Authors: Theresa Troutman
I loved Samantha Andrews. She was one of my best friends. It wasn’t a sexual love, but something much deeper, I think. I was an eighteen-year-old virgin and had never kissed a girl. What did I know? We met freshman year of high school. Sam was the only girl who could look me in the eye and talk to me. She wasn’t like the other girls, who would make comments about me behind my back and avoid my glances. She was wicked smart, which was a huge help to me because she became my study partner. Thanks to Sam, my grades were good. I couldn’t imagine my life without her.
My other best friend was Rick Welsh. He lived next door to my granddad’s house and I met him after the accident. Rick was the star basketball player on our high school’s team. At six-foot five, with blond hair, ripped muscles, and a charming grin, he was every girl’s dream and every guy’s envy. We were an unlikely pair; the kid that could run and jump with finesse and ease was partnered with the limping slowpoke. The thing that sealed the deal for me and made us lifelong friends was the day Rick defended me against a bully who tripped me in the hall my freshman year. Rick was one of the cool kids and I’m sure he took some flak for standing up for me, but no one ever physically touched me after that incident. And for that I have Rick to thank.
I made my way over to the round table by the window in the library. Sam and Rick were already seated, the picture of a perfect couple. They’d been dating for a little more than a year. When they first got together, I felt very awkward about it, but did my best to hide my feelings. These two people meant the world to me and I didn’t want to lose their friendship due to a bout of jealousy.
“Hi,” I greeted, taking a seat next to Sam. She was wearing a form-fitting, white polo shirt tucked into her belted black jeans. Her brunette hair fell over her shoulders. Sam had perfect hair, like a model in a shampoo commercial—perfectly straight, no frizz or flyaways.
“Jake, did you work on your essay last night? I could take a look at it for you,” Sam offered.
“I could use your help,” I admitted. I pulled my laptop out of my bag and turned it on. Once I’d opened my file, I slid the computer towards Sam. She began reading at once.
“You’re not going to miss my game, are you?” Rick asked.
“No, Richard,” Samantha said, sounding like a tired old housewife. “Jake and I will be there for the game.”
I chuckled. “I don’t know, Rick. You’ve seen one basketball game, you’ve seen them all.”
“Hey, there will be an NBA scout coming to watch the game tonight! You two are my good luck charms.”
“You can’t possibly expect the scout to pick you out of all the players.”
“Gee, Sam, thanks for the support.”
“I’m just being realistic. You should stay in school and get your degree. You’re on a scholarship and you should take advantage of that. You’ll be glad you did when your NBA career is over,” Sam said.
“Well, at least you believe I can have an NBA career.”
“Of course I do.” Sam leaned in and kissed Rick on the cheek. “You’re an amazing player. I believe if you work hard, you can get drafted.”
Her remark lightened Rick’s mood. I was happy to avoid being caught in the middle of one of their arguments.
“I gotta go,” Rick said. “I’ll see you both tonight.”
Sam watched Rick as he exited the library. “Thanks for playing nice,” I remarked.
“No point in fighting with him now, only to ruin his game.”
“You’re a wise woman, Sam.”
“Yes, I know.”
“And very humble,” I teased.
“I can’t help it that I’m usually right,” she said with a wicked grin.
“I’m going home after we finish here. I promised Jenna I’d give her a lift to the game tonight.” Jenna was Rick’s younger sister. She was seventeen and in her senior year of high school. The Welshes lived next door to me and my granddad, so it was no big deal to have her tag along.
“Great. It will be good to see her.”
The gymnasium was filled to capacity. There was a buzz of excitement emanating through the crowd. They were psyched that it was Friday and the Villanova Wildcats were playing their rival, Georgetown. The bleachers were a sea of blue and white. People were holding banners and pom-poms, geared up for a showdown. I sat between Sam and Jenna. Sam was holding onto my hand so tightly it had become numb. I don’t know what type of drug Rick was taking, but I wanted some, too. He was on: flawless, strong, and energetic. I wished I knew how that felt. I longed for the gazes of admiration that came with being a star athlete.
“Samantha, I’m losing feeling in my hand,” I gently whispered in her ear as she watched Rick bound down the court with great intensity.
When my words finally sunk into her brain, she released my hand. “I’m sorry, Jake. God, I’m so nervous for him.”
“He’s having the game of his life. If that scout is watching, he’ll certainly leave a lasting impression.”
She looked at me and smiled. “I hope you’re right.”
The clock began to count down the final seconds and Rick was in possession of the ball. He poised for the three-point shot.
“He’ll never make it,” Sam said.
“Just watch,” I responded as the ball sailed through the air and hit the rim of the basket, tipping into the net. Rick did it! Our team won the game.
The crowd roared to life. Pandemonium ensued as fans rushed the court. Sam jumped up and down on the bleachers, screaming her excitement. The next thing I knew, she was in my arms. In that moment, I swear time stopped. Sam and I had a platonic friendship; I didn’t understand why I was feeling an odd flutter in my gut. Then she kissed me on the lips. It was just a quick, friendly kiss, but it surprised me. I sucked in a breath. Before I could say anything, Samantha was passing me and running down to the court to congratulate Rick.
Maybe it was best she’d left me. What could I possibly say to her? Jenna stood next to me. She silently put her hand on my shoulder and gave a faint smile. We sat together in silence, waiting for the rest of the people to leave the stands so I could hobble down alone and undetected once the gym was empty.