It was game day, time to bring home the championship. The atmosphere had been weird during the days leading up to the game, and Charlie decided to stay clear of Sal’s parents. He said he didn’t want to make things worse for them. Sal wasn’t exactly sure that was the case, but he'd left matters alone. Charlie had watched Sal practice, and they'd eaten together at The Diner.
Carl lived in the basement, barely coming out, but he was excited about the game. Their parents had gone about the days in a strange, artificial sort of way. They hadn’t questioned anything. They didn't even wonder where Carl had gotten to—he was eighteen, after all. Their behavior was odd, but Sal figured it was a side effect of having their brains hacked. Something in there was broken, like a scratch on the surface people pretended not to see.
Jack and Rosie were the only people who weren’t moping or acting strangely.
The game tended to bring people together, the anticipation seeming to melt away all bad feelings, leaving nothing but excitement and cheer behind. It provided people with a common goal.
People complimented Sal's parents, saying how cool he was.
Sal went to the arena before everyone else to meet up with the coach and his teammates to prepare for the game.
He rode Carl’s old bike to the arena. It was stupid, but it provided him with a weird sense of security.
Carl drove the bus, picking up Rosie, Jack, and Charlie along the way.
Sal stood in the locker room, listening to the noise coming from the arena which appeared to grow louder by the minute. He felt calm even though the adrenaline spurted through his body.
The crowd cheered as the team ran out onto the court to warm up. Arm and legs stomped, and people kept pouring into the arena. The audience held up signs, cheering the team on.
Sal spotted Charlie next to Rosie.
He listened to the music during warm-ups which helped pump him up, and as he flirted with the cheerleaders, he felt on top again.
The players performed their carefully choreographed chest bumps during the pre-game introduction. Pep bands and loud soundtracks helped to energize the crowd. The announcers added their twists to the action, but after that, he completely tuned out the crowd. From then on, all he'd hear was the bleat of a referee’s whistle, the reliable thud of the ball, and the squeaking of sneakers on polished maple.
The game kicked off.
Sal played center because he was the tallest player. His coach positioned him near the basket, as he had to reach as high as possible for rebounds. He was also required to be physically domineering and show more physical strength and overall athleticism. His goal was to find an opening for a pass and then shoot. Sal was required to block defenders and open other players up for driving to the basket for a goal. He was also expected to get some offensive rebounds and put-backs. Sal was good at making quick jump shots, hook shots, and using the backboard. On defense, his main responsibility was to keep opponents from shooting by blocking shots and passes in the key. He was also expected to get more rebounds because he was taller. Sal played hard; he played good.
He sprinted up and down the court from offense to defense, which allowed him to set up his defensive work early. It also put pressure on the defense to guard him, potentially leaving one of his teammates open. There was no place in the game for lazy running.
Sal stayed in an athletic stance while in the defensive possession and for most of the time when on the offensive so he could react, anticipate, and do his job more efficiently without wasted movement.
He cut the driving defender off with his chest, boxed someone out, screened the players as they attacked, and battled to keep the ball out of the post. Basketball was a contact sport. There were plenty of opportunities to use his body intelligently to free a teammate.
Sal sacrificed himself for his team. He'd dive on a loose ball or take a charge, holding his screen a second longer if it meant freeing a teammate. Sal sacrificed his body by pressuring the ball full-court, knowing it would be uncomfortable and wear him out completely. He wasn't just playing hard, but he was also being a great teammate, clapping for them when he was excited after a great play. Sal never showed his frustration on the court despite missed shots, when they were scored on, or when the referee made a bad call. Through it all, he never showed that he was tired.
It paid off when they won by four points, earning the championship in the school's cup.
He was, of course, elected best player of the match. As he received his trophy for best player, he looked upon the spectators. Charlie looked so proud. His eyes shone, and he cheered like crazy.
Sal made his way through the crowd to hand the trophy to Charlie. “I want you to have this. I love you, Charlie,” he said before returning to the court where he danced with his teammates, handing out high-fives, taking selfies, and hugging his family and friends.
When the arena started to empty, it was time to take the party elsewhere. Sal followed the others to the locker room where he noticed a pair of bright eyes glowing in shadows.
Seth.
Sal broke into a run. Even though he was exhausted, it was easy, and there was joy in every step. If he didn’t touch Seth soon, his body might dissolve.
He jumped at Seth, almost knocking him over. When he wrapped his arms around him, he felt Seth’s hands fold around Sal's back pulling him closer. Sal felt Seth’s strong body, and the heart beating in his chest.
“Are you really here?” Sal whispered.
Seth pushed Sal gently back, ran a hand through his hair, and placed a hand on his cheek. “I’m here. I’m proud of you. I missed you.” His lips formed into a soft smile, and he leaned slowly in. The kiss was sweet and gentle. Seth pulled Sal closer and deepened the kiss, making it more passionate.