Court of Hearts: His Game

ONE

Jordan wait up!” Tracy called out as she ran towards Jordan. The weather was sweet and the sunset was a beautiful sight. Everyone at the court had dispersed except a few lovers who stayed back to watch the sunset together. Jordan missed three free throws and barely moved on defense. His teammates didn’t say much—but their silence said everything. He wasn’t in the mood to hang out with anyone, especially Tracy. “Hey”, he reluctantly greeted with a smug on his face, as he stared at the innocent face in front of him. “Wanna hang out?” She asked excitedly reaching out to grab his hand. “No, no I don’t wa…”, he replied with irritation, retracting his hands when he was interrupted by the cute seventeen year old who grabbed his arm not minding his expression, dragging him along towards the sitting arena of the court. Dazed, Jordan simply tagged along.

“So you still don’t wanna tell me what’s been bothering you this summer”, Tracy questioned the obviously irritated Jordan. He stared at her for a minute, still wearing his irritated expression, but looked away without saying a word. He stared at her for a minute, still wearing his irritated expression, but looked away without saying a word. After what seemed like forever, Tracy broke the silence, “You know, it’s okay if you don’t wanna talk about it, but just know that no matter what it is, I’m here for you.” Jordan smirked. “If this is why you brought me here, well…” he said, standing up to leave, "I gotta get going cuz there ain’t no way I’mma sit down here and listen to the crap you spilling". Bewilderment was written all over Tracy’s face, and for a moment, she was completely speechless.

Watching him leave, Tracy wondered what had changed.

Jordan used to be one of the most welcoming and homely guys on the court.

Every summer, she looked forward to seeing him again in Seattle, but this summer, she was greeted by his cold, unwelcoming aura—yet calm.

“Hey girl”, Elena called out, bringing Tracy back to reality. “Watching the sun set?” She asked with a cheerful voice, handing her a cup of chilled lemonade. Tracy nodded with a forced smile and a “thanks” as she received the drink. “Mind if I join you?” She asked as she took a seat beside Tracy. “You already did”, Tracy responded with a smile as both girls giggled. “The weather is really beautiful”, Elena complimented as she placed her head on Tracy’s shoulder. Both girls were silently admiring the sunset when Elena’s got a call from her mum, “hey baby, where you at?” “Uhm… ha-hanging out with T-Tracy…”, Elena stuttered. “Tracy?! Baby, I told you not to hang out with people I don’t know! I don’t care where you are—five minutes. Be home.” Julia, Elena’s mum ordered before hanging up. Elena reluctantly turned to say bye to Tracy, only to realize that she had left. “Five minutes!” she exclaimed in realization before hurrying home.