Chapter 22: Choices, Chances, and Cracks in the Calm
Monday Morning – The Counseling Board
The school's counseling board had become the new hangout spot — not because anyone loved it, but because it was impossible to avoid.
Pinned to the bulletin:
Final College Interviews This Week. Scholarship Recommendations In Progress.
Ethan leaned in to read his name. "Music department. State finalist. Whoa."
Aria peeked. "That's amazing! I knew you'd make it."
He shrugged, trying to act cool, but his smile gave him away.
Aiden glanced at the list too. "Still nothing about the sports scouts."
"It's coming," Noah assured. "You're a beast on the court. They'd be stupid not to see it."
---
Afternoon – Pressure Cracks
They all met on the bleachers after school, like always — but the vibe had changed.
Lana sat quietly, flipping through college brochures. She'd been accepted to three already but hadn't told anyone which she was leaning toward.
Noah was buried in his planner, color-coded with interviews and essay deadlines. Even his usually steady hands were fidgeting.
"I hate this," Aria muttered. "Why does growing up feel like a competition?"
"I don't want to think about splitting up," Ethan added, voice softer. "What if this—us—doesn't survive college?"
The silence that followed was louder than any of them liked.
---
Late Night – Surprise News
At 11:37 PM, Aiden's phone buzzed. He stared at the screen.
Subject: URGENT – West Coast University Athlete Invite
He sat up in bed, heart pounding.
It was real. A scout wanted to watch him next week. It could change everything.
He opened the group chat:
> Aiden: guys
Aiden: i got the email
Aiden: scout's coming to the tournament next week
Noah: LET'S GO
Ethan: OUR BASKETBALL KING
Aria: you're gonna CRUSH it
Lana: proud of you. all of us are.
He put the phone down, staring at the ceiling.
He had a shot now. But it also meant choices.
And sacrifices.
---
Ending Scene – Rooftop Again
They met again at the rooftop the next day, unplanned, like the universe just pulled them back together.
Everyone was tired. Worried. Hopeful.
"We'll all go different ways," Lana said quietly.
"Maybe," Noah replied. "But we started in detention. We already beat the odds."
"And we'll keep beating them," Aiden added, tossing a basketball between his hands.
"I vote we make a deal," Ethan said. "No matter what happens... we don't disappear."
They all nodded, one by one.
In the silence that followed, the stars slowly came out above them.