“Hey, boys.” I grabbed the basketball.
They grouped together, and the taller one stepped forward and stood in front of them. He squared his shoulders proud and defiant, despite the way his hand shook.
“Look, I’m sorry about your car,” the older boy started, his hands placed in front of him in case of an attack. “It was an accident and won’t happen again.”
Geez. What did these boys think I was going to do?
I stepped toward them in the parking lot and bounced the ball between my legs, going back and forth several times.
“I know it was an accident, and I’m the one who needs to apologize.” I grabbed the ball and looked them in the eyes. “I’m sorry. The way I acted was wrong.”
Their eyes widened at the apology, unsure how to react. After a moment, the younger three grinned and seemed to accept my words. The older one seemed more cautious.
I nodded to the older boy. “You were really close. It helps if you place one foot a little further in front like this.” I showed them again, switching between legs.
“Nice!” The short one with big eyes and glasses stood from theground. “You’re super good! I bet you were a basketball star in your school, and everyone liked you.”
Hardly.
It broke my heart to hear. That’s all they wanted. To be accepted and liked.
“Not even close.” I passed the ball back to the older boy. “Try again.” I looked at the youngest. “They picked me last or not at all.”
“Then how did you learn those moves?” The younger one with big brown eyes scrunched his nose.
“My brother was the basketball star. He made me help him practice for hours.” I confessed. “If you guys want, I might teach you a few skills.”
All the younger boys looked at the older one. Eager, but wanting to follow his lead.
“Why?” He held his head high.
“Why what?”
“Why would you want to help us?” His eyes were guarded. No hope waiting there. He didn’t want a handout, and he didn’t trust me. He passed the ball back to me. “What do you get out of it?”
I shrugged. “Carol agreed I could stay here, so we’ll be seeing a lot of each other and I’m going to be helping you guys with the trunk-or-treat booths. It might be nice to be friends.”
He stood tall and unmoving.
“Plus, maybe if I teach you scalawags to control the ball, it will keep my car safe.” I grinned, hoping that he knew I was joking and would take to the banter. “How else am I going to pick up chicks in this town?”
The oldest let a quick smile escape before it went back to neutral.
The blond boy looked at him. “Come on. I need the help, and let’s face it, you have no idea what you are doing.”
He sighed but took the bait. “No way you'll get any chicks in that shiny thing,” he said with a small spark in his eyes.
I chuckled and bounce-passed him the ball. “Maybe not, but I need all the help I can get.”
His eyes lit up as he caught the ball. “Now that’s something we can agree on.”
The rest of the group spaced out, and we began passing back and forth between us all. I gave little tips here and there, but mostly I just watched them. They were a ragtag bunch with little talent, lots of talk, and love for the older boy who protected them.
What was their story?
“What time do you guys play? I can try to come as often as I can.”
“We’re here every day.” The one with glasses pushed them up his nose. “Until it gets too cold.” He frowned. “I guess it’s going to get cold soon.”
