The Richest Heir

CHAPTER 5

The sound of basketballs echoed in the gym as two groups took up space.

On one side, bathed in the harsh glow of the overhead lights, stood a mix of hopeful athletes engaged seriously in their practice session. In the background of this, a small trio was Caleb, flanked by his steadfast friends Tommy and Jake.

On the opposite side of the gym, an another group led by Kenneth, were more focused on mockery than genuine engagement of the game. The female cheerleaders, including Tracy and Susan, aligned themselves with this formidable group

Coach gathered the players in a huddle, delivering a stern lecture that echoed through the gymnasium.

"Alright, team! Today's training session is crucial, and I expect each one of you to give it your best. Remember, teamwork is the key to success. Now, pay attention to your positions, communicate on the court, and, most importantly, stay focused!"

He coach blew the whistle, signaling the start of the training session. The gymnasium erupted with the sounds of sneakers squeaking on the polished floor, basketballs bouncing, and the coach's voice echoing instructions.

Caleb tried to focus on the drills, but Kenneth's taunts began almost immediately. The first few minutes were a blur as he struggled to shake off the distracting comments.

Kenneth laughed mockingly, "Caleb, maybe you should stick to playing hopscotch. Basketball seems a bit too much for you."

"Just ignore him" His friends on the court tried to offer encouragement, but Kenneth's relentless jabs continued.

"Nice pass, Caleb! Too bad it was to the wrong team!"

The training session progressed, but Caleb's usually precise moves were off the mark. Kenneth's comments intensified, creating a hostile atmosphere on the court.

Despite the support from his friends, Caleb found it challenging to concentrate.

Kenneth jeered, "Come on, Caleb, even your sneakers look like they're giving up on you. Maybe they're tired of carrying a loser like you."

"Hey, Caleb, did you borrow those sneakers from the charity bin? Maybe that's why your game's falling apart!"

Caleb attempted to ignore the verbal distractions. However, Kenneth's relentless commentary persisted.

"Come on, Caleb, show us some real basketball skills! Or maybe you're just here for our entertainment?"

As the practice concluded, Caleb felt the bitter aftertaste of his terrible performance. The coach, visibly disappointed, addressed the team with a stern gaze.

"Alright, gentlemen, that's a wrap for today." The coach's words hung in the air as he turned his attention to Caleb, who was wiping the sweat from his face. "Caleb, I don't know what happened out there, but next time, I expect a performance that matches your capabilities."

Caleb swallowed his frustration and replied with a determined, "Yes, Sir," his eyes briefly locking with Kenneth's triumphant smirk.

As the coach concluded his remarks, he left the team with a final piece of advice,

"Remember, each practice is an opportunity to improve. Use today's challenges to fuel your determination for tomorrow. Now, hit the showers and rest up. Tomorrow is a new day, and I expect to see a stronger performance from each one of you."

As the coach exited the gym, Kenneth's team persisted in their taunts, the echoes of their jeers lingering in the air.

"Pizza Boy just got served a reality check."

"Delivery dude, probably confused his basketball for a pizza box!"

"Looks like Mr. Takeout got lost on his way to the game."

"Basketball in hand, but he's still searching for the court!"

"Is this a slam dunk or a pizza delivery? He seems unsure!"

"Just a friendly reminder, Pizza Boy, hoops are for basketball, not pizza boxes!"

"Court or doorstep? Pizza Boy's a bit mixed up tonight!"

Jake couldn't hold back his frustration.

"What the hell is wrong with those guys?" he exclaimed.

"We saw how they were trying to mess with you. You should've complained to the coach."

Caleb, attempting to shrug off the situation, reached for a face towel from his bag. "It doesn't matter," he said nonchalantly.

"Of course, it matters," Tommy interjected, expressing his concern. "You can't just let them get away with it."

"Guys, just leave it, okay?" Caleb insisted, and his friends exchanged disappointed glances, realizing Caleb's reluctance to escalate the situation.

Susan strolled up to Caleb with a smile.

"Nice game," she said.

Caleb, in disbelief, thought, 'Did she miss the game? Couldn't she see how poorly I played?' Perhaps she was just too sweet for her own good.

He managed a smile in return but kept quiet, taking a thoughtful sip from his water bottle.

"Anyway, we're all heading out for dinner tonight. Join us, it'll be fun!"

The invitation sparked a mix of reactions from the others. Some exchanged glances with raised eyebrows, while others snickered under their breath.

Caleb, accustomed to such remarks, replied with a nonchalant shrug. "Sure, why not? I could use a good meal."

Jason, one of Kenneth's cronies, couldn't resist a taunt,

"Good meal or free meal"

Susan, just sighed heavily, and ignored his jab smiling at

Caleb, added, "Great!"

Kenneth, always quick with a snide remark, chimed in,

"Hope you're not expecting Caleb to foot the bill, Susan. His wallet's probably as empty as his game."

Susan shot back, "It's not about money, Kenneth. We're just hanging out, and Caleb's welcome to join. It's not a charity event; it's about being decent human beings."

As the news of the group dinner circulated, Tommy, Caleb's friend, stepped up.

"Don't worry, Caleb. I'll cover your meal," he declared, aiming to diffuse Caleb's tension.

However, Kenneth wasn't about to let this slide. "Oh, look at that. Tommy's suddenly feeling generous. Trying to impress the cheerleader, huh?" he sneered, casting a challenging glance at Tommy.

Undeterred, Tommy shot back, "I don't need your approval, Kenneth. Just trying to be a good friend."

"Come on, guys, stop it!" Interrupted Susan.

"Let's not turn it into a battlefield. Tommy, thanks for the offer, but I'll cover everyone's meal tonight. No need to make a big deal out of it."

Kenneth, taken aback by Susan's unexpected intervention, mumbled under his breath, "Whatever"

As the excitement for the group dinner grew, Kenneth couldn't resist teasing Caleb.

Kenneth wore a sly smirk"Hey, Caleb, how about stepping up and being a real gentleman? Treat us all this time. It's not cool to let a girl foot the bill, you know! And come on, you've never really splurged like the rest of us. Time to change that, don't you think?"

Despite the mocking tone in the air trying to embarrass Caleb, he surprised everyone with a casual smile.

"Sure, why not? I can treat everyone."

Kenneth, taken aback, exchanged glances with his friends, who couldn't believe what they had just heard.

"Is he serious?" one of them whispered.

Caleb's two friends, aware of his financial situation, shot concerned looks at him, silently questioning this unexpected declaration.

"Caleb, buddy, what's your plan? There are, like, twenty of us. How are you gonna foot the bill for everyone?" Jake whispered.

"He's got a point. Let's come up with an excuse..." Tommy chimed in.

Caleb just smiled at his friends' concern.

"Guys, relax and enjoy the evening. I've got everything covered," he said, winking confidently.