Bound to You

Chapter 6: Shall we?

The principal climbed on his chair and nervously whistled announcing the second part of the game and the players positioned themselves. Another longer whistle and the game started. Cobe was facing Jace again. He quickly snatched the ball from Jace and ran towards the opposing team's basket, his ten thousand dollars! 

But he didn't notice that swift figure. He could only see his eyes as he no more felt the ball within his grip. James easily stole it, bouncing the ball, avoiding all defenses as he moved fast, under the mesmerized eyes of the audience. He jumped, tossing the ball effortlessly in the basket.

The students roared with excitement, standing and clapping their hands furiously, screaming encouraging words as this first goal marked a break in the ice. This was unbelievable. 

While Cobe was as infuriated as a bull, Jace was in awe. His father was fast. He was tough. He was so good. Damn it. He was a far better beast than Cobe. 

James lifted his hand to his collar, loosening his tie slightly as he felt hot. That was a good warm up. But now the real game would begin because now he would show that bastard of Cobe who were the kings: the students.

The second basket followed, then the third, then the fourth...it was as if his father could play the game all by himself. There was this aura of perfection around him. And even better, he engaged the whole team with him. Not one of them had remained idle on the court. They were breathless but so driven and motivated that they wanted to go for it. The play has never been more exciting than this. 

Cobe was mad with anger and he began to yell at the other teachers who were already exhausted and showing signs of fatigue. Only a few minutes were left. He bulled towards Sam who had the ball and James made a single wave to Sam and the ball was passed to him rapidly. 

He dribbled towards the enemy's basket, dodging the other opponents in a flash but instead of doing it himself, he passed the ball sideway and Jace ran faster to get hold of it. As everyone else were distracted, Jace leapt, dumping the ball heavily in the basket just as the principal whistled loudly to announce the end of the game. 

The students cheered, whistling and shouting their joys to show how proud they were. They jumped off their seats, running towards the winners. It was the first time that the students won this game against their teachers. The whole team, even the teachers who were playing opposite the students congratulated them warmly. The PE teachers were rather proud of their students' extremely good performance.

James slid his hands in his trousers' pocket, walked to Cobe who had so dramatically fallen on his knees and he smiled, "Pizza for the kids first and then you pack your things and get out of here." 

Cobe looked at him with fiery eyes, "How dare you!" People were watching them. He had never felt so humiliated. He couldn't believe he was beaten by this vulgar man who stayed behind an office all day long! That was not tolerable! This was a nightmare! He suddenly pounced at James, launching a dreadful punch at his face. 

With fine reflex, James dodged, blocked his maladroit blow with an arm, grabbed the man's wrist and defensively threw him to the ground with a powerful move. Cobe groaned in pain as he muttered a trail of curse words. He swore, "You'll regret this, Torres." 

James motioned towards his managers who were still shocked from the skills he demonstrated. "Let's get moving, gentlemen. We have other places to attend to." 

He briefly looked at Jace who was still celebrating as his friends playfully poured water over his head and raised him on their shoulders. They were singing something about pizza along with the principal himself and other teachers. Such a mess...and yet he was just happy about it.