< Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Justin claimed that he wasn’t at all nervous. Nick believed him. He, on the other hand, could not make the same claim. He wasn’t just nervous, but terrified. Besides the two of them, only two other freshmen joined the two dozen people lining the gym floor, all staring at the members of the basketball team from the year prior. Despite the fact that it was an open try out, the new people, meaning the people standing in Justin and Nick’s line, as opposed to the line of players they were facing, were all trying out for four positions, five if the talent proved itself. Looking around them, Nick wasn’t all that sure that the talent was there. But looks could be deceiving and he had long since learned not to judge a book by it’s cover.

He wasn’t just nervous to be trying out for his first high school sporting team. In elementary school, they didn’t exactly have a lot of people to choose from, so for the most part, if you came out to try outs, you made it. Here, they were in a whole other league. People were cut, people weren’t needed, and not everyone was guaranteed at least a spot on the bench. Nick smiled weakly at Lance, AJ and Josh who had come out to give him and Justin support. In looking up at where his friends were seated, another group of people caught his eye which nearly made him swallow his tongue. There, in the bleachers, sat a group of about eight people, three of which he recognized very clearly as Kevin Richardson, Chris Kirkpatrick and Joey Fatone. Gretchen Saunders was sitting practically in Kevin’s lap, which caused for Nick to emit a low growl, but that jealousy turned back into nervousness as he realized that he was probably about to make the biggest idiot out of himself in front of the hottest
 boy in school and all of his friends.

"So here is the deal," Craig Lyons, the Captain of the Varsity team stepped to centre court and looked at the hopefuls. "Tonight we have try outs, and then tomorrow morning there will be a short list. The people on that list will come again tomorrow night. Friday morning will be the final list. If you’re on that list, you’re on the team. It might not mean you’re first string, hell, it might not even mean you’re second string. But you’re on the team and from there we’ll get into practice and see how we play together. But for right now, don’t worry about playing time or strings, think about getting on the team, that’s the first challenge."

The two dozen boys all nodded, faces serious. It was Brian who stepped up next.

"Now, you’ll notice that you don’t necessarily have to be big to be on the team." Brian was by far, the shortest member of the team, yet at the same time, he was one of their best players. "It’s skill, not size. I’ve seen tall guys who can’t play worth shit, but I’ve seen short guys who can wipe the floor with other players. Weight is also not always a factor. I’ve played guys who aren’t the most fit, but know how to use their weight to their advantage and are actually very graceful, so never underestimate your teammates or the other team. This is a game of skill as much as athleticism. If you aren’t here to give us 100%, then you might as well leave now."

Craig nodded as Brian stepped back into line. The Captain once again continued. "Now, how many of you here are Fresh Meat?"

Nick, Justin and two other boys raised their arms. Only Justin was smiling confidently at the team who were smiling knowingly.

"Now, you guys have your work cut out for you. I don’t ever recall anyone mentioning a freshman player making Varsity. You have my respect for even showing up today, coming in here knowing that the cards are stacked against you, but don’t let it discourage you when you don’t make it."

Justin raised his hand.

"Yes?" Craig asked, nodding at Justin.

"Don’t you mean IF we don’t make it?"

He received a blank look in response. Someone snickered from the bleachers. Nick turned around to see that it was Kevin. Kevin and Joey exchanged a mini high five and Nick’s lips curled into a smile.

"Excuse me?" Brian asked.

"Well, you said we shouldn’t let it discourage us WHEN we don’t make it. Don’t you mean IF we don’t make it?"

Craig and Brian traded humourous facial expressions between them. Finally they focused their attention back on Justin and Craig nodded. "Yes, you are right. I apologize. I shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss you. So IF you don’t make the team, don’t be discouraged. There is always the freshman team for this year, not to mention you can always try out again next year."

"Thank you," Justin nodded politely with a smile.

There were a few more announcements before everyone was split up into two teams. Rather than have the new hopefuls play against the established players, they decided to integrate the teams, having everyone play with everyone else. It would give everyone the opportunity to play together, and quite possibly learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses for when the finalized team was announced. Thankfully, Justin and Nick were put on the same team. As much as Nick loved playing against Justin in practice and when they were having fun, he would have hated to have to compete against him even more that day with everyone watching.

"Good lucky Nicky," Justin whispered as he passed by to stand by the person he was guarding.

"You too Juju," Nick replied with a wink.

And with the sound of the whistle, the ball was thrown up in the air and the first ten boys to play were on the move. Nick could vaguely hear people cheering from the bleachers. Everything except the game at hand and the ball disappeared into the background. He used his lightning quick reflexes to steal the ball away from the person on the other team who’d just gained possession and was down the court in a matter of seconds. Looking to his left, he was pleased to find Justin matching him stride for stride, and just as he saw his opponent move in, he passed the ball to Justin who jumped up and shot the ball through the hoop, the play looked effortless. Nick and Justin congratulated each other with high fives, and in doing so they missed the looks of appreciation the other players shot them.

"I can’t believe how good they are," AJ said, clearly impressed. He had heard Justin talk a lot of game over the past two months, but hadn’t exactly put much thought into whether or not he’d been serious. Looking at the way they moved on the court, both alone and together, it would be surprising if neither of them made the cut.

"I know, Justin’s right. They so have to make the team!" Lance jumped up and cheered for his two best friends, oblivious to the looks he was getting from people sitting around them. He was excited for them, especially since he could see Craig and Brian jotting down endless notes every time they made a move. Although both were clearly outperforming the majority of the others that were trying out, Justin’s extra practice was shining through and he was the centre of attention. Lance would have felt bad for Nick had he not already discussed this with both of his friends and knew that where basketball was Justin’s life, it wasn’t as important to Nick. At least not to the degree it was for Justin.

"Lets just take it one practice at a time," Josh suggested without looking up from the course book he was studying. To give him more practice teaching in a leadership role, the teacher that he did his co-op with was letting him take over their music lesson for the next few days and he was trying to decide what to do that would be both educational and fun for them. As much as he was interested in Nick and Justin’s basketball careers at Lincoln High, he was more excited about actually getting his own class time.

"Bass, shouldn’t you be at the Lincoln Report?" A voice called, startling Lance. He looked over and saw Chris grinning at him, arms crossed over his chest, feet tapping impatiently on the wooden bleachers. It was Wednesday afternoon and yes, the school paper did have a meeting, but Lance had told one of the other staff members that he wouldn’t be coming because he wanted to go to the try outs and cheer his friends on. She had nodded and said it would be a slow meeting anyways since an issue had just come out and not to worry.

"Shouldn’t YOU be there too Christopher?" Lance teased. Ever since the week before when they’d spent hours stuffing lockers and finalizing the paper for their Halloween edition, Chris and Lance had become somewhat friendly to one another. Chris was always teasing Lance as a big brother might, and Lance found it fun to sass the older boy back, if not to just annoy him. The whole meeting on Monday afternoon had comprised of them bickering back and forth good naturedly, which was a complete change in what Lance had always pictured Chris to be like. Seeing him for a few minutes in the hall every morning, a scowl on his face and an unimpressed air about him, Lance had assumed that he was miserable. Nothing could have been further from the truth. It had been revealed that Chris was legendary for pranks at Lincoln High and was probably one of the funniest, most hyper people he had ever met. "I mean, last time I looked at the board, YOU were the editor! I’m just a lowly fresh meat, you’re
 actually important in there."

Kevin and Joey "oooohed’ Chris loudly to which they received his middle finger in response.

"For your information Fresh Meat..." Chris started, his voice was snippy and he narrowed his eyes. "I’m covering try outs for the next issue."

"Likely story," Lance snorted. He watched as Chris rolled his eyes and both of them started to laugh.

"What ARE you doing here?" Chris finally asked.

"I’m here to watch Justin and Nick try out. Give my support."

Chris looked down at the court and saw the kid who’d sassed back and his sidekick were sitting on the bench, toweling off and drinking Gatorade. They were talking animatedly and you could almost feel the excitement flowing from them. "That them?" Chris pointed and nodded at Lance.

"Yeah. Justin’s the one with the curly hair, Nick’s the blonde."

"They’re good."
Lance’s eyes widened as Kevin spoke. He looked as if he was concentrating on something very seriously before turning away and looking at Lance. "Those are your friends? The fresh meat?"

Again, Lance nodded.

"Justin curly, Nick blonde, dumbass. He just said that." Chris flicked Kevin’s ear and yelped in pain when Kevin twisted his nipple roughly.

"Fuck off with the ears," Kevin warned. He turned to Lance and smiled. "They’re good. The blonde.."

"Nick." Lance had to fight from jumping up and moving closer to Kevin. He knew that Nick would want to know every word said, every everything about Kevin talking about him and so Lance fought to memorize every detail. He could feel AJ snickering beside him and knew that he was thinking the same thing. Nick was so going to die from excitement later.

"Yeah. Well Nick, he’s good. Needs to clean up his shots a little more. He rushes into it and that’s why he only gets them some of the time. But yeah, for a freshman, he’s got skills. If he practices, maybe works on it he’ll be fighting with the other one ...Justin for captain in a few years."

Kevin watched the blonde say something to the one with curly hair and he smiled at the memory of himself at that age. Of the memory of trying out for a team, unsure if you were going to be picked or humiliated when your name was or wasn’t on that list. He would give anything to go back to grade nine, start over and see what high school would have been like without being in the spotlight at every possible turn. Not that Kevin didn’t like his life, because he did. He loved who he was, what he’d done at Lincoln High and the legacy his name would leave behind, but sometimes he wished he wasn’t so high profile. That he didn’t have to do a lot of the things he did, be seen with a lot of the people he did and pretend that he didn’t have a care in the world.

They all assumed he’d be going to Harvard or Yale in the fall for medical or law school or something like that. It didn’t matter that he didn’t want to be a doctor or a lawyer, and that he didn’t want to go to school strictly for football, it was just expected of him. He had just turned 17 and was expected to have all of the answers, assumed that he knew exactly what he wanted, but in reality, Kevin was just as confused as everyone else. Just as lost as the next guy but with higher expectations and less assistance. Kevin shook his head and refused to think about anything except the fact that Gretchen was squirming flirtatiously next to him and he knew that she was expecting some attention. Just another expectation, a role to fill in the dramatic play that was his life.

The whistle sounded and Craig’s voice boomed throughout the gym. "Okay. We’re going to have you guys do a few drills, and you who were doing drills, now you’re gonna play. Switch it up."

Justin and Nick each grabbed a ball and started dribbling towards the far end of the gym. They caught each other’s eye and at the same time, both sprinted towards the net. Nick moved as if he was going to take a shot, faking Justin out. Justin rushed his shot and it missed by a long shot causing Nick to start laughing. When he had a clear shot, he jumped up and arched the ball up, watching it bounce against the headboard and swish through the net. Nick started to cheer himself on and do a dance as Justin pretended to attack him. They didn’t remember until they’d turned around and had the rest of the gym watching them that they weren’t alone. With cheeks bright red, and embarrassed smiles, they once again grabbed onto the basketballs and waited for instruction. The sound of laughter coming from the bleachers rang in their ears and Nick couldn’t help the grin that crossed his lips.

Nick and Justin were the last ones left in the locker room. Lance and AJ had agreed to stay behind and wait for them but Josh had to get home to do some errands for his mother. They were going to take the bus to the mall and hang out for a bit before going home. "Do you think we did okay?" Nick asked softly as he pulled his hoodie over his head.

"We were awesome, Nicky. So I guess we’ll see." Justin looped his arms through the straps of his backpack and waited for Nick to finish getting dressed.

"You were awesome," Nick corrected. It was clear how much Justin’s constant practicing had affected his game. He had felt a small jolt of jealousy at the impressed looks that everyone was giving his best friend, but the jealousy turned to pride as he realized that he could be practicing that much too. He hadn’t been, because he was most focused on his painting and art. He’d discussed it with Lance the night before on the phone that if he didn’t make Varsity, Nick was definitely going to go out for the freshman team. He just wanted to play, it didn’t matter what team it was on. "I sucked."

"You most certainly did not suck," A voice said, startling them both. Nick and Justin looked up, shocked to see both Brian and Craig standing before them. Mr. Griffiths, the Varsity team coach was behind them. "I’ll admit, you definitely need a bit of practice and some skill honing, but considering you’re a freshman, you played one hell of a game this afternoon." Mr. Griffiths stepped out from behind the two students and nodded, first at Nick then Justin.

Nick recognized Mr. Griffiths from around the halls but didn’t know what he taught. It was definitely a more senior class because he didn’t have him as a teacher, and AJ had never spoken of him. "Well, thank you."

"I’m serious." Mr. Griffiths held out his hand for Nick to shake. "By day I teach grade twelve finite and algebra, sometimes I fill in for Mr. Covents’ Physics class. By afternoon and evening, I am the coach of Varsity Boys basketball."

"Nick Carter, sir." Nick introduced himself.

"Justin Timberlake, sir." Justin followed suit, shaking the man’s hand as well.

"I just have to say that I don't know exactly what we’ll be doing with the team this year, who we’ll ultimately take in the end. But I did want to come in and talk to you both. For the first time in history, to my knowledge anyways, we’ll be asking you both to come out tomorrow night. We’re not supposed to post the list until the morning, which we will, but I did want to ease your minds and let you know that you’ve impressed us, which is pretty darn hard to do."

Craig and Brian nodded in agreement. "You have no idea how true that is," Brian laughed.

"It’s pretty scary when your coach tells you that you should be taking pointers off of fresh meat," Craig mock glared at the two freshmen who only watched them with wide, surprised eyes.

"Now don’t be letting this get to your head," Coach Griffiths warned. "The worst thing a player can do is get too far ahead of himself. If you do make it, you’ve got more work ahead of you than any other player on the team. You’ve not only got to prove to everyone else that you can do it, but you’ve got to overcome the ego that will most definitely result, which is always the hardest thing. And if you don’t make it, don’t take it personal."

"Michael Jordan got cut when he tried out for the team," Justin said softly. Coach Griffith’s only nodded.

"And look where he is. So good luck, both of you."

With a smile, Craig, Brian and Coach Griffiths exited the locker room. Nick and Justin both jumped up and down in excitement before remembering that Lance and AJ were still outside waiting for them. They scrambled to grab all of their belongings before running out to meet up with them.

"What took you so long?" AJ complained. "We’ve been out here forever."

"Brian and Craig came in with the coach to talk to us."

"And?" Suddenly the frown was gone from AJ’s face and he was waiting in anticipation for their news. "What did they say?"

"They said we’re awesome and that ...we made the first cut. We’re both going back for tomorrow’s try outs."

Lance beamed in awe. "You guys are awesome. Both of you?"

Nick grinned. He threw his arms around his best friend and did a little dance. "Even if I don’t make it, this is so awesome. Just getting this far!"

"Well," Justin said seriously. "I think this calls for a celebration. Lets go and get pizza from the food court and then hit the Baskin Robbins for desert."

The night passed rather quickly and before they knew it, Justin was calling his mother to come and pick them up from the mall. They had eaten until they couldn’t eat any more, then gone for desert. After that, Justin had dragged them to every sport store in the whole mall so that he could see the newest style of shoe that was out, as well as check out any other Bulls’ paraphernalia that he might not already have. From there they hit the music stores and finally the book store so that Lance could check out if the newest book by his favourite author was out. While Lance and Justin had gone to the pet store, Nick and AJ hit the artistic supply store and both made notes on supplies they knew they were going to need in the coming term. You guys wanna come back on Saturday? Do some real shopping?" AJ asked while they waited outside for Justin’s mom to show up.

Lance nodded with a grin. He still had birthday money saved and had seen a few things he wanted to buy that night. "Sure."

Justin’s eyes got wide and he thought about those new basketball shoes he’d seen. With the red and black trims that he knew would go perfectly with his new team uniform for Varsity. Although he hadn’t said anything, Justin just knew he was going to make the team and so he’d already started planning on what he was going to wear. "Totally. I need those new Nikes man. My feet are naked without them!"

All three boys looked at Nick expectantly, surprised when he shook his head. "I can’t this weekend!"

"Why not?" Justin asked. It was rare that Nick passed up hanging out, especially at the mall.

"We’re going to my grandma’s house. She’s been feeling a little sick. They think she’s got a cold, so my mom and dad want to go and just make sure she’s okay."

"You can stay at my house if you want," Justin offered. He knew Nick would turn the offer down, mainly because of how close he was to his grandparents and how much he loved going to see them, but he wanted to make the offer anyways. There had been times in the past when Nick was going to visit for long periods of time, and Justin had gone up for a weekend or two to surprise Nick and visit. Justin could clearly remember how much fun he’d had at Nick’s grandparents’ house and how he’d always loved going back whenever he could.

"Thanks J, but I really want to go. I haven’t seen them since Easter and I just want to make sure for myself that she’s okay. Grandpa says it’s a cold, but you never know. So we’re gonna go down, rake the leaves since they can’t do it anymore and just spend the weekend hanging out, watching TV, doing puzzles, the usual." Nick didn’t feel at all sad at having to miss the trip to the mall with his friends. Although he wouldn’t have minded going if he was going to be home, making the trip to visit his grandparents was much more important.

"Oh, for sure." AJ said with a grin. "I’m the same way with my grandma. I used to go and stay with her every summer for two whole months. Now I go for a few weeks instead of the whole summer, but when I’m there I remember why I loved it so much. Have fun."

Justin recognized his mom driving through the lot and stood up, motioning for everyone else to do the same. "That’s mom," he announced with a nod. "When are you leaving?" He asked Nick.

"We’re going Friday night after school. Mom’s gonna pick me up here and then we’re gonna go get the girls and Aaron from Our Lady of Peace and we’re going to go right from there. That way we can be there just in time for a late dinner. And we’ll be back on Sunday night."

They all slid into the car, greeting Justin’s mom with choruses of "hellos".

"So, I’m dying to hear how things went tonight," Lynn announced excitedly.

"You didn’t tell her?" AJ asked in disbelief. Justin had phoned her to let her know they were going to the mall and would call later to be picked up, and he had assumed Justin wouldn’t have been able to keep it to himself.

"Didn’t tell me what?" Lynn looked at the boys in the back seat through her rear view mirror before looking at her son in the front seat. "You said that the list wouldn’t be up 'til tomorrow?"

Justin’s grin broke out on his face and he did a seat dance. "It isn’t, but the coach and the captain came into the locker room to talk to Nick and I."

The whole car started to scream in excitement, Lynn included. "You made the team?" She asked breathlessly.

"Not yet, but we made the first cut," Nick cried. Usually freshmen don’t make it past the first try out, so it’s awesome we even made it that far."

"When do you find out if you’ve made the team?"

"Friday. We have another try out tomorrow night, where they’ll cut it from twelve to four or five. But Coach Griffiths said not to get discouraged if we don’t make it. That with our talent next year for sure, and there’s always the freshman team," Justin relayed. He rested back against his chair and took a deep breath. Things had gotten so crazy lately and he knew that high school was finally starting. The first two months were sort of a preparation for everything, and now that he had practices and try outs, and the possibility of making the team, his nights were going to be much busier. Not to mention the course load was starting to get heavier. They still weren’t getting as much as he knew they would be in later years, it was going to be important to start balancing his time between school and fun.

"Well, this was fine for tonight, but I don’t want you out every night Justin," Lynn said sternly.

"Yes mom." Justin crossed his arms over his chest as he looked out the window. It wasn’t that he minded not being able to go out, it was that she had to tell him in front of Lance and AJ. For her to scold him in front of Nick was no big deal, because they’d both been in trouble by their parents in front of each other millions of times, they’d even gotten in trouble by each other’s parents a million times, but it was that she would do it in front of Lance and AJ that bothered him. Looking back, he noticed they hadn’t even blinked by her comments.

"I’m serious Justin. We’re going to have to get a schedule of nights that you can go out, and nights that I want you home."

"Fine!" Justin pleaded. "Can we just talk about this later?"

Lynn glanced back at the three sets of eyes watching her in the back seat and silently cursed her timing. Of course he wouldn’t want to be scolded in front of his friends, and she smiled sweetly at her son as she patted his leg. "Of course, sweetie. I’m sorry."

"Moooom!"

"What honey?"

The chuckles from the back seat along with Justin’s embarrassment caused her to laugh.

"Just stop."

Lynn pulled up to the house that AJ had informed her was his and grinned. "Thanks Mrs. Timberlake. See you tomorrow."

Everyone waved and said their good byes. When AJ was inside, Lynn pulled away from the curb, heading towards Lance’s house. They dropped him off before taking Nick home. "Call me when you get home," Nick said to Justin who nodded.

"I don’t think so Nickolas. You just spent the last thirteen hours with him, I think whatever it is can wait until tomorrow."

Justin gave Nick a wink who only grinned. He knew that meant that Justin would tell his parents he was going to do his homework and they would talk online. Unfortunately, Lynn looked at Justin who was too late in wiping the mischievous smile from his face.

"And he will be doing his homework in the kitchen, without the help of his computer. So don’t think you’ll be spending all night on that damn chat thing you guys do."

Both Nick and Justin scowled, which only caused Lynn to laugh harder. "Boys, you’ll be together in less than twelve hours, most of which you’ll be sleeping. I’m sure you can handle the separation."

"Bye Lynn," Nick pouted as he waved to Justin. "By J!"

"By Nicky," he received in response from both Timberlakes.


End Chapter 11


Chapter 12 >