Chapter 2 The Famous Basketball Player
GREENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, LOS ANGELES.
"Catch the ball, Leo!" One of the teammate yelled throwing the ball in Leo's way.
Catching it swiftly with his sturdy hands, Leo ran forward dodging every of his opponents, stretching out his hand he tossed the ball in and it fell right into the hoop. A loud jubilating yell resounded in the entire basketball court. The TIGERS of Greenville have won against the guest players from a neighboring school.
Surrounded by his teammates Leo got thrown into the air in excitement. After some minutes of jubilation, he let himself down and he ran out of the court rushing towards the restroom to ease himself. The tension had gotten to him so much while on the court that all he wanted to do was get a relief so bad. Getting done with his business, he stepped into the gym to find the rest of his teammates undressing and congratulating themselves.
"You, my man, is the best basketball player ever." His best friend, Aaron complimented while ruffling his hair.
Leo laughed lightly. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without the rest of the team. I need to head out now man, my dad is waiting."
Aaron wiggled his brows. “You are so lucky man. Having parents who celebrate every of your win is divine. My parents are too busy saving lives to save some time for me."
"You should join us then." Leo offered.
"Maybe some other time, I have plans to hang out with the rest of the team!” Aaron did their happy dance.
"Is that how it works now? Jilting your best friend for the team?" Leo taunted.
Making a cute face, Aaron wobbled closer. "You know you are still the queen of my heart. It's a forever thing, baby."
Huffing out a laugh, Leo pushed Aaron away lightly when he tried to kiss him. "Fuck off, man! I can't believe I will be missing out on the free booty dances from the girls tonight." Leo whined.
What he enjoyed the most about being a famous basketball player in the school is the girls attention he gets after every win. Even without winning, there are lots of girls willing to give themselves freely to him and he takes advantage of every offer.
"Leo!" Someone called out to him. "Coach wants to see you right now!" He said.
"I guess that's my cue to leave. See you tomorrow at Derrick’s party, man!" Leo mused, slapping Aaron on the back.
"I heard the party will be the best of the year. I can't wait to burn off some calories." Aaron winked.
Leo made an irritated face while trying to hide his grin. "You are so out of it! Just be sure to leave out the best girls for me!" He muttered while wiggling his brows as he made his way out of the gym to the coach's office.
Knocking on the door, he turned the doorknob and then peeped in. "You called for me, coach?"
The bald headed handsome looking coach smiled brightly at Leo. "Come on in, my boy. How are you feeling after facing off the toughest team so far?"
He smiled tightly. “It was cool I guess. Myself and the rest of the team tried our best and I am glad we did well in the end."
"Always the humble one." Coach noted laughing. "Anyways I called you because playoffs have been scheduled for each athletic team in the school where different college sport officials will come around to pick those who they think will be best to be granted scholarship to their school. And I think this is the best opportunity for you to be the best in the game. I know you have nothing to worry about in terms of funding your college admission but getting picked by a prestigious college sport board will give you a head on into the NBA. I know for sure that you will get there, that is how good you are, Leo."
Leo had a reclusive expression on his face as he nodded in response. "Thank you for considering me coach. But I don't think I have that much expectation from playing basketball, coach. This is just something I love to do as it keeps me sane."
"Yes, it's your passion which is why you need to follow it up more!" Coach pressed on.
His phone rang from his bag. "I need to go now, coach. My dad is waiting to get me. Thanks for considering me. I will see you at practice." Leo said walking out of the office.
He tried not to think of anything as he walked out of the sport complex. Somehow he could feel those shy pair of eyes burning holes inside of him. He turned his head sharply to see her face and in an attempt to act oblivious she had bumped into someone who had an opened juice bottle in hand. Leo shook his head at the clumsiness and he made his way to the park.
His father stood by the car with his arms outstretched at the sight of him. "That's my champ. Come here son." Ethan laughed heartily.
Leo walked into his arms, hugging him shortly. "You drove yourself?" He asked, wondering where his personal driver was at.
"I just thought it would be nice to have a nice ride with you and since we would be meeting up with your mom and sister." He explained.
"I know Evelyn loves me and I respect that. But she isn't my mom, dad. Can you stop calling her that?"
Ethan chuckled awkwardly. “That was a slip of the tongue. Let's just go. I am sure you are famished just as I am." He said going to the driver's side.
Leo kept mute all through the ride to the restaurant. He does love his stepmother, Evelyn has proven herself to be sweet and endearing. But that doesn't stop the fact that his parents had to get divorced because of her. Even though it has been over a decade, whenever he sees her and his father play the couples who are madly in love with each other, it makes Leo wish it was his mother instead. It was all in the past, but hard to let go.
Glancing to the side, Ethan felt guilty at the look on his son's face. He shouldn't have tagged Evelyn as his mom. Leo can be very sensitive when he wants to. Despite his busy schedules, Ethan always cancels out his meetings just to catch up with every game Leo is involved in. It was his own way of filling in as an absent parent. His ex-wife and Leo's mother, Grace, can't stand much of Evelyn's presence which is why she can't be around much. Despite his frequent holidays to his mother, Leo doesn't seem satisfied with her evident absence.
"So, have you thought about spending your summer at the company? You will get to learn as much as you can before heading for college." Ethan said keeping his eyes on the road.
Not blinking, Leo kept his eyes glued to the window. "I haven't decided yet."
"Listen son, this is the best time to learn. You are my heir and the oldest at that, there is only little your sister can handle. I need you to start paying more attention from now on. Tomorrow is a weekend, how about you take a tour of the company with me then?"
"I have a party to attend tomorrow, dad." He replied, turning to look at his father. He remembered his manners. "I would do that some other time." He mumbled.
Ethan nodded with a stiff smile. “Sure, you have every time in the world. It's okay." He noted.
Leo heaved a sigh as he pulled out his phone to respond to the sultry texts from the girls congratulating him for doing so well on the court. It brought a satisfying grin to his face, his entire life wasn't so bad after all.
Chapter 3 The House PartyMILLER’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.Abigail raced down the stairs and almost fell flat on her face in anger. "Hell no, dad! I want to go to the party. I am old enough to attend, why are you doing this to me?" She grumbled like someone about to wail loudly.Noah crossed his legs as he balanced on the couch. "Even if you would go, there is a need for you to be under guidance. If anything goes wrong I won't be able to forgive myself.""But dad—“"That's enough, Abby.” Emma chipped in giving her daughter a curt look. "You should listen to your dad."Stomping her feet stubbornly on the hard floor, tears laced Abigail's eyes. "Please, daddy."Emma looked towards her husband pleading silently. "Please, just trust her to handle herself. She has always been careful."Glancing at her with a hint of irritation, Noah sucked in a loud breath. "I will let you if Darby goes with you.""What?!” Both mother and daughter chorused."Why would you want to do that?" Emma inquired looking
Chapter 4 Truth or DareHOUSE PARTY, LOS ANGELESLeo seemed to be having loads of fun. Despite the fact that he isn't the host of the party, the attention was more drawn to him. The perks of being handsome, famous and wealthy. Darby's heart clenched at the seductive sight. Getting a hold of herself, she went to find a seat. It shouldn't be a surprise seeing Leo in the state.Everyone knows he is a playboy and no one gets to him easily. Ever since Darby got to know him, the longest time Leo had spent with a particular girl was a month and she was the leader of the cheerleading team at the time. The moment his eyes caught another interest, he dumped her immediately. Most major girls fights that has occurred in the school and led to several of them getting suspended was because of Leo. Still girls still throw themselves at him shamelessly.Darby scoffed at her own pathetic self, she is just the same as those girls. Just because she lacks the courage to throw herself at him doesn't make h
Chapter 5 The BlowjobGREENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, LOS ANGELES.The entire school was booming with gossip, each person had someone whispering in their ears. Darby didn't seem to care much, her head was in the clouds and all she could think about was the best night of her life. The first time she felt cherished by someone. All through the time she was in Leo's arms, he kept talking to her like they were actual lovers. He even went ahead to seek advice about his career, whether to choose basketball or focus on his father's business.Darby was too preoccupied with just listening to him that she didn't care to give him any voice of reasoning. She didn't think someone like her would have any advice to offer a person like Leo who has life bowing at his feet. Within the next two hours spent at the party, the both of them had sex two different times. She had to rush out when the time for them to leave was up and Abigail was totally wasted by the time Darby got to her. That night when they got home
Chapter 6 A cancer patientGREENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, LOS ANGELES.Leo had a plastered grin on his face as he made his way to the gym. He didn't think having sex with someone so random will make his heart flutter. Since he spent the night with Darby, he found himself feeling the need to talk to her again. She had left the moment he slept off which prevented him from getting her contact. There is a different aura that she emitted when they were together and it was starting to feel like he has a known her since forever. He would love to meet with her again and probably get to spend some quality time with her and get to know her. It feels like he already met his future partner. This thought made him break into a loud chortle. Aaron met him halfway. "Is everything alright with you, man? What's with the sudden laugh?" His friend asked.Leo shook his head as he entered the gym. Everyone appeared busy getting their body in check. He walked towards the locker to change after greeting the guys.
Chapter 7 His denialFEW WEEKS LATERSGREENVILLE HIGH SCHOOLDarby stared hard at the pregnancy test kit in her hand, she didn't want to believe that a living being was growing inside of her. She had been dealing with heartbreak for about three weeks since her encounter with, Leo. Moreover, because her dreams of having him ask her out to prom or the both of them getting to talk more and get closer was all in shambles when he didn't even acknowledge her presence when they bumped into each other some days after their intimate moments.She felt like dirt. Her mother was probably right about her being jinxed and that no one wants to have anything to do with her. Not even the one who appeared to be a bit interested in her. She must have misunderstood his intentions. It would have been best if things didn't result to this. All through the final papers, Darby had a hard time concentrating as she was down with fever. Thinking it was just that, it took her some days to notice that her period
Chapter 8 The good, the bad and the uglyMILLER’S HOME, LOS ANGELES."What are you talking about, Abigail?" Noah asked as he removed his reading glasses and placed it gently on the stool next to him. "Who is pregnant?"Abigail folded her arms against her chest with a defiant look. "Darby of course. She has been sleeping around with different guys in school. It's such a shame to watch."Emma swallowed hard when Noah gave her a knowing stare. "How did you know this?"Searching her bag, Abigail presented the pregnancy test kit. "Darby couldn't hold herself back that she had to run a pregnancy test in school."Snatching it from her, Emma stared hard at the result and her hands shook as she held it. "How dare that wench? How could she do this to me!" She screamed.The door opened and a depressed looking Darby walked in. She looked shocked seeing everyone seated at the same time. "Good evening, mom and dad."Noah glared at her. “What is this that I hear about you being pregnant?" He querie
Chapter 9 The Huge StepMILLER’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.Darby kept turning all through the night till the next morning making her body ache. She couldn't sleep a wink as her mind was plagued with different thoughts. Her discussion with Abigail the previous night made her realize that things might have worked out between herself and Leo if her stepsister didn't get so spiteful and spread rumors about her. At the same time, she has learnt a hard lesson that being loved has to come from within. She has to be her own cheer leader.Would Leo have turned his back against her if he knew the truth? He couldn't even try to figure out the truth and be sure of what he heard about her. Just like her mother treating her as a regretful mistake and not bothering to know her as her biological daughter. It shows how ridiculous the human is.Sitting up, she checked the clock by her bed stand, it was past eight already. She must have slept off in the early hours of the morning. Getting off the bed, she sear
Chapter 10 Zac the saviorFIVE YEARS LATERDARBY’S APARTMENT, SAN FRANCISCO"Easy there, Sinclair. I don't want you having a bruised face!" Darby called out at her four years old son.His nanny, Isabella laughed softly. "He is such an hard worker, so full of life." She noted as the little boy settled to arrange his Legos after jumping off the couch.Smiling to herself, Darby kept arranging the stuffs into the carton. She hates packing so much, but has no other choice but to do it. It has been a long time coming and she has to move on to make a better life for herself and Sinclair.Five years ago, she had left Los Angeles with her few weeks pregnancy to save the life of her innocent child. She had been worried that her decision would flop at first, especially when she faced so much inconvenience during the first three months of her arrival in San Francisco. Darby doubted if she was capable of loving the child she carried. But her doubts were out of the window the first time she met her