The bright stadium lights illuminated the basketball court, casting a spotlight on Zion’s outstanding skills. He sprinted down the court, his sneakers squeaking on the polished floor as he dodged defenders with ease. The crowd erupted in cheers. He was the youngest in his team yet the fastest. He sank a three-pointer, his shots were perfect.

Zion’s team was dominating and he was the star of the game. The crowd went wild, chanting his name and pounding on the bleachers. As the final buzzer sounded, Zion’s team celebrated victory lifting him on their shoulders. He grinned, sweat-drenched and triumphant, as he high-fives his teammates.

Samantha and Arielle yelped in their reserved seat. The reserved space gave them a closer view of the court forcing her to enjoy the game. Zion spotted her and flashed a warm smile. Coach Monroe came to celebrate with him before leading him to where Arielle was sitting.

“Hi, dad.”

She was greeting him but her gaze locked onto Zion’s  with more intensity in them.

“Thanks for…helping me earlier.”

Coach Monroe shaking Zion’s hand, “that’s true, thanks for standing up for Arielle and making her actually watch a live game.”

“Dad!”

They all giggled apart from Arielle who looked away.

“Arielle, do you have any plans after this?” Zion asked. Samantha tried to look away to give her friend the objective space to express herself.

“Actually, I don’t have any plan.”

“You have plans!” Coach Monroe said in a sterner tone. “You’re going home.”

“Come on, Coach.” Zion held a jovial expression. “I would love to walk with her. If she’s not home in the next hour you can arrest me.”

Samantha and Zion latched pleading eyes to Monroe.

“Fine!” Turning to Arielle, “share me your location every step of the way.”

“Yes, dad.” Hugging him tightly before waving him out. Samantha winked at her friend before excusing them.

“Just stay here while I get my things, ok?” Running off to the locker room.

Arielle smiled to herself, she hadn’t taken a walk since her accident and she couldn’t believe it was now happening. He dashed out with two bottles of soda.

“I didn’t take so long, did I?” He was dressed in black shorts and a white T-shirt that accentuated his caramel brown skin. His smile exposed his deep dimples. Arielle pinched herself to stop lusting.

She wagged her head, “no.”

“I got you a drink, you’ll need it.” A mischievous glint shone in his eyes making her insides tingle. The stadium was quiet as most fans and players have exited. They took the back door opening to the street.

“Have you been out this late?”

Her eyes enjoyed the flashing lights, closed shops, wailing siren of the police vans and the road a little quiet.

“Used to love late nights until…my accident.”

He held the handle of her wheelchair tighter, “on a scale of one to ten, how much do you like risks?”

Staring quizzically, “risks? I hate risk.”

“Then you’ll hate meeee!” Pushing her wheelchair swiftly, so fast he leaned on it. “Woahhh!” Nearly shouting her lungs out. Getting to the hilly part of the road, he finally slowed down. Catching her breath, “what was that for?”

Also panting, “risk!”

Leaning on the grass, “so you hate me now?”

Making a face, “maybe.” He giggled softly. Pulling her into the grass and stabling her wheels. “My little sister also hated me for playing with her wheels.”

Pushing back, “your little sister is on a wheelchair?”

“Was….she’s late now.” His voice stifled, low and contemplative. “Rachel used to come for every of my game. Cheering me on like crazy even when I was losing.” He giggled trying to take his mind off the pain.

Arielle listened intently, her heart aching from his pain. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I’m sure she’s in a better place.” Trying to sound more lively, “what about you?”

“Had an accident last summer trying to achieve the highest fall, but my crazy teammates couldn’t catch me.” Her teeth clenching and a swell rising in her throat. “I fell and broke my legs now I’m a stupid vegetable.”

“What type?” Taking a chance to add sarcasm. “Carrot or broccoli?”

“Not funny!” Slapping his hands off her wheels but he placed it back and continued making more jokes.

They laughed into the night before her alarm rang. “It’s way past my curfew.”

“Let me help dear Cinderella get back home.” Standing up and helping her with her wheels. “You know your dad is worried about you, right?”

It was his chance to chirp it in. Coach Monroe had talked about her refusal to adapt to change. She is his only daughter hence everything about her worried her father. He knew how much the accident affected the coach hence trying to her out is the least he can do to help.

“He’s my father. He should be worried.”

Jerking her on the wheelchair before twirling her wheels. “I’m serious. Have you considered therapy for your legs?”

Her face immediately paled, “I’m not doing therapy!” Pressing her automatic button and moving forward. He ran after her, “You really plan on leaving me here?”

“Yes!” He took over the wheel and they strolled down the street of Maplewood. “I go to the gym every weekend and it’s a private space.” Helping her open her soda. “I also have a private trainer. I promise my gym is lit…we can have so much fun.”

Rolling her eyes and holding a puffed face before muffling. “I’ll think about it. Goodnight.”

Dropping her at her house door before leaving. Arielle stepped in blushing, she had refused to talk about therapy after her accident but with his words, her insides were thrilling and excited about going to the gym.

“I will be going to the gym next weekend, dad.” She said during breakfast the next morning. Coach Monroe and his wife nearly jumped from their seat in excitement. Embracing their daughter in a hug.

Samantha also squeaked at the news but not just the news but also Arielle’s desire to go out more. “I saw your name in the listing for the Maplewood beach party. Was it a mistake?”

“No, it’s not a mistake. Zion invited me to the party and I’m going.” Her dreamy tone and excitement expressed everything that needed to be heard.