Alison Hughes The people in the crowd jumped to their feet raised their fists above their heads and roared Charge Yeah that’s what I’m talking about Sameer grinned and stood raising his fists along with the crowd Play continued and the Gladiators best shooter Rochon started to get hot Rochon the Rockin Roch-Man raining down threes Burying them Shooting the lights out Sameer whipped the crowd into a frenzy Shooting three for seven from downtown Better outside shooting percentage than Kobe Bryant last night We’ll take it Oh yes we’ll take that three thank you very much Oh wait what’s this The Bobcats coach has just wisely called a time-out Yes sir smart plan Sameer nodded at the other coach who ignored him He’s gotta stop the bleeding Because these Gladiators your Gladiators are on fire The crowd cheered as both teams jogged in to their benches Great job guys he called after flicking off the mic Blaring music filled the gym and the cheer team ran in to execute a complicated routine 6
kings of the court Vijay ran over to Sameer and Gracie His helmet wobbled perilously as he ran Hi guys he said looking only at Gracie Your helmet’s crooked there tough guy Gracie laughed and turned away to talk to a friend Vijay dumped his sword and shield on the ground and pulled off his gladiator helmet Sameer and Vijay had spent a whole evening making it covering an old bike helmet in duct tape and tinfoil and glue-gunning a yellow sponge-mop head along the top Vijay reached behind Sameer and grabbed Sameer’s hoodie to wipe his sweaty face Okay that’s disgusting protested Sameer looking up from studying the score sheet He snatched his hoodie back Vijay grinned showing gums and a line of big front teeth Hot in this thing Like hot hot He gestured down at the peeling silver tunic someone had donated from an old Halloween knight’s costume He was wearing it over his regular gym clothes Speaking of your gladiator costume Vijay Sameer said couldn’t you maybe wear black 7
Alison Hughes shorts and a black shirt Or red I mean team colors are black and red Those green shorts that yellow shirt He shook his head dismissively Unprofessional Plus they stink Just saying Yeah yeah whatever Vijay wasn’t listening So Sameer he said his eyes snaking sideways to look at Gracie has she mentioned me Like at all In any way Oh yeah Vijay You’re all we’ve been talking about said Sameer sarcastically It’s just been Vijay this and Vijay that Look we’re in the middle of a basketball game if you haven’t noticed I’m working okay I’m working too said Vijay leaning in annoyingly close and breathing in Sameer’s ear Working on loooove Go said Sameer batting him away Vijay grinned then jumped as Coach Boss’s clipboard hit the wall behind him Man he’s throwing things now Vijay looked over his shoulder with alarm at the huddled Gladiators and the huge ranting man I mean not just screaming like usual Wait aren’t we winning Vijay checked the scoreboard even though Sameer 8
kings of the court was nodding Yeah we’re winning Rochon was raining them in there Sameer shook his head He’s a terrible coach No clue how to motivate players how to use their strengths Just rant and rave shame and blame Only ever plays five maybe six guys even if they’re dog-tired like now And look at the talent we have on the bench Sameer was interrupted by the whistle ending the time-out Go Vijay Shoo Vijay had already turned to Gracie Guess I gotta get back to my fans he said grinning at Gracie and her friend Simone He put his hand to his ear Hear that The crowd’s calling me Calling their number one Gladiator Got to gladiate He picked up his sword and shield shoved on his helmet gave a corny salute and ran off to lead the crowd in the GLAD-I-A-TORS cheer Each of the four sections of the bleachers had a syllable and Vijay conducted them like a maniac running up and down first slowly then with increasing speed until it all broke loose into laughter and applause and foot stomping Such a goof said Simone 9
