Still Standing by Nicole S. Rouse

Author:Nicole S. Rouse
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Urban Books
Published: 2011-10-26T00:00:00+00:00

13

Joi

The cheering crowd boosted Joi’s adrenaline as she ran down the court. With only twenty-two seconds left on the clock, she had to keep the other team from scoring and win the game. Guarding her opponent closely, she was careful not to draw a foul. Joi could tell the six-foot forward was itching for her to make a wrong move, but Joi had too much on the line to make a mistake. As she clung to the forward, Joi also had her eye on the basketball. As time winded down, the other team suddenly lost possession of the ball, and without hesitation Joi charged for the loose ball and dribbled down court. She could sense players running behind her, and she picked up speed. As she approached the basket, Joi subtly looked left and right. No one had caught up with her yet. Not wanting to make too much of a statement, Joi decided to save her fancy moves for a different game. Coolly, she lifted the ball in the air and tossed it into the net. The forward ran up on her, but it was too late. The basketball was safely inside the net, and with only three seconds left on the clock, it was clear that Marshall had won the game.

When the buzzer sounded, the players on the bench raced to the center of the court, excited about their victory. Stacee lightly punched Joi’s shoulder. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

Kiana, Marshall’s flamboyant center, taunted the other team with a chant and then gathered her team together in a huddle. Swaying from side to side, the girls sang a short verse of Jill Scott’s “Hate on Me.” Joi was overjoyed, and if no one was looking directly at her, she might have cried.

After the team huddle, Joi ran over to the bleachers. It wasn’t hard to find her family. Jerome had ordered special bright yellow T-shirts with Joi’s face on the front. Though she found them embarrassing, Joi appreciated the support.

“Good game, sis,” Joshua shouted as he leaped from the bleachers.

Jerome jumped down behind him and gave Joi a congratulatory hug. “You did your thing today, boss. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, Pop,” Joi replied and blushed.

“I’m proud, too, little lady,” Melanie added as she smoothed a few loose strands of Joi’s hair into place.

Behind Jerome, Grace and Junior stood arm in arm, waiting for their turn to say hello. Junior wasn’t wearing his yellow T-shirt, but Joi knew that was a lot to ask. She was just happy he’d made time to be at her game. “Thanks for coming,” she said, resisting the urge to hug him.

Junior let go of his wife and shoved his hands into his jean pockets. “Guess I better interview you before all the scouts and other reporters start to hound you.”

Joi looked at Grace, and she winked. Grace had told her Junior would come around in time. “You’ll always have first dibs,” Joi assured him.

That made Junior smile. “A Syracuse scout was here. I’m surprised he didn’t say anything to you.

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