Tyler Leach Narrative

The New Kid

It was a cold fall day in New York City and my friends, Joe and Steve and I were outside leaning against a rail watching some guys playing basketball across the street.  I was the new kid in town and didn’t know many people, but Joe and Steve knew these guys and have had trouble with them before.  We lived in the Bronx, but those guys were from Queens. 

Joe turned to Steve and I and said, “Look at those fools over there thinking that they can come over here and own our court.  I think we ought to go challenge them for the court.”

Steve agreed with Joe as he also didn’t like those guys, but initially I was timid.  I was the new one here, so I didn’t think I had any business going over and trying to kick these guys out of the court.

But, I didn’t want Steve and Joe to stop hanging out with me so of course I agreed that we should go kick them off. 

The three of us walked over to them and Steve and Joe began to argue with them.  They refused to leave so Steve said, “We will play you for the court.  If you win you guys can come here whenever you want.  But, if we win then you three leave here and never come back.”

They all looked at each other with smirks on their faces as they thought they would be able to win easily and agreed to the challenge.  We set the rules and began the game.

I wasn’t a big basketball guy, and I feared that I would let Steve and Joe down.  Having this court to ourselves was on the line and I didn’t want to disappoint them.

The score was 19-19 and we were playing to 21.  I knew if I was going to impress them I would have to win this game so when they had the ball and tried to pass it down low I jumped in front and stole it.  I then dribbled out and took a shot with a hand in my face and made it so we won the game!

I was so excited and proud of myself because Steve and Joe were so happy, and I knew I had made new friends that day.