Call It Fate

Chapter 1

Most people think I have a perfect life. I mean...I get why people think that, at school; I am the point guard of my school basketball team, I get pretty good grades, and I have lots of friends. I have been playing basketball since I was old enough to walk. I honestly wouldn't play...if it was up to me. My dad is the one that likes basketball. My friends tease me about caring about school, but I like school, it isn't hard to get good grades.

*Errrrrrrr

I snap out of my thoughts and look up at the score. My team is losing by two points and there is only one minute left. I feel my palms start to get sweaty. If we lose this game we won't qualify for the playoffs. I watch both teams running back and forth from the bench. I can't imagine how much pressure they feel right now...

"Lucas go sub in there for Joey. He isn't taking any shots. When you go in, try to score a layup to tie the game so we can beat them in overtime ok. Now enough sitting around get in there," my coach says.

"Sure Coach Ryan," I mumble. I know I should feel excited for this opportunity to lead the team to victory, but I can't help but to feel nervous. What if I mess up and the whole team gets mad at me. Or worse what if...

"I said get in there kid!" Coach Ryan. I get up off the bench and run towards Joey.

"Joey bench!" He frowns, but jogs over to the bench and grabs a drink of his water. Mark takes out the ball and passes it to me. At this point in the game we only have a thirty seconds left so I better make the most out of it.

"Lucas Anderson has subbed in for Joey Johnson. This kid has been showing potential since the beginning of the season. Will he help the team win this game?" the announcer spoke into the microphone. I dribble all the way to half court, and then I try to pass it to Mark. Ugh. The guy from the other team stole it and made his way to the basket trying to make another shot, so they would be ahead of us by a bit more. I run and catch up to him.

I go in front of him and slap the ball out his hands. This is it. There is barely 2 seconds left to the game. If I make the layup we could tie and win in overtime. It is all up to me.

"LUCAS SHOOT THE THREE!," my dad yelled from the stands .

I felt a panic. I had a choice. Do what my coach told me to do or do what my dad told me to do. I glance up, one second left. I knew that once I made my decision there was no turning back.

I take a deep breath. I jump up and I take the three. The ball soars through the air. It feels like it is flying in slow motion. The ball goes in the hoop and it starts to spin. I already know what's going to happen, but as the ball falls out of the hoop I can feel my whole world crashing down.

*Errrrrrrrr

"That's game folks. Looks like the Badgers are going to the playoffs. I guess this the end of the season for the Jaguars."

I keep my head down as I hear the cheers of the other team. I don't want to look up and see the disappointment on my teammates faces, my coach's face, and worst of all my dad's face. As I line up to shake hands with the other team I can feel everyone's stares on the back of my head.