Falling (Bits and Pieces, Book 1)

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  After my last class, I went over to the gym to watch the guys practice. Despite my newfound confidence, I didn’t want to wander to the gym without others around. I took a different route from my last attempt. The memories flooded back to me. I started to fill with anxiety. No. I didn’t want to feel this way. I was trying to get past this. I will get past this. I hurried to the gym and arrived, almost out of breath. Once I got there, I went over my day and couldn’t help but relax and smile. I realized that I am getting past this. I just need to remember that.

  When I got to the gym, I didn’t see anyone from the crew there. I picked a spot halfway up the bleachers to sit. I liked to have a good wide view of the gym, so I could see everything and everyone. Patrick, Bobby and Jason took the court for their scrimmage. Patrick saw me up in the stands and nodded at me. It was one of those nods that say ‘hi’ where instead of the chin going down, it went up.

  I watched them run up and down the court, making and missing some shots. Even though it was just a scrimmage, a practice game between the first and second string, they played hard.

  I wondered where Cassie and Emily were, then I remembered hearing them mention that they had something to do after school. It was okay, since I liked basketball, I didn’t mind watching alone. Sometimes, I preferred it. Since I wouldn’t be able to make it to tomorrow’s game, I figured I’d watch the practice like it was a game. I just had to make sure I didn’t yell or shout during the practice while I rooted for the guys. Then I would look really crazy.

  The whistle blew and the team headed to the bench. The coach talked to the team and then they headed to the locker room to change. It was a short practice. The girls basketball team headed out onto the court for their practice. The girls had just finished their warm-ups when Patrick, Bobby and Jason reentered the gym. I grabbed my backpack and headed over to them. The four of us walked to the parking lot together.

  We arrived at Jason’s car first. He unlocked his car door. “So, we’ll see you at Medici’s Pizza at five.”

  “Yeah. Five.” Patrick confirmed.

  “Okay. We got to go meet up with the girls. See you guys later.” Bobby and Jason got into the car and drove off.

  We got to our cars and Patrick unlocked his doors. “I’ll drive.”

  “Why can’t I drive?” I playfully asked.

  “Sure, you can drive.” He locked his doors. He grinned, “But we do have dinner with the crew at 5 and you have to be here by 6:30.”

  “Yeah. I know.” I looked at him suspiciously.

  “Do you think you can get us to the Bluffs before then?” His eyes danced as he teased me. He had a point. I still couldn’t get there without getting lost. Even if he navigated, I’d still get lost. Today was not the day to go wandering around, since we did have places to be.

  I rolled my eyes. “Fine. You drive.” I pretended to be hurt.

  “If you insist.” He said proudly and laughed. He knew I wasn’t hurt. We got into his car and headed to the Bluffs.