“Good Morning, Mom.” Jayson said and took a seat beside her.
“Good morning, Jay.” Julia greeted with a little smile. He nodded his head at her and served himself.
Jayson's father took a look at him and saw him clad in a basketball outfit.
“And where are you off to?” He asked.
“I said we were going to keep practicing for the upcoming basketball competition between Shining stars high and another school.” He explained.
“Yeah, I remember you saying that.” His mother agreed. He smiled at her, thankful she interfered.
“Good luck then.” His dad said with no encouragement and chewed on his food.
*
“Mum, I’m gone.” Jayson announced and took a sip out of his energy drink before running out of the house.
“Bye.” His mom shouted from the kitchen.
He only nodded and called the driver. He drove the car right in front of him and he hopped into it.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
“Hey, babe.” Claire greeted as soon she saw Elsa come into the restaurant.
“Hey, babe, sup.” Claire said, tapping her when she saw that she did not reply.
“Do you think I don’t mind my business and I push people around and I dominate them and I…”
“No, you don’t. You are just bold and you know, you stand up for what you want. And you are just you.” Claire said, cutting her off.
“Well, I don’t think so.” Elsa smiled bitterly.
“I was just told this morning that all I do is rule over people and dominate them.” Elsa said tiredly. No words of Ellie has ever hit her that way.
“Babe, you gotta chill out and get into work. It’s morning and customers will soon arrive. We will talk about this later.” Claire said and went in to the kitchen. Elsa stood up and walked to the kitchen.
“Don't even wanna do anything right now.” Elsa mumbled as she put on the apron.
*
Jayson told the driver to drive past Elsa's restaurant. He saw her just right at the counter or something close to that.
“Oh, she is actually washing.” He thought. He smiled at least she's doing good.
~•~•~•~•~•~
“Hey, sup, bro.” Jake called out as soon as he sighted Jayson come into the court.
“Hey.” Jayson greeted back and sat down.
“Where is the coach?” He asked as he looked around.
“Went to get something, will be here in few minutes.” Jake replied him.
“Jay, Jay.” Jace said in a sing song tone as he walked over to him alongside with Jasper and Jeremy.
Jayson looked up and saw him. He smiled and shook his head.
“Tell me something, are you a gay?” Jayson asked. Jace frowned his face and hissed.
“Do I look like one?” Jace asked in his normal voice.
“No but the way you keep making advances at me is suspicious.” Jayson said and smirked.
“Advances? Are you kidding me?” Jace scoffed.
“Hey, boys. Get up. Prepare yourself.” The coach ordered. They all stood up and started jogging, stretching out their bones and exercising.
“Formation!” The coach blew the whistle. They all went back to the part of the court and the realization hit them. It remained a player for the other team.
They stood there not knowing what to do.
“What are we going to do now that Mark has been removed?” Jasper took the initiative to ask.
“I don’t know either.” The coach said and placed his hands on his jaws.
“Okay, yeah. Now I remember. Mrs Elite told me a boy will be joining us soon so he is going to be taking Mark's place. You guys just do some playing tricks and when we resume in two weeks' time, he will join.” The coach said.
“Really don’t see why he cannot come during the practice.” A guy mumbled as they dispersed to do various exercise.
“But that doesn’t mean you won't keep coming.” The coach said. They frowned their faces and continued.
**
“I am so tired.” Jeremy said as he hit his shoulder bone.
“There's no day you were never tired.” Jasper scoffed.
“Oh, please. I cannot say what I feel again in peace?” Jeremy replied.
“I have somewhere to be so I cannot be here rambling on things with you. Goodbye guys.” Jasper said and went off.
“Goodbye.” They muttered. Jeremy and Jasper got into their respective cars and waved at Jayson and Jake. They waved back at them and watched them drive off.
“Got any plans today?” Jake asked.
“No, not really.” Jayson said and drank water.
“Okay then, let's have a car race.” Jake said and smirked.
“Yeah.” Jayson smiled in return and they hurriedly entered their cars. They ignited the engine and parked neck to neck.
“Ready?” Jake shouted.
“Yeah.”
“Go!” Jake said and they both drove off like they were being chased by some cops or so. They did not drive through the highway or main road. Just quiet streets.
*
*
“Man, that was crazy.” Jake said as he wiped off the sweat from his forehead.
“Yeah.” Jayson agreed.
“Gotta go. Mom will be worried.” Jayson said and waved at him.
“Bye.”
“I guess I have to go home too.”
~•~•~•~•~•~•
“Elsa, I have told you several times today that you should not be affected by whatever Ellie said. You know how willful she is and also she likes talking nonsense.” Claire said hoping it would convince Elsa but it did nothing.
“Whatever.” Elsa muttered.
“You need to cheer up. Do you want to know how you look like and behaving?” Claire asked and Elsa looked at her for answer.
“You look like a person who her boyfriend just broke up with her.” Claire said and grinned.
“If only you know what you said is true.” Elsa thought inwardly and smiled.
“Yeah, that's my baby.” Claire said and hugged her.
“What of those hot boys?” Claire asked.
“I have told you several times that we are only classmates and nothing more.” Elsa warned her.
“Well I guess that is not the case right now as I can see someone staring at you.” Claire said looking at a black car parked just right in front of them.
Elsa sighed and walked faster while Claire jogged to meet. Jayson smirked and got into his car.
“At least she saw me.” He thought.
“Bye, babe. See you tomorrow.” Claire said as they parted ways.
*
*
Elsa knocked on the door to their house and Ellie opened the door for her.
“Hey, Ellie.” She greeted but got no reply.