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.

And outside, as he was about to get in his car, he heard someone calling out to him. He briefly turned and saw Sierra running towards him. She was such a warm sight under this shady weather. She stopped, took a moment of respite and said, "Thank God I caught up with you!" She raised his coat, "You forgot this."

He never forgot. He just didn't want to disturb the principal who had been too happy at that moment, "They could have sent a student for that."

"I did the bad thing of reminding the principal about your coat." She remembered the terrified face of the principal as she had said so. James turned his back to her much to her astonishment and she felt compelled to make him wear it. She slowly said, holding her breath, "What you did for Jace and his friends was heroic."

After this strenuous activity, how could that man still be impeccable? He didn't look tired at all. His hair was tousled though and she just wanted to run her fingers through them to smoothen them. A breeze whooshed across them and she got a whiff of his cologne.

He pursed his lips, "I couldn't let that idiot of teacher lower my son's moral with his words. His behavior was unacceptable. My managers will have a word from me for hiring such a brute."

She instinctively moved beside him, held his tie and tightened it gently, flattening it on his chest. Her hand lingered a few seconds longer on that soft fabric. He watched her as she paused, wanting to draw her closer to take in that fragrance. What perfume was she wearing? It didn't seem to be some cheap ones.

She then buttoned up his coat as she looked at him, "Now it's fixed. You should stay a little bit more. You know...share a slice of pizza with Jace...This is a father's and a son's victory."

He had a sudden wish to hold her hand, "I have work elsewhere, Ms Danvers. That is, unless you want me to stay."

She released him, her heart leaping in her chest, "No...that's not what I meant."

"Then we're clear. Good day to you." He entered the backseat of his car and the driver drove away. And instead of turning back, she watched it go as his managers' cars followed and when they were out of sight, she shook herself. God knew when she'd see him now.

She needed to stop day-dreaming like that, she thought as she quickly made her way back inside.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jace lingered behind the gang as he brought his lighter to light the cigarette between his lips. Those ducks were still quacking so loudly even long after their victory and he just wanted a moment of respite now.

Sam slowed down to dawdle by his side and said as he snatched the device, "Yo, put that back. We're still in school, bro."

Jace only glared at him and Sam slowly returned the lighter, knowing he shouldn't mess with him. He said, "We're picking up some girls and heading to the club, you coming?" The routine.

Jace spotted a familiar figure coming out of the building's main door and he answered, "Not interested. I easily get bored."

"Ouch. Harsh!" Sam noticed that his attention was focused elsewhere and he grinned, "Bet you $10 you'll not be able to hook up with her."

He arched an eyebrow overconfidently, "Why would I even want to do that? She's not my type."

"Then what are you afraid of?" Sam challenged.

Jace scoffed, handing him the cigarette and patting his shoulder sympathetically, "Make it 20 then."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ileana tightly gripped her books as she made her way outside. Where was she now? She spotted Sierra, leaning against her car, waving towards her. She clumsily waved back, telling her that she was coming. She hurried her pace when she heard a distinctive, "Hey newbie!"

She stopped short. She turned to find out it was none other than Jace. The thought popped in her mind. Was he actually going to call her like this? He ran the remaining distance and stopped right before her, "Slow down, will ya? I got an extra cinema ticket. Come with me?"

How could he just drop an invite like that? She barely knew him. Why the sudden desire to befriend her right now? He could easily give that ticket to another girl. She hesitantly looked towards Sierra, "Sorry. I...I have plans."

"With her? I'm in no mood for jokes...," he waved the ticket, lightly touching her nose, his tone adamant, "...there's a good comedy showing."

She shook her head, stepping back, "Sounds fun but I said I have plans. Bye."

He was also not in a mood for rejection right now, knowing Sam was watching from afar. He held her wrist, stopping her in her track, "Alright I was lying. That's no extra ticket. I bought it for you. I want you to come with us. We're celebrating our victory."

She was stunned. Why would he even want her to be part of that celebration? That made no sense. She didn't even know what to tell him, "Thanks but I can't."

"She'll go." Sierra intervened as she approached, eyeing Jace for a moment.

Ileana was shocked, "What? But?!"

"You can't refuse our champ when he's so kindly offering, Ileana."

Jace smiled innocently, "Now here's a reasonable person. Let's go."

Sierra asked before he could even take a step away, "Where's the rest of your friends?"

Jace could feel the overprotectiveness right there. "They're already at the theatre. The movie starts in fifteen minutes. Don't worry. I'll drop her at your place later. So we good?"

Sierra dismissed with a warning, "Home before 6 though. Alright?"

Jace nodded, "Just chill. We got it."

Sierra sighed heavily, "I trust you'd be good kids. Enjoy yourselves." She waved at them, ignoring Ileana's silent scowl. She just smiled as she walked back to the car. That little introvert needed to get out a bit sometimes. At least, now...she'd take her sweet time to go grocery shopping, something her niece detested.

Ileana reluctantly followed Jace, wondering how Sierra could betray her like that. She really didn't want to go.

Jace said, running his fingers in his hair, "The woman's pretty cool. I thought I'd have to fight her to get you."

She pouted, "Believe me, I'm surprised myself."

He casually asked, "Hey newbie, when you yelled my name at the match—"

She reddened instantly, recalling that humiliating moment, "I didn't mean to shout so loud or distract you!"

He hushed her, not liking to be interrupted, "Did you really believe we'd win?"

She looked away, "I never imagined the possibility where you'd lose. So I guess, yes? You play great. Your team's awesome. And you're really swift and talented."

He grinned, "Keep the compliments coming..."

"Haha. Nah. That's all you'll get for now."

Jace folded the ticket into two and then tore it in tiny little pieces. She widened her eyes as he let the paper confetti fly over a dustbin, "Why did you do that?"

"Because that's not really a ticket?"

She was confused, "But then..."

"Relax, we're still going for a movie. I just needed to convince you that I already had them...and guess what, it worked."

She freaked out, "You lied to us about the tickets! You lied about lying a lie!"

He laughed, "That doesn't even make sense. Just trust me." And that was exactly what she shouldn't do. How could she trust such a maniac?

He stopped by a blue Suzuki and she stepped back, "Wait. We're going on that thing?!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~