Page 126 of Black Hollow: Awakening

The exams were the standard two hours long. Liam left after an hour. Will followed about fifteen minutes later. He was surprised to see Liam waiting outside the classroom.

“Are you busy?” Liam asked.

“No, why?”

“Want to go somewhere?”

Will smiled faintly.

“For a drink?” he asked, almost hopefully.

“For something better.”

Now that was an intriguing offer.

“Okay.”

“Then let’s go.”

They were close to the main doors, but for some unclear reason, Liam led him to an exit near the gym.

“Wait for me on the court, okay?” he asked.

Will agreed. He went outside and wandered around for a moment before hearing the characteristic sound of a ball bouncing on asphalt. He turned to see Liam heading toward him, dribbling.

“So… where are we going?” Will asked uncertainly.

“Here,” Liam announced casually, then stopped at the center line and took a shot.

He made it.

“Impressive,” Will remarked cautiously.

“That?” Liam scoffed. “What’s impressive is sinking a shot from this distance with a few guys surrounding you. Shooting at an empty hoop is a piece of cake.”

“Uh-huh…” Will cleared his throat, a little confused. “What exactly are we doing?”

“Playing.”

“You mean you have practice?”

“Nope.” Liam laughed quietly. “Playing with you.”

Will looked at him like he was crazy.

“I don’t know how.”

“Everyone knows how to play basketball.”

“Not at your level.”

Liam shrugged.

“I’ll adjust.”

“Liam…” Will began slowly, thinking to himself that this was absolutely, definitely not better than a drink. “I don’t know if you remember, but I’m not exactly at full strength.”

“And you still have to take it easy?”