Chapter 6: Basketball Try-Outs

Aaron, Kyle and Paul entered the gym for Basketball Try-Outs in mid-November. Aaron was dressed up in a green t-shirt and black shorts with a white stripe going down the side, along with black and white basketball shoes. Kyle was dressed up in an orange t-shirt, red shorts, and black and red basketball shoes. And Paul was dressed up in a black t-shirt, blue shorts, and black and blue basketball shoes. And there were a lot of other students trying out for the Basketball Team.

"Wow," Aaron said. "There are a lot of other students wanting to join the basketball team."

"You got that right, Aaron," Paul said. "Remember, we're joining the Jr Varsity for the first two years of High School. Then we'll move onto Varsity when we reach Junior Year."

"I actually can't wait to wear one of those Varsity Jackets," Kyle said. "So, what are you and Smolder gonna do for Thanksgiving, Aaron?"

"We're gonna be heading back to Chicago," Aaron said. "After all, that's where my aunt is gonna have her wedding after Thanksgiving. We already talked to the Principal about it."

"So, when are you heading out of town?" Paul said.

"The Tuesday before Thanksgiving," Aaron said.

"Alright, troopers!" came the voice of a grown man. They saw a 6'8" tall, black man wearing a gray t-shirt and red shorts. "I'm Coach Little, and I'm gonna be coaching the Jr Varsity Basketball Team. That is if any of you can join. My practices are no picnic."

"Whoa," Paul said. "He is big."

"Well, we can't be chickening out now," Aaron said. "Let's get to work." Then they started working out on the court. They went down the court and started doing some layups.

Over at a boutique, Smolder, in human form, was getting fitted into a bridesmaid dress. Her bridesmaid dress was sky blue with an orchid purple strap around her waist, and it had a single strap over her left shoulder that had pink and orchid purple stripes over it. Smolder had her arms held out as the seamstress was working on it.

"How long until I have to hold my arms out?" Smolder asked.

"Just a little more, young lady," the seamstress said as she was sewing a pink stripe to the bottom of the dress. "And... done." Smolder then put her arms down.

"Good, because my arms are getting sore," Smolder said. "Good thing I don't have to do any cheerleading until after we get back from the wedding in Chicago."

"That's right, Samantha," came Marissa's voice. She looked towards Marissa and saw her holding her wedding dress that was in a cover so no one could see it. "You look adorable in that dress." She then walked towards Smolder and whispered into her ear. "Imagine what it would look like if there was one made for your dragon form."

"I doubt Rarity would have the proper materials for this," Smolder whispered back. "Especially one that's fireproof."

"Good point," Marissa said. "Now, go change back into your normal clothes while I go to pay for this stuff." Smolder nodded and headed for the dressing room. The seamstress handed Smolder a dress cover with her human name on it for her to put the dress in. Lucky for Smolder, the zipper was on the side of the dress that didn't have a shoulder strap.

Marissa paid for the wedding dress and Smolder's bridesmaid dress. As soon as Smolder was back in her normal attire, she walked over towards Marissa with the bridesmaid dress covered up.

"Alright, let's go," Marissa said. Then she and Smolder headed out of there. Smolder and Marissa headed for the car.

"So, how long are we gonna be in Chicago?" Smolder asked.

"A little over a week," Marissa said. "We'll be spending Thanksgiving there and then we'll have the wedding there after. I already informed the principal of us being out of town the week after Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, you and Aaron will be coming back home here while Liam and I will be on our honeymoon."

"Seriously?" Smolder asked. "You're gonna leave Aaron and I alone in the house?"

"No, actually," Marissa said. "My parents will be watching you two until we get back. Plus, my dad really wants to meet Guy Fieri at your school."

"Meh, I guess that makes sense," Smolder said as she and Marissa were getting into the car. "Hopefully we can get back to the school to see if Aaron, Paul and Kyle got onto the team."

Aaron, Paul and Kyle were practicing their dribbling when they were heading down the court with the others. Coach Little then came up and blew his whistle.

"Alright, you all," Coach Little said. "Get a drink of water." Then everyone started heading to a nearby water fountain. Aaron, Kyle and Paul did a triple fist bump together. Then one other student came up to them. He had light brown shaggy hair, was wearing a blue t-shirt and red shorts, and white and red basketball shoes.

"You three aren't doing so bad," the student said.

"Thanks, Trevor," Paul said. "You're not so bad yourself."

"Because of you three, I'm not the worst one," Trevor said, smugly. Aaron then got angry at that. Just then, Coach Little came up to the three.

"Don't listen to that boy, you three," Coach Little said. "I have to say, you are all doing very well for your first practice."

"Thanks, Coach," Aaron said.

"No problem, Aaron," Coach Little said. "By the way, I was there at that game when you and your Equestrian friends had that charity scrimmage against the Harlem Globetrotters last year. That was an impressive shot you made."

"Had a little help from dragon strength, but that was still a great shot," Aaron said. "Lost by one point, but it was still a great shot."

"You three are gonna make great additions to the team," Coach Little said. "So, get hydrated and get ready for some more drills."

"Got it, Coach Little," Aaron, Paul and Kyle all said in unison. Then they went over to the drinking fountain to get their drinks of water.

The tryouts for the basketball team were coming to a conclusion. Coach Little was checking the stats of the students who were trying out. He had a list of the students performance and their grades as well.

"Okay, students," Coach Little said. "That's it for tryouts. You'll all be e-mailed the results tomorrow morning." Then everyone headed for the car where their families were gonna pick them up. Aaron went over to Marissa's car and got into it.

"So, how was tryouts?" Marissa asked.

"It went alright," Aaron said. "Although, when I get home, I am getting in the shower immediately."

"Good call, 'cause you stink," Smolder said, waving her hand back and forth in front of her face. "You've gotten a real workout."

"Not as bad as when we played against the Harlem Globetrotters," Aaron said.

"Well, we better get home," Marissa said. "When we get home, Aaron, go ahead and get in the shower immediately while I prepare dinner."

Alright, Aunt Marissa," Aaron said. Marissa continued driving the car towards their home.

The next day at school, Aaron and Smolder were getting ready for English Class. That is until Aaron got a message on his watch, saying that the Basketball Team was decided.

"Oh, great," Aaron said. "The decisions have been made." Aaron then brought out his phone and checked out the school website as Smolder looked over his shoulder. Both of them smiled. "Sweet. Paul, Kyle and I are in as well."

"Why would Coach Little let you three in?" came the voice of Trevor. They looked towards the voice and saw him coming towards them. "You three are basically the worst ones on the team."

"You didn't even make one free-throw during try-outs yesterday," Aaron said.

"So, I can totally get better," Trevor said. "Better than you. Let's face it. You're not even good enough to face the Harlem Globetrotters in a scrimmage match."

"Been there," Smolder said.

"Done that," Aaron said.

"Wait, what?" Trevor asked.

"Last year, we did a charity match to earn back money that the old principal of our middle school embezzled from," Aaron said.

"We earned enough money, but lost to the Globetrotters by one point," Smolder said.

"Yeah, right," Trevor said as Aaron was checking the list of who else got on the team. "Like you would ever be as good as the Harlem Globetrotters."

"Oh, we did," Smolder said. "And some of us didn't even know how to play basketball before that game. But we trained for that game and made it big time."

"Yeah, right," Trevor said. "I'm probably gonna be having more court time than this guy."

"Not if you're not on the team," Aaron said. He then showed Trevor the roster. "You've been rejected."

"WHAT?!" Trevor asked. "Why?!" Then Coach Little came up to the three.

"Because of two things," Coach Little said. "One, you haven't made a single shot. And two, your grades aren't all that good. You've flunked most of your classes."

"Damn!" Trevor said. "I really needed a moment of triumph!"

"Try again next year," Coach Little said. He then looked over at Aaron. "Practice is tomorrow afternoon. See you there."

"Of course, Coach Little," Aaron said. "See you tomorrow." Coach Little nodded and walked down the hall.

"Alright, let's go," Smolder said. "English Class is about to start." Then Aaron and Smolder started walking towards English class.

On the weekend, Aaron and Liam were at a Men's Wearhouse getting fitted into tuxedos for Liam and Marissa's wedding. Aaron was shaking a little.

"You okay, Aaron?" Liam asked.

"My legs are a little sore since practice yesterday," Aaron said. "Coach Little gave us all a workout on our first practice."

"Well, you better keep in shape," Liam said. "I'm sure you'll get better."

"I hope so, too," Aaron said. "I've been doing a lot of things over the summer, and it didn't hurt this much."

"Hopefully, there's a place in Chicago where you can get some extra practice for basketball while we're there," Liam said.

"Yeah, I know a place," Aaron said. "I'm gonna need a little help."

"Luckily... your friends from... out of town will be coming with us," Liam said.

"Hopefully, they'll find the proper wear for a wedding," Aaron said.

"I'm sure that certain fashionista will help with that," Liam said.

"Will that be all for you gentlemen?" the seamstress asked.

"Yeah, that'll do it," Liam said. "We should get going. We have to meet the girls at the movie theater at Universal Studios."

"Why at Universal Studios?" Aaron asked.

"You'll see why," Liam said. Aaron and Liam then went to get changed into their normal clothes.

At the movie theater in Universal Studios, Aaron, Smolder, Marissa and Liam were all getting dinner and snacks at the movie theater. They were going to see the movie, The Marvels. Aaron and Smolder were both in human form.

"So, why are we seeing a movie here?" Aaron asked.

"I'm glad you asked, Aaron," Marissa said. "I got a surprise for you." Aaron and Smolder looked up at Marissa. "Universal Studios wants to promote my fashion line in their movies."

Aaron and Smolder went wide-eyed. Aaron then said, "Get out!"

"My fashion line will be promoted on big time movies and it will promote my fashion line to a high level," Marissa said.

"That's amazing, Marissa," Smolder said. "Does that mean that we'll get perks?"

"It sure does," Marissa said, handing Aaron and Smolder some badges. "You'll be able to enter the studios whenever you want to. Only on non-school days of course. And you'll have to pay for your own merchandise or food on your own."

"Good call," Smolder said.

"Maybe we should wait until at least Spring Break to use these passes," Aaron said. "That way, we have a bunch of free time when we come here."

"Oh, good idea," Smolder said. "We can even bring our friends here."

"That gives you both plenty of time then," Marissa said. Then they reached the counter for the concessions. "Hi. Can we have one large popcorn?" Aaron, Smolder and Liam were grabbing some pizza from the rack that kept them warm.

Author's Note

Looks like it's almost time for Marissa and Liam's wedding. And a big step for Marissa's fashion line being promoted. It's gonna be a long trip for Smolder and the Blazer family in Chicago. See you all next time.