30 Days

Chapter One: Luz's First Day

"30 Days"
Chapter One: Luz's First Day

"Yes mom, I know. You don't have to worry, I'm technically an adult. I know my way around the campus. Yes, I have money. Yes, I have a job. I'm on a scholarship here too, don't worry. Okay mom. Bye, I love you too."

Luz hung up the phone and slid it into her pocket with a groan. Sure, she was glad her mom cared about her and wanted to check in, but Luz was on a fixed schedule. And as much as she wanted to spend the day on the phone with her mother, she wasn't too sure the basketball coach would like that.

She pushed through the wooden doors that led into the main hall of Hexside College and turned to the dorm hallways. Luz was on her way to drop off her bag, which was the only thing she had currently. The rest was in boxes on the floor of room 302, her dorm.

Sliding the key into the lock, Luz swiftly opened the door and flung her bag full of books onto the bed. Flicking on the light switch, she realized her roommate had been there, neatly stacked boxes on the far wall and another desk were present. Despite being in a rush, Luz grabbed one of the pens off her roommate's desk and made a quick note on the notepad.

Hey, pick whatever side of the room you want. I'll take the other. I'll be back once the b-ball coach is done.

-Luz, your roommate

Luz grabbed her water bottle and bolted out the door, having to double back and lock it before continuing her dangerously paced sprint to the court.

"While I don't condone running in the school's hallways, I like your enthusiasm." The coach said as Luz ran into the room, sliding into the lineup. "But don't be late next time."

"You got it." Luz said, cracking a smile as she gave a salute.

"Okay. Listen up kids." The coach shouted. She looked like an older woman, a mane of frizzy gray hair hung down to her waist. In contrast, her eyes were bright yellow, matching a golden tooth that appeared when she spoke. She wore a red tracksuit, and a silver whistle hung from her neck that shone in the gymnasium's beaming lights. "We're going to do some drills today, I'll see what we're working with here."

One by one, each student dribbled down the court, weaving between cones and dodging others. Eventually it was Luz's turn, she grabbed the ball and started dribbling in place, getting a feel for it. After a second she ran, dodging between the cones expertly, than she moved towards the other student. A taller girl with pink hair stood in front of her. Luz faked left and swiftly moved right, but was stopped. After a moment, she tried again, this time faking right, then actually going right. She barely sped past and took a shot at the basket, sinking it in from the 3-point line.

Luz turned to Mrs. Clawthorne, the basketball coach, and waited for a score. She looked mildly impressed as she jotted something down, before flipping the page and writing something else. "Luz, good work. Impressive." She said. "Boscha" Mrs. Clawthorne began, causing the girl behind Luz to groan and look over. "Well done, you blocked her first try."

The other girl grinned and went off the court, Luz followed behind her, going to the bleachers. "Hey. Luz, right? You're good for a short kid." The girl, who Luz assumed was Boscha, said.

"I'm not that short, but thanks." Luz said back, rolling her eyes. Was that supposed to be a compliment?

"How tall are you?" Boscha asked, swiping a strand of bright pink hair out of her face as she sat down on the bleachers.