♡Chapter edited by the beautiful and talented duchessoftheclouds♡
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“Good morning Centennial Devils!” A student shouted from the school speakers. “Let's wish our senior girls’ basketball team all of the luck for today's big game,” she cheered in the speakers.
I shut my locker as I heard cheers coming from all the classrooms. I smiled as I walked to the gym with my basketball gear. The fact that the boys’ teams get more recognition than the girls do genuinely hurts my heart, but then again, they do have more fans. Which then equals to more seats, then that equals to more money and new equipment.
When it was the championship games for the boys, the whole school participated in decorating the school. They knew the boys would win. But now, it’s a different story. Some students think we will, while others think we will lose… badly.
It's hard being a girl and doing what you love, especially playing a sport that was made for men. Being a woman in general, we are always at the risk of being berated daily for how we carry ourselves, or what we choose to do for our future. Sure, men get judged as well. But let's be honest, society love to embarrass women more than men.
Labelled as weak human beings that don't have enough testosterone in their bodies to be as physically strong as men. We may not ever be as physically strong as men, but our brains work in many ways that men can never even begin to understand. The power of the brain will always be stronger than anything else. Sometimes even the heart.
“Hey! You excited for today?” Jenn asked, putting her arm around my shoulders.
I smiled. “Yeah, I guess.”
“You guess? Sis, this is our last game together! Who knows where we will end up?” She said, looking off into the distance.
“Yeah, you're right. I'm just a little upset how little faith our school has in us,” I confessed.
“Don't take it seriously, Madina. I know this is your first year here, but the girls are always treated as seconds. I guess we've kind of gotten used to it by now,” Jenn shrugged.
“No, I refuse to be treated as second just because we have lady parts! We have had just as many wins as the guys this season. We should be treated the same as them. Don't you think?” I asked.
“Well, duh, but no one really cares or listens to what we have to say.” Jenn said, staring into my frustrated eyes.
And I could see the loss of hope in hers.
“I'll make them listen,” I smirked.
“And how are you gonna do that?” She egged me on with a hopeful grin.
“You'll see.” I grinned even wider, practically skipping across the gym as Jenn trailed behind, giggling.
Coach had us all in the gym. Some girls were lying across the gym floor, exhausted. Somewhere hidden in their hoodies. And then the ones who were staying hydrated while on their phones.
“Listen up, ladies. Omar has something she wants to share with you guys.” Coach introduced, stepping aside for me.
He nodded towards me as I smiled and walked forward.
“Who’s excited for today's game?” I asked as the girls lamely attempted a cheer.
Typical senior girls’ team. We acted like we didn't care, but just you wait. Once it’s an hour or two left until the game begins, they turn into a complete nervous wreck. Yes, I know the pattern of my team. That's what good team captains should do.
"Alright, let me get straight to the point." I said, annoyed by their fake enthusiasm.
"We are about to march to every classroom in this school and demand some respect," I huffed.
"Wait, what?" Coach asked, as everyone finally turned their attention towards me in shock.
"You heard what I said. I'm being serious. No one is taking us seriously. And if you girls haven't noticed already, we have not sold many tickets. Doesn't this bother you, ladies?" I asked.
"We are used to it, Madina," one girl moaned.
"Yeah." Others mumbled, nodding their heads.
"Wrong. How do we expect a change if we don't get up and not make it happen? Let's make this happen! Let's go sell tickets and raise money for the women's association basketball clinic downtown. Do you know how many young girls don't play sports because there aren't enough funds to support a girls’ team? But somehow, there are always teams for boys." I said, circling the cluster of girls sprawled on the floor.
"Don't you girls want to see a change?"
Some nodded and mumbled, "Yes."
"I don't know about you, but if I wasn't pushed at a young age, I would have never loved basketball, especially not the way I do now. If I wasn't on a team, running back and forth on the court, I would have never experienced this game. These little girls won't experience or love basketball if we can't motivate them at a young age!" I said.
"Let's do this. I'm in," Avery said, standing up in excitement.
"Yeah, even if I have to embarrass myself in front of the whole school, I'll do it, because I can't imagine a little girl not learning to love the game of basketball," Jenn chimed.
Coach smiled and nodded at me.
"Okay, so this is the plan," I began.
We made signs all across the school, pointing towards the cafeteria doors, which was where the tickets would be sold.
I made some girls write announcements that would be aired after each class was to end.
Then, myself and other girls walked in groups to each classroom, asking to speak to the students.
Yes, some teachers were annoyed by a couple girls showing up in jerseys disturbing their classrooms, but hey, it was worth the death glares.
"Damn Madina, you're really scary. We actually sold a lot of tickets." Jasmine exclaimed, counting the tickets in her hands.
I huffed. "I did not scare them!"
"You said, and I quote, 'Buy the tickets, or else you'll be the reason little girls turn into memes instead of basketball players.' I think everyone is a little scared of what will happen to the next generation of kids," she added.
This time I couldn't help but laugh. "Well, it's true, isn't it?"
"Partly true," Jenn laughed.
We stood at my third period class, where Mr. Ruth was probably going on about the square root of an angle.
I knocked on the door as Mr. Ruth opened the door and smiled.
"Madina," he nodded.
"Mr. Ruth" I anxiously smiled back.
"Why aren't you in class?" He asked with a glint in his eyes.
"Well, that's a wonderful question." I started, a bit nervous, even though I had a valid reason not to be.
"We are here for a quick announcement for the students, and to sell basketball tickets." Avery quickly said, saving my sorry ass.
"Come in, ladies." He said, opening the door further.
I walked in with the girls as I could feel the student eyes’ following us.
I looked over to the back of the classroom as Bryson’s blue orbs danced with my own.
He leaned back in his seat and rested his hands behind his head, his arms flexing under the pressure.
Focus, Madina!!
You are here to promote the female crisis in basketball. Do NOT let this meathead distract you!
I looked away before I was completely lost in his trance.
"Madina." Avery nudged my arm.
"What?" I whispered back.
"You’re speaking."
I mentally slapped myself.
"Good afternoon, everyone." I smiled, scanning the room.
Half the students were sleeping.
Not surprised.
"Listen up," I said a bit louder as I dribble the basketball in my hand.
Eyes finally shot my way as I smiled sweetly.
"Who's coming to the senior girls’ basketball today?" I asked. "A show of hands, if you will."
I saw three hands go up.
And that was Aadila, Dylan, and Bryson.
Love them.
I sighed. That's when I started with my speech.
"Would you like to be sexiest and not support the little girls who can’t play basketball simply because they are female?" I asked as a lot of students shook their heads.
"Alright, so who wants to buy a ticket now and support the girls’ team? I promise you, it's for a good cause," I urged.
No one got up as Jenn was waving the tickets around.
This class is gonna be harder than I thought.
"Madina, forgot to mention, but we will be filmed and previewed on TV. Centennial Devils will be on TV. Come on, who doesn't wanna be on TV?" Jenn asked.
"Who said we were gonna be on TV?" I whispered in her ear.
"I just did," she smiled, keeping her act up.
I squinted my eyes at her. "Jennifer, this is not a good idea"
"Shut up, I know people. I can make it happen," she said.
"Let's hope." Avery sighed in defeat.
Some students started to get up. And by some, I mean four students.
Bryson got up unexpectedly as he strutted towards me.
"Here comes the boyfriend," Avery said.
I hit her in the stomach, and her hands shot her stomach as she groaned.
"Let me get two tickets," he said, taking his wallet out of his pocket.
I heard students whispering. "Bryson's going? Should we go?"
I rolled my eyes.
"What are you doing? You already have a ticket," I told him.
He took a step closer to me, hovering over me with his big frame.
"I know Beads. I'm trying to start a movement here," he whispered.
I couldn't help but let my smile show as I looked down at the cash he gave me.
Students started getting up from their seats.
"I don't need your help, you know?" I said, handing him two tickets.
"I know." He smirked, staring at me. "But you like it when I help," he winked.
I shook my head, holding my smile.
"Plus, I actually need these tickets," he added.
"Oh really, for whom?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Couple girls I wanted to invite to the game," he smirked.
I hit him on his arm as he chuckled. "I'm joking! Jeez, woman, calm down."
"I hate you. Go sit down." I said, feeling moody all of the sudden.
"These are for Mum, and Alexander," he finished with a smile.
I looked up at him with a cheeky grin.
"You're bringing them to the game?" I asked excitedly.
"They wanted to come to your game when I mentioned it this morning," he shrugged.
"Really?" I pouted. "Awe, I love them."
"What about me? I'm the one who reminded them." Bryson said, pointing to himself.
"Eh, you're alright," I shrugged, eyeing him.
He rolled his eyes and stood up straighter. "You love me."
"Yeah, yeah, go sit down, you're holding up the line."
He smiled, "I'll see you later, Beads."
"See you later, Brys."
Yes, he annoyed me but somehow, I enjoyed it. I can't believe I actually admitted that.
“We are doing really good, if I shall say again.” Jasmine said, looking into the box filled with cash.
“I know I had little faith in our school in the beginning, but damn, am I proud of these buffoons,” Jennifer admitted.
“Same,” Avery agreed.
"Couple more classes and we are done," I reminded.
After we finished, I could feel the jitters of the game getting to me as I sat in the changing room.
"You okay, Madina?" Jenn asked as she sat beside me.
Her jersey top hugged her chest area, as her shorts hung lowly on her hips.
"Yeah, I'm good." I smiled.
"You sure? Cause it's been ten minutes and you’re still not ready. All you've been doing is staring at the wall," Jenn said, leaning in and nudging my shoulder.
I looked down at my clothes and realized I still didn't have my full jersey on. I just has my warmups on.
"I guess I'm still trying to process everything," I said shyly.
Jenn put her arm around me and smiled sweetly "I know you want what's best for the team. I know you want all the game plans to work and for us to win. But just know, whatever happens today, it's on all of us, not just you." Jenn said, rubbing my arm supportively.
"Yeah!" the girls cheered before the change room went silent again.
I looked at each girl and I saw some incredible young woman staring back at me. Not only do we all have different basketball stories, but we all know each others’ story. One falls, and the other helps one another.
I would never wish I had a different team to end my highschool basketball career.
"I love you guys," I smiled, getting up.
The girls piled around me as I giggled.
“Now, let's go whoop some ass!” I yelled.
“YEAH!”
We all ran toward the door as I was in front of everyone. I opened the door, ready to run out, but then I stopped myself.
"What's wrong?" Avery asked.
I turned around and faced the girls with a sheepish smile. "I don't have my jersey?"
Everyone groaned as I shoved between them to get my bag and change.
"Hurry up!"
"I am!" I yelled, pulling my shorts on top of my basketball shorts.
"Okay, I'm good. Now, let's go whoop some ass!" I yelled.
This time it was cheers mixed with laughter.
We all ran out with a type of energy I've never felt vibrate off of us.
"Madina!" I heard a soft child voice.
I stopped dead in my tracks and turned around to see a little girl in a wheelchair. I took steps towards her as her smile widened.
A wide smile made its way to my face as I kneeled down to her level and held her hand that was extended towards me.
"Hi, Madina" She gushed.
"Hello, sweetheart."
👑To Be Continued👑
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A/N
Salamalekum/Heyooo
Long time no read😭 I missed my book babies so much y'all don't even know man. Let's me honest you guys missed THBM more than me. Its ight though 😬 I hope everything is going great with each and everyone of you guys. I also hope Ramadan was good! And those eid pictures are popinnn.
Okay so the reason for my absence has obviously been Ramadan and I've mentioned this on my page. But it was super hard writing when I was fasting like I tried but it wouldn't work out. Also, the school year is almost over and my world is actually stressing me out so much. I hope you guys understand❤
Remember to keep our brothers and sisters in Sudan in our prayers. Please don't forget to spread the message and make a change somehow. May Allah guide us all, ameen.
QOTD: cheetah print or zebra print?
Cheetah print duhhh. I was like legit obsessed with cheetah print when I was younger and the cheetah girls was a big thing then so that inspired me even more😂
Salam/Peace, Raz✌❤