As you read this book, I invite you to embark on a transformative journey with a young man destined for greatness - unaware of his true potential until a catalyst sparked everything into motion.
From unique perspectives, his story will resonate deeply, challenging your thoughts and inspiring growth.
Welcome to a life-changing exploration...
BORN GENTLE
Chapter 1
"Hey Umoja, how are you? You look upset, what's wrong?" My mom hugged me and kissed my forehead.
"You know what upsets me, Mom - calling me a name whose meaning I don't even know."
"You'll soon understand, but you're not ready yet."
"What do you mean by not ready?"
She slapped me and walked away - her usual escape tactic.
"Mom, Mom, Mom!!"
She left the keys under the flower pot. "Don't be late for school."
I knew she was avoiding my question.
My phone rang - it was Blue, my best friend.
"Hey Umoja, I've been waiting too long. You forgot we have a big game today."
She used the name again. "What is it with you guys? Why do you always call me that?"
Blue laughed. For a minute, I thought maybe she knew the answer.
"Because your mom calls you that, and I think it suits you."
My heart sank again.
"Okay, I'm almost there. Wait for me."
It was the first day of my seventh game playoff. The team I faced wasn't weak, but I had confidence -
I was the best player on my team and in the league.
Blue was a stunning girl, and most of my teammates always pushed me to ask her out, but she was like a sister to me.
"Hey, you forgot something!" I knew she meant the selfie.
She hugged me tightly and told me to smile. I played along, but my mind was elsewhere - still reeling from a bad dream.
Blue looked into my eyes. "Yes, I see something's bothering you, Niq. What is it?"
She always looked beautiful when she paid attention, and I had no choice but to spill the beans.
"I had a bad dream," I admitted.
We walked into the hallway, and she held my hand tightly.
"Is it one of those dreams we always talk about?"
I wanted to tell her this one felt different, but she had a game too, so I didn't want to burden her.
"Yeah, sure, one of those," I lied. She saw right through me but said:
"Whatever it is, don't let it get you off your game," Betha said with a reassuring smile.
"Man, the coach needs to talk to you," Din, my teammate, interrupted, eyeing Blue with interest.
Din and I had a rivalry on the court - we played the same position, and he was taller, but I was stronger, faster, and more aggressive.
Blue hugged me tightly and whispered into my ear with a soft voice,
"I'll be there with you, okay? Just feel my presence, forget about the dream... and I love you so much."
She handed me the ball and walked away.
Din raised an eyebrow and teased,
"Mmmmm, she likes you, man - you need to do something before I do!"
I laughed and shot back,
"OMG, man, you're still here?"
"Yeah, coach said I should bring you to him, so yeah, I'm still here," Din replied dryly.
I was surprised the coach wanted to see me so urgently
"Okay, bodyguard, let's go," I said to Din with a grin,
"And about Blue - forget it, man, she doesn't feel that way about spoiled brats like you."
Din chuckled, clearly amused by my teasing.
We walked into the coach's office, and I greeted him with a smile.
"Good morning, Coach Phil."
"Hey Niq, what's up? You ready for this game?" Coach Phil asked, carrying a mysterious box.
"Yes, Coach, but I think Din should start today," I suggested unexpectedly.
Coach Phil raised an eyebrow. "Why do you think that?"
Din called out to the other teammates, who began entering the locker room, while Coach Phil placed the box on his table.
"Back to you, Niq - what made you suggest Din starts?" Coach Phil asked again.
I explained, "Just giving him some game time, Sir. He's a great player."
Coach Phil nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, I get it, Niq."
He opened the box, revealing new jerseys for the playoffs.
The room erupted into cheers as teammates gathered around, eager to see their new uniforms.
Coach Phil announced,
"The sponsor gave us these awesome jerseys for our playoff games - Navy blue with red side strips!"
Everyone cheered louder as Coach Phil began calling out names and handing out jerseys:
"David Shumba, Simba Edwards, McLusky Shawn, Leroy Brown, Isaac Moto, Din Antony, Velerio Musha, Brighton Michigan, Zick Brian... and our captain, Unique Orunji- aka Niq!"
I grabbed my jersey - Number 28, my birthdate - and felt electrified.
BLUE APPEARED BESIDE ME, SMILING
"Wow, Niq, the jersey is cool! Mr. Orunji, you look very handsome," she said, Blue's smile lingered as she gazed at me, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Thanks, Blue," I replied, feeling a flutter in my chest at her compliment.
She leaned in closer, voice low and playful:
"Man, are you not starting today? Damn, is it because of the dream...
Come on, the team needs you!"
I chuckled and explained,
"No, B, I'm giving Din some game time - it's been a minute since he played."
Blue's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes locking onto mine:
"Okay... Umoja."
SUDDENLY, THE BUZZER SOUNDED - GAME TIME!
As the buzzer sounded, signaling game time, Din pumped his fist in excitement:
"YESSSS, finally starting!"
He high-fived our teammates, then turned to me with a grin:
"Thanks, captain... don't worry, I'll make you proud!"
Coach Phil gave the final pep talk, then blew his whistle, and the game tipped off.
Din sprinted down the court, sinking a three-pointer on the first possession - crowd ERUPTED!
The opposing team's star player, a towering center, glared at Din, then turned to me and smirked:
"Your little friend won't last."
My instincts screamed to enter the game - Din was playing amazingly.