"Justin, I don't know about this..." Meghan said a few weeks later at girls' basketball tryouts.
"Megs, you can do this," Justin replied, his hands on her shoulders, his blue eyes looking into her green ones.
"But I'm not gonna make it-"
"*Yes* you will. You can kick *my* butt on the court-they're gonna love you, Megs," Justin said.
"Yeah right," Meghan muttered.
"Well well if it isn't manic Meghan. Do you think you'll actually make the team, Meggy?" Melissa asked.
"Back off Melissa. Meghan *will* make the team," Justin said.
"How are you so sure?"
"I know these things, Melissa."
"Well, I think you made it Megs," Justin said after tryouts.
"No, I didn't," Meghan replied.
"How doyou know? They don't even put up the list until next week," Justin said.
"Everyone hates me." Meghan took her hair out of the ponytail for a second, then swept it up into a graceful bun.
"Not the coached," Justin replied.
"They probably told them how awful I am," Meghan said bitterly.
"Megs, listen to me-the coached don't base their decisions on what people tell them-it's all about how well you played. And you did *terrific* today," Justin said.
Meghan looked at Justin and shook her head. "Whatever you say."
Justin smiled. "Come on-let's go get something to eat."
"Okay."
ONE WEEK BEFORE HOMECOMING...
Meghan was sitting on her front porch, writing calmly in a notebook one Saturday afternoon when Justin pulled up. She barely noticed him, even as he gently sat next to her on the porch swing.
"Megs," Justin said softly.
Meghan jumped. "Oh! Hey Justin."
"Am I bothering you?" Justin asked, brushing a wispy tendril of hair away from Meghan's face.
"No, not at all-what's up?" Meghan shut her notebook.
"Well, I was wondering if you'd heard about that big school dance coming up..."
"Oh yes, the one we have in celebration of a stupid football game-I think I've heard of it once or twice. Why?"
"Are you planning on going?"
"Not really."
"Oh. Megs, will you go to Homecoming with me?"
"Umm...sure Justin."
"Serious?"
"Duh."
"Alright! Cool! Oh and Megs?"
"Hmm?"
"Congrats on making the team," Justin said with a grin.
Meghan's eyes got wide behind her glasses. "Are you *serious*?"
Justin nodded. "Would I lie?"
"I don't know-would you?"
"Why would I lie to my date for Homecoming?"
"Hmm...so I made the team?" Meghan asked excitedly.
"Varsity," Justin added.
"Oh my gosh!" Meghan shrieked, hugging Justin excitedly. He laughed and hugged her back. |
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