A Star

A Star





“Run it again,” the disgruntled coach’s voice bellowed throughout the old dreary gym. The players were grabbing at their gym shorts obviously tired nearing the end of the 2 hour practice; however, they immediately ran to their correct places like trained soldiers. At the opposite end of the court, a small number of players were shooting foul shots with the assistant coach. Many of them would stop and intently observe the first team running the plays until they would feel the cold stare of Coach Thompson envelop them. “Joey, get down here”, commanded Thompson. Joey sprinted to the other basket with the “real” players, but he knew why he was summoned: rebounding drills. Coach used Joey to miss free throws purposefully so his teammates could practice boxing out and rebounding. Other coaches used lids to cover the basket but not Thompson. He did things the old fashioned way. “Begin”. Joey did an excellent job of missing baskets and Thompson knew it. Joey hated doing this, but he was helping the team after all. A long whistle ended the agony and coach screamed, “ Same time tomorrow gentlemen. Remember the playoffs are only a couple of weeks away and we need to tighten things up if we want to accomplish our goals.”

Joey and the rest of the team went directly to the locker room and the showers. While Joey was gathering some of his belongings, a couple of the more popular and better players walked by Joey’s locker. “Man, Joey you sure are the best at missing shots.” Yeah, if coach needs anyone to miss a big shot, you will have your number called then. They walked away giving each other high fives and laughing until Joey couldn’t hear them anymore. He was used to this sort of punishment, but now as a senior he wondered how much more he could really take. Leaving the locker room dejected, he walked past Coach Williams, the assistant coach. “See you tomorrow Joey Coach Williams said but Joey did not answer him and simply kept walking. Now, if Joey tried this with Coach Thompson all hell would break loose but Coach Williams was more the good cop with Coach Thompson being the bad. “Joey what’s the matter?” Joey stopped and turned around but didn’t answer. Coach Williams continued, “Joey, I know that you want to play more and it is difficult playing behind juniors and sophomores, but you have a role on this team to play. We are 17-2 so far this year with ten games left and you could be part of a championship team.” Coach Williams waited for Joey to digest what he told him and finally Joey responded passionately, “I’m just tired of not playing more. I want to score a lot and make shots and have the other teams worry about playing against me.” Coach Williams sighed and said, “Joey you are just not good enough to crack this starting lineup. We need you for defense, passing and giving the starters a breather.” Joey interrupted,” You need me for missing shots for rebounding drills. That is what I am needed for.” Joey turned and walked off into the gym with Coach Williams deciding it best to let Joey vent on his own. He knew that Joey was a good kid and he would do what was best for the team.

Joey was hastily moving through the gym when he noticed a basketball resting next to the bleachers. Instinctively, he wanted to kick the ball as hard as he could but instead he stopped and picked it up. He dropped his bag and began shooting baskets. As he was shooting he heard a rustle coming from behind the bleachers and he noticed a janitor sweeping up after the school’s pep rally today. As Joey was shooting, he noticed the janitor was watching him play as he was working. Although he thought this was strange, he shrugged it off and kept playing. Joey shot a three pointer and it clanged off the rim prompting the janitor to saying in a low scruffy voice, “Having a tough time making these aren’t you kid” as the ball rolled right by his feet although he kept his eyes focusing on the floor. Joey thought what the hell do you know as he ran to retrieve the ball. The janitor continued his duties as Joey kept shooting and missing. Without interrupting the motion of his sweeping, he said,” Why don’t you make things easy for everybody and just quit.” “Excuse me!” Joey angrily yelled as he bounced the ball mightily against the floor. Who do think you are...you are just a janitor, no offense.” “None taken. I have nothing to apologize for. How about you,” and as the janitor turned to begin sweeping behind a different set of bleachers he continued, “Joey.” Joey turned to get the ball and immediately stopped dead in his tracks thinking “How does he know my name?” He sharply turned to face the janitor, but he couldn’t see him behind the bleachers. “The way I see it”, Joey jumped to see the janitor come into view from behind the opposite set of bleachers that he initially entered, “you are just not a scorer Joey.” Joey looked back where he was sure the janitor was sweeping before but instead of speaking the janitor continued, “Coach Williams told you himself that you help the team with passing and other things.” “Yeah but I want to,” Joey again was shocked. Even if he knew Mr. Williams how could he have known about their conversation. Incredulously, Joey asked, “Who are you”, as he paused to look down at the worn out letters sewed on his brown shirt, “Bill R.” Continuing his job duties, the janitor replied, “Reficul. Name’s Bill Reficul. Just trying to help you Joey, if you will let me.” Without making eye contact, he continued sweeping right by Joey’s feet. Joey laughed, “How can you possibly help me?” “Actually, we can help each other,” and for the first time Bill stopped sweeping seemingly anxious to hear Joey’s reply. “Let me guess, you were some star player years ago and you have some great tips for me to become an awesome scorer. Is that it? Well, no thanks.” Disgusted, Joey slammed the ball and grabbed his bag heading straight for the exit and into the parking lot. “You are right about one thing Joey. I am a star and I can make you one too.” Joey continued walking. “How would you like to be an amazing scorer, break records, become popular.” Or maybe as you put it, “have other teams worry about you.” Joey was at the door but now he stopped. “What do you think of that?” Joey slowly turned to see Bill. With a charming but powerful voice that seemed to now echo throughout the gym, Bill spoke, “From this moment on, you will never miss another shot again. Never! Three pointers, free throws, lay-ups, is doesn’t matter Joey.” He was was extremely animated now. “Your name will be known and you will be...he paused and outstretched his arms letting go of his broom... the best!” As the broom hit the floor, it emitted an enormous bang as if a hundred brooms fell to the broom simultaneously. Silence. Joey was more than intrigued at this point and he rushed to face him, “How?” The janitor’s facial expression quickly changed to serious, “Give me your hands.” It was more a command than a request. Joey agreed somewhat reluctantly, but some part of him sensed that it all could be true. Immediately, he felt a shock throughout his body that was becoming more intense with each passing moment. Joey was screaming as he fell to his knees noticing Bill simply standing with his eyes closed and mumbling something. Then it was over. Although it seemed like an eternity, in reality it was only seconds. When he regained his strength, Joey yelled furiously, “What the hell was that. Are you crazy or something. What did you do to me?” The janitor stood stoically holding the basketball in his hands. He calmly handed it to Joey. “Shoot”. Joey still breathing heavily from the ordeal took the ball and tried to compose himself. He turned to face the basket about 15 feet away. He moved the ball around in his hands a couple times, bent his knees and followed though as the ball left his hands. Swish. He ran to grab the ball again and shot. Same result. Again, this time a three point shot. Nothing but net. Joey was now smiling and looking at the janitor. “If this real?” I can’t believe it.” Bill purposefully waited for Joey to shoot several more times before asking him, “In exchange for this, I’ll need you to do something for me when I chose to ask you.” “Whatever you want mister,” as Joey sinks another twenty footer, “I can’t be stopped now.” Wait until the other players see me tomorrow. I’m going to be the high scorer on the team. Everyone is going to love me.” As Joey continues thinking aloud, Bill turns around, picks up his broom and slowly continues sweeping with a pleased smile on his face.

Joey was the first one at practice the following day gleaming with the thought of everyone seeing him make every shot. Once all the players arrived, Coach Thompson called everyone in and said, “We only have about ten practices left before the start of the playoffs. Focus and pay attention. We will start with 12 sprints up and down the court. We will split into two groups, the starters with me and everyone else with Coach Williams. Joey could barely keep it together during the sprints. He couldn’t wait to shoot the ball. However, Coach Williams wanted to work on passing and dribbling drills. Finally after an agonizing 20 minutes, they played three on three. On the first possession, Joey received a pass and shot the ball from about 12 feet away. Two points. “Nice shot, Joey,” one of his teammates shouted. Again, this time from 18 feet. Bang. “Even a blind squirrel gets a nut,” someone else quipped prompted laughter among the players. “Focus guys,” hollered Coach Williams. On the third possession, Joey had the ball in three point range and Craig, who made the last joke about him, happened to be guarding him. Joey decided not to hide his new perfect confidence. “Craig, you can’t stop me.” Craig rolled his eyes and said, “Uh okay Joey whatever.” Joey moved to his right and launched a deep three point shot that swished through the net. Even Coach Williams noticed, “Joey you found your touch today.” Joey smiled and thought to himself, “No coach, from now on, this is everyday.”

The next couple of weeks were a whirlwind for Joey. He cracked the starting line-up and was playing more and more. He basked in his newfound popularity and was going on dates and being inviting to the “cool” parties. Local newspapers were writing about him and defenses were trying everything to stop him. Nothing was successful. Even though he didn’t play that much earlier in the season, he was quickly approaching the all-time single season scoring record of 610 points for his high school. Joey’s personality was changing also. Gone was the quiet laid back teenager. Enter a brash, cocky superstar who craved the spotlight wherever he went and never thanked his teammates or coaches for anything. Nothing could stop Joey now from achieving his goal. Joey was soon going to have the ultimate stage to showcase his talents: the state championship basketball game.

Days before the big game, Joey was in swim class hanging out with his new cool friends and flirting with numerous girls. At the end of class, Joey and a couple of the guys started an impromptu swimming race. With classmates cheering the boys on, the teacher came out of his office shaking his head as he watched the guys struggling to finish a couple of laps. Finally, one of the guys touched the wall and yelled, “Victory!” as some of his classmates clapped. As Joey and the others were finishing, the teacher looked at all of them and said, “ Well after watching that performance, it’s safe to stay there is no Bill Reficul’s here.” Joey was rubbing some water out of his eyes and stopped moving when he heard the name. When he looked up, the teacher had gone back in his office and the class was headed toward the locker area. Joey made his way out of the water and slowly approached the teacher’s office. “Mr. Sheridan, what were you talking about?” Mr. Sheridan turned to see Joey and replied. “ What do you mean?” as he was gathering some papers on his desk. “About Bill Reficul?” Joey continued cautiously. “Bill Reficul was the best swimmer in school history Joey. He still holds numerous records that have been standing for over 15 years now,” sighing as he put his head down, “He would have made an outstanding coach.” Mr. Sheridan had moved and was staring at a plaque on the wall. Joey slowly approached him, “What do you mean would have?” Mr. Sheridan motioning to the plaque continued, “After setting the school record for the 100 meters, Bill died suddenly at his home. His mom found him the next day in bed. Enlarged heart.” The words were becoming muffled to Joey because he couldn’t pull himself away from the picture of Bill Reficul on the plaque. It’s the janitor.

Without saying another word to Mr. Sheridan, Joey sprinted out of the office and into the hallway. Classes were in session so there wasn’t anyone in the normally crowded hallways; not that Joey cared at this point. He ran all the way to Coach Thompson’s office in the gymnasium. Coach was eating his lunch when Joey barged in. “Who is the janitor that works after our practices?” Coach looked up startled, “Joey, what are you talking about?” Without calming down Joey repeated, “ Who is the janitor that works after our practices?” Coach looked bewildered, “Why?” “Coach, please this is important,” Joey pleaded with him. “It’s Mike Joey. I think that his last name is Coyle.” What’s this all about?” Joey was turning white and just told coach that it was nothing and walked out the door. Later in the day during his study hall, Joey went to the library to research Bill Reficul and found everything to be true that Mr. Sheridan had told him. He couldn’t believe how exact the resemblance was between Bill’s pictures from 15 years ago and today. Joey was sure of it now and a cold shiver went down his spine.

As game day approached Joey began to wonder what he got himself into. He was becoming more scared and didn’t know where to turn for help. He was trying to find Bill at the school but his efforts were met with failure because he couldn’t find him. On game day, Joey arrived at the gym hours before the game in one last hope to speak with the janitor. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he noticed Bill sweeping behind the team benches calmly whistling to himself. Joey cautiously approached as his heart began to race. With his back to Joey, Bill said, “I know that you’re not here to practice shooting jumpers Joey.” “How did you know that I was...” Joey stopped and slowly backed away from Bill as he had turned to face him and said “You own the school swimming record.” Bill responded as he started sweeping, “Tell me something I don’t know kid.” In a nervous voice, Joey replied, “You also died tragically, many years ago.” With a smile on his face, Bill answered, “Like I said before, tell me something I don’t know.” Joey continued, “What the hell are you? I’m not sure about this whole deal anymore.” “Would it make you feel better if I were alive Joey. Is that it? Who I am doesn’t really matter.” He continued with more emphasis. “It’s who you have become. That’s important. That’s what really counts. And after tonight Joey, well you will be the best.” Joey’s nerves started easing up as Bill went on, “Remember what you used to be like Joey. No parties, sure a couple of dates here and there, but now cheerleaders and cool girls. You were averaging about 6 points a game before. Now you are over 40! You are hanging around with the best kids in the school. Not the ordinary kids. Who wants ordinary when you can have this. With a motion of his hand, the entire gym is transformed right before their eyes. Joey is standing at mid-court with his uniform on. Flashing lights from cameras and dozens of signs in support of Joey are scattered throughout the crowded gym with roaring fans. “Take a few more seconds to appreciate it kid.” Joey’s eyes are wide and his mouth open as he looks around the gymnasium. As quickly as it appeared, the scene ends in silence as Joey and Bill are standing alone again in the empty gym. “Why did you stop it?” Joey asked somewhat angrily. Bill shook his head, “ Joey that is just a small taste of what tonight will be like for you. This isn’t about me,” Bill pointed a bony finger at this chest, “It’s all about you.” Bill moved away from him and began sweeping.” Of course, we could go back to the way things were if you really want to being that you are scared and all.” Joey snapped,” I’m not scared. I just wasn’t sure that’s all,” and now filled with ego and pride, “but I am ready now.” With a satisfied look on his face Bill answered, “Good. Very good.”

Reporters and major college recruiters would be in attendance for the championship game tonight. They were playing a 28-0 team who were known for their two giant forwards of 6’ 6’’ and 6’7’’. Waiting in their locker room before the big game, Coach Thompson told the players that they need to go directly at their big men. Get them in foul trouble and they will have to play much smaller players at their positions. Joey wasn’t too concerned about this; he just wanted to score. A smile came to his face as he read the chalkboard with coach’s keys to victory. The first one said: Get Joey the ball.

As the teams ran on the court, the crowd erupted to see Joey who at this point in the season was achieving national recognition. Numerous signs were made for Joey but he made attention to one in particular. A huge billboard that kept an ongoing tally of Joey’s season point total that currently read 573. “Get ready to change that!” Joey yelled and pointed to a section of the crowd. Only 38 points away from owning the greatest record in school history. As he was reveling in the moment, Joey noticed that he was standing at mid-court just like hours earlier with Bill. “ I am going to be the best,” Joey thought as the horn sounded to begin the title game.

Through three quarters, it was a close contest with the teams going back and forth exchanging leads. Joey was making the impossible shots look easy even with two defenders draped all over him. The other team’s star players were starting to get into foul trouble. They both had four fouls entering the final quarter. As Joey was closing in on the school record, one of the opponent’s big guys fouled out attempting to block one of Joey’s shots. Joey’s team was now getting most of the rebounds because of their distinct height advantage. Regardless of this, Joey’s team was down three points with ten seconds left and possession of the ball. Coach Thompson was adamantly screaming to pass the ball to Joey who was waiting to shoot a three point shot. With the crowd in an absolute frenzy, the point guard threw the ball to Joey but before he could shoot it, he was immediately fouled by the other team’s big man. Two seconds left and down three points, Coach Thompson used his final timeout. Gathering the players around him, he looked directly into Joey’s eyes, “Our only chance Joey is for you to miss the second free throw, we will get the rebound and put it back in to force overtime. Especially since their other big man is fouled out.” Joey’s felt his heart skip a beat in his chest. “Coach, he paused, “I can’t miss.” Thompson’s face reddened with anger, “What are you talking about Joey. We need you to miss this shot and you will miss this shot Joey just like you used to in practice.” Pounding his clipboard, “Now is not the time to be selfish. I saw you before the game motioning to all of your fans. We are a team! You’ll get that record in overtime.” “I don’t expect you to understand coach, but I really can’t miss,” Joey said not knowing what else to say. The players were now staring at him with a combination of disgust and disbelief. With a tight smirk and eyes squinting, coach replied, “ Oh, I understand. I understand that you have changed.” “Lets play coach,” was heard from the court by one of the officials breaking the tension in the huddle.

As Joey went to the free throw line, he was given the ball and calmly sank the first free throw as the crowd now waited anxiously for the second shot knowing that he had to miss it. Joey noticed the billboard in the stands tallying his points changing from 609 to 610 tying the record. Joey was given the ball again and almost couldn’t compose himself to shoot it. He finally looked up and noticed Bill, who he hadn’t seen previously, leaning on his broom smiling at him from the open doorway in the back of the gymnasium. Joey stared at Bill as he let the ball go and when the ball was in the air Bill slowly turned and began walking out of the gym already knowing the result. Joey couldn’t bare to watch as the ball perfectly swished through the net without even touching the rim. As the opposing team inbounded the ball and secured the win, they rushed the court in jubilation as Joey still stood at the free throw line with his knees bent and his head buried in his hands.

In the dejected locker room, Joey sat by himself beside his locker. Between the opening and closing of lockers, the silence was painful. Someone approached Joey and placed a plaque beside him, “You were right Joey, no one can stop you not even yourself.” Joey sighed and looked up to see Coach Williams looking at the award that read all time season season scoring leader: Joey Natas. He continued, “It just seems like in your effort to become the best, you forgot about the most important part; making your team better. You used to play great defense and play valuable minutes off the bench. Now you only worry about the glamour part of the game; scoring. I am disappointed in you Joey. I thought that you were better than this. Without saying another word, coach walked away and left the locker room.

All of the other players were gone by now as Joey still sat motionless. He wasn’t aware of how much time had passed when he heard some rustling behind the lockers. The distinct swoosh of a broom gave the person away, but Joey knew deep in his heart that he was coming. “Congratulations kid. That is one awesome scoring record. It may never be broken again,” Bill said as he continued to sweep up dust behind the lockers. Joey immediately stood up and said, “You tricked me. You fucking tricked me!” Bill looking surprised replied, “No I did not. You got the record didn’t you?” “This isn’t how is was suppose to happen!” Joey exclaimed. Picking up the plaque and shaking it, “This doesn’t mean anything to me now because we lost the game.” Bill studied Joey and said, “You never mentioned anything about winning Joey. You just wanted to score and break records,” pointing at the plaque, “well you got it.” “I told you that after tonight you would be the best. Aren’t you?” Joey interrupted him, “But everyone hates me now. They think I am selfish and made the shot just to get the record.” Bill continued, “ You never once mentioned winning games or helping your teammates and coaches Joey. And I actually gave you a chance to get out of this right? But no you wanted the ESPN spotlight treatment and you got it. It is so easy in today’s society Joey because we focus on what we want rather than what will already have.” Joey again interrupted and screamed, “But you promised to make me a star.” Bill backed up and put his hands in the air and spoke with a smile on his face, “Joey when I said I would make you a star, it had nothing to do with basketball.” Joey blankly stared at him. Bill continued in a more monotone serious manner, “You see Joey, you agreed to the terms of the deal, and I am here to collect on those terms.” Confused Joey replied, “What the hell can you do. You’re dead!” “You forget Joey that I’m a star and he needs more stars,” pausing and looking right at Joey, Bill continued, “and you are a star now too and you are going to give us another one just like you. It makes his job easier when selfishness and arrogance reigns. He wants to keep this Me generation going.” Shrugging his shoulders Joey said, ”What if I refuse?” Laughing aloud, Bill said, ”It doesn’t work that way. You agreed. You have no choice. You will learn to like this eventually. You will be able to do a lot of new things now Joey. And you will learn a couple new tricks over time.” Leaning forward, Bill slowly placed a hand on Joey’s shoulder sending a shock through his body much more excruciating than before. The last thing Joey remembers hearing is Bill saying, “ After all, time is all you got.” For the next several minutes, the locker room was echoing with Joey’s horrid screams and impassioned pleas.

Coach Thompson returned to the locker room after he and Coach Williams met with the reporters. Before he left, he always checked each area to make sure no one left anything behind. He saw someone lying motionless on the floor. He ran to the body horrified to see that it was Joey. “Jesus Christ Joey what’s wrong?” He put his ear to Joey’s chest and began sobbing. “Oh my God no.” Coach ran out of the locker room screaming for help as Joey lay dead with his plaque resting by his side.

“Silbil”, Coach Frank lifted his head up from his small disorganized desk to call the next player’s name on his list. A tentative looking player walked in without saying a word and sat down. Coach continued, “I like to meet with all of the players at the end of the year to give them some advice and see what their plans are. I know that you didn’t play a lot this year but everybody has a role to play. Pitch-hitting is a vital part of the game. Without an effective bench, it is difficult to remain competitive at this level. Keep practicing this summer on your hitting and defensive fundamentals. You have a chance to make JV again but, even as a senior, you’re just not ready for varsity.” Obviously upset, the player said with little emotion, “Thanks coach” as he left the office. He ran into the gym and starting hastily filling the pitching machine with baseballs. Grabbing the bat with a menacing look on his face, he wildly swung and missed the first few pitches but he finally connected and sent one near the top of the gymnasium. As the player watched the ball, he stared at the faded banner that it hit hanging from the rafters that read: Joey Natas 2007-2008 single season boys basketball scoring record of 611 points. Next to Joey’s banner was an even older one that read: Bill Reficul 1992-1993 single season boys swimming record of 1:07.04 seconds 100 meter swim. He was startled from a voice coming from near the pitching machine that said “Having a tough time hitting these aren’t you?” Silbil glanced in the voice’s direction and said, “Who’s there? How did you get in here?” A figure slid out from under the pitching machine holding a wrench and said, “It would be great if you could hit these all the time wouldn’t it?” Silbil just stared as the man wearing the school’s maintenance uniform approached him. Flipping a baseball in the air, he said, “I am a star and I could make you one too if you let me.”

Joey smiled as he waited for a response.