Classified ☑

[ chapter 08 ]

I was sitting in the school parking lot waiting for Shelly to get there. The varsity boys basketball game would be starting shortly, but I didn't want to walk in alone in front of all those people. The parking lot alone tonight was packed just for this game. I had to get a parking spot in the furthest parking lot available.

A silver Mazda 3 pulled in beside me with Shelly inside. She got out of her car and waved at me, smiling. I followed and couldn't help but cringe at the squeaking sound my door made as I closed it. My truck next to her, including everyone else's car in the parking lot, looked out of place.

Shelly's bare hands were stuffed into her jacket as she looked at my truck, studying it.

"It was my uncle's truck in high school," I explained to her. "It's the only thing he had for me to drive when I moved in with him."

She gave me a tight smile, probably thinking about the awkward conversation we had a few days ago. Pity was written on her face as her smile slowly turned into a frown the more she watched me. She shivered as the wind picked up.

I nodded towards the doors that would lead to the gymnasium, adjusting the black beanie I was wearing. "Let's head inside."

"Here you go, sweet peas." The tiny, frail lady behind the table handed Shelly and me each a ticket after we paid to get in.

We could hear drums and people cheering as we walked towards the main gym where everyone was located. The sounds got louder as soon as Shelly opened the door for me and waved me through.

"Wow," I yelled, watching everything happen in front of me. "This school goes all out."

Shelly, nodded her head and laughed. "They really do," she yelled back so I could hear what she said over the loud noises.

She led the way through the packed gym and finally found us some seats. After the players from the opposing team were introduced, the announcer started on our team.

Our point guard was announced first and Cole followed as the announcer yelled into the microphone, "Senior, six foot three shooting guard, Cole Fulton!"

The crowd erupted as he got up from the bench, high-fived all his teammates, and ran out onto the floor where the point guard was waiting.

Beside me, Shelly was standing as she clapped and cheered, her eyes glued to Cole as the rest of the team was announced. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy but pushed it away before I could think about it for too long.

The game progressed quickly and before I knew it, it was half time already. The score was close with our team,Yukon, only leading by five points.

I couldn't help but be amazed at the way Cole played. I knew he was athletic from his build the first day I saw him, but watching him play was another thing. He stole the ball whenever the person he was guarding had it and could shoot outside the three point line easily.

Shelly's eyes trailed Cole as he followed the team into the locker room for half time. She stood up as soon as he left the gym. "I'm going to use the restroom and get a snack. You want anything," she asked me.

"I'm good, thanks though."

She nodded her head and walked down the bleachers and towards the hallway outside of the gym where the bathrooms and concession stand were located.

I pulled out my phone to use it as a distraction, but wasn't surprised when I saw zero notifications. I couldn't help but wonder how my uncle's date with Gracie was going. She seemed like a nice enough lady, but some people could be good at hiding who they truly are.