FIRST GAME

We are excited about the basketball practice as we head to the gym. Samantha and I hand clasps while Maddox and Luke behind us are already wearing their royal blue jersey. I am comfortable joining them as mom had given me permission to do so when I called her. And I already informed the driver not to pick me up since Maddox would surely drop me home.

"We should sit close to the players, so it's easy for us to assist them when needed." I didn't know we got a role to play here, probably an assistant or water girl.

Sam is funny, but I guess it would be expected for her as Luke's girlfriend and me as Maddox's friend. "Yeah, I'm sure there's plenty of seats since this is just a practice."

"Guys, we will join our team; you two find your seats there," Luke says, and then he kisses Sam on the cheek before he leaves us at the entrance of the gym. Maddox raises a hand to excuse himself too.

The gym is more extensive than what I had last year in the public school; the floor is crystal clear clean, it looks like a PBA arena I've seen on TV. A few players are practicing in the middle, Maddox and Luke's rival team, wearing a white jersey.

"Angel, I found a place for us," Sam says as she pulls me to the other side, where ladies are wearing royal blue cheerleading uniforms.

Cassy pops up in my mind. She must be one of them. As we get closer, I confirm my guess as the petite lady turns in our direction. I grip on Sam's hand, Sam shifts at me, her face scrunches.

"Problem?"

"Nothing, but let's not get too close to Cassy and her friends. I don't want any trouble anymore."

Sam looks at where the cheerleaders are, and Cassy and her friends are already looking at us. "We don't want trouble either, but if they start, we won't back out. We have the right to be there as we have to take care of our friends as well. Don't let her get in your system Angel, she's not worth it. After all, you've done nothing wrong. Chin up."

Sam is correct; if someone needs to keep distance, it's Cassy and her 3 idiot friends. "Let's go."

Sam's eyes lit up. We head to the front row seats where Cassy and the other cheer dancers are staying. Sam is still holding my hand as we make our way to empty seats.

As we are close to Cassy, she lifts an eyebrow. "So, it's true, you made it, transferee. How does it feel about setting your foot in our expensive gym? I bet you haven't been in a gym like this before; feel it because this wouldn't last long."

"Cassy, stop, your voice is a pain in my ears, leave us alone," Sam answers and then pulls me to our seats. I gladly follow, and I smug at Cassy; she rolls her eyes at me. It feels good knowing I can easily annoy her.

I'm fascinated to see Maddox with his ponytail hair. He shows his gorgeous face for the first time; a little prominent jaw and beard start to grow. Maddox smirks at me when they start forming a circle with his team before they begin the game.

"Sam, this is the first time I saw Maddox in his ponytail hair. Cute, Isn't he?" I couldn't contempt the joy of seeing Maddox's face; it feels like he's breaking the walls between us.

"Of course, he is; I've seen his bare face before. He only started covering his face two years ago, which is an unfortunate year for Maddox."

"Oh, was it about her mom?"

"I think Maddox should be the one to tell you that at the right time."

While Luke and Maddox are having their first basketball practice of the year, Sam keeps me busy with things she wants to share with me. "Angel, what do you think about having a double date, me and Luke, you and Maddox."

I almost choke on my own saliva upon hearing her question. Was Sam even serious? I stay silent after clearing my throat.

"I mean friendly date; we're friends, right?"

"Of course, we are." It was a relief. "But I think I don't have time; I still have to take care of Max and my studies; I almost don't have time for other things. Maybe after our exams, I can decide."

"I understand; we can talk more about this by next week. Angel, thank you for coming into Maddox's life; you really are an Angel."

"Don't be silly; I'm way too far to be a real Angel. And it's like you are pressuring me to do good things; I doubt if I could meet your expectations."

"Don't be too serious, but I know you have a good heart, and that's enough for me. Here, have more popcorn and drinks." Sam tosses a drink to me, and she puts the popcorn in between us.

We are like watching a final game as the audience is shouting the name of their favorite players. I notice that students are also fond of cheering for Maddox, especially Cassy, of course. She squeals like a goat; her high pitch voice is the most annoying of them all. Anyway, I couldn't blame them; Maddox is a good player like the next MVP.

Maddox and Luke ask for a drink when they get a two-minute time-out.

"Mad, want some water?" Cassy asks, holding a bottle of water.

"No, thanks, I already have it," Maddox answers as he takes the bottled water I hand him.

Cassy looks at me like she could cut me half; it's her signature look, sharply sending threats to me. And again, I ignore her.

The game finishes at almost 7 in the evening, and after we part ways with Luke and Sam, Maddox leads me to his car.

"Hey, transferee, where's your car? Why do you have to steal Maddox tonight?" Cassy's angry voice behind us.

"Cassandra, I don't remember giving you the authority of who I should allow and not in my car. Mine your own business." Maddox retorts.

"Mad, can't you see? This bitch is taking advantage of your kindness; he is using you."

"Shut up Cassandra, I know who is capable of using me, and then drop me if she doesn't need me anymore." For the first time, I see anger in Maddox's eyes. Maddox leaves Cassy, and he opens my door.

"Mad," Cassy calls out Maddox helplessly. But Maddox ignores her; he starts the engine instead and drives off.