As I walked through the school gates the next morning, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nervous excitement. The events of the previous day were still fresh in my mind, and I wasn't sure what to expect. But before I could even process my thoughts, I heard a familiar voice calling out to me from behind.
"Hey, Gabriel! Wait up!"
I turned around to see Lizzy jogging towards me, a bright smile plastered on her face. She caught up to me and fell into step beside me, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Hey, King Dino!" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I have to say, I'm loving the new fame. Everyone's talking about you, and I mean everyone. You're like a rockstar now."
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "Shut up, Lizzy."
But Lizzy just laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "No way, I'm serious! You're like a celebrity now. Everyone recognizes you as the king of the court. I mean, I've seen people pointing at you in the hallways, whispering to each other. It's like you're a superstar or something."
I felt a sense of surrealism wash over me as we walked through the crowded hallway. People were indeed staring at me, their faces filled with a mix of awe and curiosity. It was like I was living in a dream.
"Thanks, Lizzy," I said, trying to sound casual despite the chaos that was erupting inside me. "I guess it's just weird getting used to all the attention."
Lizzy nodded enthusiastically, her ponytail bobbing up and down. "I can imagine! But you deserve it, Gabriel. You're an amazing player, and everyone knows it now. You should be proud of yourself."
We stopped at my locker, and Lizzy leaned against the wall, watching as I spun the dial on my lock. She was still grinning at me, her eyes shining with excitement.
"So, how's it feel being a celebrity?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. "Do you feel like you're on top of the world?"
I shrugged, trying to downplay it despite the fact that I was secretly thrilled. "It's okay, I guess. I mean, it's not like I'm used to it or anything."
Lizzy laughed, her voice echoing down the hallway. "You're such a humble superstar, Gabriel. But seriously, you should enjoy it. You've earned it. You've worked hard to get where you are, and now it's time to reap the rewards."
I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Lizzy. She was always there to support me, no matter what. And now, she was here to help me navigate the chaos that was erupting around me.
As I stood there with Lizzy, chatting and laughing, I noticed Johnson approaching us, a huge grin plastered on his face. He looked like he was bursting with excitement, and I couldn't help but wonder what was behind his enthusiasm. His eyes were shining with a sense of triumph, and his step was light, as if he was walking on air.
"Hey, guys!" he exclaimed, joining our little group. "I've got some amazing news to share! You won't believe it!"
Lizzy and I exchanged a curious glance, and Johnson didn't waste any time. He pulled out his phone and started scrolling through it, his eyes scanning the screen with a look of anticipation.
"Check this out!" he said, holding out his phone for us to see. "The new Wonder Kids ranking is out, and you're on it, Gabriel! You're actually third in the whole country!"
I felt a surge of surprise and excitement as I took in the screen. It was a list of ten names, with photos and stats alongside each one. And there, in the third spot, was my name, staring back at me in bold letters. I couldn't believe it. Third in the whole country? It was surreal.
"Whoa, congratulations!" Lizzy exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "You're third in the whole country! That's amazing, Gabriel!"
I couldn't speak. I was too stunned. I just nodded, trying to process it all.
Johnson was beaming with pride. "I knew you could do it, Gabriel! You're an amazing player, and now the whole country knows it! You deserve it, man. You've worked so hard to get where you are."
Lizzy nodded in agreement. "You deserve it, Gabriel. You've always been talented, but now you're getting the recognition you deserve."
I felt a sense of gratitude towards my friends, who were always there to support me. And now, they were here to share in my triumph. I was lucky to have them in my life.
I excused myself from Lizzy and Johnson, saying I had to make a call. They nodded understandingly, and I walked away, getting some distance from the crowd. I found a quiet spot near the lockers, where I could have some privacy, and pulled out my phone, dialing my dad's number. I couldn't wait to share the news with him.
He answered on the first ring, his voice warm and familiar. "Hey, kiddo! How's it going?"
"Hey, Dad," I said, trying to contain my excitement. "You won't believe what just happened. I'm on the Wonder Kids ranking!"
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then my dad exclaimed, "What?! That's amazing, Gabriel! Congratulations! I'm so proud of you!"
I grinned, feeling proud and happy. "Thanks, Dad. I'm third in the whole country! Can you believe it?"
"Third?! That's incredible!" my dad shouted, his voice filled with excitement and pride. "I always knew you had it in you, Gabriel. You've worked so hard for this. You've dedicated yourself to your craft, and it's paid off."
I chuckled, feeling happy and relieved. "Thanks, Dad. I couldn't have done it without your support. You've always been there for me, pushing me to be my best."
My dad's tone turned serious, his voice filled with wisdom. "Gabriel, this is just the beginning. You have to keep pushing yourself to be the best. Don't let this ranking go to your head. Stay humble, stay focused, and keep working hard."
"I won't, Dad," I promised. "I'll keep working hard. I won't let you down."
We talked for a few more minutes, discussing the ranking and what it meant for my future. My dad was beaming with pride, and I could tell he was already thinking about the possibilities, the opportunities that this ranking could bring.
As we wrapped up our conversation, my dad said, "Gabriel, I'm so proud of you. You deserve this. You've earned it. Keep making me proud, okay?"
"I will, Dad," I said, smiling. "I love you."
"I love you too, kiddo," my dad replied. "Keep your head up and keep shining. You're a star, Gabriel."