“Welcome to college ball, freshman.”  Taunted Charlie as she took out the ball and winked at Brandy.

Brandy’s stomach went mushy at this, which allowed her man to get the ball and head to the other end of the court.  Her player scored at the top of the key with no one in her face.

Bette saw the exchange and immediately felt badly for her new team mate.

“Brandy you wanna play some defense today or what?” Yelled the coached.

Brandy berated herself for being called out, especially so soon after being complimented for her defense on the play before.

“Yes coach.”

Bette just shook her head.

Bette was alone in her room reading when her phone rang.  She smiled upon answering.

“Hey you.”

“Hey babe.  What are you doing?”  Tina asked.

“I’m just getting some reading done.  So how was practice?”

“Great! Our running sessions have really helped me.  I’m keeping up with the older players.  Also in our shooting drill, I had one of the highest made field goal percentages are any freshman is years.” Tina said excited about her accomplishment.  Bette was happy for her.

“Aw T.  I’m proud of you.  So it seems like you are fitting in great.”

“I am.  I do miss you like crazy, but I think this was the better choice for me.  Coach told me they are rebuilding and I am an important part of that.”

“Yeah I agree.  Although we could have used a good shooting guard like yourself, who could also play solid defense.”  Bette said thinking briefly about the young player who came instead of her T.  Brandy isn’t as good as Tina but Bette thinks she can help her.

“Hey.  Where did you go just now?”  Tina asked.

“Huh?”

“You just stopped talking.  What are you thinking about B?”

“Damn, I forgot you’re a mindreader.”  Bette said lovingly.

“Well?”  Tina asked expectantly.

“I was just thinking about one of the newbies on our team.  She’s not as fast as a certain blonde, but with some help I may be able to help her.”

“Oh…So…you wanna take her under your wing?”  Tina asked not really sure how she feels about it.

“Well she is my team mate.  And it will help us to have a strong guard who is able to come off the bench to give our starting point a break.”

“You are a good teacher Bette.  Have you ever thought about being a coach?”

“No not really.  I like being on the court.  I guess I’m just good at assessing a players strengths and weaknesses.”

“All good coaches can.”  Tina said.  “So what are your weaknesses Bette?”

“Besides you T, I can’t think of any.”  Bette said giggling.

“Smoother than ever, I see.”  Tina said laughing at Bette’s confidence.

“All I can be is me baby.  Besides, you love my big head, right?”

“Always.”

“I’ll call you tomorrow after practice.  Ok?”

“Ok.  Bette?”

“Yes.  Just make sure she doesn’t fall in love with you, ok?”  Tina said.

“T you have nothing to worry about.  She already has her eyes on someone else.”

“So did I when we first met.”  Tina said remembering Eric.

“Tina, you are the only one my heart beats for.  No one on my team or at my school can make turn away from what we have.  So don’t worry ok?”

“You’re right Bette.  I’m sorry.  I’ll talk to you tomorrow.  Have sweet dreams ok baby.”

“You too.”

“I love you B.”

“I love you more T.”