Long Shot?

Babs

The sweat was literally pouring down Ben's back as he ran down the court. He tried concentrating on nothing but the ball and who had it in their possession. He looked to his left and almost missed the pass that his teammate, Joe, threw to him. It was pure luck that he managed to actually catch it and make the shot. Joe ran up behind him.

"Ben, where's your head at man? You almost missed my pass?"

"I know. I'm sorry. My mind just isn't on the game."

"What's the matter, you got man troubles?"

Ben couldn't help but laugh.

"You could say that, I guess."

"Look, let's just finish up here and we can grab a beer. In the meantime, keep your eyes on the ball! You're on fire today, man!"

Joe, clapped Ben on the shoulder before running back down the court.

Ben followed and once again scored a basket. He really had no idea why he was playing so well, considering his heart was being torn in half.

The team ran up to him and slapped him on the back.

"Great shot, man!"

Ben hardly noticed. Again, it was pure luck that the ball actually went in.

He had to stop thinking about Michael and move on. It was obvious that Michael couldn't handle his HIV status. He knew he had to get over it but why couldn't he? He had done it a million times before. It always came down to the fact that guys either couldn't handle the thought of him becoming sick or having to actually take care of him if he did get sick. Given the circumstances he didn't really blame them. On the other hand, he just wanted to be back in a relationship. He missed having someone to come home to and to talk to about his day with. He was lonely for companionship and he was really, really tired of sleeping alone!

This time, a shout made him snap back to the game, but it was too late; the ball went out of bounds. Ben could see the look of disappointment on his teammates' faces.

All of a sudden, Ben's heart started to beat even more rapidly in his chest. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Michael was standing on the sidelines with the ball in his hand. He was trying to dribble it without much luck.

"Hey, pass it here!" Joe yelled to him.

Michael continued to bounce the ball, sort of like a child learning for the first time. Ben just stood there in shock. Joe ran past him and up to Michael.

"Hey man, let me have the ball."

Michael continued walking forward, never taking his eyes from Ben.

"I'll give you the ball, if he will go out with me."

"Huh? If who goes out with you?" Joe snickered. He could see how uncomfortable Ben was. His face was beet red and Joe knew it wasn't because he was hot.

Ben couldn't believe his ears. Was Michael actually asking him out on a date? Why? Ben couldn't concentrate on anything but Michael's beautiful brown eyes. His gaze shifted to Joe as he realized that Joe was yelling at him.

"Ben, get the ball, will ya! This guy is crazy!"

Ben walked up to Michael.

"Give me the ball, Michael."

"No. I'm not giving you the ball until you agree too go out with me."

He started bouncing the ball again and it looked like he would lose control of it any second. Ben decided that's when he would make a grab for it. Amazingly enough, Michael didn't lose control and continued to bounce it around him.

Ben extended his hand. "Come on Michael. Just give it to me."

"Only if you go out with me."

By this time, the team was getting agitated. Joe yelled across the court. "Just say yes. If he's anything like what I got at home, he won't give up until you do."

Ben shook his head and told Michael yes. He would go out with him.

"Now can I have the ball?"

Michael smiled a huge smile and it was all Ben could do not to grab him and kiss him hard. He took the ball and threw it to Joe.

"See you at 8:00," Michael said as he slowly walked away.

Ben couldn't help but stare at Michael's perfect ass and it suddenly occurred to him that Michael was walking slowly on purpose. He knows that he's driving me crazy, Ben thought as he ran down the opposite end of the court. He smiled to himself and couldn't wait for the game to end so he could get ready his date.

He just hoped that he wasn't setting himself up for another fall. Could Michael be the one? He knew he should take it slowly, but his heart was telling him he didn't have to. Ben shook his head. There was no use thinking about this now, he thought. I'll take it one step at a time. Deep inside he felt that all his dreams were about to come true.

"Ben!"

Ben caught the shot and dunked in the winning basket. The team whooped with joy and Ben felt happier then he had in days. He knew it was a long shot, but on the other hand, maybe it wasn't.