Unexpected Visitors
"Ethan, wake up!"
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"No, just no..."
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"What Evan?"
"Were you having a bad dream?"
"What do you mean?"
"You were shaking really bad. You nervous about tonight?"
"Me nervous about tonight? Please. You're the one that has to play against this team. I just have to talk, haha."
"That is true. I'm really nervous cause Coach said I'm starting."
"You guarding Zimmerman?"
"Yeah."
"He's probably going to be better conditioned than you. Just pressure him everytime he touches the ball and whenever he gives it up, don't let him get it back. And never give him easy shots, otherwise he'll put up 40 at least."
"Gotcha bro, thanks. You think you could make a speech before our game?"
"Maybe, maybe so."
"Alright good. Well I need to get ready for school."
"Get ready for school? What fucking time is it..."
"7:15."
"Damnit, why the hell did you get me up?"
"I was worried cause I've never seen you shake in your sleep before."
"And?"
"And I need a ride to school, haha."
I knew my little brother too well. I guess getting around here and taking him up wouldn't be a bad thing.
"Get ready. I can stop in and talk to some teachers while I'm up there anyways."
As Evan got ready, I threw on some Syracuse gear and grabbed my phone from the counter. I noticed that I had a missed text message from Melyssa and was quite shocked about what she had to say.
"did you leave something at my house last nite?"
"whats there?"
Oh fuck, please don't say that I left the gift there. Please don't, please...
"your hat, haha. i was wondering if you needed it today."
Whew, that's a relief.
"nah, i'm good."
A little bit later, Evan yelled that he was ready and we jumped into my car. A ten minute drive filled with some J.Cole brought us to the school just in time for Evan to make it for his first class. I sat in my car for a little longer, soaking in the warm air blowing, before walking out into the cold. The bell rang signaling the start of the first class and as I walked into the school, I knew the first teacher I was visiting.
"Sweet, she's not here yet. Just like old times."
"Woah, Ethan...what are you doing in here?"
"Shhhh, I'm going to surprise Dodson. Maybe I'll get you guys a free period here."
A few of the loner kids threw out a light cheer as I took a seat in the back of the room. I threw my hood up, put my head down, and pretended I was sleeping as I hear the door slam - a signal that Mrs. Dodson was ready for class.
"Okay class, we're going to continue working with proofs and...wait. Who thinks they're allowed to sleep in my class?"
I could hear her high-heels walking towards my desk and as she was about to tap me on the shoulder, I raised my head.
"Would I ever sleep through your class Mrs. Dodson?"
"Well Mr. Superstar here decided to pay us a visit. How have you been?"
"I've been great. Football was a lot of fun this year, even though we lost a good bit."
"And classes, Mr. Woy?"
"Oh those things, haha. They're tough, but they went well. I was named an Academic All-American. Pretty good for only paying attention during your class half the time, right?"
"Oh, I thought it was a fourth of the time."
We both smiled, knowing we were both joking with each other. Just like I told the class, they got a free period as Mrs. Dodson and I talked about life in general.
"So are you still with Melyssa, Ethan?"
"Yeah I am. In fact, I'm going to be a father in February."
"Oh really? Congratulations then."
"I'm actually surprised you didn't yell at me for that, haha."
"I would if I heard the same thing from other kids. But you Ethan, you have a great head on your shoulders. You can be very sarcastic and yet very serious about the same subject. That personality of yours can brighten anyone's day. You're one of a kind, Mr. Woy, and you have an extremely bright future. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you Mrs. Dodson. I wouldn't be where I am today without you."
Hours later, I was back at the school for the basketball game against Tussey. It was weird not being out on that court as a player, but I was excited to see how my little brother would handle some of the same pressure I've been through. The JV game went by fast, and as I walked down to the locker room with a few minutes left, I saw a pretty familiar car park in the emergency lot. I thought for a second who it could be, but shook it off as I opened the door.
...
"Motherfucker wasn't at home, but maybe he'll be here."
Rodney walked into the school and pulled out his wallet.
"One ticket, please."
"That will be five dollars. Say...you're new around here, aren't you?"
"Me? Naw, I'm just in town and wanted to watch some high school sports. That's all."
"Oh okay, well enjoy the game."
"Oh I'll enjoy something alright."