BETWEEN WORLDS: BEHIND THE SCENES (CHAPTER 14)
Taking a look back at Chapter 14
This chapter was all about finding some breathing room. After the intensity of the game and everything that led up to it, I wanted to show what happens the next day when life goes back to normal, except now everything's changed for Azeil.
It’s all about the key relationships in Azeil’s life. First up is his relationship with Jackson. Neither of them knows how to be around the other yet. Jackson wants to step up as a father, but he's new to it. He's trying to figure out how to connect, so the invitation feels awkward but genuine. It's two people learning about each other from scratch.
Next up was his overall relationship with Langston Hughes, which showed how quickly the school dynamics shifted. Win one game for Langston Hughes, and suddenly you're not invisible anymore. That's how high school works, mainly when you help beat a rival. Azeil needed to feel that acceptance after weeks of being the outsider. He can't stay ostracized forever if the story's going to move forward.
Then, you’ve got his blossoming friendship with Rashaad, where he opens up about caring for his sisters. This is Azeil's story, but each character has their challenges. Rashaad has been handling adult responsibilities since he was ten. Zahair struggles with his absent father. Nia has her own story to tell. I couldn't explore everyone's issues without it becoming a tome, but I wanted to show that each character carries their own baggage. It makes their friendships more relatable when you understand what each person brings to the table.
Then, we have his relationship with Zahair, which for Zahair it's all about strategy. As a senior, he's under the radar of scouts and needs to tread carefully. If being civil to Azeil helps them win games, he'll put aside his bias to make it happen. But there's a limit to how far this can go. Keeping his emotions in check isn't easy for him, and that'll be put to the test later.
The Nia tease with the photo safari is key. Azeil needs to have everyday teen experiences, like dating, hanging out, and doing things just for fun. His relationship with Nia is similar to his mom's in some ways, but it also gives him room to explore love without all the heavy pressure. Those teen years are when you figure out relationships without massive consequences. We’ll see more of that safari in the next chapter.
Ending with a reflection on progress rather than resolution felt fitting. Azeil isn't striving to return to his old life; he's trying to learn how to live after his mother's passing. She was his rock, and now he must navigate life without her. It does not happen overnight, but recognizing that progress is being made is crucial.
My goal for this chapter was to create a sense of lightness, because life can't always be intense and dramatic. Azeil's got more tough times ahead, but that's how it goes. You have to ride the ups and downs. Sometimes, after a tough day, you get a good one, and that's what this chapter is about: a chance to catch your breath and appreciate how far you've come.
See you tomorrow for Chapter 15.
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