Rebound: A 2nd Chance

All of the boys were left speechless after hearing the recording that Jason had saved on his phone. DJ was the first to react as he smiled while shaking his head.

"That AAU clown thought he did his research, but they must have left out some important info if he still decided to mess with you."

Kyle nodded his head enthusiastically "Tell me about it. The first thing you learn about Jaya is how much trouble it is to clash with him."

Vince let out a chuckle "Man, even if he didn't know anything about my boy Jaya personally he shoulda had enough brains to not start anything.

A quick YouTube search woulda shown him everything he needed to know." With a video playing on his phone he slid it to the center of the table.

Everyone began to laugh as the video of Jason and Trell fighting on the first day of school played. Memories began playing back in each of their minds.

And as they thought back to how they had gone from hating Trell because of all his bullying to becoming teammates that would shed sweat and tears out on the court, they couldn't help but look to the person that had impacted their lives so greatly.

But that person himself seemed oblivious to the changes that he had created. Jason finished up the last of his milkshake before letting out a satisfied sigh.

"As soon as we raise up that National trophy, that's when I'll start making some noise. And that's when this AAU clown is going to have to taste his own medicine. Whether he likes it or not."

- - -

The next day. Jason was dressed in black jeans with a rip on his right knee, his shirt was a long black hoodie shirt that went down a few inches past his hips.

And on the front of the shirt was a picture of a skeleton with a creepy smile as it held a basketball with both of his boney hands.

Right under the picture 'And1' was written. Kyle, Cody, and Samantha were all dressed in a similar fashion as they all wore the same shirt.

The four of them were double-checking their clothes and instruments as they prepared for the dance to start.

Since multiple schools wanted to host their dance with Jefferson Middle School principal Morris had to pick a venue big enough to accommodate all the students.

On top of the stage, Jason couldn't help but let out a sigh as he looked out to the huge room that would soon be filled up.

Samantha was in the middle of tuning her guitar when she turned to Jason with a smile on her face "Hehe, and what was that sigh for? Don't tell me Young Buckets is getting cold feet?"

Jason turned his head toward Samantha before rolling his eyes "Me? Getting cold feet?" Kyle laughed from behind his keyboard.

"You should have said something more believable Sammy. You'd have an easier time convincing me that Jaya was a robot having a malfunction."

Samantha chuckled before putting her hands up, her guitar hanging off of it's strap "Yeah, guess you're right.

But if it's not cold feet then why are you zoning out like that? We're just going to performing for a middle school dance. It isn't anything big."

Cody put his drumsticks down as he moved his blonde hair out of his face "I don't know about that boss lady.

Like, this isn't just your everyday middle school dance. With how many peeps are going to like be in attendance today we might as well be doing a concert.

As long as we put on a show the vibes should be sick and tonight should be totally righteous. I'm talking about Tony Hawk X games righteous. Levels of awesomeness that haven't been seen in years."

Jason let out a small laugh before giving Cody a thumbs up "I like the spirit Cody. Behind that laid back aura is some serious fire."

He then took another look at the huge room "I was just thinking. We normally treat things like this as just another fun thing to do.

Middle school dances don't really mean much. But is that how we'll feel a year from now? How about in five? Ten?

Years down the line we'll be adults with our own problems and worries, families and work. What will this dance mean to us and to all these kids then?"

Taken off guard by Jason's sudden question none of them were able to respond. Each of them began to contemplate his words.

Jason turned back to the three of them and saw that they were all deep in thought 'Maybe that was too much for them.

Being able to take each day without thinking too much about the future is one of the best parts of being a kid.

It isn't until you become an adult that the past becomes something more appealing than the present.

The regret and curiosity of all the possibilities that could have been are usually more tempting than the weight of the choices that must be made in the present.'

Jason smiled to his friends "Since we don't know what tonight will mean to us in the future, the only thing we can do is go all out and try to get rid of as many regrets as we can."

With a fierce light burning behind her eyes Samantha gripped her fist tightly against her sides. She smiled "Yeah, tonight is too short for any regrets."

- - -

A few hours later. It was finally time for the dance to begin. Students began to flood into the building as the room began to fill up.

The room was slightly dim as a spotlight shined on the stage. Principal Morris coughed to clear his throat "Good evening students.

Tonight is a night to celebrate just how far you've come this year. A dance to congratulate all of you for having taken care of the things you needed to in order to continue progressing, both as a student as well as a person.

The next dance you will attend will most likely be as a high school student. So for tonight, make sure you create memories.

Memories that will decorate your time in middle school. And to help you make those memories we have some students here who will be responsible for tonight's music.

Give it up for AND1!" The spotlight moved from Principal Morris to Samantha who was behind him. She spoke into her mic "Thanks principal Morris. I think everyone's ready for the party to start. What do you think Jaya?"

Another spotlight then lit up focusing on Jason. The entire room exploded into cheers when they saw Jason up on stage.

Jason smiled as he looked out into the crowd. He leaned in toward his mic "All that noise has me thinking that they're ready Sammy. So let's do it!"

As soon as he said that the four of them began. The dance was officially starting.