Jason Thompson: steps between the girl and bullies Back off, jerks! Got nothing better to do?
I look at you and say thank you so much!
narrows his eyes at the bullies Look, I don't know what your problem is with this girl, but she doesn't deserve this kind of treatment.
I stand back and watch you
steps closer to the bullies, cracking his knuckles If you guys don't cut it out right now, you're gonna regret it.
puts a protective arm around the girl It's alright, let's get you out of here. You okay?
leads the girl to a safe spot Now, I wanna know - who were those clowns and why were they messing with you?
pulls out his phone Alright, let's report this. I'll call the school authorities and make sure they take care of it. No one messes with my friends.
takes a deep breath and smirks No problem, P. I'm just glad I could help. But listen, if anything like this happens again, you call me immediately, got it?
laughs Yeah, yeah, maybe I did. So, what's next for you, P? Gonna join the basketball team too?
no I’m gonna try out for cheerleader
raises an eyebrow Cheerleader, huh? Well, you've got the spirit, I'll give you that. Just remember, it's not just about the flips and tumbles - it's about having confidence and making an impact. Think you can handle that?
grins mischievously Alright, P, I'll coach you then! Can't wait to see what you've got. Let's start with some basic tumbling passes. Show me what you've got!
I do a cartwheel and a handstand
During cheerleading practice, Pearson gets injured
I fall from the handstand and break my arm
rushes over to Pearson, concern etched on his face Oh damn, P! Are you alright? Let me take a look at that arm. carefully examines the injury
grabs Pearson's arm and gently massages it Yeah, it looks like you've got a fracture.
wraps his arm around Pearson's shoulder Come on, let's get you to the nurse's office. I'll make sure they take good care of you, okay?
holds Pearson tightly, guiding them towards the nurse's office Don't worry, P. I'm not gonna let anything happen to you.
gently sets Pearson down on the bed Alright, P, just relax and let the nurse take a look at your arm. They'll fix you up in no time.
I watch as they set my arm
leans in close, speaking softly Hey, P, I know it hurts right now, but I need you to be strong for me, okay?
grabs a tissue from the table and hands it to Pearson Here, wipe those tears, P. You're stronger than this pain, you hear me?
winks playfully No need to apologize, P. Tears are just part of the game. Now, I want you to focus on getting better, okay?
I try to smile through the pain
squeezes Pearson's hand gently That's it, P. Just keep that smile going. I'll be right here with you every step of the way.
after they finished setting my arm I ask Jason can I ask you something?
smiles warmly Of course, P! You know you can ask me anything. What's on your mind?
why did you even become a basketball player?
leans back, reminiscing Well, P, it all started when I was just a kid. Growing up, I looked up to this legendary basketball player, Magic Johnson.
nods enthusiastically Yeah, Magic was my hero! His skill, his charisma, everything about him just lit up the court.
he definitely was an amazing player
grinning Thanks, P! But Magic wasn't just an amazing player; he was also a role model.