Chapter 17
April 2, 2017. Courtyard Phoenix Camelback. 11:34 PM.
Tavon sneaked out of his room and went outside to the fitness center, sitting next to the pool to collect his thoughts. Tomorrow was the big game, which made Tavon a bit antsy. The championship game is round three against Pittsburgh, a team that Miami is currently 1-1 against this season. Tavon never really won the "big one" in anything, as one would refer these types of events, even in his first life. When Tavon played Melee before dying, he would always fall short at supermajors right at the end, finishing in 2nd or 3rd. Even after being resurrected, he and the Seymour Owls were just one win away from playing in the state championship. Since Pittsburgh does not have any bald people on their team, this game is Tavon's game to lose. There is no excuse for Miami to lose this game.
"So this is where you are," a voice emits from near the door. It was Haziel, who made the trip to Phoenix to see his key to return to Heaven play on college basketball's biggest stage.
"What are you doing here?"
"The reason is obvious, Tavon," Haziel answers as he sits down next to Tavon.
"You're betting on the game?"
"Well, yes, I am but that isn't the reason why I'm here."
"You should really settle down with the gambling. One day, it could really bite us," Tavon says with a sigh of concern.
"What's wrong with it?"
"Oh I don't know...'For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.' I think that was I Timothy 6:10."
"Don't you dare quote verses against me."
Tavon looks over to Haziel with a slightly annoyed look. "Since you're an angel and all, then why don't you follow them?"
"That's a none of your business. A human like you would never understand," Haziel grumbles as he crosses his arms.
"Oh well," Tavon shrugs. "I guess this human will just retire right now, and you'll stay here forever."
Upon hearing Tavon's response, Haziel, on the brink of crying, clings on to Tavon and starts shaking him. "No, no, no, please don't do that."
"I'm just playing, man. Don't worry," Tavon chuckles.
"My soul, Tavon. Don't joke around like that," Haziel sits back down relieved. "Not a lot of people I resurrected ever made it to the National Championship, let alone the Final Four. Not even Derek Baldwin accomplished what you're doing right now."
The name "Derek Baldwin" has mentioned several times to Tavon, but he still did not know anything about this person. Curious, Tavon had to ask Haziel. "Hey, who is Derek Baldwin?"
"What? I didn't tell you about Baldwin yet?" Haziel staggered. "Long story short, he's the greatest person to ever be reborn into a basketball player. Won six rings, two gold medals, et cetera, et cetera."
"So where is he now?"
"If I recall correctly, he should be playing around this time period. It appears we got transported to a universe where he never played basketball, though."
"Damn, that's a shame."
"Language."
"Oh, sorry." Tavon was disappointed. With the way he has been playing recently, he felt that he can do special things in the NBA. If Baldwin was in the NBA in this universe, Tavon would have an idea on how to get into the Hall of Fame and get Haziel back home.
"Don't fret, Tavon. You'll do fine. Just one more game and you'll be going to be the NBA."
"As long as I don't get shot or kidnapped again, I will be."
"True."
Tavon responds as he checks his phone for the time. "Well I should head on back."
"Very well. Good night." Haziel extends his fist out to Tavon, asking for a fist bump.
Tavon noticed the gesture and grinned. "Night, man," Tavon responds and fist bumps Haziel. "Pitt's going down tomorrow."