Kay, J.J. and I are hanging out in Kay's dorm room. It’s pretty late in the evening, but I haven’t seen these two very much this week, so I'm taking advantage of the time I do have with them. They’ve been even busier with basketball than usual.

It's given me some time to think about stuff with Kay, and I ultimately decided I'm just going to keep on living my life as normal. If she does like me, she'll tell me one day. And I'll cross that bridge if and when we come to it. Worrying about it constantly doesn't do any good.

When the three of us hang out, it’s usually in Kay’s room. While my room was suggested once, I managed to deflect the issue by pointing out Kay and J.J. 's rooms are bigger and nicer since they live in the recently constructed athletic dorms.

Of course, the real reason I don’t want the three of us hanging out in my room is because I think of that as the new ‘Alphabet Girls’ headquarters, and to me that means it’s only a place for Kay and I to spend time together.

Yeah, it’s definitely childish. But I have very strong feelings about the issue.

It’s not that I don’t like J.J. I definitely do. I think of her as a good friend. But I sometimes feel like she’s getting in the way of Kay and I having some alone time together. Like, right now J.J. is sitting next to her on the bed and there’s no room for me, so I’m sitting in the desk chair on the other side of the room. I should be the one on the bed next to Kay! I’ve known her longer. She’s MY best friend! And J.J. sees her at practice all the time! I've barely seen her this week. I want a turn!

Ugh, more childish thoughts. What’s wrong with me? I guess it’s just another childhood friend thing. It was always the two of us back then. But still, I didn’t know I would be this possessive. I need to work on that. At least I’m self-aware.

Just as I’m bemoaning my immature way of thinking about my friendship with these two girls, Kay says something that catches my attention.

“We’ve been practicing extra because we have our first game next week. Well, sort of.”

I laugh, “What does ‘sort of’ mean?”

J.J. replies, “Well, it's a scrimmage, so it isn’t an official game. Just sort of an exhibition to give both teams some practice before the real season starts next month.”

Kay nods, “Yeah, so that’s what I mean by ‘sort of.’ It’s just for fun, basically.”

J.J. crosses her arms and sighs, “ Plus , it’s against a team we have no hope of beating.”

Kay scoffs and looks more annoyed than I've ever seen her. She gives J.J. a light shove and says, “Don't say that !”

Feeling a strong desire to side with Kay here I say, “Yeah, why wouldn't you be able to beat them?”

J.J. looks at Kay and then at me, “Well, there's some chance, I guess. But it's a scrimmage because they are on a whole ‘nother level from us. They are from a much bigger school with lots more money, which means they usually get the better players. They play in a league with other big state schools, and we play in a league with much smaller regional schools.”

I cross my arms in solidarity with Kay and confidently say (despite having no idea what I'm talking about), “Well I think you're going to win!”

Kay nods at me confidently, causing Jazmin to sigh “I guess it would be pretty cool if we did. But I wouldn’t get your hopes up.”

----------------------------------------

It’s the day of the scrimmage. I'm pretty excited to finally see Kay play, even if it isn't a real game. I'm meeting up with the two of them after the game, and I'm looking forward to being able to talk about basketball more than usual. I'm definitely going to keep my eyes open for that ‘pick and roll’ thing.

I just walked into the basketball arena and I’m pretty disappointed by what I see. There are maybe 20 people seated in an arena that can hold several thousand.

I know it’s a scrimmage or whatever. But don’t people want to see them play?

Of course, I guess I’m kind of a hypocrite. It's not like I’ve gone to any of the football games and I wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for my friends.

As I try to decide where to sit from among the many empty seats, I see a familiar face in the sparsely populated arena. One I am surprised to see.

He’s sitting alone down near the court, which I was thinking I’d do anyway, so I could get a good view of my friends. I walk down the stairs and approach the man I recognize and say, “Can I sit here, sir?”

He looks up at me and raises his eyebrows and then smiles, “Sure, Ms. Jimenez.”

“Thank you, Dr. Aines.” I sit down next to him, making sure to leave a seat in between. It would be kind of weird if I insisted on sitting right next to him. I mean, I have talked to him after class a few times, but that doesn't seem like ‘sitting right next to one another' status. Especially with so many empty seats.

Once I get settled I ask, “Um…what are you doing here?”

I wince when I realize how rude that probably sounds.

He dryly responds, “I'm at a basketball game. At the university where I teach. Is it really that surprising?”

I feel my face flush out of embarrassment, “N-no. I guess not. But it's a scrimmage and not many people are here. You and I alone are like 10% of the audience. Do you really like basketball or something?”

He laughs, “I really, really do. All sports really. I played most of them in high school and I even played a bit of basketball when I was in college, but as a walk-on. I think I played for all of 9 minutes in 4 years.” He laughs.

I don’t know what a walk-on is. But it sounds like it means he was mostly a benchwarmer. Still, he was good enough to be on a university basketball team. I certainly didn’t expect that, although I suppose he IS tall.

Apparently I can't hide my surprise, because he sighs, “You thought all I ever do is study and teach ancient and medieval history, didn't you?”

I smile bashfully, “N-no I…well…um…kind of. I'm realizing how dumb that is now. It's not like all I do is go to your class.”

He laughs, “It's okay. I'm really going to shock you now, though. Are you ready?” He grins playfully and I nod.

“In addition to being a professor, I'm also the radio voice for both men and women's basketball for the university. I call all the games.”

“That…actually isn't too surprising.”

He laughs, “Really?”

“I mean, if you started with that it would have shocked me. But now that I know you like sports and played college basketball, it makes perfect sense. You definitely have a voice for radio. It's part of what makes your lectures so good.”

“Thank you. I'm glad you enjoy them. It is pretty unusual to be both a tenured professor and a sports announcer though. I think I’m the only one in the country.”

“Oh. Well, that’s pretty cool, then!” I notice he has a spiral notebook open in his lap, “So you're here to watch the team to get to know them?”

“That's right. Get used to their uniform numbers, observe how they play and so forth. Makes my job easier when I start calling the games.” He smiles at me, “Now it's my turn. Why are you here?”

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I do my best to copy the dry tone he used earlier, “I'm a university student. At a basketball game at the university where I study. Is it really that surprising?”

He grins from ear to ear, “I didn't know you were so snarky. You're so well-behaved in class.”

I laugh, “Can I get that in writing? My parents will be thrilled. Well…the well-behaved part. They won’t be surprised that you think I’m snarky.”

He laughs, “Sure. But it is true that I have an unusual reason for being here. What’s yours? Do you really like basketball?”

“I mean…not really, if I'm being honest. I'm a newbie. But I have two friends on the team. My best friend is the starting Center. And um…the other friend is the back-up Point Guard. So I have been learning.”

I hope I said those things right.

His eyebrows shoot up and his eyes may as well have stars in them, “Ah, your best friend is Olson? She's supposed to be the best player on the team. Which is really something for a true freshman.”

I find myself smiling broadly at this news, “Really? That's great! What about um…Juarez?”

“I know less about her, mostly because she’s probably not going to start this year. McCulloh started there last year and played pretty well. But I’m interested to see her too, I’m sure she’ll play some today. I’ve heard she’s got particularly good ball handling skills and speed.”

“Oh um…cool. I haven’t actually seen them play yet myself, so I’m excited.”

He smiles, “Me too.”

…

The game just started. It was oddly thrilling seeing them announce the starting line up and seeing Kay out there in her uniform. I cheered as loud as I could and she looked my way and smiled.

Right now our team has the ball.

The other Point Guard – Peyton McCulloh, I think her name is – is in the game instead of J.J. I find myself watching her closely, mostly so I can see if I recognize the pick and roll from what they explained to me.

Peyton is standing outside of the three-point line with the ball, and she starts to move towards the basket. A defender moves towards her. That defender runs into Kara, and Peyton drives towards the basket and puts in.

I THINK that was the pick and roll. Kay didn’t get the ball, but she blocked the defender with her body and the Point Guard decided to take the shot. I can see how effective it is, especially with how big Kay is. She can cut off defenders easily.

I wish it had been J.J., but I think I get it now. I’m sure Kay will get some points off of it too at some point, especially now that the defender is going to be worried about Peyton.

I realize I have an expert sitting next to me and ask, “That was pick and roll, right?”

Dr. Aines nods with a smile on his face, without pulling his eyes away from the court.

I guess he’s too focused to talk too much right now. But at least I got that right .

As the game continues, I'm shocked by Kara's demeanor on the court, which becomes increasingly intense. She's almost a different person. Her normally bright blue eyes have taken on a dull glint, and her ever present and welcoming smile has transformed into an intimidating scowl.

Her muscular body, which I'm used to seeing fairly relaxed, now looks very tense. Almost like it's spring-loaded and getting ready to go off.

Just as I'm thinking this, I see it go off. It all happens in a flash, but it somehow also feels like slow motion.

The ball gets stolen from Peyton, and the player who took it is making a mad dash for the other basket. But the player with the ball doesn't know Kay is dashing after her.

How is she that fast when she's so big?

As the opposing player slows down to lay the ball up, Kay leaps in the air and slaps the ball away. The ball goes into the stands. The girl who was trying to make the shot is so surprised by Kay that she falls to the ground, hard.

When Kay’s feet hit the floor, she flexes and roars, without any concern for the girl on her back.

I start to feel very uncomfortable. Like I don't know this person who I thought I knew so well.

Luckily, the girl's teammates help her up and she looks okay.

The rest of the game doesn't do anything to quell a growing feeling of discomfort. Kay continues to be aggressive and not be very concerned for the well-being of her opponents. There are several other plays where she overpowers them, and they end up on their back.

Most of the plays don't result in fouls or anything, so I guess she isn't being overly physical or violent, but I still don't like what I see.

This isn't the sweet, gentle Kay that I know.

I…I don't know if I like this side of her. And why has she been hiding it from me?

…

The scrimmage is over. Our team only lost by 4, and Kay (if that's who that really was) played really well. I didn't count, but on almost every play it seemed like she was scoring, blocking, taking care of a defender in a pick and roll, or getting a rebound. She was all over the place despite also being the biggest girl out there. It sure didn't look like she was from a smaller school.

She was the single most dominant player in the game according to Dr. Aines, who spoke enthusiastically about her after the game.

I had a hard time enjoying it myself, though. I'm still too shocked about seeing what Kay is like when she plays basketball.

Still, I go and wait outside the locker room like I told them I would. I find myself waiting for a while, and it gives me time to think.

I hate to say it, but if all Ella knew about Kay is how she is on the court, I can kind of understand her thinking she is a scary person. Of course, that doesn't make her any less of a bigot.

I shake my head at myself, annoyed that I am once again allowing my horrible neighbor to affect how I think about my best friend.

I just need to figure out who the real Kay is. Because right now I am shaken to my core.

...

J.J. comes out first with a small smile on her face, “Well…we didn't win, but we made them work for it. And that's enough for me.”

I nod silently in response.

She studies me for a moment, “Everything…okay? You look…out of sorts. Is it because we lost? Don't take it so hard. They are a Division I team. Losing to them by four as a DII team is a victory.”

I shake my head, “I-it's…not that.”

Jazmin looks confused. And then, lost in thought. But after another minute she asks, “Was that your first time seeing Xena?”

I give her an exasperated sigh, “I don't know what that is. Is that a basketball thing?”

She laughs, “Kind of, yeah. Was that your first time seeing Kara play?”

I nod.

“Ah, is that what’s got you rattled?”

I nod again.

She laughs, “I can understand that, then. Kara is like…a different person on the court. We call that side of her ‘Xena.’”

“Xena?”

“Yeah - you know, that show about an Amazon warrior woman from a few years back?”

“Ohh…that does sound vaguely familiar. So…Kay is like an Amazon warrior when she plays? I…can see how that fits. I-it was-”

“Kind of scary, right?”

“Y-yeah…I didn't even know she had that in her.”

Jazmin nods, “When I first met Kara it was off the court, and I was thinking ‘this girl is big and athletic, but there's no way a girl this sweet and timid can play Center.’ It’s a super physical position where you really have to go after people, you know?”

I nod.

“And then I played against her and saw how wrong I was. Got my shot blocked right into my face.” She flinches, probably remembering the incident, “It's a pretty intense contrast.”

“It is.” I exhale, “But she's only like that on the court?”

“Oh yeah. Once we were done with practice she was the one who kept getting me ice for my cheek, and she kept checking on me to make sure I was okay. So yeah, she's just a big teddy bear when we aren't playing. But you of all people know that, don't you? I hear you snuggle that teddy bear sometimes.”

I feel my face get hot and I look away, “Sh-she told you about that!?”

It was only once! Last time we took a nap together I woke up all snuggled into her. She wasn't awake yet, so I didn't think she knew. This…complicates things.

J.J. laughs, “Yep. She talks about you a lot actually.” I must look as uncomfortable as I feel because J.J. puts her hand on my shoulder.

I look up in response and she says, “Sorry. I shouldn’t give you a hard time right now. I can tell you're freaked out. The point here is…you know she's not like that off the court. So…don't worry.”

I give a relieved sigh, “You're right.” I look down and think for a moment, “This whole time I've been thinking she hasn't changed much since we were little. And who she is off the court hasn't really. But…the little girl I knew could never have been Xena.”

J.J. tilts her head, “Is that a bad thing?”

I shake my head and smile, “No. It isn't. Change can be good. I'm really happy she found basketball and is so good. But…I never ever want to play basketball against Xena.”

J.J. chuckles wryly, “Tell me about it. She's a starter and I'm a back-up, so I have to play against her a lot in practice.”

I pat her on the shoulder, “Good luck with that. I'll pray for you.”

J.J. cracks up laughing, which gets me laughing too. In the midst of our laughter, Kay comes out of the locker room. I'm relieved she looks like her usual self, and not ‘Xena.’

She looks uneasy as she adjusts the gym bag over her shoulder, “What are you two laughing about?”

J.J. just keeps laughing so I say, “Well, I met Xena today. And J.J. told me about the first time you blocked one of her shots.”

Kay’s face instantly flushes and she frowns at her teammate, “Wh-why did you have to tell her about those things!?”

Jazmin finally pulls herself out of the laughter and flatly says, “Dude, she just saw you play basketball like an absolute monster . Not like it's a secret you were different out there. All I told her was our nickname for you.”

Kay sighs and looks down at her feet and clasps her hands together behind her back.

I can tell she's feeling very worried about letting me see that part of her. And I was pretty freaked out for a bit, but she doesn't need to worry. J.J. talked me down.

Plus, any other doubts I have evaporate as soon as I see how cute and embarrassed she is about me seeing that side of her.

She's still the Kay I know and love. And she needs me to comfort her.

I lightly take her hand, and she looks up at me with a smile when I do, so I smile back at her, “Hey, Xena is really cool! It was amazing seeing you out there. You played great.”

She smiles a little wider, “Th-thanks. I wish we would have won…but it was really fun.”

As the three of us get ready to head back to the dorms I say, “Xena is cool, but don't bring her out when we play HORSE, okay? I don't think I would survive.”

She laughs, “I won't.”

J.J. adds, “Do you think you could dial her back a bit in practice, too?”

Kay claps her large hand on J.J.’s back and happily responds, “Nope!”

J.J. shrugs and looks at me, “It was worth a shot.”