I find Maddoc on the court, who happens to look over right as I do, but he quickly cuts his eyes back, sliding into position before the ball is in motion again.
The way they’re playing is completely my fault, I know that. I stressed them out, kept them up for almost two days now – doubt any of them slept last night. I know I didn’t.
Maybe they’re having a bad game today, but at least they got to play in it, right? I mean, if the video of the four of us getting frisky while also breaking into the Graven cabin was released, they could have been dropped from the team or be in juvenile hall or something.
There was no need to risk those outcomes when I was able to prevent it.
I’m realistic enough to understand my place in the world, and maybe it wouldn’t have happened today or tomorrow, but the end game is never the girl from the ghetto ending up in a mansion to stay. I know that, and I accept it.
I’ll admit though, I didn’t expect the distance to sting so quick.
Maddoc hasn’t spoken a word to me all day, Royce or Captain either, and they still have no clue what’s in motion.
I can’t even begin to imagine what happens from here, but the damage is done, and I’d do it again if I had to.
I shake off my thoughts and focus back on the game.
Asshole Leo makes a basket and everyone cheers. With a new shot of energy now flowing through the room, all eyes trail the Brayshaw Wolves as they follow the other team down the court.
One of our guys leaps up, blocking the shot attempt, and the ball falls into our hands. The Brayshaw player heads toward their basket, faking a throw down court only to toss it back to Maddoc, who shoots and makes a solid three-pointer.
The crowd jumps to their feet in excitement.
Elbows are thrown around, rougher than should be allowed, but after Royce’s blow up, the referees seem not to want to call fouls on either team.
With Maddoc’s new lead, the Wolves are fighting back.
There are seventeen seconds on the clock – a lifetime in basketball.
Come on, Big Man.
I lift my chin to see over the teammates who hop to their feet in front of me, jerking my head to the side when Principal Perkins plants himself directly at my side.
“Hello, Raven.”
Unease washes over me, but I force my eyes back to the court, and sure as shit, amongst the crazy, Maddoc and Captain both spotted the piece of shit move my way.
“What do you want, Perkins?”
“I got a very interesting transfer slip on my desk this morning, Ms. Carver.”
I freeze, and I’m pretty sure my eyes widen, because Maddoc’s frown deepens, but he takes off, the ball now in his hand and I shift to see him better.
In the same second, Perkins lays his hand on my arm, and I spin, yanking away from him.
“Don’t fucking touch me,” I spit through clenched teeth and a mocking laugh leaves him.
The crowd groans and when my eyes flash back to the court, Maddoc’s hands are swiping down his face in frustration, the ball now with the opposing team as the final buzzer sounds.
“Thanks for all your help, Ms. Carver.”
“Don’t get it twisted,” I force through clenched teeth. “I’d never do a damn thing to purposely help you.”
He steps down, turning back to face me as he does. “You have a good night. Can’t wait for the next game.” He smirks and walks away.
I wish I could tackle his ass to the ground.
I look to the scoreboard.
There goes Brayshaw High’s Varsity Basketball team’s perfect record. The last chance the boys had at a seamless high school season.
Everyone will assume they simply couldn’t pull it off, they’ll say they were bound to have an off game at some point during the season.
Nobody around knows about the events of this weekend.
I had more than a few curious glances in school today, caught several staring at the cut on my lip and bruise on the side of my face that started to show even more the longer the day went on. The concealer I have is cheap, so I couldn’t keep it covered all day. When you mix my appearance with the way the four of us sat staring into space at lunch today, the crazy of tonight’s game, and Perkins’ fake friendly smiles just now, I