Split Decision by Belle Payton

her legs as Tamara jogged over. “Why aren’t you in the locker room?” Tamara asked. “We have practice.”
    â€œI need to do something first.” Ava was waiting by Corey’s locker on Wednesday afternoon, hoping he’d stop by. He still hadn’t shown, and the halls were nearly empty. “Did you talk to your mom after we beat Saint Francis? Is she going to change her mind?”
    â€œShe’s actually thinking about it,” Tamara said. “That’s pretty impressive.”
    â€œWhat about PJ?”
    â€œOh, he’s leaving.” Tamara fixed her braid. Ava wished Tamara didn’t sound so sure.
    â€œWell, at least for you it’s not like Saint Francis is building a super team for girls’ basketball,” Ava pointed out.
    â€œExactly what I told my mom!” Tamara grinned. “You know, I had you all wrong. I thought you didn’t like me, because you’re a Sackett.”
    â€œI thought you didn’t like me, because I’m a Sackett,” Ava said.
    â€œOh, no.” Tamara shook her head. “I didn’t like you because you’re almost better than I am.”
    â€œAlmost? I’m just rusty from being injured. I am better than you—much better,” Ava bragged playfully.
    â€œThen you better bring your A game today,” Tamara taunted.
    â€œStep back, because I’ll bring my A-plus game!” Ava grinned.
    â€œAren’t you supposed to save the put-downs for the other team?” Corey sauntered over.
    â€œThey’ll get theirs, won’t they?” Tamara slapped Ava’s back.
    â€œWhen we hit the court together tomorrow, the other team will need sunglasses,” Ava agreed.
    â€œFor what?” Corey asked.
    â€œWe shine so bright,” said Ava.
    â€œâ€Šâ€™Cause we’re stars,” finished Tamara.
    â€œThink fast.” Ava sent the basketball back to Tamara.
    Tamara caught it and began to dribble toward the locker room. “Later.”
    Ava watched her walk off. Something had changed. She still wanted to be better than Tamara, but she also wanted to play with her and win games together. PJ had done that. He might have messed up her dad’s football team, but he’d helped the middle school basketball team. Ava had a feeling she and Tamara would be a force for the rest of the season.
    â€œO’Sullivan, we need to talk.” Ava turned her attention to Corey.
    He shot her a funny look. “Why are you wearing Alex’s coat?”
    â€œI kind of like it. We’ve been sharing this coat.” Ava turned up the collar. “I think I’m rocking the hot pink—even with the jersey and ripped jeans.”
    â€œIt’s nice, I guess.” He reached to open his locker. “Sackett, can you move? I need to get my books.”
    â€œNo.” Ava folded her arms.
    â€œNo?”
    â€œI’ll move when you tell me what’s up.” Ava had originally planned to go about this in a more subtle way, but now that she was late for practice, she just wanted answers. Alex was going to strangle her. “Do you like Alex or not?”
    â€œWhat does that matter?” he asked.
    â€œIt matters a lot,” Ava insisted. “To Alex.”
    Corey snorted. “I doubt it. She sure doesn’t like me.”
    â€œWhere’d you get that idea?” Ava asked.
    â€œI have eyes. I can see. It’s obvious that I’m not sophisticated enough for her.” Corey shook his head in disgust. “She should go out with that older guy, if that’s who she’s into.”
    â€œWhoa! Hold on.” Ava tried to process this information. “What older guy?”
    â€œHow should I know? But she’s always with him. I bet they use big words together.”
    â€œBack up,” Ava commanded. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
    â€œI saw her twice with the same guy. I even saw them hold