C2 The famous basketball player

GREENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, LOS ANGELES.

"Catch the ball, Leo!" One of the teammate yelled throwing the ball in Leo's way.

Catching it swiftly with his sturdy hands, Leo ran forward dodging every of his opponents, stretching out his hand he tossed the ball in and it fell right into the hoop. A loud jubilating yell resounded in the entire basketball court. The TIGERS of Greenville have won against the guest players from a neighboring school.

Surrounded by his teammates Leo got thrown into the air in excitement. After some minutes of jubilation, he let himself down and he ran out of the court rushing towards the restroom to ease himself. The tension had gotten to him so much while on the court that all he wanted to do was get a relief so bad. Getting done with his business, he stepped into the gym to find the rest of his teammates undressing and congratulating themselves.

"You, my man, is the best basketball player ever." His best friend, Aaron complimented while ruffling his hair.

Leo laughed lightly. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without the rest of the team. I need to head out now man, my dad is waiting."

Aaron wiggled his brows. “You are so lucky man. Having parents who celebrate every of your win is divine. My parents are too busy saving lives to save some time for me."

"You should join us then." Leo offered.

"Maybe some other time, I have plans to hang out with the rest of the team!” Aaron did their happy dance.

"Is that how it works now? Jilting your best friend for the team?" Leo taunted.

Making a cute face, Aaron wobbled closer. "You know you are still the queen of my heart. It's a forever thing, baby."

Huffing out a laugh, Leo pushed Aaron away lightly when he tried to kiss him. "Fuck off, man! I can't believe I will be missing out on the free booty dances from the girls tonight." Leo whined.

What he enjoyed the most about being a famous basketball player in the school is the girls attention he gets after every win. Even without winning, there are lots of girls willing to give themselves freely to him and he takes advantage of every offer.

"Leo!" Someone called out to him. "Coach wants to see you right now!" He said.

"I guess that's my cue to leave. See you tomorrow at Derrick’s party, man!" Leo mused, slapping Aaron on the back.

"I heard the party will be the best of the year. I can't wait to burn off some calories." Aaron winked.

Leo made an irritated face while trying to hide his grin. "You are so out of it! Just be sure to leave out the best girls for me!" He muttered while wiggling his brows as he made his way out of the gym to the coach's office.

Knocking on the door, he turned the doorknob and then peeped in. "You called for me, coach?"

The bald headed handsome looking coach smiled brightly at Leo. "Come on in, my boy. How are you feeling after facing off the toughest team so far?"

He smiled tightly. “It was cool I guess. Myself and the rest of the team tried our best and I am glad we did well in the end."

"Always the humble one." Coach noted laughing. "Anyways I called you because playoffs have been scheduled for each athletic team in the school where different college sport officials will come around to pick those who they think will be best to be granted scholarship to their school. And I think this is the best opportunity for you to be the best in the game. I know you have nothing to worry about in terms of funding your college admission but getting picked by a prestigious college sport board will give you a head on into the NBA. I know for sure that you will get there, that is how good you are, Leo."

Leo had a reclusive expression on his face as he nodded in response. "Thank you for considering me coach. But I don't think I have that much expectation from playing basketball, coach. This is just something I love to do as it keeps me sane."

"Yes, it's your passion which is why you need to follow it up more!" Coach pressed on.

His phone rang from his bag. "I need to go now, coach. My dad is waiting to get me. Thanks for considering me. I will see you at practice." Leo said walking out of the office.

He tried not to think of anything as he walked out of the sport complex. Somehow he could feel those shy pair of eyes burning holes inside of him. He turned his head sharply to see her face and in an attempt to act oblivious she had bumped into someone who had an opened juice bottle in hand. Leo shook his head at the clumsiness and he made his way to the park.

His father stood by the car with his arms outstretched at the sight of him. "That's my champ. Come here son." Ethan laughed heartily.

Leo walked into his arms, hugging him shortly. "You drove yourself?" He asked, wondering where his personal driver was at.

"I just thought it would be nice to have a nice ride with you and since we would be meeting up with your mom and sister." He explained.

"I know Evelyn loves me and I respect that. But she isn't my mom, dad. Can you stop calling her that?"

Ethan chuckled awkwardly. “That was a slip of the tongue. Let's just go. I am sure you are famished just as I am." He said going to the driver's side.

Leo kept mute all through the ride to the restaurant. He does love his stepmother, Evelyn has proven herself to be sweet and endearing. But that doesn't stop the fact that his parents had to get divorced because of her. Even though it has been over a decade, whenever he sees her and his father play the couples who are madly in love with each other, it makes Leo wish it was his mother instead. It was all in the past, but hard to let go.

Glancing to the side, Ethan felt guilty at the look on his son's face. He shouldn't have tagged Evelyn as his mom. Leo can be very sensitive when he wants to. Despite his busy schedules, Ethan always cancels out his meetings just to catch up with every game Leo is involved in. It was his own way of filling in as an absent parent. His ex-wife and Leo's mother, Grace, can't stand much of Evelyn's presence which is why she can't be around much. Despite his frequent holidays to his mother, Leo doesn't seem satisfied with her evident absence.

"So, have you thought about spending your summer at the company? You will get to learn as much as you can before heading for college." Ethan said keeping his eyes on the road.

Not blinking, Leo kept his eyes glued to the window. "I haven't decided yet."

"Listen son, this is the best time to learn. You are my heir and the oldest at that, there is only little your sister can handle. I need you to start paying more attention from now on. Tomorrow is a weekend, how about you take a tour of the company with me then?"

"I have a party to attend tomorrow, dad." He replied, turning to look at his father. He remembered his manners. "I would do that some other time." He mumbled.

Ethan nodded with a stiff smile. “Sure, you have every time in the world. It's okay." He noted.

Leo heaved a sigh as he pulled out his phone to respond to the sultry texts from the girls congratulating him for doing so well on the court. It brought a satisfying grin to his face, his entire life wasn't so bad after all.