This story contains homosexual themes. If you are offended by such topics or you are not of legal age to read such stories, please read no further. All the characters in the story are fictitious, with the exception of one character. I have NO idea of his sexual preference and I'm implying NOTHING. It's just a story.
This chapter wraps up the story. Since this is Thanksgiving weekend I just want to thank each and every one of you that have sent me emails in support of this story. I really enjoyed writing it and your emails were so encouraging. I'm working on another story now so if you are interested let me know and I'll email you when I begin to post chapters. Again, thanks to all of you.
Chapter 45
Instead of heading straight back to the dorms, Jerric allowed himself a detour and spent a few minutes in the arena. He stood at center court reminiscing about the games he'd played, the crowds' roar and the friends he would leave behind. He knelt down and his fingers traced the large Blue Devil logo on the floor as a single tear escaped his eye and cascaded down his cheek. Saying good-bye would not be easy.
Jerric slept little that night. He and Hunter had stayed up late and talked, but did their best to avoid discussing his decision. They had made love and fell asleep in each other arms, but even then, his slumber was short lived. Now, as he made his way to the athletic center, the butterflies in his stomach were unyielding. Until today, press conferences came easily to him. Things were different now, and the apprehension was overwhelming.
With camera's flashing, he took his seat behind the microphone and looked out to the crowd before him. Most were members of the press, some local but others represented larger affiliates that had followed him throughout his career and of course Krista and Jeff. The two of them had been inseparable since the incident with Adam in Geno's. Jeff stared at the ground while Krista looked straight into Jerric's eyes with tears streaming down her face as if making one last unspoken plea for him to change his mind. Standing in the back of the room were his teammates, all with solemn faces, and none attempting to make eye contact with him. Among them was a somber Hunter, trying his best to make light conversation with the others, making it obvious he would, even as a sophomore, be next year's team leader. Coach Jackson and the dean took their seats next to him and Jerric took a deep breath before he began.
"Thank you all for coming here today." The words felt like they needed to be pried from his lips.
"I know that in the past few weeks there have been rumors circulating that I'm considering not returning to Duke next year and instead making myself eligible for the NBA draft. We are two week away from winning a national championship and I feel like these rumors are a distraction that we can't afford right now. I want you to know today that those rumors are true and I have spent many hours making what undoubtedly is one of the hardest decisions of my life. I had two dreams while I was growing up. One was to become an All-American; the other was to play in the NBA. One of those dreams is unfulfilled, and an injury in the next two years could prohibit that dream from ever becoming a reality. It's a huge gamble, and to be honest, I'm not much of a gambler."
He paused, trying desperately to maintain his composure.
"Duke University has been my home and the fans and my teammates have been my family for the past two years. Coach Jackson has instilled in me principles that make not only a good basketball player, but a good person as well. He has taught me that hard work, integrity and honesty to be the cornerstones on which to build my future. The fans have taught me the meaning loyalty, and without a doubt the success we have had achieved as a team is due in large to the immense support the Duke fans have showered upon us.
He took a deep breath. "And as for my teammates; it has been an honor to play on the same court with you. You have accepted me unconditionally, and I feel certain I will never again play with a group of guys where the word "team" is held in such high regard.
He looked directly at Hunter.
"One of my teammates told me last night that while my decision would cause a huge void next year, he was convinced I would be an asset to any NBA team. Well, you're right Hunter. I will be an asset, and with any luck my dream of playing for the Knicks will come true............but for right now that dream will have to be put on hold. I'm not ready to be a pro player, but I am ready to be an All-American and a member of a national championship team. I'm not declaring my eligibility for the NBA draft. Instead, I'll be returning next year as a Duke Blue Devil."
Somewhere off in the distance, Jerric could hear the cheers in the room and excited voice of Coach Jackson who was now making his comments to the press, but his focus was elsewhere. His eyes were locked on Hunter's and even from across the room he could see the tears staining his cheeks.
That's all it took. Jerric knew his choice had been the right one.
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