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NOTE:
Hi guys, welcome to the very first chapter of Ball Out! I hope you're excited to go on this journey just as much as I am excited to write it! There is a surprise appearance in this chapter and throughout this story along with some other characters. ifykyk. Don't forget to point out any errors. If you enjoy, don't be a stranger please vote, comment, and share.
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0 1 | Ball Out

Basketballs shot out of a machine, hands catching them with ease. Catch. Release. Catch. Release. It had become robotic, engraved in Cleo's mannerisms like second nature. She wouldn't always make the shot, but she was damn near close every single time. Sweat beaded down her back and forehead. The coolness of the air breezed on her skin, a pleasing sensation traveling throughout her body. It was therapeutic; her home away from home.

It wasn't easy to replicate the feelings she experienced when she played basketball. This was her escape from the world. It was her haven when everything else was spinning. When she was a kid, basketball held her hand as she walked the corridors with this quiet confidence. She breathed the adrenaline. There was something about being under the gymnasium lights with her teammates that made her heart smile. It was something about the basketball colliding with the ground and the crowded stands that chanted her name. That feeling...it was something she could never shake. It could never be mimicked. Although the work she put in was laborious, the result was always satisfying.

Finally, she completed her reps and caught sight of her teammate observing her from the locker room doorway. Most of the lights to the gym had been turned off, darkness invading the eerie space. Cleo found comfort in the silent gym too; it was her reminder of everything that awaited her. It was everything she had worked for. Her rags to riches origin story.

"Practice was over hours ago, C," Rea, the starting power forward of their team commented. Cleo stalked tower the locker room and Rea tossed her a towel to wipe away her sweat. "Are you still coming to Miami with me for spring break?"

"And miss seeing your hometown? I wouldn't miss it for the world," she responded.

Rea followed Cleo into the locker room. Some of the other players remained, stuffing their lockers, duffel bags, and backpacks. Low chatter scattered the space. Cleo approached her locker, grabbing her change of clothes. Rea sat on the bench behind her, pulling out her phone and scrolling.

"Coach is gonna eat us alive when we get back from break. 'Suicides until I get tired'" Rea mimicked, sounding a little too similar to Coach Lisa. The women laughed at the accuracy.

"Be careful, she might still be looming around," another teammate jumped in, slamming her locker shut. Cleo simply shook her head with a smile.

"I'm gonna go shower, don't wait up," Cleo commented as she made her way to one of the shower stalls with her essentials.

"C, are you coming to my initiation?" one of her teammates, Dolia, shouted. "I'm gonna be an AKA!"

The girls who remained erupted in cheer for Dolia. Cleo closed the curtain and stripped down, turning on the blazing water. Steam pooled around her like a blanket. Her skin was drenched with a blissful fire. Her hard work had danced down and spiraled down the drain. Her body ached; her limbs were like rigid tree branches. Until she succumbed to the waterfall of replenishment. It was rejuvenating. Cleo was unsure how long she lingered in that tight space. She could still hear the muffled voices of her teammate's conversation. Then it faded and so did Cleo. Reality was slipping from her fingers and all kinds of notions swarmed her head.

Finally, after an eternity she turned the water off and wrapped her towel around her body. She dried herself off and put on her fresh pair of clothes, walking into the locker room that was now empty. She collected her bag and exited the locker room, flicking the final gym light off when she left.

The wind hit her like a truck. It was haste, but eye-opening. If slumber had claimed her eyelids before, well, Cleo Williams was wide awake now. The campus of Valleymore University aided in the sudden burst of energy. The sun dipped behind the trees by the time she was out. The moon was on the brink of its territorial claim, the stars following in its wake soon. It was a perfect image.

Voices bloomed like flowers all around, an interesting activity happening at every corner. It was like a mini New York, never close to the real thing but close enough nevertheless. It was the campus that never slept unless campus safety stepped in, alerting the students of their curfew.

Although this had been Cleo's third year, she hadn't gotten used to the things that unfolded on campus. The atmosphere of college life should have been familiar to her, but it had always felt like a stranger. It was like everyone was on Earth and Cleo was on Uranus under the pressure of its atmospheric gases. Maybe she hadn't belonged because she didn't want to. Her focus was always elsewhere. She never allowed herself the time to enjoy the beauty and adventure that could come of being in university.

Yes, she had friends, schoolwork, and extracurricular activities that kept her busy. But was that enough? For Cleo, it was more than enough. Oftentimes, she'd become so swamped with all her responsibilities that she'd just want to disappear. If only for a moment. She was at Valleymore on a full-ride athletic scholarship and although there were things she wanted, there were always things she had to abide by. Things that made more sense. It was the more logical solution.

Cleo had wanted an apartment badly, but her scholarship covered her room and board so she could save her money instead. During times like this, it made Cleo think of her life five years from now. Would she be going pro? Or would she be getting her masters in sociology? It was a question that constantly plagued her mind. Her family would ask, but she never had an answer.

She loved basketball, but did she want to play all her life? What if her escape could no longer help her escape anymore? The very thing she used to cope with her life could eventually make her fade away instead. So, she tried weighing her options now and then, taking it one day at a time. The only thing she could do was hope that it was enough--enough for her and everyone around her who had awaited her life decision. After all, everyone was depending on her to succeed. She couldn't let herself down as equally as those who were rooting for her.

Her father was never gifted with the opportunity to go to college and her mother couldn't finish. Cleo also needed to be a role model for her younger brother. He was a young black boy after all. In America, it was the worst thing you could be. The system was built to keep minorities under. Cleo's goal was to rise above that system and show her brother that he could too.

A guy, Lincoln, had approached her. Lincoln was a sophomore who played for the football team. Cleo couldn't lie and say that he hadn't been handsome because handsome was an understatement. He was usually the life of every frat party. His skin was dark and smooth like a dark, starless sky. His hair was neat and coily atop his head. His smile was every girl's weakness. There was no doubt that he was hot, but he was also an asshole and overly confident. He was not Cleo's type, but he was pretty damn close to the guys she'd go for in the past. Cleo rolled her eyes as Lincoln stood in front of her.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite point guard," Lincoln greeted. He crossed his arms and a few feet away Cleo noticed his clique of friends.

"I don't have time for your jokes today, Lincoln. What is it?"

"Is Dolia around?"

"If she's not answering your text it's probably because she doesn't want to be bothered."

"I know that. I just...I want her to know that I was sorry. Can you be a good samaritan and tell her that?"

Cleo couldn't help the mocking laugh that slipped from her lips.

"Absolutely not," she responded. "You fucked up and that has nothing to do with me."

"Please, Cleo," Lincoln begged. "What can I do to prove it to her?"

Cleo thought long and hard. She considered Dolia and her perspective. She had been crazy over Lincoln and Cleo was hopeful that it was reciprocated. She knew the kind of guy Lincoln was, but she had hoped that he was changing for the better.

"Go to her initiation. She's being sworn into the AKAs tonight. If you're there it'll show her that you're serious. Are you serious about her, Lincoln?"

"Hella," was his reply. But something in Cleo felt as though her friend was simply another one of Lincoln's conquests and she hated that. She hoped that she was wrong. Lincoln wasn't a certified lover boy for sure. He was a fuckboy and he hadn't known it everyone else had.

"Don't hurt her because if you do, you'll have to hear from me."

"Am I supposed to be afraid of that threat?" he questioned jokingly. Cleo glared at him. "What time should I be there?"

"Don't know. Let me text her," she said as she pulled out her phone and sent a text to Dolia who replied in a matter of seconds. "8:30."

"I'll be there," Lincoln stated.

"Don't mess it up," Cleo stated and he nodded, walking off toward his friends. Cleo continued on her walk toward her dorm, hoping that no one else would approach her. After all, she had a familiar face and everyone knew that their team nearly went to the final four last year. This year, Cleo was determined to get further. This year, they'd win the championship.

When Cleo made it back to her dorm room, it was empty. Her roommate, Kaitlyn, had left and it didn't take rocket science to know that she had gone out on a Friday night. Kaitlyn was a white girl. She had long blonde hair and the bluest eyes Cleo had ever seen. She hadn't even known eyes could look as clear as the waters she'd swim in in Florida. Kaitlyn was a creative writing major and was a senior. She transferred two years ago from a college in Washington.

Cleo and her roommate weren't close, but they weren't a distant duo either. It was one of those relationships where you tolerated someone because they were present. In Cleo's case, it was the way things were. They had small talk, but it never extended beyond that. It was the way it was the entire semester. Cleo knew that Kaitlyn's focus was on graduation and she understood it. They hadn't had that moment to connect yet. Although it was nearing the end of the semester, Cleo assumed that maybe that would change in the future.

Cleo made it into her room, placing her bag down. Everything was as neat as it was the morning she left. There were a few bowls in the sink from Kaitlyn, but aside from that everything was the same. Cleo used her key to unlock her bedroom. Her bed was still made. All of her possessions had been intact. Her speaker lingered on her dresser that sat in a corner not too far from her bed. She turned on her mini speaker and connected her phone using Bluetooth. An automated voice said that the speaker was connected and music spilled out. She ravaged through her closet for something to wear to the initiation.

She hummed the lyrics to the song. Her eyebrows frowned as more minutes went by. Impatience overtook her because her task seemed unachievable. Nothing seemed to match, stand out, or look cute to her. It seemed to be a losing battle.

"What do you even wear to an initiation ceremony?" Cleo mumbled to herself as she tossed clothing pieces to the side, contemplating if they looked good together. In the end, Cleo settled for something simple and casual. A hoodie with jeans was her final decision. She applied some makeup and while doing so a knock sounded at her door. Rea.

Cleo stood up and approached the door, letting Rea in.

"You look cute," Rea complimented as she entered. "Ayyy, I love this song. You know Drake and I are married in a different reality.

"That can't be true," Cleo challenged. "He's married to me in every reality."

The girls laughed as they entered Cleo's room. Rea collected a seat in the corner and Cleo resumed her makeup.

"I'm almost done. How long is this thing anyway?" Cleo questioned, applying a lip liner.

"I think it ends around 10. Are you down for a party after?"

"I still have to pack for Florida," Cleo groaned. She recalled her prior struggle, hoping that it'd be easier to pack when time wasn't as eager."I'm not trying to be jaded and hungover on the flight either."

"Fair point," Rea agreed. "I'm so excited for Dolia. That girl's been preaching about being an AKA since freshman year. Her mom's so proud of her."

Cleo smiled in the mirror, applying the gloss to her lips.

"She's gonna be really happy when her boo is there, too," Cleo added.

"Shut the fuck up," Rea exclaimed. "Lincoln is gonna be there?"

Cleo nodded, standing up and spraying herself with more perfume. She turned to Rea.

"He wants to make things right with her. I hope I can trust his word and that he won't hurt her."

"Please, I don't think I've seen Lincoln try this hard with any girl. He better be serious," Rea commented. "The man can have just about any girl on this campus, but Dolia makes him work."

Rea bobbed her head to a song that started playing. Cleo approached her closet, choosing an accessory to wear. She nodded at Rea's words while she weighed her options.

"Guys always love a chase," Rea added. Cleo finalized a black purse.

"I'm ready," Cleo stated. Another song played and Rea stood up, dancing to the rhythm.

"Cleo, your playlist never disappoints, I swear to god."

"I know that's why I gatekeep it," Cleo joked and laughed Rea laughed as a result.

Cleo disconnected her phone and turned off the speaker. Flicking the light to her room off they exited into the hallway. The lights her bright like an eerie hotel building. The dorm where she resided had been one of the older buildings. It was mostly filled with upperclassmen, but if any of the students had money they could find a way it. Although it was older, it was the dorm that had the most space on the inside. A duo of girls ran by, giggling to themselves. There was no question that they were underclassmen.

Cleo and Rea approached the elevator. The light chimed and then the elevator doors slid open.

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The initiation took place inside one of the auditoriums located east of campus. The entire place was decorated with pink and green. The lights were dim and the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha were absent from the stage and aisles. All of the visitors settled in their seats, their chatter exploring the large and wild space. Cleo, Rea, Justice, and some other members of the basketball team sat near the front row.

Silence spilled when a chant was heard near the entrance. A line of beautiful black women all marching from one side to the other in unison entered the room. They wore green dresses with the AKA emblem on the front. Pink scarves were wrapped around their heads with sunglasses covering their eyes.

"I want to be an AKA," the girls sang in unison as they just about glided across the floor. Dolia wasn't hard to spot. She was the third from the last member in the line that is organized by height. She had a brown complexion and wore a body wave wig with snatched edges. Her bright brown eyes are concealed behind those white-framed sunglasses, but her beauty shined nevertheless. Cleo and the rest of the team beam with join for their teammate.

The line made it onto the stage and dispersed in a pattern once their chant was complete. Two older women dressed in white appear from backstage. Alumni of the sorority, it seemed. They approached the first girl, removing the scarf and sunglasses. She was given an introduction and gave the sorority hand gesture as they approached the next member. Cheers erupted. This occurs for about twenty minutes until they get to Dolia. The uproar for her was the loudest and Dolia broke character for a moment smiling.

"That's my girl!"Lincoln shouts from somewhere in the back. Cleo and the rest of the team burst out laughing.

"That boy is fucking whipped," Rea laughs alongside Cleo. They move on to the last two members. Finally, a huddle occurred and when they scattered, a mic was in one of the member's hands. She began singing and it was like a choir as the voices mixed perfectly.

By the time the initiation was complete, it was ten o'clock. Most of the theater was emptied in a matter of minutes, but Cleo and the rest of the team stayed back for Dolia to congratulate her. Lincoln also stayed back, desperate to have a moment with Dolia. He was always patient, it seemed when Dolia approached her teammates with glee.

"Girl you killed it," Cleo greeted as Dolia went in to hug them.

"Thanks for coming," she thanked. When they separated, Rea cleared her throat and looked in Lincoln's direction. Dolia nearly choked at the sight of Lincoln, sitting in one of the seats nearby.

"Can we talk?"

"Want us to scare him a little?" Justice whispered to Dolia.

"It's fine. I can handle him," she stated. "You guys enjoy your night."

"Text me when you make it back to your dorm," Rea stated as the group separated. Rea and Cleo exited the theater.

"So, did you change your mind about that party?" Rea questioned.

"How do you have energy after that?" Cleo questioned as they made it outside. "I am fucking exhausted and we have an 11 a.m. flight tomorrow."

The campus remained lively even when the moon claimed the sky and the stars invaded completely. The wind whistled, biting Cleo through her clothes.

"Right, right," Rea said. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow. I might go check out that frat party with the rest of the girls."

"Have fun, Rea, and please be safe."

"My middle name is safe the fuck," she confirmed and Cleo rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, I will."

Rea departed and Cleo started in the direction of her room. All she could do was think about her bed at that point, and all the things she needed to pack before then.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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