Rebound: A 2nd Chance

Chapter 8 - Rising Star

The crowd around them was going crazy in celebration. Jason was ruffling Kyle's hair "Way to go man! Nice basket". Kyle looked back at Jason. The fiery expression no longer visible on his face. Instead he returned to the shy giant that he normally was.

Kyle blushed "I can't take any credit. You're the one who did all the work the entire game. Even on the last basket. I could only do that because you pulled my defender away from me"

Jason smiled as he slapped Kyle on the back "Of course I did most of the work. But you deserve some credit for the last shot. You did good"

Jason had his arm around Kyle's shoulder but because of the height difference it almost seemed like he was hanging on Kyle's neck.

Jason then turned to Trell and his goons. Trell was panting and his shirt had a giant sweat stain on the back "You lost Trell"

Trell's jaw was tightly clenched. He was gripping his shirt so tight that streams of sweat were being wrung out "Yeah. We lost"

Trell motioned for his goons "Let's go". Kyle sighed in relief but just after Trell and his crew had taken a few steps they were stopped by a voice "Who said you could go?"

Everyone turned to the voice in surprise. Jason took a step forward "You lost so that means you and your goons are our butlers for a week. Right Kyle?"

Kyle was urgently shaking his head and motioning for Jason to shut up but it appeared as though Jason didn't see it.

Jason pointed to the vending machine in the gym "I'm feeling kinda parched after all that exercise. Go get me a water"

Kyle nearly passed out, he could feel all the blood leaving his body. The crowd around them stared in nervous silence.

They had seen Trell make the bet. But they also knew that Trell had a terrible temper and that he never let anyone tell him what to do. Even the teachers.

One of Trell's goons grew red in the face as he stepped forward "Fuck the bet Trell. Lets beat the shit out of this bitch. You think just because we-" but the goon never got to finish his sentence.

Trell got him right in the face with a left hook. The goon crumpled to the floor. Everyone was now staring at Trell.

The veins were bulging out of his neck as his nostrils flared "SHUT UP!" Trell grabbed his goon by the collar of his shirt and lifted him off the ground.

Trell lifted his goon till they were face to face "Did I say you could talk!? Who the fuck do you think you are!" He then tossed his goon back to the floor.

Trell didn't spare another look at his goon on the floor. He looked at one of his other goons and tilted his head motioning to the vending machine "Go get a water"

The goon was surprised at first but then he caught a glance at the other goon groaning on the floor. Without saying a single word he ran to the vending machine, pulled out his wallet, and used his own dollar to buy a water bottle.

He ran up to Jason and presented the water bottle to him with shaky hands. Jason nodded nonchalantly and took the water bottle to drink, as if he had expected it all along.

Jason drank half the bottle in one go. After drinking he wiped his sweaty face with his shirt in satisfaction "Alright Trell. You guys can go now. All OF YOU"

Trell understood the last part of Jason's message. He turned to the crowd "Alright! Shows over. Get the hell out!"

The crowd quickly dispersed. They knew that even though Trell was listening to Jason that he wouldn't hesitate to beat up someone else.

Shortly after everyone was gone. Kyle was smiling and was just about to celebrate their victory again with Jason but it quickly disappeared after he saw Jason's face.

Jason's face was flushed red and contorted in pain. His breathing was uneven and odd. Jason motioned for Kyle "Help me get to the bleachers."

Kyle ran to Jason's side and practically lifted him to the bleachers. Kyle let go of Jason, letting him lay across the bench on the bleachers. He asked in a shaky voice"What's wrong? You okay?"

'Fuck! I over did it. I forgot that my body had never done a day of exercise before this. To just all of a sudden push it to the limits and compete against that freak of nature was too much'

Kyle was wondering what to do when he heard a voice yell "Oh my god!" Samantha ran over to Jason and Kyle. Jason couldn't help but think 'What the hell is she doing here? I thought she left'

She looked at Jason and Kyle "Are you okay?! Should we bring you to the school nurse!?" Kyle was just about to carry Jason to the infirmary under Samantha's commands when they heard another voice "I think he'll be okay"

Jason was laying across the bench 'Jesus christ! Another one!? How many people are trying to just randomly pop up? I asked everyone to leave so that I could get some peace and quiet'

Coach Swendel walked up to the bleachers approaching the kids. He looked at Jason with a smile on his face "He just overdid it a little, he's cramping up. Here, let me help"

Coach Swendel pushed Kyle and Samantha away slightly to clear up some space. He bent down to Jason and began massaging his muscles.

But the more massaging he did the more he was surprised 'I thought it would just be a minor calf cramp. But this kid has cramps all over. His hips, calfs, shoulders, even his triceps are cramping up. This kid really is a monster. Even adults would be crying out in pain'

After about twenty minutes of Coach Swendel's massaging and drinking some water, Jason's cramps began to subside for the most part.

Jason sat up and looked at Coach Swendel "Thanks uh.." Samantha added "Coach Swendel. He's one of the P.E. teachers"

Coach Swendel interjected "P.E. Teacher and Basketball coach. I'm the coach for the schools basketball team."

Coach Swendel smiled brightly at Jason "And that's actually why I'm here to see you. I think you can be a star-" He was interrupted "No"

Coach Swendel was stunned by the quick response. He came back to his senses "Wait! why not!? You didn't even let me finish"

Jason wasn't interested in playing for the middle school team. He remembered that in his past life that they were constantly the worst team in the county.

If he played for such a bad team it would only negatively affect his stock on the recruitment market.

Jason was planning on spreading his name through the AAU circuit.

Coach Swendel was at his wits end. He thought that he had finally found a way out of his mundane life. But before he could even grab onto that chance it slipped right through his fingers.

Beads of sweat began forming on his face as his breathing began to get heavy. In contrast he stared at Jason who was sipping water seemingly without a care in the world.

Coach Swendels hid his trembling hands in his pocket as he spoke to Jason "H-hey Jason. I have some sports drinks and supplements that could help with your recovery. Why don't you stop by my office?"

Jason was slightly surprised, he raised his brow as he looked at Coach Swendel. He thought for a moment before nodding "Alright." He turned to Samantha and Kyle "It should only be a few minutes, if you guys want to wait for me"

Jason entered Coach Swendel's office that was in the same building as the gym. The AC was on which felt great for Jason who's body still felt hot from the game.

Jason didn't really know what to expect from Coach Swendel. He didn't have much interaction with him in his past life. All he knew about him was his horrible record as the coach of the basketball team.

Jason jumped back startled. As soon as Coach Swendel closed the door to his office he got on his knees and started bowing "Please Join the basketball team!"

Coach Swendel didn't hesitate to get on his knees 'I need to bring out the big guns from the get go. I cannot afford to lose this chance. If this kid joins the team we are bound to win the county championship. Maybe we can even go further than that!'

Jason's jaw dropped. For the first time he was left speechless. He was stunned after experiencing this for the first time. He had never had someone get on their knees and beg him for something. If anything he had only ever experienced being on the other end.

Jason was silent in thought but Coach Swendel took it the wrong way. He added "If you join the team it'll be your team. We'll run the offense through you. We'll change our defensive schemes to whatever you want. I'll even let you decide the practice schedule. Please join the team, no, make the team yours."

Hearing Coach Swendel's offer Jason couldn't help but be tempted. His entire life he had been a role player. Just a small piece of the machine.

This would be the first time that he would be allowed to be the man on the team. Coach Swendel felt that he was getting closer 'Just a little bit more!' but there was nothing left for him to add to his offer.

Coach Swendel tried his best to think of anything he could add. After a few seconds he clenched his teeth and pulled out his wallet.

Coach Swendel looked up at Jason "If you promise to keep this only between you and me I'll even throw in some money." He looked at the inside of his wallet and frowned.

Coach Swendel pulled out two $10 bills "I'll give you $20 a week just to be on the team. Just please keep this between you and me"

Coach Swendel knew that what he was doing was unethical but most importantly illegal! But to him it was well worth the risk. He would rather gamble on a chance to live extraordinarily than to continue stumbling through mediocrity.

Jason looked at Coach Swendel 'Looks like this guys really desperate. People like this are my favorite' Jason smiled 'They are willing to do anything to chase their goals'

Coach Swendel saw Jason smile and he forgot to breath. It wasn't until he heard Jason's answer that he was able to take some air in "You know what? Sure, I'll join the team. But I'm going to do things my way"

Coach Swendel jumped to his feet and grabbed Jason's hands and started shaking them "You won't regret this" Jason added "But I'm going to need you to do somethings for me Coach"

Coach Swendel didn't know why but he couldn't help shuddering as he felt a cold chill climb up his back 'I hope I didn't get myself into something I'll regret'