Forgetting Something?

It had been a little over an hour, since the family friendly scene, filled with loud supportive applause, encouraged high school senior Page Clark, accept the two-point charity stripe gift, due to an opponent's aggressive behavior.

When the basketball entered the cylinder the teenage whiz kid observed the swishing net, hearing home court approval throughout the all-purpose room, whose daytime duties earlier included hosting physical education class.

Quickly retreating, Paige encountered kind commentary, “and so it will be written, Paige Clark receives an ‘A’ passing grade during Central High School’s one and one, final test.”

Laughing, accompanied by a high five, Paige addressed her best friend since kindergarten Denise, while seeking changing room refuge, "I will be right out,”

“Gotta go, Paige,” Denise retorted, “study, tomorrow is Friday not tonight.”

Now seventy-five minutes later Paige stood outside, flipping car keys noticing maintenance workers prepare sandbags, heeding forecast early spring, winter storm warnings.

“They do not call it March madness for nothing,” Paige pressed buttons, unlocking her parent’s car.

Feeling chilling temperatures overpower the evening air, a bitter cold message stated, ‘something definitely was wrong’.

Needing personal security, she popped open the trunk, deciding disposing of athletic gear, a proper excuse. After confirming a clear coast, Paige then proceeded along, safely inhabiting the driver side, “Denise is that you?” She asked rolling down the window. Shrugging shoulders hearing only chirping birds her uncomfortable stomach knot tightened. Confirming back seats empty, Paige securely fastened the safety belt.

“Everything is fine,” Paige whispered, driving home.

Finding the house empty, Paige sloppily threw the duffel bag missing the strategically placed chair. Flipping the light switch, she saw the note, “frozen chicken wings in freezer, your brother”. “Funny,” Paige found humor, reaching for the refrigerator, discovering pizza wanting microwave treatment.

Digesting dinner completed, the television remote magically appeared and performing one click the total sports network news flashed professional league headlines illuminating the recreation den.

Moments elapsed and the next thing Paige remembered was waking up under warm covers, alarm clock radio blaring, broadcasting the news, “well it is March Madness, fir sure, those angry grey skies melted away, paving a summer heat wave celebration, so here is “Modern English”.

“One more day,” Paige’s mirror reflection acted like an attentive audience, despite a hidden fear, still haunting the hardwood star.

Making perfect time, Paige found herself grabbing dust covered stored books, before occupying the assigned desk. Bell ringing the teacher, took the stage carefully approaching the power leadership spot, “Good morning,” Miss Stevens greeted, “did everybody have a good night studying?”

Miss Stevens did not even finish the sentence and Paige turned ghost white, “are you all right?” Denise carefully offered a warm assisting hand.

“We have a test today?” Paige started sweating more than during practice and contemplated her next defensive move.