PROLOGUE

15 years old  

Stella  

“Let's go Stella or we are going to be late”, my father called from downstairs.  

“Just a second Dad” 

 Today is the last day of our charity basketball match and I have every intention of winning it. This match is different from other tournaments because usually there are separate men and women teams but as this is a charity event for Iowa Foundation, we have boys and girls in a single team. It's a three days event and the charity go for sports scholarships.  

I descended the stairs and came to a stop when I watch two of my brothers fighting for TV remote and the other one silently just sitting and watching them. Typical boys. I decided to just left them as they are and leave before it gets too late.  

My dad was waiting for me on the porch and his face lights up when he sees me approaching.  

“Are you ready, pumpkin?” my dad asked.  

“Yes, I am and please don't call me that anymore dad. I am fifteen.” 

 He chuckled and said, “You will always be my pumpkin. Now let's go and beat their asses.” 

 “Are we allowed to say asses now?” I whisper.  

“As long as your mom doesn't hear.”, we both laughed and get in the car.  

The drive was silent as I was in my mind and thinking about the match. It's not like this is a very important match or some kind of a competition. It's just a friendly game for the charity but the problem is just one person. Last year, we got to the third day but lost just because of a dirty hit to our small forward by this one person from our rival high school. He had always played dirty and had drawn several penalties. It would not be a surprise if he does something like that today also. But I am more than prepared to kick his ass and win this match with my best friend.  

Oh sorry! Did I tell you about my best friend? Marcus or as I call him Mark is the bestest best friend in this whole world. I had known him since childhood as our parents are old friends but our connection is just like soulmates. But like friend soulmates, if that even make any sense. 

 “Earth to pumpkin", dad’s voice startles me and we are in front of the building of basketball court. 

 “Sorry dad, just lost in some thoughts.”  

“Yeah I can see that. Just don’t stress over this match. It's just a charity game not like this is going to decide your future in NBA.”, he laughed and some of the tension leaves my shoulder. 

 “I think you are right.” 

 “I am always right kid. Now let’s go and start warming up.”  

We both make our way to the arena and watch other players also come by. Basketball is the most important thing in my life after my family and I want to make a career out of it. My dad is a former soccer player and he is very respected in the sports community. He is also my biggest supporter. I want to make him proud with my achievements. 

 I spotted Mark practicing dribbling in the middle of the court with two balls. I left my bag with my dad and join him.  

He grins when I approach him and said, “Hey Stella.”  

“Hi Mark. How's practice going?” 

 “Good. Join me?”  

“Nah. I am gonna go there and practice shooting some three pointers.” 

 “’Kay. I will join you after few minutes.” 

 “No problem. Keep going.” 

 I warm up, do some stretching and practice few shoots. Then the referee came and asks us to clear the court as match was going to start. That's when I see him.  

Daniel Martin. 

 Shooting guard of our rival school. Dirty player with dirty tactics. Also fucking giant even for a teen basketball player. Don't get me wrong. He is a good player with amazing techniques and could become a future NBA star if keep on his records like this.  

But the problem is his big ego and the way he thinks he is the most important person in the room and we are just tiny little servants waiting for his order. He also sometimes gets violent on court and start fighting which eventually leads to a penalty.  

“Team A with captain Ezzy Heath and Team B with captain Daniel Martin line up please.” referee calls out.  

We all 5 players line up with Mark standing to my right. Daniel stands in front of me as we both are shooting guards for our respective teams. He caught me as I was staring at him and winks at me with a stupid smirk on his face. I roll my eyes and looked away. Referee checks us for any illegitimate items and after that he blows the whistle and game starts. 

 Halfway through the game, the score is 3-2 and we are one point behind. A perfect opportunity came as our small forward fakes a pass to Mark and then pass it over to me. I make the way to the three pointer to shoot from there. 

 Just as I jump from the ground and take the position to shoot, a very heavy body slams into me from my right side and I fell awkwardly with my hand beside my head and unbearing pain shoots from my right ankle. I knew I had just fucking torn some major tissue and am going to be away from the game for almost half a year now. 

 But the one person I saw before losing my consciousness was the only one person from whom I had already expected something like this and I know from this moment that I can never like him.