CHAPTER TWO
AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE

Dad stopped at the school drop-off area. “Have a great day, honey!”

“Whatever,” Nina said as she stepped out, and then she felt guilty. This job meant fewer hours at work for her dad, which meant more time for them as a family. Plus, Dad was right. They were closer to her grandparents. Being able to visit them every weekend was a bright spot in the gloomy move.

“I’m sorry,” Nina told her dad. “I hope you have a great day too.”

Dad reached through the open window and gently squeezed her hand. Then he drove away.

When he was out of sight, Nina took a long look at the two-story brick building and then walked inside. As she headed to the office, she noticed a flyer for basketball tryouts.

I missed my chance to try out by two weeks, Nina thought. It’s not fair!

But her steps slowed when she spotted a few kids crowding around another flyer, chatting excitedly with each other. She went to the pin-up board and peered around the students to get a better look.

Maybe the tryouts are on again. The thought made Nina’s heart bounce.

Excitement turned to disappointment when she actually read the flyer. Yes, tryouts were on again. But it was for the Willow Heights Marmots boys team—not the girls.

Nina turned and shuffled to the office. Mrs. Lai greeted Nina as she stepped inside.

“Welcome to Willow Heights!” she said. She handed Nina a schedule and a school map. “If I remember correctly, your email said you were the captain of your basketball team back home, right?”

Nina nodded.

“One of our players had to move away,” Mrs. Lai said. “There’s a spot for a power forward if you want to try out.”

“I saw the flyer.” Nina gestured to the hallway. “But it said it was for the boys basketball team.”

Mrs. Lai leaned across the counter. “We barely had enough boys for the Marmots’ roster to start with. So we’ve opened up tryouts to everyone.”

Nina grinned as the words sunk in. She could try out for the team!

Mrs. Lai phoned Nina’s classroom and spoke to the teacher. Then she hung up and turned to Nina.

“A student buddy is coming to collect you,” she said. “She’ll help you learn the school’s layout.”

While Nina waited, she daydreamed about making the team.

If I did that, I’d have one thing that’s cool in my life, she thought.

The office door opened, and a blonde girl with brown eyes walked inside. She smiled at Nina.

“Hey! I’m Simone Grand,” she said. “I’ll be your classroom buddy until you get settled!”

Simone’s friendliness loosened the nagging tightness in Nina’s chest. Maybe she’d found a friend.

“Thanks,” she said. “I heard there are basketball tryouts. Can you tell me more?”

“Oh, totally!” Simone leaned forward. “Last year, we came really close to winning the tri-county championships. This year, Cody—he’s the captain—is determined to win. The team was set, but then—”

“Scoot, you two,” said Mrs. Lai as the bell rang. “You’ll be late for gym class.”

Simone and Nina grinned at each other. Nina followed Simone out the door. Maybe this year wouldn’t be a total garbage dump!