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It was a beautiful Saturday on the September of 82. Birds were singing, the sun was out, and only a few clouds were in the sky. It was just a perfect day to go out to the park and play.
Gabriel: Mom! Can I go to the park please. I want to practice shooting for basketball.
Ms. Brooks: Already Gabe you can go but take someone with you. I don't want you going alone out there.
Gabriel: But Andy has to go to the dentist today. Who can I take with me and play with?
Ms. Brooks: Aren't you forgetting someone?
???: Yeah Gabe. Don't forget me.
It was at this moment he knew who his mother was talking about and he didn't really like it much. Cassidy. It's not like he didn't love his sister but she was so competitive and rough for. Especially since he thought she wasn't as good as him because she was a girl. Or that she hasn't made practice as often as she should be there compared to him. He felt that he'd never really get better if he practiced with her than with anyone else.
Gabriel: But mom! Cass is, she's-
Ms. Brooks: She's what? She's on the same team as you and I think she could get better with you if you both practiced basketball a bit. She hasn't been able to go to coach as much lately since she's been a bit busy so I think it's better to practice with someone than by yourself, right?
Cassidy: Yeah, afraid you'll lose to a girl. Hee hee hee.
Gabriel: I am not! I can beat you any day of the week!
Ms Brooks: Then it's settled! You two can sharpen each other's skills if you played together more. Go on! Have fun! But be back by 3. That's when me and Andy will be back from his dental appointment. I'll have lunch ready then. Be sure to pack a water and a snack or two on the way out.
Both: Yes ma'am!
Ms. Brooks: Good see you two later! Andy! It's time to go! We'll have to leave in a bit!
Andrew: But mom, I don't wanna!
Ms. Brooks: No buts mister! You have two cavities in your teeth and your mouth looks as dirty as an Alligator! I can even see your hand on your cheek! Do you want to have that pain with you all day?
Andrew: No...
Ms. Brooks: I know. Now get your shoes on, we'll be leaving in 15 minutes after I get out the bathroom. Be ready!
As she walks off Andrew catches his siblings getting ready to go to the park.
Andrew: Just my luck. It's such a beautiful day outside and I'm stuck at the damned dentist.
Gabriel: Oh, tough luck Drew. Sorry about that.
Cassidy: Drewy, that's your fault for eating a bunch of candy and not brushing right.
Andrew: Hey shut up! Where are you going anyway?!
Gabriel: I wanted to go practice shooting at the park but mom wanted me to bring Cass along.
Andrew: Ah. An easy win I see.
Cassidy: Can it! I'm gonna kick Gabe's ass at basketball just like I kick yours in the arcade!
Andrew: I doubt that.
Gabriel: Anyway we're leaving. We'll see you later Drew.
Cassidy: Bye Gator mouth! Have fun getting your teeth pulled out!
Andrew: Gabe! Wipe that smug look off her face when you get ther- OW!
The trip to the park didn't take too long just a 15 minute walk from their house. Though on their way they saw a good friend of theirs. Evan. He was also headed to the park. It was a good to see him. Now they have a bit of an audience to watch them play.
Gabriel: Evan? Hey Ev! Nice to see you here.
Cassidy: EVAN! It's you! I'm so happy to see you! Where are you headed?
Evan: Oh I'm headed to the park! Mom said I can go and I want to practice drawing there.
Cassidy: You're going by yourself? Shouldn't someone be with you?
Evan: Mom says it's ok as long as I stay were a lot of people are, don't talk to strangers, and if someone I don't know comes to me, to run and shout to the nearest trusted adult. Also dad always says as long as I keep my trusty Fredbear plush with me for good luck, I'll be A OK.
Gabriel: That thing about the teddy bear is kind of weird.
Cassidy: Yeah I know. That is weird. But his dad and Charlie's dad have always been very odd. Sorry Ev...
Evan: It's fine But I think it helps. It definitely helps me from feeling alone all the time.
Cassidy: Well you're not alone now! Me and Gabe were also headed to the park to practice basketball. I guess we can all spend some time together today.
Gabriel: That is a great idea! You can watch me kick my sister's ass at basketball!
Cassidy: You still trick yourself into thinking you'll ever beat me. Don't listen to him. I'll show you what a real basketball player looks like. I'm gonna win and he'll be upset as always.
Gabriel: Hah! Fat chance! That's never gonna happen!
Evan: Hahahaha! Well it's settled then! The three of us can spend some time at the park today and I'll watch you guys play! May the best Brook win!
Gabriel: Hear that? He says I'm going to win!
Cassidy: Oh shut up and get to the court! I will never let you win!
And so, the games began. They agreed best to four wins in a game to reach 20 shots. It was a hard fought couple of games. Cassidy won some. Gabriel did as well. And now they were 3-3 tied 19-19. Evan at first was very interested in watching his friends play but as the game dragged on, he was a bit more focused on his sketchbook. Cassidy had noticed this and needed to make a quick action to win and impress her best friend. This last point could decide who wins and who doesn't. But now, Cassidy had the ball and she was going to make it memorable.
Cassidy: EVAN!
The loud and familiar voice of his friend caught his attention.
Cassidy: THIS SHOT'S FOR YOU!!
And as she made her shot to win the match and bragging rights, it missed the net bouncing the ball away into a tree. It was stuck in between branches. And will need a few rocks to get it out. This is not how anyone wanted this game to go.
Gabriel: The hell is- MY BALL! I KNEW you couldn't shoot worth a damn! And it seems to me it's more ways than one.
Cassidy: It. Was. One. Bad. Shot! What is this, pin the tail on the donkey!? Get off my ass you jerk!
Gabriel: Maybe if you came to practice more, you won't miss so much!
Cassidy: You know how busy I am?! I have a lot of homework to do! I can't come all the time! But I still make the number of practices I need to stay on the team!
Gabriel: Yeah, because watching cartoons, spying on Evan, and going to the arcade is definitely helping!
Cassidy: I STILL PASS NITWIT! I at least have high C's and low B's! What about you!? Are you passing!?
Gabriel: A's and B's dummy! I'm as sharp as a nail! That's why I'm team captain!
Cassidy: Gee no wonder why we're the worst team in Washington county...
Gabriel: Take that back!
Cassidy: God no! I said what I said. The Hurricane Cubs are trash! We haven't won a single game against the other teams! In fact, mom wants me to quit because I've been doing a new sport these past 2 months.
Gabriel: Oh yeah? What could it be?! What could a girl like you be doing? You know? Ever since coach let girls on the team like you, Charlie, and some others, we've been doing worse and worse? Some of you can't even run a lap or two without complaining! So tell me, what sport are you so into that you think you'll be better off in!?
Cassidy: Little league girls soccer.
Gabriel: Wha-
Cassidy: SOCCER! It's our first year and I've been getting pretty good at it. Better than everyone in my session. And if you don't cool it with that girl comment, I'll "let you know" just how hard I can kick you!
Gabriel: ...
Cassidy: Yep! Mom is going to take me up to practice on Monday just to let coach know I'm done. You guys can continue to lose without me. And by the way, I've been making more points than everyone on that team and have the record laps so SHOVE IT with your nonsense!
...
Cassidy: AND I DO NOT STALK EVAN!
Meanwhile, while the two were arguing, Evan drawing in his diar- journal and talking with his plush Fredbear.
Evan: Oh Fredbear, my friends are so silly. Don't worry, they're always like this but it'll be fine. Cass never keeps a grudge like that and Gabe's just sour now. They'll be at the arcade together after school on Friday. I promise!
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Later that night, within his office a man goes through the daily recordings of his son's golden teddy. It was William. He had created this primitive nanny cam to check in on his son to see what his older brother does while he isn't there and to check Evan's day-to-day. And what he saw today simply annoyed him.
William: 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘩. I never liked those brats. I always hated how Evan, Elizabeth, and Charlie made friends with these hooligans and how Clara keeps bringing them over. There are so many better children than them. Especially that stupid girl who's always around him. One day, she'll disappear from his life and everyone will be better for it.