game started. "Okay girls go have fun in there. Go!" shouted Jackson. The girls got in the court and welcomed the visiting team then the whistle blew the girls played until Melissa was mistakenly tripped by one of the visiting team player, then she fell and broke her leg. The audience all stood up to see the broken girl while the paramedics took her to the hospital.

"How is she doing doctor?" Gracie stood up fast when the doctor approached her. "Okay first I want you to calm down." The doctor insisted that Gracie to calm down, and Gracie did so. "What I am going to tell you is good and bad," Gracie nodded "what's good is that Melissa is better now nothing to worry about, bad news is that she cannot play basketball again because she has a dislocated bone and I can't promise that it is going to take few days to heal." Gracie was worried. "Doctor Can I see her now?" she asked with no patience of wanting to see her daughter. "Yes you can but please be easy on her she needs to rest." said the Doctor. The doctor took Gracie to Melissa who was resting. When they arrived the doctor let Gracie in the room and went out. "Hey baby girl." said Gracie with tears in her eyes. Melissa opened her eyes slowly. "Hey mom." "Don't worry you be out of here in no time." Gracie wiped her tears. "Do you feel any pain?" she asked Melissa. "No I am fine now. What did the doctor say?" Melissa was so furious to know what the doctor said about the incident. "She said you have a dislocated bone and it is going to take a long time to get it in its located place again but she said you are better now.". "So that means I won't be able to play any sport again?" Melissa asked Gracie with a tear running on her cheek as she was lying down. "No we are going to work together to get you better trust me." While Gracie was trying to comfort Melissa the nurse entered "Ma'am here is the medication the doctor asked Melissa to take at home." Gracie took the meds and the nurse went out, Gracie remembered about the call she received early in the morning about the parcel when she looked at her watch it was almost late and the postman was about to arrive at her apartment. "Lisa, I am going to leave you for a little long to fetch you clothes to wear when they discharge you." Gracie managed to make an excuse so she can go back home. "Okay mom. I am going to rest till you come back, please make it fast I want to see myself out of this place in no time." "Okay baby I will do so." Gracie kissed Melissa on her forehead and ran out of the hospital.

Fortunately she arrived at the same time as the postman. "Oh thank you for coming again." said Gracie taking the parcel in the postman's hands. The postman left. Gracie unlocked the door and with no patience she opened the envelope and inside it was a letter she opened the letter and sat down. The letter is written:

Dear ma'am

We want to announce to you that we are giving you one day notice as you are evicted from the apartment

Thank you.

Gracie tore the paper in to pieces in anger. Wondering what she is going to do. She sat there tapping at the table. Then a mind came up. She picked up her phone and pressed the name 'Ray'. "Hallo, this is Raymond Armstrong speaking." said the voice on the phone. "Hey brother, guess you really forgot me". "Oh Gracie it is you my sister." said Ray. "What's with the surprise call?" asked Ray. "We have been evicted from the house." Gracie didn't hesitate to say her problem. "Okay you can move in with us." Ray loved her sister he wouldn't let her be homeless. "Ray… I mean thank you very much." Gracie suddenly smiles. "Okay I got to get back to work I will call a bakkie for your things." said Ray. Gracie dropped the call. She started packing everything. Then went to her car drove it to the hospital and fetched Melissa. The two got home from the hospital.

Melissa sees the boxes that Gracie had packed to move out. "What's with the boxes?" asked Melissa. "I got a letter from the apartment people, they evicted us from this place, so we are moving in with your uncle." Gracie replied with a little bit of embarrassment. "Wow, why didn't I see that." Melissa was a bit sad and went to her room. She saw the boxes in her bedroom too, she opened the box next to her and opened it, the box was full of medals Melissa took one medal out and a tear dropped out of her right eye. Gracie leaned her body on Melissa's door looking her and her medals. "Aren't you going to sleep?" Gracie asked Melissa. "Yeah, you right." Melissa tried so that Gracie cannot see she has tears in her eyes. "you are crying?" Gracie approached and sat near her on the bed. "No I just have something in my eye." Melissa wiped her tear sand stood up from the bed "Are we going to burn them?" she put the medal back in the box. "What?" Gracie asked making sure that Melissa is not talking about the medals since she was holding one. "The medals?" unfortunately Gracie was thinking wrong. "But you worked hard for them, why would you want to burn what you earned?" Gracie was confused. "Nah I am going to burn them with or without your permission." She went to open the door "I need to get some sleep, looks like tomorrow is going to be a long day." she showed Gracie the way out. Gracie got up and looked around her and went to the door "Can I burn them for you then?" Melissa went to the box and took it and gave it to Gracie "You better burn them." Gracie nodded. "Good night." Melissa said and closed the door.

The next day Melissa was woken up by the sound of the bakkie outside the house. "Mom?" she shouted. Gracie got in the room "Yes baby." "What's going on?" Melissa asked still sleepy. "Okay what you are going to do is wake up and clean yourself because…" before Gracie was about to end her sentence Melissa interrupted. "Oh I forgot we are moving out" Melissa ended the sentence. "Yeah." Melissa got out of bed and went to the bathroom. Gracie stared at her as she walked out the door and smiled. She then stood up and went to pack the boxes in the bakkie that was waiting outside. Melissa was now done with her breakfast and went in her bedroom to fetch her bag.

Melissa and Gracie arrived at Raymond's house. Raymond was watering his plants when he saw the car he put down the hosepipe and approached it. He opened the car door for them "Hey sister." He hugged Gracie. When he reached out to hug Melissa. Melissa gave him her bag instead of the hug. Raymond looked at the bag and nodded. They went in the house. "Okay let me show you your rooms." Before Raymond was about to show them their bedrooms, voices from two people having a debate came from the passage. Melissa looked around. Then two boys came in the kitchen. "Urgh." Melissa got annoyed by what she was seeing (her brothers). "Okay what do these two want here?" Melissa asked. "We are six." Luke corrected her. "I am going to go in my room before I explode." Melissa was so much pissed after hearing that all her brothers were there then went to her room. Chris looked at her "She still doesn't like us isn't it?" "Okay let me show you your room." Raymond went with Melissa to her new room. "So mom, how have you been?" Luke asked Gracie after all it's been a hard time since their dad left them. "I'm better now, but what matters now is how have you boys been?" Gracie knew it has been hard but couldn't admit in front of her children. Chris was pouring her mother some water. He turned and handed the glass of water to Gracie "We are good." Gracie took a sip of her water until a voice came from the passage. "Chris your phone is…" before Benjamin could finish talking she saw his mother and shouted "Mom!" and gave her a hug. "What were you saying 'bout my phone?" Chris asked because Ben didn't finish his sentence about the phone. "What… phone? Nah." Ben forgot he was going to say something about Chris's phone because he couldn't believe that his mother was there. "I think he was going to say it is ringing." Luke said smiling at how Ben is happy seeing his mother. Chris nodded went to hid bedroom. Ben took Gracie to her new room and showed her the house.

Later that day all the boys got out of their bedrooms to eat dinner and Ray. "Hey mom how are you?" The second born Dave asked Gracie. "I am good baby boy and you?" Gracie was busy dishing up for them. They all sat down and washed their hands. "Isn't Melissa going to eat with us?" Ray asked Gracie because Melissa wasn't in the dining room with them. "She said she is not hungry" Gracie looked at Melissa's bedroom door with a little down soul and sat down. "I'll take her food to her." Raymond said. Gracie smiled remembering how Ray used to make her smile whenever she was said. She handed him Melissa's plate and smiled. "Is she still like that?" Sam asked Gracie if Melissa is still mean. "Boys you must understand that Melissa is still young and losing her Dad it is twice as hard to her as it is to us." "Yeah we know that, and we wish we could help to cheer her up." said Luke taking all dishes to wash them. "Maybe we can play basketball with her tomorrow." Hudson suggested. "Don't ever do that." Gracie warned Hudson after what happened before they came at Ray's. "But I thought Melissa loved basketball." Chris said. "She does." A tear dropped out of her eyes, before she could tell them about Melissa's accident. While Gracie was talking to the boys Raymond knocked at Melissa's door. "Knock knock." Ray opened the door a little bit and checked in the room for Melissa "May I come in?" Melissa was lying on her bed with a book in her hands listening to music. She nodded at Raymond. Ray came in. "Urgh don't you people understand when I say "I'm not hungry"? Melissa took the blanket and pulled it to cover her head. Ray pulled a chair to sit on "You know Melissa we all love you just remember that." Ray stood up and walked to the door as he was about to reach for the door handle Melissa threw the blanket from her head and sat on the bed with a tear dropping to her mouth "Maybe you are right, I don't deserve all of you guys you are so loving and caring but I can't give it back." Ray turned back and walked to her again "You love and care for us too but you just don't want to show it, and I know how a daughter feels when she loses her father. I learnt it from your mother." "How did she get over it?" Melissa wiped her tear and asked. "She was always near her loved ones." Ray said and held her held. Melissa smiled. Raymond put the plate on the bed "Still not starving?" Melissa took the plate and ate her food "I wish I can cook like her." Ray smiled "Yeah she really knows how to do her thing in cooking unfortunately she won't tell how she does it." Melissa laughed; Ray took the plate after Melissa was done eating. Melissa lay down to sleep and Raymond covered her with the blanket "Good night baby girl." And then kissed her on the forehead. "Good night uncle, good night to mom too." Raymond got the light off and closed the door behind him and went in the kitchen. In the kitchen it was only Luke who was busy with the dishes and Gracie sitting down with a glass of water in front of her on the table. Raymond arrived in the kitchen "She said goodnight." Raymond put the plate in the sink in the water "Please wash it." he asked Luke. "How did you do it?" Gracie was so shocked seeing the plate empty. "Let's just say it wasn't easy." Gracie smiled. "She really loves your cooking a lot." Raymond sat down next to Gracie "So what's next?" "Finding work, finding Lisa school." "How about she comes to my school?"Raymond is a Principal of a high school. "Thanks a lot brother." "No need to thank me you are my sister and I have to look after my family. And the boys?" "For now I can only afford to take three to college." Gracie was so down and took another sip of water. "Luke has a degree, I'll take him to work as a science teacher and Sam, and Benjamin can come to my school too." Luke turned and pulled a chair and sat down with a cloth in his hands "Is it?" he smiled "I'm going to teach students in the lab?" he looked happy at his uncle. "Yes Luke, now go to sleep." Raymond was glad that Luke was happy with the job he offered him. "For the third time thank you Ray." Gracie stood up from her chair to give Raymond a hug, Ray stood up too. "Goodnight fam." Said Luke and went to his bedroom.

The next day Ray's alarm went on and he woke up. He took a bath and went to the kitchen he found Gracie in the kitchen. "Morning." "Morning" Gracie replied. "Breakfast is ready." Gracie liked to wake up early in the morning to make breakfast. "Okay I will have mine while you wake up the children." Ray sat down. "Okay let me go wake them up." Gracie went to Luke's bedroom first and opened the door "Wake up." She shouted while standing near the door. Luke woke up without any hesitation because he was ready for the new job. "Morning mom." He said. "Get ready I'm going to wake up others." Gracie closed the door and went to wake the other boys. At last she arrived in Melissa's room that was already awake. "Finally someone is awake." Gracie sat down next to her on the bed. "Morning mom." "Morning baby girl, guess who gets to go to the new school?" Gracie smiled and waited for Melissa to reply. Melissa bows her head down "Me I guess." Gracie shifted closely to and held her hand. "Look at me," Melissa looked her. "Please trust me when I say I am going to make sure everything is going to be fine. " Melissa hugged her tight and cried "Thank you mom." "Gracie the boys are leaving." Raymond shouted from downstairs. "Let me go say goodbyes to the boys while you take a bath." Melissa nodded and stood up. When Gracie was entering the room Sam was asking Raymond "So I get to do my 10th grade at your school?" "Yes and Ben too." "Okay Hudson, Dave and Chris have a nice day at the college." Gracie hugged the three boys and they all left for college. Melissa entered the kitchen all ready to go to high school. "Morning." She greeted. "Morning Lisa how did you sleep?" Raymond asked. "Like a little baby." Melissa smiled and sat down to eat her breakfast. "Morning Mel, guess who got to teach science in the lab?" Luke asked Melissa. "Guess it's you?" Melissa asked. "Obviously." Luke stood up from his chair and danced then slide to the passage to go to his room. Melissa finished her breakfast and stood up to wash her dish. "Okay Ben, Sam, Lisa time to go." The three got their backpacks. Melissa went to her mother and hugged her "Bye mom." "Wish you luck baby girl, bye." "Bye mom." Sam said and took the apple on the table. "Bye mom." Ben said and opened the door. "Bye boys." Gracie stared and smiled while the children went out. Raymond fetched his suitcases and went out.

They arrived at school Sam opened the door and climbed out of the car. Then Melissa climbed out too and stared a little long at the school's building and sighed. "Okay, now we go in my office. "The school looks good." Sam said. They all went to Ray's office and they sat down. "Okay Melissa I am going to take Sam and Ben to their new register teachers because yours hasn't arrived, so please stay here and watch my staff." Raymond stood up and took some pages on his desks and went out with the two boys. After a few minutes while Melissa is waiting for her uncle on the door someone knocks. "Come in." she looked at the door and a girl entered. "Oh, seems like Mr. Anderson went out?" The girl asked Melissa. "Hallo to you too." Melissa was shocked about this girl's manners. "Urgh I'm not here to make friendsl. Please tell the Principal that I am done with the basketball match schedules. So can he please scratch out the matches that we won't be able to play so I can make the final schedule?" Then the girl rolled her eyes and went out. "So she is a basketball player, wonder what she got." Melissa thought. Raymond entered the office. "I am done with your brothers now I need to introduce you to the school." "A girl came in and asked for you to scratch out the matches they won't be to play." Melissa said that and stood up and took her backpack. Raymond looked the schedule. "Oh it's for basketball… you must have met Riele. Isn't she a good girl?" "Wish I can say that, she is rude she didn't even greet me." Melissa rolled her eyes. "Yeah you haven't met them all, they are rude but they are good at basketball especially Charlotte." The two went.

After assembly Melissa stood there alone not knowing where to go. After a while she heard a voice."Sorry for making you wait." Melissa turned only to see a handsome boy. "And who are you?" Melissa was so confused about what was happening at that moment. "My apologies, my name is Mason." The boy took out his hand to a handshake to Melissa. Melissa didn't accept and stared at him for a while "how can I help you?" Melissa stared at the boy again. "Oh, sorry I'm the one who is going to show you each class on your timetable." The boy smiled seeing how mean Melissa is. "You should have just said so, and I was expecting a girl not a boy." "It's actually not my work if I can be honest." Mason said and bowed his head showing he is a bit embarrassed. "You are being bullied?" Melissa raised her eyebrows. "Nah, my girlfriend asked me to cover for her." Mason raised her head up now looking relieved. "Wow, I would never." Melissa rolled her eyes. "Can we go now?" Mason asked. The two walked together. While they were walking in silence Mason was the first to break the silence "Where are you from?" "I'd rather don't talk about it." Melissa bid her lip. "Seems like it was bad." Mason looked at her. "Which grade are you doing?" Melissa tried to move to a new topic. "I'm doing the 10th grade." "So are we in the same class?" "No." The two arrived at the door. "Here is your class." Mason showed Melissa her new class. "Thanks." Melissa opened the door and entered her new class. "Oh, class I think you already know about our new student Melissa Armstrong which is joining us in this class." The students welcomed Melissa. "Melissa you may take a sit in any empty chair." Melissa sat down in an empty chair.

At break Melissa went to the cafeteria alone and she saw her brothers sitting with their new friends. She went on an empty table and sat down and then she took her lunch box and put on earphones to listen to music. Mason was sitting with his friends and then he saw Melissa sitting alone then he went there "Hey." Mason didn't realize that Melissa had earphones on. When he did he poked her. Melissa jumped out of shock. "Hey…" Melissa took out the earphones. Mason sat down opposite Melissa. "So you left your friends and decided to sit here." Melissa asked him. "Yeah I told them I'll be back in a few minutes." A group of basketball girls arrived at where mason and Melissa were sitting. "Hey babe." Said one girl kissing Mason's cheek. "Hey… oh babe this is Melissa the one you asked me to cover for you, Melissa this is Charlotte." "His girlfriend." Charlotte added. Melissa rolled her eyes "I'll go." Before she stood up on her chair mason said "No please don't leave your table, I'm sure Charlotte was leaving?" Mason looked at Charlotte. Charlotte looked at Melissa and rolled her eyes then she clapped her hands and then the girls started to move. "Drama galore." Melissa said. Mason smiled "I'm sorry." "So you don't have friends?" mason asked Melissa. "Yeah but I'll survive." Melissa replied. "Not anymore." Mason said. "What do you mean not anymore?" Melissa asked mason what he meant. "I mean I am here." Mason smiled. A girl mistakenly fell near Melissa and Mason's table. "I'm so sorry." Said the girl. "No don't apologize, are you okay?" Melissa asked the girl. "Yes I am okay." The girl stood up. "You can sit down with me if you don't mind, I think the boy was about to leave." Melissa looked at mason and smiled. Mason nodded and stood up and left. "You don't have friends too." Melissa asked the girl. "No I have friends." The girl said. "Oh, I'm sorry for making you sit I think your friends are worried about you." "No they are having extra classes so I am alone right now, and I am sure they won't mind if you can join our group." "I'll think about it anyway what your name is?" Melissa asked the girl. "How silly of me, I haven't introduced myself; my name is Flora I am in the nerds group." Flora introduced herself. "Nice to meet you Flora." Melissa smiled. The bell rang. "I am ready to take you to class." A voice came from the back of Melissa then she turned and there was Mason. "Urgh could this day get any more worse…" she rolled her eyes and stood up from her chair. "Flora till we meet again." She said and gave Flora a hug. "I wish I can get that too." Mason said. "Keep wishing." They both start walking. "I can see you have a new nerd friend." Mason said and laughed. "It isn't funny." Melissa said and rolled her eyes. "But she is a nerd." Mason said. "She is still a human." Melissa tried to debate. "But nerds are humans who gets teased every time and don't have any fans." Mason said. "Urgh, who said that it is important to have fans as human?" Melissa rolled her eyes. "It is I mean have you seen like everywhere I go everyone knows me and begs for my autograph, I mean that's cool." Mason said. "Wow, Mr. popular." Melissa said. "I know right." Mason smiled. "I guess this is my class?" Melissa asked. "Yes it is." The two stood there and met gazes, silence went through the moment. Until Melissa broke the silence "I need to go." Melissa went in her class and left Mason there.

After school Melissa was walking alone and saw an open door. She then slowly went in "Hello… is someone in here?" she asked and went in the, the room was filled with basketball history. She went around looking at the pictures of the old basketball players and their history. "You a fan?" a voice came behind Melissa's back. Melissa turned and saw it was a man. "Yes," she took out her hand for a handshake "Melissa Anderson." The man took out his hand for a handshake too. "Steve Washington." "So you are in charge of this place?" Melisa asked Steve. "Maybe…" "He was a cleaner but he was always in here so the teachers no longer come and guide this place anymore so he is now the owner of this place." Mason said while entering the room "Are you following me?" Melissa asked. "No he's got a business in here." Steve said. "What kind of business?" Melisa asked. "We'd rather not say." Mason said. "Okay, this is Vanessa Mitchell the 1974 best basketball player." Melissa said looking at a beautiful lady's picture. "I forgot to add that, but how do you know?" Steve asked Melissa. "I said I'm a fan." She smiled. "You play?" Mason asked. "Play what? Basketball? nah." Melissa said not wanting to tell the truth. "I need to go. It was nice meeting you Uncle Steve." "Uncle Steve? Wow it's been a long time since someone called me that." Steve was so relieved at how Melissa called him. "I call every man that." Melisa went out. "She plays." Steve said to Mason. "You mean basketball?" Mason put his backpack down. Steve folded his hands "Yes, I know a player when I see one and she is the best." "Urgh Steve and your illusions, can we get back to business." Mason said.

Melissa arrived at her uncle's office Raymond who was preparing to go home. "Hey baby girl, you ready?" Ray asked. "Yes I am ready." "Okay let us go."

Melissa and Raymond and the boys arrived at home. "Uncle Ray, can I ask you something about someone who works at your school?" Melissa asked. "anything for you." Raymond said. "Okay, it's about Steve, does his personal file has something interesting?" "Maybe, I mean he was desperate for the job so I didn't bother to check his profile." "Okay won't you mind for me to check it for you?" "Okay but remember to give it back, okay?" Ray said and went to his study room to get the file. Grace was still in the kitchen when the two arrived at home "What was that about?" "I'm just helping uncle." Melissa said and smiled. Grace approached the microwave and took out two plates of food, "Lemme go and change first." Melissa went to her room on the way she met with her brother Luke "Hey, how was your day?" Melissa bow her heard thinking about her day "It was…" she smiled "It was awkwardly good, and yours?" "It's great." Melisa started walking and Luke stood surprisingly of how Melissa is happy and he was surprised that she replied his question. "Wow." He said and started walking. "Where is Lisa?" Raymond asked Gracie in the kitchen. "She will be back; she has gone to change her uniform." "Why do you want her?" Luke asked. "She asked to help me with this guy's profile." Luke wondered "Is he the only guy you haven't checked his profile?" "Nah, there is a lot." "So why does she want to help with that one only?" "Luke just let her be, I'm just glad she is doing something than sitting in her room for the whole day." Grace said. "She even talked to me." Luke raised her eyebrows and nodded. Sam entered the kitchen "Unfortunately she doesn't want to see some of us." He then took an apple on the table. "Just take it easy on her please." Grace said. Melissa entered the kitchen. " Melissa here is your work." Raymond said and smiled. "Thanks Uncle Ray." She sat down and ate her food. "How was your school day guys?" grace asked Melissa, Ben and Sam. "It was cool, like I didn't know that a first day can be this great." Sam said. "Yeah that's because you have friends." Melissa said and rolled her eyes. "Someone seems like she doesn't have friends." Hudson said. "Ag it's not like I need them nor want them." She finished eating and stood up. "I'll be in my room." "Before you do that work do your homework first?" Grace said. "No homework for me." Then she went to her room and arrived. "Mm… let's see." Melissa said opening the file. She read it "And I knew It." she said. "Knew what?" Luke came in and asked. Melisa jumped and said "Can't you knock?" "I'm sorry." Luke said sitting on her bed. "Can I see that?" "No this is my work and I think you should mind your business." Melissa said. "Remember this?" Luke took out Melissa's basketball medal. "Where did you get that?" "I found it in one of the boxes you came with." Melissa looked at it and smiled. "The first medal I won with dad." A tear drop dropped. Suddenly she wiped out her tear and stood up and pulled the medal and went in the kitchen. "I think I asked someone to burn these medals." She showed it up. "I… I thought you will be happy to see them." Grace said. "Oh well I am so happy to see them after all they remind me how much of a loser I am… now can you get rid of them?" she put the medal at the table and went to her room. Luke was still in her room "I think imma sleep." Luke stood up "Okay goodnight." He left and closed the door.

Another morning Melissa woke up and took a bath and went in the kitchen. She found Sam and Benjamin in the and goes to the fridge. "Morning to you too." Ben said seeing Melissa didn't greet them. "You are wasting your energy." Sam said and took a bottle of water and walked away. "Morning Ben." Melissa replied to Ben. All the boys and Grace and Raymond entered the kitchen. They all sat down to eat breakfast. "I think Melissa you got an apologizing to do. "Mom I'm really sorry for letting my temper get over me and for shouting at you like that." Melissa sighed. Grace stood up to hug her "I am the one who is suppose to apologize, you told me to burn them but I didn't." the two hugged. "Okay enough now we have to go to school."

When Melissa arrived at school and separated from the others she went to the assembling spot. She stood there after a few minutes Mason appeared. "Hey?" Mason said. "Are you following me?" Melissa asked. "I'm your guard remember?" Mason asked. "You are not my guard you were just showing me classes, which I now know so that means your job here is done." Melissa said and walked away. "Whoa take it easy baby girl, I just want to talk." Mason said. Melissa turned to him "Talk?" she raised her eyebrow. "Yah talk you know you don't have friends and I am the only one you talked to since you arrived here?" Mason said and smiled. "Who needs friends especially from this school, I'd rather talk to a bird even if they don't have ears." Melissa rolled her eyes and walked away. "Even me?" Mason asked. Melissa looked back while still walking and smiled. Charlotte came to Mason while he is still looking at Melissa. "Hey babe." She smiled. Mason was lost not hearing what Charlotte was saying. "Mason?" "Mason?" charlotte followed Mason's eyes and realized he was looking at Melissa. She clapped in front if his face. Mason woke up "Oh hey it's you?" Charlotte stared at him "Yes it's me." "Oh." Mason said. "Listen here Mason if I ever see you with that girl I swear I'm going to kill you, do you hear me?" Mason stared at her and wondered which girl is she talking to "A girl?" he raised eyebrow. "The new girl Mason the new girl." Charlotte answered. "But you the one who asked me do your job by showing her, her new classes." Mason said. "And I believe she knows the classes now, so it's better if you back off." "Okay." "Enough about that ugly girl now please don't forget our dinner date." Charlotte said. "I have to go." Mason walked away. "That girl gon' steal your man." Charlotte's friend Page said. "You better put him on the leash." Riele said. Charlotte started walking. Melissa was busy in her locker. Charlotte arrived and closed the door of the locker. Melissa looked at her "You could have hurt me are you insane?" she asked. "You haven't seen me insane yet." Charlotte said raised her eyebrow. "Okay what do you want?" Melissa asked. "I want you to leave my boyfriend alone because he is my man. So little girl if I ever see you again with my boyfriend believe me you, you will need comforting zone. You aren't even his type I mean have you seen yourself you are nothing compared to me. So you better back off baby girl." Melissa laughed "Are you threatening me?" she asked, "I'm warning you." "Wow did you pass to your so called 'Boyfriend' and told him that?" Melissa asked, "Why would I do that when it's you throwing yourself to him." "Eow me throwing myself to a boy especially the type of Mason I would be that desperate and I don't do desperate." Melissa said. "So I think you should have gone there first and told him what you are telling me, because you are wasting my time." Melissa nodded and walked away. 'She broke the first rule." Riele said. "Urgh that's a small thing she is nothing compared to me."

After school Melissa went in the basketball library. When she arrived she saw Steve "Are you always in here?" Melissa asked Steve who was busy looking for a book, he then turned. "Oh hey Mel." Steve said. "Hey." Melissa went to the other side and looked at the books "Why did you quit?" Melissa asked Steve while looking at books. "Quit?" Steve was confused. "Yes, you know what I'm talking about." Melissa said. "You are really confusing me won't you go straight to your story?" "Okay I know I don't have the right to question your life but why did you quit basketball?" when Melissa asked that question Mason entered the library. "How did you know?" Mason asked. "Wow you told her about my story then you asked her how she knows." Steve said. "He didn't tell me I read it in your profile." Melissa said. "I knew the principal is your father." Mason said. "My uncle, stupid." Melisa said. "But one thing confuses me." Steve said. "What?" Mason asked. "Why are you so concerned whether I was a player or not?" Steve asked. "I… I was… I was helping my uncle with the profiles so I saw yours and then I thought I could ask about what I saw." Melissa felt like she was stuck in a corner full of heat. "I better get going maybe my uncle is waiting for me. It was nice meeting you." Melissa said while talking a backward step slowly to the door when she arrived at the door she closed it. "She is a player." Steve said to Mason. "Yeah yeah you keep saying that let's get to business." Mason said.

"Hey uncle." Melissa entered Ray's office "Hey Lisa, I have bad news." "What is it" Melissa asked. "Today I'll be leaving late." "It's okay I'll explore the school." "You sure?" Steve asked. "Definitely sure." Melissa left her bag in the office and went out. She thought that Steve and Mason have already left so she went back in the basketball library. When she arrived unfortunately the two were still there training basketball. "You guys train in here?" She asked. "But Mason why don't you train with the others?" Mason was still throwing balls in the goal net. "I want to be a champ." "What do you mean?" Melissa asked. "I'm being trained by a basketball champion." Melissa raises one eyebrow and her head side by side. "Steve haven't answered my question." "Okay, the reason I quit it's because my father passed away so I started drinking my life out, and that's the first basketball rule don't drink." Steve sat down and bows his head down. Melissa approached him and stretched her arm to touch his shoulder. "Yes I was a basketball player, and I know a feeling of losing a father." Melissa confessed at last. Steve looked at her "Why did you quit?" "Because without my dad it doesn't feel the same anymore." Melissa's tear dropped on Steve. He rose up and hugged her. "How about we make our dads proud of us, I mean we gave up our life because we believe it's hard without them but why don't we think that they are disappointed with us right now, and we wouldn't want to disappoint our loved ones do we?" "Tell me when you done with the emotional moments." Mason said. "You mean playing again?" Melissa asked Steve. "Yes I mean you be the player I be the trainer." Steve suggested. "Steve I know you love basketball but I made a promise to myself not to play again." "I think my uncle is done I better get going." She went out and went to her uncle's office when she arrived Ray was closing the door. "Oh here you are. I didn't know where I was going to search for you." Raymond said. "Yeah I thought that you would be done so I had to come back." "Where were you?"Ray asked. "I was… I was in the library?" "What did you find interesting in there?" "Let's just say I learnt a lot." "Okay I'm glad you did."

When they arrived at home Dave was in the kitchen "Hey guys." Said Dave. "Hey" Ray replied. "Where is mom?" Melissa asked. "She came back home sick so this coffee is for her." Said Dave and went away. "I'll go check on her." Melissa said. Melissa went to her mother's bedroom. "Hey mom." When she entered the room Grace was sitting on her bed. "Hey." "What's wrong?" Melissa asked Grace. "It's nothing, just feeling dizzy and a headache." Grace said. "I'll ask uncle to call the doctor for you." "No, it's nothing there is no need to call the doctor." "Okay at least drink your tea." Melissa took the tea and hand it over to her. Grace drank her coffee. "I am going to change my uniform just drink your tea and take rest." Melissa said. "But I have to cook for you guys." "I'll cook." Melissa said, "Really? You cook? I'm not going to take risk." "Please trust me I just want to thank you guys especially Uncle Ray." "Okay I will let you cook for today but if it doesn't go good I'm not letting you cook again." Grace said and smiled. Melissa laughed. "Okay, take some rest I'll call you when I'm done cooking." She then left the room. Melissa went to her room and changed her uniform, and then she went to the kitchen. She started cooking while she was doing so Sam entered the kitchen. "What are you doing?" "Don't I seem like I'm cooking?" Melissa asked. "You are what?" Sam asked. "Cooking Sam cooking." While the two were talking Hudson entered the kitchen "Hudson guess what?" Sam asked Hudson. "Uh… you found a girlfriend?" Hudson asked. "Oh you wish Sam and a girl Urgh forget about it." Melissa said. "I can get any girl I want when I want." Sam said. "Okay firstly you guessed wrong secondly your little sister is cooking." Sam said. "What? I only have one sister so I don't understand." Hudson said. "Hudson I know how to cook." Melissa said. "Oh he was talking about you?" Hudson asked. All the boys and Raymond entered the kitchen. "It's good you are all here on time for dinner. Should I dish up for you now?" Melissa said. "Isn't mom going to dish up for us today?" Chris said. "Okay I have had enough of you guys judging me so just answer the question are you hungry?" Melissa asked. "Yes please dish for me." Raymond said. "I'm the older one here so dish up for all of us." Luke said. "Wow Luke is controlling my life now." Ben said. The boys smiled. Melissa dished up for all and went to her mother's bedroom "Mom the food is ready." "Okay help me here." Grace said. Melissa helped her out of bed and helped her to walk to the kitchen. When they arrived all of the boys and Ray were finished with their food. "Wow you threw my food in the bin?" Melissa asked. "Nope the food was absolutely great." Ray said. "Yeah I hate to say this but they were really tasty." Sam said. "Oh thank you guys." Melissa said. "Eh Melissa can you dish up for me again, please." Raymond said. "Me too please." Ben said. Then all the boys asked Melissa to dish up for them again. Melissa dished up for Grace and herself first before she could dish up for the others again. She then sat down while they were eating she cleared her throat "So guys the reason I cooked for you is to show you how much I love you even though the food is not thankful enough but I am really thankful to have you guys you know when I am in my bedroom I really regret how I treat you guys and how I don't deserve the love and caring you have for me but then I realized that I have to give it back to you again and I'm really willing to do so if only you can give me the chance to do so." "Lisa you know what? You know that I really love and care for you even when you went wrong I always forgive you because I know it is not your intentions and life has its own way. So I'm willing to give you a chance if you are willing to show me that you really deserve it." Raymond said. "Yeah I agree with Uncle. So I'm giving you a chance." Dave said. Then all the boys agreed to what Raymond said. Then they all hugged.

Next morning Melissa was in the kitchen eating breakfast when Sam and Ben entered the kitchen. "Morning Mel." Said Ben. "Hey Li." Said Sam. "Morning guys." "Are you writing a test today too?" Sam asked. "Yes." Melisa replied. "Do you think you will pass?" Sam asked. "I know I'll pass and I know you and Ben are going to pass after all we are the Andersons." Melissa said. "And I'm Armstrong." Ray entered the kitchen and took an apple. "Yeah we know." "How did you sleep uncle?" Melissa asked. "Exactly like you." "What do you mean exactly like me?"Melissa asked. "Like a baby LI like a baby."Ben said. "Are you guys ready for your tests?" Raymond asked. "They have tests?" Grace entered the kitchen and went to the kettle and switched it on. "Yes." Melissa replied. "Okay good luck did you study?" Grace asked. "Oh yes we did." Sam said. "Okay let's go now we will be late." Raymond said.

When they arrived Raymond went to his office Ben and Sam walked with Melissa "Aren't you guys going to your friends." Melissa asked them. "Not until you find friends." Sam said. "She has a friend." Mason came behind Melissa and Sam and Ben. "Who are you?" Ben asked Mason. "He is the basketball player." Sam said. "My name is Mason." He stretched his arm for a hand shake to Ben. Ben refused it and raised his eyebrow. "So how do you know that Melissa has friends?" Ben asked. Mason took his arm back "Uh… uh… because we are… we are friends." Mason replied. "Oh I'm sorry we didn't know. Li why didn't you tell us?" Ben asked. "I… I was about to tell you." Melissa replied. Mason smiled that Melissa saved him from his lies. "Okay Li we are going to leave you with your friend or boyfriend." Sam said. "SAM!" Melissa warned. "You better take good care of my lil sister, okay?" Ben warned. "Will do sir." Mason replied. Ben and Sam walked away. "You are lucky I saved you so you better back off if you don't want trouble." Melissa warned. "If being friends with you brings trouble its fine I'll manage the trouble but please allow me to prove that I am the best friend anyone could ever ask for." Mason said and kneeled down. "Stand up are you crazy you are embarrassing yourself." Melissa said. "I'll only stand up when you agree." Mason held himself to him. "Uh… Mason stand up after all I don't have friends." Melissa said. Mason jumped up and gave Melissa a hug. Charlotte saw them and went to them while Mason is hugging Melissa "Okay this ugly girl is getting on my nerves." Charlotte said. Mason moved away from Melissa when he realized Charlotte's voice. "Sorry." He said to Melissa. Charlotte took a few steps forward to Melissa and threw a slap. Mason caught her hand. Silence took in that part until Charlotte spoke "You stopped me?" charlotte looked at her hand she couldn't believe it. "Look Charlotte you are a nice girl and I don't think you would be happy to do this is just anger taking part don't do this please." Mason said. Charlotte looked at him and then looked at Melissa "Okay baby." She said while looking at Melissa "So I can see that you really want to make friends with this ugly girl so I am going to let you but on one condition." Charlotte said and turned to Mason. Mason smiles "Name the condition." "No hugging, separate when you see me, and then don't treat her as your priority." Melissa said. Mason was stuck in a corner he didn't want Melissa to feel like he is taking advantage on her. He looked at Melissa and whispered "I don't mean what I'm about to say". Melissa nodded. "Okay I'll do that." Mason said. "You better do." Charlotte said and walked away. "Urgh she is annoying." Melissa said. "Tell me about that." Mason said. The school bell rang. "I better get going." Melissa said and walked away.

After school Melissa met Ben "Hey are you going to watch the basketball match today?" Ben asked. "When?" Melissa asked. "Right now." Ben replied. "I didn't know about it but I have to be somewhere are you going?" Melissa asked. "Okay, yeah Sam will be playing and uncle is busy with some work so I am going to pass time by watching." Ben replied. "Okay, I'll see you see." Melissa said and walked away, she went to the library and when she arrived she found Steve "Hey Steve." "Oh hey Mel, how are you?" "I'm good and you?" Melissa asked. "I'm good." "Where is Mason?" Melissa asked. "He is playing the match today." Steve replied. "Oh, I wish them good luck." Melissa said. "You know it could be you who plays?" Steve said. "Yeah that's why I'm here." Melissa said. "SO YOU WANT IN?" Steve jumped. "IN BASKETBALL." Mason entered the room and intervened. "Okay guys firstly calm down and secondly why aren't you in the ground playing basketball?" Melissa said. "Okay what's thirdly?" Mason stared at Melissa. "Okay thirdly I was thinking last night and today while I heard about the basketball match so I came to my decision that I'm willing to break my promise, so I want to play again." Melissa said. "Oh MY God!!" Mason said and jumped to hug Melissa. The moment became tense. "Okay tell me when you done hugging." Steve said. They stopped. "Okay the reason I am not playing is because I had to confess something first." Mason said. "Oh I forgot confession before playing." Steve said. "Melissa I have to tell you something before I play…" Mason held Melissa's hands, Melissa was so confused. "The day I saw you up there when you were being introduced, I noticed something different such a beautiful girl full of confidence. I even begged Charlotte to let me be the one who shows you your new classes, when I heard your voice I was so pleased and so enlightened. I have a diary book where I write all my secrets and I so scared to tell you that you are one of my secrets." "What do you mean you are scaring me?" Melissa said. "I love you Mel." Mason said and ran out. "I saw that coming." Steve said. Melissa stood on a statue state. "MEL!!" Steve shouted at her. "Oh… Steve hey…" Melissa was so shocked she didn't know what to say. "So do you love him too?" Steve asked. "Love… who?" Melissa asked. "Okay I see you are still confused so I will go and sign you in the basketball team." Steve said and walked away. "Yeah basketball yes… Love?" Melissa was confused. "Hey Mel." Ben entered the library. Melissa didn't hear him she was still confused. "Lisa." Ben called her again still no answer. "LISA!" Ben shouted out. Melissa jumped "Ben are you crazy?" Melissa asked out of scariness. "I am not crazy; someone was like a statue so I had to wake her up." Ben said. "Okay I get you and I'm sorry." Melissa said. "What were you thinking about?" Ben asked. "Oh me thinking… I was thinking about …. About how I was treating you guys you know?" Melissa said. "Okay look please stop regretting I mean if I was in your shoes I would have done the same actions so please forgive yourself." Ben said. Melissa hugged him. "I love you brother." "I love you too little sister." They stopped hugging. "I am not little." "You are little." The two walked to Raymond's office arguing that Melissa is little. When they arrived there they saw Sam and Raymond "Sam you are here?" Ben asked. "Yeah I am here."Sam replied. "Did you win?" Melissa asked. "Isn't it obvious?"Sam asked. "Okay congratulations my boy." Ben said. "Ben I am not your boy we are almost the same age." Sam said. "Mm… I told you." Melissa said. "Uncle please tell them I am the older one here." Ben said. Ray took his bags "Yes you guys must respect him he is the older one here."Ben said. The three learners took their bags and went out of the office with Raymond while they were arguing that Ben is older than Melissa and Sam.

Steve went to Scott the basketball couch for girls. "Hey dude." Steve said. "Hey." Scott replied. "How did the girls play?" Steve asked while sitting down. "Everything is obvious when we have Charlotte." Scott replied. "I will take that as a yes." Steve said. "Okay I am done." Scott said. He then sat down. "What do I own this pleasure?" Scott asked. "I have a player." Steve said. "You have a player?" Scott asked. "Yes." Steve replied. "So what does that have to do with me?"Scott asked "Man you don't understand I have the best basketball player." Steve said. "Urgh Steve, Steve, Steve… do you remember what happened the last time you asked me to put a girl in the team?" Scott asked. "Yeah I remember she sucked… but this one I promise you she is the best… give her a chance to prove herself please." Steve begged. "Okay, if giving that girl a chance moves you out of my face I have no choice." Scott said. "Thank you and I promise you won't regret this thank you." Steve said. "Okay get out of here." Scott said and smiled. Steve ran out. "Ah Steve, man." When Steve entered the library Mason was there. "Lover boy." Steve said. "Don't say that Steve." Mason said. "Why did you run away?" Steve asked. "Steve I have to go home I just came to say goodbye." Mason went out.

Melissa, Sam. Ben and Raymond arrived at home when they entered the house Melissa got a phone call. "I have to answer this…" Melissa went to her bedroom. "Hey Steve." "Hey Mel guess what?" Steve asked. "Uhh… the basketball girls won, yeah I heard that." Melissa said. "No… I mean yes they won but I have great news for you." Steve said. "What's the good news?" Melissa asked. "Scott the basketball couch for girls agreed to give you a chance." Steve said. "Wow really?" Melissa asked. "I have never been this serious in my life." Steve said. "I am so happy; I'll come see you tomorrow then." Mellissa said. "Okay bye." Melissa dropped the call. "Hey sis." Hudson said. "How are you doing?" "I am doing great I just found good news." Melissa replied. "Come out with it." Hudson said. "So the basketball couch has given me the chance to prove to him that I am the player he's been looking for." Melissa said. "Wow congratulations sis." Hudson said. "You coming in my room… mmh what do you want?" Melissa raised his eyebrow. "Wow you got me." Hudson said. "So there is this girl at the college…" while Hudson was talking Melissa intervened. "Okay so you want an advice from me?" Melissa asked. "I hate saying this but yes." Hudson replied and brushed his heard with his hand. "Uh love…" Melissa sat down and hugged the pillow next to her and stared at the door thinking. "Uhh… Lisa are we still talking about me?" Hudson asked wondering. 'Oh yes we are still talking about you who else will we talk about?" Melissa asked. "Okay so how do I get this girl?" Hudson asked. While Melissa was advising Hudson in the dining room it was the boys and Grace. All the boys were on their phones. "You guys, you have to communicate more and be on your phones less." Grace said. "Sorry mom." Luke said and all put their phones on the table. Hudson came in the dining room "Hey guys." "Where do you come from?" Dave asked him. "From Melissa's room." Hudson replied. "OH how is she doing?" Grace asked. 'She is doing great she is so happy." Hudson said. "She is playing the basketball match day after tomorrow." Hudson added. "Oh my God we have to be there to support her." Grace said. "Sorry but I, Hudson and Chris are writing an exam that day." Dave said. "Okay you will go next match." Gracie said. "This is going to be the final match for the year." Sam said. "I wish she makes it to the finals." Hudson said. "Guys food is ready come in the kitchen." Gracie said. The boys went out. "I'll get Melissa." Ben said.

The next day Melissa was already at school near her locker. Mason arrived "Hey." He said a little embarrassed. "Hey Mason." Melissa said. "I heard you won the game so congratulations." Melissa said. "Thank you and I must say your brother is the greatest player I have ever seen." Mason said. "I know but wait till I get in the ground." Melissa said. "You mean Scott allowed giving you a chance?" Mason asked. "Yeah he agreed to let me play again." "So you are the new player." Melissa turned to see who was talking and it was Charlotte. "Yes." Melissa replied. "See you in the court new born." Charlotte said and walked away. "Don't mind her." Mason said. "She doesn't scare me." Melissa said.

After school Melisa went to meet Scott. "Hey Scott." Melissa said. "Hey Mel." "How are you doing?"Scott asked. "I am doing well." Melissa replied. "Great timing for your first training." Scott said. "Okay let's get to it."

Sam, Ben and Ray arrived at home without Melissa "Where is Lisa?" Grace asked. "She is training for tomorrow's game." Sam replied. "What about you Sam?" Luke asked. "I have homework so I skipped training for the day." Sam replied. "Okay, it's great that you are putting your studies first." Said Gracie.

The next morning Melissa was all set up for the game and went the kitchen. "Wow someone looks happy today." Gracie said. "I am sad that I can't come to watch you, but I promise when you play your final game I'll be there." Dave said. "If I make it to the finals." Melissa said. "You will I know you." Sam entered the kitchen. "Okay let's go win that game." Raymond said.

They all arrived at the game. "Okay Lisa you are going that way." Raymond showed her the where she has to go. Melissa took her sport bag. "Good luck baby girl." Gracie said. "Good luck Lisa." Raymond said. "Lemme take you to the room." Sam said. "I'll go with you too." Ben said. The three walked together and arrived. Melissa's face changed she remember the moments she had with her dad. "You okay?" Ben asked "I am not sure if I am doing the right thing." Melissa said and a tear drop came out. "Lisa…" before Ben could finish talking Mason arrived and held his should "Let her be." He said. Ben nodded. "You guys go I'll stay with her."Mason said. "Okay thanks bro." Sam said. Ben and Sam left. Melissa wiped her tear. "You are okay now?" Mason asked. Melissa nodded. "I am glad you are okay because today you are going to continue with what you started with you father." Mason said. "But what if I fail in the court. "It's not failing if you tried." Mason said. "Thanks for being with me in any condition." Melissa said. "That's what friends are for." Mason said. "Okay good luck with your game." Melissa said. "You too champion." Mason said, and the two smiled. "Okay see you then." Melissa said and walked away. Mason stared at her while walking. A boy from the basketball came behind him "She is beautiful right?" he asked. Mason was still in his daydream "Not just beautiful but so loving so caring so unique." Mason said still in his daydream. "One day she is going to be mine and forever." He said. "Uhh… Mason." The boy called. "Oh Tim?" Mason said. "Yeah it's me lover boy." Tim said. "How long have you been standing there?" Mason asked. "Long enough to know that you are late for the game." Tim said. "Okay let's go." Mason said.

When Melissa arrived in the females changing room all the girls where in there. "Oh look who is here." Charlotte said. All the girls laughed. "Did you hear that?" Charlotte asked. "Nah I didn't hear anything instead of your fear that I might play better than you." Melissa said and walked away. "Think about it that ugly girl better than me Urgh." Charlotte said and rolled her eyes.

The game was about to start and Charlotte and the girls started to sing

"Wow I can hear you guys from outside and I love the spirit." Scott said. "It looks like you already met your new player Melissa Anderson." Scott added. "Yes we did." Charlotte said. "Okay so I wish you girls best of luck and you already know which team is going to win." Scott said. "Charlotte I trust in you." Scott added. "You know I won't disappoint you couch." Charlotte said. "Okay let's go girls." All the girls went out.

The game started and the girls played. Melissa did well she was the reason the team won the game. And the game ended.

Melissa went to her family. "Wow Lisa you did well I must say." Grace said. "Thanks mom." Melissa said and hugged her. And then she hugged Ben. "Okay I will be back." Melissa said. She went to Mason "Hey Mason." "Hey champ." "Stop calling me that." Melissa said. "But you are." Mason said. "I came to congratulate for winning the game." Melissa said. "Thank you, congrats to you too, Steve is going to be happy." Mason said. "Why didn't he come watch?" Melissa asked. "Uh Steve doesn't love watching the games because it reminds him of his past." Mason said. "I have a surprise for him let's go." Melissa said. Before Melissa and Mason could get in the building Charlotte came running to Mason and hugged him. "Congratulations." Charlotte said. "Oh thanks you too." Mason said. Charlotte stopped hugging Mason and looked at Melissa "I really underestimated you especially your skills, I know me and you started at the wrong state but I am really sorry for what I said and did to you, I know it won't be easy for you to forgive me but I will understand. ." Melissa hugged her and stopped. "I am not that kind of a person to hold grudges, and I really understand you and if I was in your shoes I would have done the same, so I forgive you." Melissa said. "Thank you for being kind, Mason I want to tell you something." Charlotte said. "Okay I am listening." Mason said. "So I noticed something about you that is the reason why I was keeping you away from Melissa" Charlotte said. "Uh… I am lost." Melissa said. "I am willing to release you to go get your true love." Charlotte said. "What do you mean his true love aren't you his true love?" Melissa asked. "I wish I was." Charlotte said. "Are you for real?" Mason asked. "More than real." Charlotte replies. "Okay here I go" Mason turned to Melissa and said "Melissa can you be my girlfriend?". Melisa looked at Charlotte and she nodded. Melisa said "Yes". "Whoa that's it." Charlotte said. Mason and Melissa hugged. Tim appeared "Does that mean you are single now Charlotte?" he asked. "Uhh… Yes I am single." Charlotte hugged Tim. "Okay enough now Love Birds, uh Mason let's go now." Melissa said. "Where are you going?" Charlotte asked. "I have a surprise for Steve." Melissa said. "Okay I am not that close with Steve but I will like to be there." Charlotte said. Charlotte, Mason, Melissa and Tim went to the library. "Hey Steve." Melissa said. "Hey Champions." Steve said. "I have something for you big Champ." Melissa said. "Okay what is it?" Steve asked. Melissa took out some papers. "I am going to write your homework?" Steve asked and all laughed. "How about you read it?" Melissa asked. "Okay let me see." Steve took the papers and read the first page. "NO WAY…" He shouted. "Yes way."Melissa said." "How did you get this contract?" Steve asked. "It is actually one of my dad's so I am giving it to you and the coach s happy to have you in the in the team I showed him your videos." Melissa said. "Wow Melissa thank you very much I don't know what to say I am very happy." Steve said. "I am glad you are." Melissa said. "I am signing it the moment I arrive at home." Steve said. Scott entered the room. "Hey Scott." Steve said. "Hey Champions." Scott said. "I am the one who greeted you and you greet the Champions?" Steve asked. "Because you are a champion too my man." Scott said. "What do you mean?" Steve asked. "I saw your videos from the Basket Beaters." Scott said. "Oh I forgot to tell you that." Melissa said. "There is no problem the secret has to come out anyway." Steve said. "And the other champs who I underestimated." Scott said. "I guess that's me?" Melissa asked. "Yes that's you." Scott said. "Thank you for giving me an opportunity." Melissa said. "No thank you for joining us." "Basketball champions hug?" Melissa asked. "Yes." They all replied and hugged.