The elites cheered loudly, those in the lower deck raised placard for their favourite team while the cheer leading team went on chanting "Go Cougars!" It was the annual basketball tournament and TownPort High were five-times winners about to make the sixth. They made the game so interesting that only elites are allowed to watch and participate. It was Principal Dawson idea that those who participate in the school success should also enjoy their achievements.
The court buzzed with anticipation as the two rival teams, the Cougars and Black Rock, took their positions on the court. The crowd was split, cheers echoing from both sides; the championship title was on the line. From the first whistle, the Cougars played with fierce determination. Their star player, Jake, darted across the court, weaving through defenders with agility and precision. Every basket was met with roaring applause, and the Cougars quickly built a narrow lead. The team's synergy was undeniable.
Black Rock was relentless. Their captain, Marcus, was a force to be reckoned with a powerhouse who could score from anywhere. Slowly, Black Rock chipped away at the Cougars' lead, matching every point with grit and skill. The game became a thrilling back-and-forth battle; each team refused to give an inch.
In the final minutes, the Cougars pushed harder than ever. Sweat dripped, hearts pounded, and the clock ticked down. Jake made a daring three-point shot, bringing the Cougars within a single point of victory. The crowd held its breath.
Yet, in the last seconds, Black Rock executed a flawless play. Marcus broke free, soaring for a decisive dunk that sealed the game. The buzzer sounded, and the scoreboard read: Black Rock 78, Cougars 76. The cheerleader's agility died at the spot, the Cougars stared unconvincingly at the scoreboard as Black Rock supporters raced inside the court screaming in celebration as the impossible had been done, the Cougars were defeated.
Alex, the second of the school's dumb soul after a long while, made his way to the special library. It has been a week since he started the program, and he didn't find it anyway motivating. Also, it has been a week since the encounter in the bathroom; the girl in question had not been seen for the special library program, and the school doesn't care if there are a thousand more elites making them proud. Halfway there he bumped into Jake, Jake's reacted immediately pushing him to the wall "You should watch where you are going." Jake spat then walked away. Alex had a small stature that got him bullied easily; his arm hurt from the impact on the wall.
***
The soft chime of the doorbell echoed through the quiet library. He expected the angry woman from yesterday to open the door but to his surprise, a woman in her mid-twenties with warm eyes and a kind smile, opened it. His clothes were a little rumpled. She noticed a bruise on his left arm
"Hey there," She said softly, "You must be Alex"
"I am Emma" She introduced herself, "What happened to your arm?"
He looked down, a little embarrassed. "I fell," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.
Emma gently took his arm in her hands, careful not to cause him any pain. "That looks like it hurts. Come inside, let's get some ice on it."
Alex was utterly confused at the reception he was recently receiving. She led him past a shelf of exotic books to a transparent room with a metal door. Pushing the door open, she offered him a seat and opened the refrigerator looking for an ice pack.
"Here, hold this on your arm. It'll help with the swelling," she said kindly.
He pressed the cold pack against his arm, his face relaxing a little. Emma sat beside him on the couch, her eyes full of genuine concern.
"Do you live around here?" She asked gently.
Alex hesitated, then nodded. "Sort of. I live in a foster home. There are four kids there, including me."
Emma's expression softened even more. "That must be quite a busy house with four kids. Do you like it there?"
Alex shrugged. "It's okay. Sometimes it's fun, but sometimes I miss having my own room."
Emma smiled, understandingly. "I can imagine. It's important to have a place where you feel safe and comfortable. What do you like to do for fun?"
Alex's eyes brightened a little. "I like to stay alone."
Alex smiled shyly; the ice pack still pressed to his arm. "Maybe."
Emma reached out and gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "If you ever need someone to talk to or help you with anything, I'm here, okay?"
Alex nodded, feeling a little less alone.
He was expected to go ahead and pick a book which he knew he would never have the interest of reading, probably read and had nothing to show for it because when he picked unrelated materials, all he saw was incomprehensible contents. He had been on that for almost a week, but Emma had a different plan for him.
Emma took the ice pack from him and replaced it to the fridge. This was one of the best days for Alex and he knew that it would be short-lived, so he was forced to ask the obvious question "Why are you so nice to me?"
"History might repeat itself," She said in an assuring note, "It has been delayed for a very long time now."
"By tomorrow, we would be a town hall for the memorial" She reminded him so he could relate while the Stern librarians were away. There are also pioneers of the Town memories to guide the young ones of the danger ahead.
"Pick a book of your choice." She said with a warm smile.
His eyes brightened. He took a sharp turn to the left side of the shelf where the cool books were locked in chains with a sighed postcard 'do not read from this shelf'.
"I want to read from that shelf." He said finally.
"It is for staff only," Emma reminded him.
"You just told me that you don't want history to repeat itself again? Right?" He responded using her words against her.