CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
NADIA
They always ruin everything!
Trouble, they say, is always one spark away. I had woken up earlier than I was used to that morning, a sensation of excitement buzzing through me. The sunlight filtered through my curtains, casting a warm glow around my room that made everything feel new. As I stretched out of bed, I glanced out of my window, and a smile crept across my face.
The world outside was beautiful, the early morning dew shimmering like tiny diamonds on the grass. I could see the soft orange and pink hues of dawn spreading across the sky, blending with the blue of the retreating night. Birds chirped sweetly, greeting the day as if they were celebrating an important occasion. I took a moment to breathe in the fresh air; it felt energizing, almost magical.
This morning held significance because it was the last day of training before the inter-college basketball competition would begin the next week. It was going to be my first real competition, and I was so excited. I had been practicing hard, and the thought of finally being able to show what I could do on the court made my heart race.
After quickly taking my bath, I dressed in my training kit: a fitted jersey that hugged my shoulders and shorts that made it easy to move. I grabbed my sneakers, tying them on tightly, feeling the familiar thrill of anticipation. I hopped onto my new bicycle, a sleek blue model that gleamed under the morning sun. It felt like freedom to ride through the quiet streets to the school’s training center.
As I pedaled along, I couldn’t help but smile. The wind rushed past me, carrying the scents of blossoming flowers and fresh grass. It felt like the perfect day to achieve something great. When I arrived at the training center, I spotted Phil. It seemed he was waiting for me outside. Phil’s behavior lately towards me has been hard to describe. Some days, he looked like he cared; other days, it felt like. He was just playing the role of team leader…and nothing more.
“Hey, Nadia!” he called out, waving with a broad smile that made me feel welcomed.
“Hey, Phil,” I simply responded.
“You’re right on time! Ready for our one-on-one session before the group arrives?”
“Definitely! I’m looking forward to it!” I replied, eager to show him my skills and learn from him.
As we warmed up, I decided to ask him about something that had been on my mind for a while. “Phil, do you know anything more about the guy who helped pay my college fees? You know, the one who remains a mystery?”
Phil chuckled softly. “You’re still thinking about that guy? You’ll meet him one day, I promise. Just be patient.”
“But don’t you think I deserve to know at least his name?” I pushed, wanting to dig deeper, but he only shook his head playfully.
“You’ll just have to wait, Nadia. Besides, it’s not my secret to tell,” he said with a teasing tone.
Soon enough, the rest of the team began to arrive, their laughter and chatter filling the air as they joined us. It was exciting to see everyone together, the group synergy that had been building over the last few weeks was palpable. We started practicing our plays, running drills, and working on our shooting accuracy.
Then, halfway through our training, I noticed Bethany, Alex’s girlfriend, strutting into the gym like she owned the place. She was followed by a group of girls, who acted as her entourage, all giggling and whispering. They all seemed to move in sync, a well-rehearsed performance that made my chest tighten with anxiety. It was a stark contrast to the easy atmosphere of our practice.
Just behind her was Sandro. Instantly, tension rippled through the gym. My teammates halted in their movements, all of them recognizing the trouble that had just walked in. They started to pack up their things, leaving without a word being said to them. It was as though they sensed a storm brewing and one by one, they slipped away.
I looked at Phil, who was still standing beside me, concern etched on his face. “You should leave,” I whispered urgently. I could feel my heart racing; I knew that they had come for me.
“No way,” Phil retorted firmly. “As captain, it’s my duty to protect my teammates. I’m not going anywhere, not without you.” His determination was admirable, but I felt a pang of fear for him.
“Phil, please! You can’t stand him!” I insisted, worry flooding my voice. Each moment they lingered felt dangerous. “I’m the one they came for, not you. I don’t want you getting involved in my mess,” I continued, my voice pleading for understanding.
With a reluctant growl of frustration, he finally nodded and stormed out of the gym. I was now alone with Bethany, her posse, and Sandro.
“Look what we have here,” Bethany said with a sly smirk, walking toward me with a confident stride. The way she moved was intimidating, like a predator stalking its prey. I clenched my fists, trying to hold my ground.
“Bethany, you have no business here,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Oh, don’t you worry, Nadia,” she cooed, circling me, her voice dropping to a low whisper that sent chills down my spine. “I’m just here to warn you…nothing more”
I stood still, feeling Sandro’s eyes boring into me from behind her, his presence heavy and unfriendly.
“Stay away from my man, Alex,” Bethany continued briskly, stopping to glare at me. “I see you’ve been trying to get into his head lately; you’ve been trying to take him away from me, but I won’t let you.”
My breath hitched. “I have no interest in Alex or you. You got the wrong person. I’m not the one screwing your man,” I fired back, anger burning in my chest.
Her eyes narrowed, and before I could react, her hand shot out, striking me sharply across the face. The sting took me by surprise, and I felt the heat swelling on my skin. I wanted to retaliate, to hit back and show her I wouldn’t be a doormat, but Sandro took a step closer, his body language threatening.
“Hit me back! Go on!” Bethany taunted, her eyes gleaming with malice.
I could feel my heart racing and my palms itching, but I knew responding would only escalate the situation. “I won’t play your game today or any day,” I said firmly, forcing myself to stay calm even as rage coursed through me.
“You better not, because next time, I won’t be so kind to only leave my fingerprint on your face,” Bethany spat, and with one last glare, she turned on her heel and marched out of the gym, her entourage following behind.
I stood there, shaken but resolute, alone now. As the tension faded, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. But Sandro remained, standing with that smug smile plastered on his face, feeding off my discomfort.
“You think you’re tough?” he laughed mockingly, stepping closer. “You’ll never be free from us, Nadia. You and your little dreams will always be haunted by my brother and me. Do you think you can escape from us? You need to think again because you are our prisoner for life”
I clenched my teeth, trying to ignore him. “Just leave me alone, Sandro,” I muttered, a mix of anger and determination bubbling inside me.
“Why should I? You’re too easy to provoke. Just remember, I’ll always be watching-you’re not as safe as you think,” he said, chuckling as he walked away, leaving me with a sense of dread I couldn’t shake.
Almost immediately, Phil came back, concern etched on his features. “Nadia! What happened? I just saw Sandro walking out. Hope they didn’t hurt you?”
I shook my head, feeling the weight of my emotions crashing down on me. “It’s nothing, Phil. Just… a little trouble.”
“Trouble? That didn’t look like nothing!” he pressed, his tone serious. I grabbed my training equipment, the weight of it felt heavy in my hands.
“I just need to go home,” I replied quietly, not wanting to relive the events of the day.
Phil watched as I headed towards my bicycle, a mixture of concern and frustration on his face. “You know, you don’t have to take this alone. I’m here for you, Nadia. Don’t forget that.”
“I appreciate it,” I said, finally managing to meet his gaze, but I needed a moment alone. I hopped on my bike and pedaled away, the world around me blurring as I focused on the route home. My heart felt heavy, and my mind raced with thoughts of everything I had just faced.
As I rode, I couldn’t shake the feeling that today was just the beginning of something deeper, something that would test me far more than I had ever expected… I knew it would only take a spark to get it all messed up again…
And I wasn’t ready!