Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Team Emma - Emma, Grant, Josh, Lee, Owen

Team Jason - Heather, Kyle, Jordan, Jason, Harry

"Alright, folks, it is time to start game two of the 1996 Asher Hawkins Championship. In this game, we have Team Emma vs Team Jason. With Emma's bold proclamation at the start of the tournament, I am sure we are in for an intense game," said Jack as the next two teams gathered on the court. 

Emma took the ball from Ben and walked over to the free-throw line. 'Okay, I have seen Asher do this a thousand times it's easy,' she thought to herself. Emma bounced the ball twice before jumping and shooting the ball. 

The crowd cheered for Emma as she prepared to take the shot before falling silent. The silence carried for a few moments before a loud laugh was heard throughout the garden. Asher was bent over with his hand on his knees, laughing before he said, "That was an airball, Em, the ball goes in the hoop, not under it."

Emma was frozen for a moment before she clapped her hands. "Okay, guys, let's defend and get the ball back," she said. Her team assumed their defensive positions as Heather took the ball from Ben. Emma stood in front of her.

Heather tried to dribble to the left but lost control of the ball and Emma quickly snatched the loose ball. Emma surveyed the court before thinking to herself, 'Ok, let's try this again.' She saw Lee was Josh was open and tried to bounce pass the ball to him.

However, the ball didn't bounce far enough and was stolen by Jason. Jason dribbled out to the three-point line before passing it to Harry. Harry turned around and shot the ball. The ball dropped in the net.

"After that unfortunate start for team Emma, she quickly got the ball back. However, the defense was too good and got the stop, followed by a quick bucket by Harry. 1-0 Team Jason leads." Said Jack.

The game continued in a similar fashion, Emma would work incredibly hard on defense and get some steals however, her offense was simply too poor to do much. The score reached 7-0 to team Jason. Asher could see how upset Emma was getting, her eyes were red and she was biting her lip in frustration

'Oh Em… I gotta do something,' he thought. He went over to his dad and said, "Maybe a water break would be good, Dad, it is really hot out today." Ben looked down at his son and could clearly see the concern on his face. His upper lip twitched in amusement before he called out, "Water Break" 

Asher grabbed a bottle of water and quickly made his way over to Emma. Emma was sitting on the ground with some space between her and the rest of her teammates. Asher crouched down and handed her the water bottle. 

Emma looked up at the bottle extended towards her before she saw it was Asher next to her. Emma's face scrunched up as her eyes watered and she quietly asked Asher, "Why is it not working? I am doing everything you do but it wont work" 

Asher let out a sigh as he sat next to her, he said nothing until Emma took the water and started to take a drink. "Basketball isn't easy Em. Everything you have seen me do, I have practiced loads. You can't just pick up a ball and be good, you know." Emma's head lowered as quiet sobs started to leak out.

Asher took her hand and said quietly, "You don't have to be like me. We have played basketball lots of times. You are good at lay ups and defense. Focus on that. Let Grant start with the ball while you try and get open. You are way better than Heather, so I know you can do it" 

Emma looked at Asher with tears in her eyes "Promise?" Asher smiled at her and held out his punky finger "Pinky promise, and later we can practice more so you can get better at other stuff. I will help, ok?" Emma smiled and said, "Okay" 

Laura and Kelly looked on at their two kids from the beach towel they were sitting on. "They are way too cute together," Kelly said. Laura responded warmly and said they are "Bet you he is promising to practice with her so she can get better. He hates seeing Emma sad no matter how much they tease each other." 

The game resumed with Heather starting with the ball. Emma was like an energy bunny hounding her until she forced the turnover. She quickly got the ball to Grant before cutting inside the paint towards the basket. Grant seeing this tried to lob a pass into her, but he threw it too high. 

Emma gritted her teeth before jumping as high as she could. She barely regained control of the ball but quickly turned towards the basket and laid the ball up just like Asher had shown her when they played together. 

The crowd erupted in cheers as nobody wanted to see their kid get destroyed without being able to fight back 

Jack's voice boomed "Emma gets the ball and scores the first bucket for Team Emma" Emma let out a shriek of delight before sprinting over to Asher and wrapping her arms around him. "I did it, Ash see I did it" 

Asher patted her head and said, "Of course I saw it good job Em, but you still have 10 more points to get if you want to face me in the final" Asher smirked at him full of bravado." Just wait we will get 10 points in no time.

They did not get 10 points. "With a final score of 11-3, Team Jason moves on to the final. It will be Team Asher against Team Jason in the 1996 Asher Hawkins final" shouted Jack across the garden. 

Emma walked over to Asher with her head down "I couldn't do it, Ash," she said with a voice full of sorrow. Asher wrapped his arms around her and said, "You were great, Em, I am really proud of you. Don't worry, we can practice together whenever you want. You will be just as good as me in no time" 

Emma broke down in tears but nodded her head against his chest. Once she settled down a bit she went over to Kelly and Laura, who immediately pulled her into a hug. "You did great, darling, don't be sad. I am sure Ash will be happy to play with you whenever you want so you can get better." Kelly whispered in her ear as she held her crying daughter. 

Jason walked over to Asher full of smug energy "I thought she would be good after she said she would beat you. She sucks" he said. Asher felt a wave of anger run through him before he looked directly into Jason's eyes. "I can't wait to play you in the final" he growled with a wolfish grin on his face.

Jason went pale before he puffed up his chest and walked away, trying to maintain his cocky demeanor