Chapter 5

Chapter 5 

Creative liberties begin to be taken to include the real-life people I will use in the story. I hope yall enjoy. 

August 12th 2005 

Asher felt a body land on him that mercilessly took him out of the beautiful world of sleep. "You have to stop waking me up like this, Em, why are you so rough? Couldn't you be sweet and shake me gently?" 

Emma let out a laugh "Never, this is way more fun, and you know me better than that. Shake you gently? I would never." Asher merely grunted in acceptance before saying, "You can get up now." Emma merely snuggled in closer. 

"Today is the day, Ash, we start high school today aren't you excited?" Asher sighed before wrapping an arm around her "Of course I am, Em, hopefully, I can finally face some decent competition in basketball. Elementary kids suck." 

Emma let out a snort before replying "It is not their fault that all you do is basketball Ash, how are they supposed to compete with a freak like you?" With that, Asher pushed Emma off of him, who hit the floor with an oomph!

"You make it sound like I am the only freak, Em, last I checked, you're a freak on the girl's team as well." Emma got up with a groan before saying, "That is no way to treat a lady Ash; also I am only a freak because if I want to spend time with my best friend, it usually means playing basketball" 

Asher laughed as he got up from his bed "Emma, come off it, you enjoy basketball as much as me I am just naturally much more gifted than you". Emma responded with a punch to the shoulder before saying, "Your mom said food is ready, I will see you down there." 

Asher quickly got dressed in a form-fitting graphic t-shirt with black ripped jeans and a pair of black Nike P.Rods. He walked down the stairs to see his mom, dad, and Emma all sitting around the breakfast table. "Food's ready for you, Ash," his mom said. 

Asher walked over and gave her a hug before dapping up his dad and sitting down next to Emma. "How you feeling son?" His dad asked. Asher finished the food that was in his mouth before saying, "Good dad, I just hope there is finally decent competition for basketball now." 

Ben responded with a nod before saying "To be fair, you are going to a decent school but not a great one for basketball. They are in division 2, so you can work towards your school reaching division 1 in your time there." 

Asher smiled in response and said, "That is the plan" With that conversation died down as they all just enjoyed their meal. The silence was broken by an overexcited Emma "Let's go, Ash time for school, I can't wait." 

Asher laughed at her excitement before dapping up his dad and giving his mom a hug and kiss on the cheek. "See you guys later, we have to catch the bus." With that both Emma and Asher left the house. 

Seeing the forlorn expression on his wife, Ben asked "What's wrong honey?" Laura let out a sigh and responded, "They grew up way too fast Ben, high school already. I feel like it was only yesterday Ash was playing basketball with his friends on his 5th birthday." 

Ben let out a hearty laugh "It has flown by but look at all he has accomplished already. The undisputed best elementary student in the state, he has never lost a major tournament. Honestly, I am excited to see what he can pull off with that school team of his. Troy and him will have a heavy workload if they want to win games." 

Laura smiled at her husband's enthusiasm "You and Jack have never missed a game, poor Emma started playing girls' basketball just so they could spend time together. I worry she is missing a lot because of her need to be with Asher. I hope high school really lets her grow into her own person." 

Ben replied with a slight look of worry on his face, "I never even thought about it. I thought she enjoyed basketball. Is Kelly worried?" Laura let out a laugh "Of course you thought that, and she does enjoy basketball but not to the degree that Ash does, I don't know if any kid enjoys it as much as him." 

"Kelly has been worrying, but recently Emma seems to have developed an interest in drama, she asked for her mom to get her some acting and singing lessons. Kelly is hopeful high school will be the place she really finds what she loves." 

Ben nodded while looking warmly at his wife "Those two will go far in anything they do, I haven't met many kids their ages that are as driven and determined as them" 

Cleveland Charter High School, Los Angeles

Asher and Emma arrived at the school and just stood there taking it in. Students surrounded them, and for a momen,t they were taken aback. Asher broke the silence first and said, "Let's go, Em, this is the start of the rest of our lives, right?" 

Emma let out a giggle "Sure, Ash, that is exactly what this is." With that, the two kids walked into the front entrance. Emma reflexively grabbed Asher's hand as they waded through the throng of students. 

The day went as expected, for the most part, they found their homeroom, were assigned lockers, and the beginning of their high school careers had begun. (Sorry if this is inaccurate; I have never gone to an American high school) 

The duo were quickly entangled in high school life. In their first class, the teacher had the students introduce themselves. Asher had chosen a seat that was in between his two close friends Troy and Emma. Troy was called on first. 

"My name is Troy Daniels, I like video games and basketball. My goal for the future is to make the NBA." Quiet snickers started but were quickly shut down by those in the know of the local basketball scene. "Hey, that is Troy Daniels from Royal Basketball School. He was one of the best shooting guards there. 

Troy had already received some recognition among youth basketball programs in LA, so he was recognized easily enough. Asher was called on next. 

"My name is Asher Hawkins, I like Basketball and listening to music. My goal for the future is to become the greatest basketball of all time." This proclamation was met with even more ridicule. However, that was once again put to bed by those in the know.

"No freaking way, that is Asher 'Ace' Hawkins. He is also from Royal Basketball School. He is far and away the best player his age now. I don't think he has even lost a game yet. With these two on our school team, we are going to be incredible this year." 

Finally, Emma was called on, "My name is Emma Roberts, I like basketball and watching movies. I don't have a goal yet, but I want to travel around the world" Funnily enough, there was no response from the rest of the class at this. Everyone was still focussing on the duo who introduced themselves first.

Asher clapped his hands for Emma and gave her a wink "It is the start of the rest of our lives, Em"