Outside the arena, the atmosphere was calm and wet with rain water. Cars, lorries, buses, bikes, and bicycles navigated the streets, splashing water as they passed by. Pedestrians, sensing that the rain had ceased moments earlier, began to venture out, cautiously stepping over puddles and avoiding the spray from the passing vehicles
Standing by the roadside was a group of girls wearing pink tracksuit sweaters and trousers, their white sneakers now damp from the rain. Alongside them stood their Coach, Mrs. Lawal
"Coach, what's going on? Why is the bus not here yet?" Mayowa asked, her impatience
evident
Mrs. Lawal, her phone held to her ear, replied, "I've been calling him, but he's not picking up. Where did he drop his phone?"
As the Queens awaited their school bus to arrive, Mrs. Lawal's phone beeped, indicating a text message. She opened it and discovered that the sender was the school driver
"Girls, I'm sorry, but we'll be going home on our own today," Mrs. Lawal explained. "I just got a message from the driver. He said the bus broke down and it's in the mechanic. We can't use other busses as they've gone to drop students at their respective homes"
Shalom, her stomach growling audibly, said, "Aww. I'm hungry"
Thinking quickly, Mrs. Lawal formulated a plan. "Alright, if you deduct your transport fares, how much do you have left? Add everything together and let me know"
The girls summed up what they had left after deducting their transport fares. "₦10,550, ma," Mercy reported
"Alright that should be enough," Mrs. Lawal said with a reassuring smile. "Let's go to a nearby restaurant and get something to eat"
"Yes, ma," the Queens chorused, their spirits lifting at the prospect of a warm meal after a long, tiring day. As they set off in search of the nearest restaurant, they chatted excitedly, bonding over their shared experience and looking forward to the game against Rose Mary High School
Upon their arrival at a restaurant known as Johnsons' Restaurant, the Queens and Mrs Lawal each ordered a plate of what they wanted to eat and the soft drinks of their choice. While Mrs. Lawal opted for a plate of Eba and Egusi soup with meat, the girls chose to have rice mixed with salad, beans, fish, and various meats
As they enjoyed their meal, Shalom couldn't help but notice that Tosin had been repeatedly attempting to call someone ever since they left the arena. "Tosin, who are you trying to call?" Shalom asked, her curiosity piqued
"John, my boyfriend. He's not picking up his calls," Tosin explained, her frustration mounting after another failed attempt
"Maybe he's busy," Shalom offered, trying to reassure her friend
"He should have picked up and told me that he's busy instead of ignoring my calls," Tosin countered, visibly upset
Just then, three tall ladies walked into the restaurant, catching everyone's attention
"What happened? Where are the others?" Shalom asked as Ruth, Margaret, and Nkem approached their table
Ruth, playfully recounting their ordeal, said, "Well, while Nkem was crying in the restroom, the bus left us behind"
"Ruth, shut up," Nkem retorted, still feeling sensitive about the day's events
"Mind if we sit down with you two?" Margaret politely asked Shalom and Tosin
"Sure" Shalom replied, as she and Tosin made room for the trio at their table.
As Ruth, Margaret, and Nkem settled down at the table, they each decided to order the same delicious meal that Tosin and Shalom were enjoying. As they began to eat, the conversation inevitably turned to the events of the game that had just transpired
"For someone who started playing and following basketball only three years ago, you've grown a lot, Tosin," Margaret observed, clearly impressed with her friend's progress
"Hehe, you think so?" Tosin asked, seemingly both flattered and surprised by the complement
"Yeah, we spent two years honing those skills we used today, but you managed to copy them after seeing them just once. It makes me jealous," Nkem admitted, a tinge of admiration in her voice
Ruth nodded in agreement. "You even copied my new pass. Though what blew me away was when you copied Nkem's ankle breaker. I couldn't believe it"
"Hehe, thanks, but you've all gotten better too, you know," Tosin humbly replied, acknowledging the growth of her friends
"That's true," Nkem said with a smile. "Shalom scored the most points today. Everyone is doing well and getting stronger. Our future looks bright"
"Everyone?" Shalom asked, indicating that someone was missing in their gathering. "Aren't you missing someone?"
"Yeah, Deborah. How are we even sure she still plays basketball? Where is she now?" Tosin questioned, wondering about their absent friend
"Deborah still plays basketball," Nkem confirmed
"How can you be so certain?" Shalom inquired; her curiosity piqued
"We had the opportunity to face her school in a practice match earlier this year." Nkem explained. "But we were outmatched, and the final score was a staggering 104-45"
"Oh my goodness! That's quite a defeat" Tosin exclaimed, her shock evident in her voice. "What exactly happened during that game?"
"Well, truth be told, Deborah's performance that day was nothing short of exceptional," Ruth chimed in. "She had a remarkable 22 assists that day"
Tosin's brow furrowed in awe. "I thought you said that I was the best among the six of us. For a high school student to record 22 assists is practically unheard of"
"You are right." Nkem said "Still you're the best regardless. Deborah would rank second among the six of us"
"And why is that?" Tosin asked
Margaret chimed in, offering her perspective. "Her school has been dominating the Christmas Champions Cup for 12 consecutive years. Not only that, but they've managed to recruit one of the members of the Victorious Varsity. There is no denying that Deborah is a force to be reckoned with on the court, but the skills you displayed today, Tosin, were even more impressive than anything I've ever seen from her"
Shalom's interest grew as the conversation progressed. "What's the name of the school, and is it here in Lagos?" she asked
"The school is located in Abuja, not Lagos. Deborah's father was transferred to Abuja by his company to work at one of their branches," Nkem elaborated. "Deborah had to start High School there, and as fate would have it, the school she chose has an exceptional basketball program, arguably the best in the country. Academically, they are on par with you guys, Charlie Queens Academy,"
"It's highly likely that you guys will face them at the Christmas Champions Cup" Ruth added
A contemplative smile spread across Tosin's face as she considered the possibility of facing Deborah's team in the Christmas Champions Cup. "Hmm, interesting" she mused
As the evening progressed, the trio, the Queens and their coach, Mrs. Lawal, parted ways after their meal. Tosin, feeling a mix of emotions, decided to walk halfway to her home before hailing a cab. Her frustration towards John still lingered in her mind as she made her way down the street
Passing by Philip Hospital, Tosin caught sight of a familiar face that made her pause. "Isn't that Aisa?" she muttered to herself. "What's she doing in a hospital?" Curiosity piqued, Tosin approached Aisa to say hello
"Aisa?" Tosin called out
Aisa turned around. "Huh, hey Tosin. What's up?" A joyous expression on her face as she embraced Tosin
"I was passing by and I saw you. What are you doing in a hospital?" Tosin inquired
"I came to see my mother," Aisa replied
"Your mother?" Tosin's curiosity grew
"Yeah, let's go home together. I'm done here," Aisa said with a smile
"Okay" Tosin said
As the two friends walked quietly together, Tosin couldn't help but wonder if Aisa's mother was a doctor. "Hey, Aisa, is your mother a doctor?"
"Oh, no. My mother is a patient," Aisa revealed. "She's been battling breast cancer ever since I was 9 years old. She's been receiving treatment at Philip Hospital for almost 5 years now."
"I'm sorry" Tosin said, sympathy in her voice
"Don't worry about it. I know she'll be fine," Aisa said reassuringly. "My Dad is really the best. He supports me, my education and my passion for basketball. He cooks for the family since my mum isn't strong enough, makes time to visit her, and takes care of me, and still works hard to make sure we don't lack anything. I'm truly blessed"
"Wow, he sounds like a good man," Tosin said, a hint of envy in her smile
"I know, right?" Aisa chuckled
Feeling comfortable with her friend, Tosin decided to share a piece of her personal life. "Well, I never met my dad. I don't know how he looks, or what he's like. I don't know where he is now."
"I'm sorry," Aisa said
"It's okay. I still have my Mum," Tosin replied, smiling at the thought of her supportive mother
As they strolled along, the silence between Tosin and Aisa was suddenly broken. "By the way, you were fantastic today," Aisa said. "I saw your game against the African Church International High School. That was incredible."
"Oh, thanks," Tosin replied, feeling appreciated. "Wait, you were there?"
"Yeah, I was," Aisa confirmed. "Our game finished before yours started, so after a short team meeting, we came to watch you guys take on the African Church. I couldn't believe it when the African Church was leading by 18 points. Honestly, we didn't think you guys would win."
"Thanks," Tosin said, grateful for her friend's support
Aisa's confidence began to shine through as she brought up their long-awaited rematch. "The time is finally here. Our much-anticipated rematch. We are going to crush you guys!"
"I believe that's my line," Tosin playfully retorted
The two friends shared a laugh before going their separate ways. Tosin hailed a cab and, as she made her way home, her phone rang. Glancing at the screen, she muttered. "Who is this person now? Oh, it's the idiot."
Tosin reluctantly answered the call.
"Babe, what's up? I missed your calls," John said
"Where have you been?" Tosin asked, trying to control her anger. "Where did you keep your phone?"
"I'm sorry," John said, seemingly breathing heavily. "I haven't been feeling too great. I've been sleeping since morning and my phone was in the living room. I apologize"
Tosin's emotions quickly shifted from anger to worry, "Are you okay? Have you taken any medicine? Have you eaten anything? I'm coming to your house right away"
"Baby, you don't have to come," John insisted. "I'll be fine. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
"Are you sure?" Tosin asked, her concern still lingering
"Yes, I'm sure." John replied
"Alright," Tosin reluctantly agreed
"I have to go now," John said hastily. "I'll see you tomorrow. Bye." He hung up the phone
Tosin still worried about John's well-being, said to herself, "I hope he's okay" The thought of the day's events weighed heavily on her mind as she continued her ride home
Following the challenging game and an exhausting day, every member of the Queens retired early, seeking the rest they so desperately needed. However, there were two exceptions
"Mummy, I want to drink water," Mrs. Lawal's three years old daughter, Rahila pleaded
"Ibrahim!" Mrs. Lawal called out to her seven years old son
"Yes, Mummy!" Ibrahim yelled as he rushed into Mrs. Lawal's room
"Give Rahila water," Mrs. Lawal instructed
"Okay, Mummy," Ibrahim said obediently
The two children left the room, leaving Mrs. Lawal alone with her thoughts. "Now then, how do we counter the Rose Mary High School Team?" she muttered to herself, her eyes fixed on the game clips playing on her laptop. "If we can't stop Aisa, we won't qualify for the Christmas Champions Cup. We have to get there"
Determined and focused, Mrs. Lawal stayed awake, meticulously studying their opponents' gameplay and devising tactical adjustments for the Queens
Meanwhile, somewhere in Lagos, the streetlights illuminated the quiet night. Everyone was inside their homes and it was so peaceful that the rhythmic sound of a bouncing ball could be heard throughout the streets
"Tosin!" Sade called out to her daughter, who was playing basketball in their small garden. "Won't you rest? You had a game today, and tomorrow is school. Instead of resting, you're out here playing basketball"
"Mum, I'll go to bed soon," Tosin replied. "I have to get better. I can't face the Victorious Varsity the way I am now"
Sade took a seat on a nearby stool, watching her daughter practice basketball with a mixture of concern and admiration. She knew how important the sport was to Tosin but she also wanted her to take care of herself and maintain a balance between her ambitions and well-being
In the residence of someone significant to Tosin, a scene unfolded that'd challenge the bonds of trust and loyalty
"Honey, hurry up!" John called out impatiently, lounging comfortably in his bed
"I'm coming!" a female voice replied from the bathroom
After a few minutes, the girl emerged, tying a white towel round her breast and chuckling as she teased, "you're so impatient, bad boy"
"Don't blame me," John laughed in return. "I'm just having a good time"
They shared a moment of laughter before the girl suggested, "Now, are you ready for another round?"