Swish. Shane’s first shot went in. She knew it wasn’t a fluke. And she thought about shooting from behind the 15-foot line. “Free throws – in shooting them, you have to be focused. You have to concentrate especially if you’re playing in a big crowd. Noises can divert your attention from putting the ball through the hoop. You’re only opponent is yourself – not the other team, not the crowd, but your own self.”

Hearing Mark’s footsteps nearing her, she took hold of the ball and faced him.

“What are you doing here?” Mark casually asked with a weird smile on his face. “Last time you were here, you were snapping at me like a wild dog.” He shook his head and advanced further until they were only an arm’s length. “Anything I can help you with? And I hope when I open my mouth to speak, you’re not gonna bite me,” he said, joking.

“No… I’m… I’m sorry about last time. I was an ass, I know.” Shane exhaled.

“Yeah, well…” Mark chuckled. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. You still haven’t answered my question. Is it her…?”

“Yes… and no.” Shane replied truthfully. “You see… Papi wanted to meet me here for some hoops… Did she text you?”

Mark nodded. “Yeah, this morning… And…?”

“And…” Shane hesitated but swallowed the uncertainty. “She… She hasn’t called me back, Mark.” She went over to the bench to sit. “I tried calling her up a few times but I guess she didn’t want to talk to me.”

“Did something happen between you two?”

“I don’t know.”

1:32 pm @ the Kennards’ Residence

Tina was surprised to see that the group came to visit her. They came in complete with balloons, ice cream and pecan meringue crepes. She felt like a kid that had just gotten well after getting sick and she was so grateful to have friends like them.