AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He should have apologized. In class. He should have said something.
Yeah, and how would that go? I’m sorry I stopped those douchebags.
He scanned the bleachers, as if he could have missed a lone girl sitting there while he shot baskets.
Empty.
Gabriel shook it off. “‘Sup, Simon.”
The kid grinned and held out a fist like he had yesterday.
Gabriel hit it. “How was practice?”
Simon lost the smile. His face was flushed from the run, and with the sudden darkness in his eyes, it made him look angry.
“Not good, huh?” said Gabriel.
Simon signed something furiously.
Gabriel frowned. “Dude. I’m sorry, I ”
Simon made a frustrated noise, then a gesture that didn’t need much translation. Forget it. He tossed the ball to Gabriel and turned away.
“Hey,” said Gabriel. Simon kept walking, and it took Gabriel a moment to realize that the other boy couldn’t hear him.
He jogged a few steps and caught him by the arm.
Simon swung around. His eyes were red.
Gabriel fished his cell out of his pocket and held it out.
“Here. Text it.”
Simon’s eyes widened. He took the phone and worked the buttons like his thumbs were on fire.
Then he held it out. Gabriel read.
I can practice, but can’t play. Coach says liability.
Gabriel frowned, but he understood. If Simon couldn’t hear, how could the coach call plays? How could the other kids get his attention on the court? He wouldn’t hear a whistle or the buzzer.
Simon took the phone from him again.
I’m good. Not a liability.
Gabriel smiled.
Simon took the phone a third time.
I just want to play.
Gabriel lost the smile. He understood that.
“You’re good?” he said.
Simon clenched his teeth and nodded.
Gabriel slid the phone into his pocket and tossed the ball back at Simon. “Prove it.”
