There’s 8 seconds left on the clock, the Mustangs are down by 2 they need a 3 pointer to win it 88-90. Number 7 has the ball, passes it off to number 69 who fires off a 3 pointer the buzzer goes, the ball bounces of the rim everyone’s heart drops, provincial finals goes to the Huskies. The ref blows his whistle a foul has been called, 3 shots at the foul line are awarded to number 69. It all comes down to this. She dribbles the ball twice, rolls it in-between her hands aims and shoots. *SWISH!* the ball sails through the net, two more to go. She dribbles the ball twice, rolls it in-between her hands aims and shoots. And the score is tied 90-90. The pressure is on; this shot means the difference between overtime and the provincial finals. 69 takes a deep breathe looks over to her coach and team mates all standing holding hands, she looks through the crowd, her eyes meet her fathers’. They too are holding hands standing and crossing their fingers. She looks up at the net, dribbles twice, and rolls the ball between her hands, aims and shoots. The crowd goes wild; the Mustangs have won the provincial finals 91-90. The team jumps onto 69 dog piling her. Balloons and streamers have fallen to the ground. Parents have tears in there eyes and the girls are screaming. The MC comes out presenting the 3 feet tall trophy to the coach and the girls. A smaller trophy is brought out as well as a microphone both of which the coach takes.

            “All of the girls on this team have worked extremely hard, they’ve had to over-come obstacles and many thought they wouldn’t make it this far, even some of the girls began to lose hope. There has been one girl this year that has been consistent in her effort, determination, and spirit. Even as she was injured she never missed a practice, a fundraising event or team meeting. I would like to give this year’s Most Valuable Player award to number 69 Jennifer Miller-Hill.” The coach handed Jennifer her award also giving her a hug.

            Jennifer took the microphone. “Thanks guys, this means a lot to me and I couldn’t have done anything without the rest of the team and the support of my family and friends. Now let’s go party!”

~~~Jennifer- a name that often comes with a very beautiful feminine girl loves hockey, basketball, softball, swimming, diving and volleyball. She likes to workout at the crack of dawn and at the dead of night. She’s a movie and TV buff who also loves musicals and plays. The only reason she goes to school is to be on the sports teams. She dreams of being in the Olympics and having the hottest girlfriend on the face of the earth. ~~~

            The team headed back to the locker room as the fans dispersed out on the streets where the town cheered and yelled and car horns were honked in celebration. Parents and guardians stood and talked out in the gym waiting for their victorious girls. In the locker room hugs were given, as tissue dried the tears of joy.

            “I’m proud of each and every one of you this year we’ve gone through so much together, it was a struggle but we made it. The town and school are both extremely proud of you as am I and your families. Go out and have fun tonight. Practice starts again Monday night for nationals; I want you all well rested and ready to kick some butt.” Coach Ram left the locker room so the girls could get changed.

            They all showered and changed talking about the party that night at Jen’s house. The girls headed off to go see there parents and guardians before partying.

            Jen walked out in her usual ripped jeans, white tank top, zip-up hoodie and ball cap. She ran up to her fathers hugging each and giving them a kiss on the cheek.

            “Yet another trophy to add to the case, congrats Jen.” Cory said as he rubbed his daughter’s shoulder walking towards the car.

            “Why do they always make those trophies so ugly? I’m so glad the trophy case isn’t in the main part of our house I’m proud of you Jen but I can’t stand looking at that ugly thing more then a couple seconds.” Scottie complained as he pushed the trophy away from him as if its presence was the worst thing in the world.

Cory and Scottie are happy married gay couple and have been for 9 years now. They adopted Jennifer when she was 8 after their first year of marriage. They are 30 and 31, each with a booming business. Scottie is a fashion designer and Cory is a personal trainer.

            The three headed to their home, which is just a few blocks from the school. They lived in a small gated community that backed onto a river. The house is huge, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a pool in the backyard with a pool house, a workout room that looked out onto the pool area, a movie room, a top of the line kitchen, a sewing room, 3 car garage with a basketball net on the drive-way, a dining room with a table big enough for 12 and more space then the three of them needed. Jen had the best bedroom; the attic was just above her so they turned the actual bedroom into a hang-out, lounge and study area for her and then put a nice staircase in the led to the attic where her bed and closet were. She had a door the lead from her hang out area to her own personal bathroom which was complete with a shower, big Jacuzzi tub, toilet and sink.

When the three got home they began to prepare for the party, all the decorations were already up but the music had to be turned on, pizza ordered, drinks brought out and put into coolers,  deck and pool lights turned on etc.  Soon the girls and friends began to arrive each with food, drinks or C.Ds with them. And although none of the girls were of drinking age there was enough alcohol to sink a boat; coolers, beer, jello shots, even daiquiris were being made. Cory and Scottie didn’t mind, after all you’re only young once and no one drinking was going to be driving. They left the kids alone shutting themselves away in their bedroom.

“Hey, Jen!” A voice shouted from behind Jen. She didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was. It was her best friend and girl friend Lauren. Lauren jumped on Jen’s back kissing the top of her head.

~~~Lauren- a common yet pretty name. This Lauren was plain, everyday ordinary, very pretty, nice, smart, and athletic but there was nothing about her that stood out. She’s queer and fine with that. She dreams of marrying someone rich and being a stay at home mom. ~~~

“Hey babe, get off so I can greet you properly.” Turning around as Lauren got off Jen held her girlfriends face pulling her in and kissing her like they hadn’t seen each other in years.

“Congrats on MVP, sorry I couldn’t go to the game I tried to get off but you know how it is but I got here as soon as I could.” Breaking off the kiss Lauren put her arm around Jen’s back putting her hand in her far back pocket, Jen holding Lauren close around the shoulders.

“You should be sorry, if I had had my lucky charm there we would have won by much more then 1. Luckily I’m amazing and can pull off a miracle without you around, but for Nationals I need you there, I’m not taking anymore chances.” Kissing the top of her head. “You know I’m just joking babe, I totally understand but I’m serious about you being there for Nationals.”

“I won’t miss Nationals for the world; if I have to I’ll quit my job to be there. I don’t care how great the job is, nothing is worth not getting to see my hunny-bunches in National Finals!”

“Well I’m glad.” The couple walked around, Lauren drinking a daiquiri and Jen just a regular Coke. They roasted marshmallows and made s’mores by the bon-fire, danced in the house, and made out by the pool.

            “Hey, love-birds wanna come swimming? Water’s warm.” One of Jen’s teammates yelled from the pool.

“Sorry didn’t bring my bathing suite.” Lauren shrugged, not wanting to go in the pool even though she had a bathing suite upstairs. Or could easily walk the 6 houses down to go get one from her house.

Jen push Lauren in then removing her hoodie jumping in after her. “Who needs a bathing suite?” Lauren swam to the age getting out dripping wet.

“Jeez Jen, sometimes you can be so immature, I could have been hurt! My clothes are soaking wet. I’m going home.” Wrapping herself in a towel slipping on her flip-flops. “I’ll return the towel tomorrow.”