A First Love Memory That Stayed With Me

I’d played a hundred games before that one… but it was the first time it actually mattered who was in the stands.

She told me she would come, and she kept her promise.

I caught her walking in with Olivia just before warmups. I remember trying not to stare—but I did anyway. I lifted my hand in a quick wave, and when she smiled back at me… yeah, that was it.

She looked so cute. Effortless. Like she didn’t even realize what just showing up meant to me.

And I remember thinking—she’s here. She came to see me.

I couldn’t actually believe she was mine.

Fourteen-year-old me was pretty sure that meant something permanent.

The gym was loud that night. Sneakers squeaking against the floor, the echo of the buzzer, people shouting from the stands. I’d heard it all before.

But that night, it all sounded different.

Or maybe it was just me.

I kept telling myself not to look for her again. I’d already seen her come in, already waved like an idiot during warmups. That should’ve been enough.

It wasn’t.

Every time I stepped up to the line, every time the ball left my hands, I caught myself glancing toward the stands.

She was still there.

Sitting with Olivia, leaning forward just a little, like she was actually paying attention. Like it mattered to her.

I don’t remember much about the first half. I probably should. I’m sure Coach would’ve had a lot to say about that.

I just remember my heart pounding a little harder than usual.

Not because of the game.

Because of her.

I thought that meant something important—that if she was there, if she was watching, then I had to be better.

So I played like it mattered.

I ran a little faster. Took shots I might’ve hesitated on. Dove for loose balls I probably would’ve let go.

And every once in a while, I’d hear it—her voice, somewhere in the noise.

Cheering.

For me.

It came down to the last few seconds.

I remember that much.

The score was tied, and the gym got quieter in that strange way it does—like everyone’s holding their breath at the same time.

The ball ended up in my hands. I don’t even remember how.

I probably panicked for half a second.

And then I looked up.

Not at the basket.

At her.

She was already watching me.

And for some reason, that made it simple.

I took the shot.

It went in.

The buzzer sounded, and the place exploded. Teammates yelling, people jumping up, Coach clapping me on the back like I’d just done something incredible.

And maybe I had.

But I didn’t look at any of them.

I looked at her.

She was smiling.

That’s the part I remember.

By the time everything settled down—handshakes, Coach talking, guys messing around—I kept finding myself looking toward the stands again.

She was gone.

And for a second, I thought maybe I’d missed her.

Then I turned around—and there she was.

Waiting for me near the edge of the court.

Like she’d been there the whole time.

I remember walking over, trying to play it cool, like I hadn’t just spent the entire game hoping she was watching.

“You were amazing,” she said.

Simple.

But the way she said it… like she actually meant it.

And before I could even think of something to say back, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me.

I froze for half a second—probably longer than I should have.

I had no idea what to do with that.

But I hugged her back.

Of course I did.

And then, just as she pulled away, she leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek.

It barely lasted a second.

But yeah…

I felt that for a while.

Funny, the things you hold onto.

I couldn’t tell you the final score of that game now if you asked me.

I don’t remember who we played.

But I remember exactly where she was sitting.

I remember the way she smiled when I looked over.

And I remember walking out of that gym thinking I’d just had the best night of my life.

Because she was there.

And for a little while…

I was pretty sure she was mine.

Read more of Adam’s journey with Emma here: Adam’s Myspace Blog

Want to read Unfinished Melody? Get your copy here: Unfinished Melody – Amazon

🎧 Song for this memory: “To Be With You” — Mr. Big — Listen to it here: Youtube Video