Whisper (part 27)
Markov Pelegrin dodged to the right, then switched left. He spun around. Mark kept on him with his arms wide. Demetrius Brown began sprinting from around the free-throw line. Markov lept into the air escalating away from the basket. Brown and Mark attempted to swat at the ball and block his vision. Markov let the ball fly at the height of his jump. It sailed in a graceful arc and swooped through the net without hitting the rim.
Markov began strutting around like a teenager. He was impersonating a chicken walk. “That's right boys. This is what happens when you mess with the Markovator!” Demetrius scoffed and said “Aw come on man that was some bullshit!”. Mark laughed and retrieved the ball.
He stepped up to the line and they came charging at him. He was about to take a three-pointer when he noticed Raine sitting at a bench across the gym reading a book. She looked up at him and her eyes beckoned. He took the shot. Demetrius seemed to fly from his position near the corner of the lane. He swatted the ball in the air and it sailed into the wall. “Get out of here!” he shouted. “Ohhhh! That was sick dude!” Markov said.
Markov turned and looked at Raine. Her head was glued to the book as if she hadn't noticed. Demetrius laughed, clapped Mark on the shoulder, and went to get the ball that was rolling toward the opposite end of the court. Markov walked toward Raine and began drinking from a water fountain nearby. He finished and stood facing her.
Mark watched in silence. His heart began to increase its tempo. “What are you reading? Anything good?” Markov said. She kept her gaze directed on the book. “It's a favorite of mine. It's called the Wheel of Time” she said. Mark and Demetrius walked over to get a drink. “Wheel of Time huh? Well, if you're down for lunch sometime, you could be the wheel of mine.” Markov said. He beamed. Raine laughed and gave him a mocking smile. “Hilarious. How long did that take you to come up with?”. Mark evaporated.
His heart was beating so fast now it seemed to be restricting airflow. His face flushed and his temples were searing. He tried to calm himself. He kept a steady breath and became mindful of a rebellion going on in his body. It was more like a revolution at this point and his mindfulness wasn't containing anything.
“Markov why don't you stick to something you're good at.” he said, “like being a douche-bag.” Demetrius chortled. Markov turned around. There was a smug grin crossing his entire face. “Why don't you go back and get destroyed by Demetrius some more. You could use some practice kid.”
Mark had enough. He shoved Markov hard. He flew back into the wall and banged his head. “Mark what the hell!” Raine shouted. Markov clenched his fists and arched his shoulders. He lunged forward at Mark but stopped himself. His smile resumed. There was an element of glee this time.
“Mark chill out dude what the hell's your problem?
Calm down bruh.
No need to get emotional.
We're all friends here.”
Mark constrained himself and began turning away. “Fuck off.” he said. And walked out of the gym without looking back at any of them.