three point chemistry

basketball breakdown

ACT II, SCENE III

Setting:

Late evening. The street just outside the school apartments where student athletes and academic partners stay during tournament season. The game has ended hours ago, but the night still holds its heat. Streetlights flicker. It's quiet except for distant traffic and the soft sound of shoes on pavement.

At Rise:

Tyler and Ava walk side by side, each holding gym bags, both still in athletic wear. They're sweaty, exhausted, and quiet—but Tyler, as usual, breaks the silence.

---

TYLER (grinning):

Did you see that second spin I hit in the fourth? That one off the glass?

(Ava nods without looking at him.)

TYLER (continuing):

I mean, I thought you had me when you stepped into that trap—I really did. Then you crossed Marcus like it was nothing.

(Ava’s phone buzzes in her pocket. She checks it quickly and tucks it back in. Her face tightens slightly.)

TYLER:

And when you blocked me in the second quarter? Man, I was like—“Okay, she’s got bounce.” I didn’t even think you could jump that high.

(Ava’s phone buzzes again. Then again. She tries to silence it. Her eyes stay fixed on the screen for a second too long.)

TYLER (slowing his steps):

You good?

AVA (not meeting his eyes):

Yeah. I'm fine.

TYLER (watching her):

That’s your “I’m absolutely not fine” voice.

AVA (defensive):

It’s just… nothing. Don’t worry about it.

(Another buzz. She glances. Her expression flickers—this time, unmistakable pain. She presses the screen hard. The screen goes dark. But a tear rolls down her cheek, silently.)

TYLER (stopping):

Hey. Ava.

(She doesn’t respond. Just keeps walking.)

TYLER (catching up, more gently):

Who’s texting you?

(No answer. Ava wipes her cheek but doesn’t stop the next tear.)

TYLER (softly):

Is it about the game?

(Ava turns toward him, eyes watery but defiant.)

AVA:

It’s my team.

TYLER:

What’d they say?

AVA (bitter laugh):

Jayla said I should sit next game. "If you're gonna let your 'science crush' drop 30 on us, you might as well go be his towel girl."

TYLER (face hardening):

What?

AVA (voice rising slightly):

Another girl said, “Nice airball in the fourth—try studying basketball next time.” Like it was my fault we lost. Like I didn’t score 24 points. Like I didn’t—

(She cuts herself off, blinking rapidly, voice trembling now.)

AVA (quiet):

—I played my heart out.

TYLER (gently):

You were the best player on the court.

AVA (stepping away):

Doesn’t matter. They’ve already made up their minds.

TYLER (stepping after her):

Ava—don’t let them tear you down like that. You—

AVA (sharply):

I said it doesn’t matter!

(She turns away again, walking faster now. Tyler follows.)

TYLER (not yelling, but firm):

If you won’t tell me what’s wrong—fine.

But can you at least tell me… are you coming to the airport tomorrow?

(Ava stops in front of the apartment door. Her hand on the knob. She doesn’t turn to look at him.)

AVA (voice cracking slightly):

I don’t know.

(She says it like a slap—angry, defensive. But her posture sags with sadness.)

(A beat. Then she opens the door and slams it shut behind her.)

(Tyler stands alone in the hallway. Silent. Still holding his gym bag.)

TYLER (softly, to the door):

Then I guess I’ll wait and see.

(He exhales, turns, and walks slowly toward his own apartment down the hall. The sound of his footsteps fade as the stage dims.)

BLACKOUT.