UCONN VS UCLA: November 24, 2023
Tate POV
I sat in the stands, watching the players shoot around. My first UConn game as Nika Muhl's girlfriend. Never did I think does words would ever leave my mouth, but here I am. In the stands, with a number 10 UConn jersey on, watching a basketball game to which my girlfriend plays in.
I scanned the stands, hoping the Abby girl would show up for Paige. I had some doubts, I mean, I was a random person texting her to come to game that her ex from high school was playing in. That couldn't have been the most normal thing to receive on any day.
The crowds fill up within minutes, waiting to see the two teams go against each other. I watched the teams passing and shooting. Or, rather, I watched Nika pass and shoot. I couldn't take my eyes off her. The way her ponytail swung back and forth, the way she cheers on all her teammates, it has to be one of the best sites to see.
"Uhh, are you the girl who sent me a dm the other day?" A voice caught my attention, a girl with long brown hair, and a UCLA hoodie.
"Abby, right?" I asked, feeling awkward.
She nodded, "I didn't expect to actually see...I guess...a woman. I mean, like actually you."
"Oh, you mean where I texted you?" She nods, I sigh, "Sorry 'bout that, I just..." I pause. "I just needed to talk to you about someone, but if you don't wanna hear about them, that's fine too."
"You're talking about Paige?" I nod, "I'm okay with talking about her."
I moved a little to let her have a seat next to me, "You can sit here, things didn't go as planned when we bought the seats."
"So, can I ask you something?" She sat down, I nod, "What made you reach out to me?"
"Well, I don't think I should tell you the whole thing, but Paige brought you up," Her eyes widened, "She didn't seem to...thrilled with the resurfacing thought of you...I mean not in a bad way or anything."
She laughed, "No, it's good. We ended in a, best word to put it, weird way."
"How'd it end?" She shrugs.
"Well, we were doing long distance for about two weeks when she decided to break it off. She never really gave me a reason, cause I know for a fact it wasn't the distance. All she said was that she would love me forever and hopes that we'll end up together in the end."
"Oh," I listened, taking everything in, "Did you ever fall out of love with her?"
Abby looked away from me, moving her focus to the girls on the court, "No, but I don't think we'll ever end up together."
I nod, "Why not, I mean, I get it. Is there a reason?"
She shrugged again, "She's on a whole other planet, maybe even in a whole new universe. She's this star athlete, predicted to do amazing things. Then there's me, the girl you won't know unless you go to a school where I plan on teaching."
"Teaching? That's why you went to UCLA?"
"No, but that's what ended up wanting to do."
I pause, "What did you originally wanna do?"
"Sports Journalism," I immediately understood, "I can tell by your face you know why."
I fix my face, scratching the back of my neck, "Paige?"
She nods, "Yeah. I wanted to be like her personally journalist, kinda. Wherever I ended up going, I would've asked to write on Paige as much as I could."
"Why'd you change?"
She points to the blonde, "It reminded me of her, and I wasn't feeling it anymore. So, I switched and now, I'm preparing to be a teacher."
"That makes sense," I realize she was staring at the jersey I had on, "Is there something on it?" I moved it around, hoping I hadn't got anything on it.
"Oh, no. I was just...looking?"
"You wanna know why this number," She nods, "It's my girlfriends' number."
Realization must've hit her in the face, "Oh, my, God. You're dating her?"
I laugh, "That's my reaction every time."
The announcer starts to speak, ending the somewhat awkward conversation between Abby and me. He announced UCLA's starting lineup, then, announcing UConn's. Nika ran up to her teammates, giving high fives, then looked into the crowd. Once she saw me, she sent me a kiss and a heart made from her hands. I returned them, the girl beside me smiling.
"Y'all are cute. When'd you guys meet?" She asked.
"About a week ago," The girls face switched, shock making its way to the surface.
"How, but y'all are dating?"
"Yep."
"Oh, well, okay."
I turn to face her, "Things just feel right, ya know?"
She nods, "Yeah, I get it." She seemed to be thinking to the past, Paige.
As the game went along, I became frustrated. UConn never taking the lead. First quarter ended, 12-28. What's going on?
"Huskies aren't looking to good today," Abby said, making me whip my head towards her.
"I don't know anything about basketball, but this is awful,"
"They could be doing worse," She shrugged, I nodded.
"I guess."
The second quarter came and went, the huskies never quite the huskies. When Paige hit her three, both Abby and I jumped up cheering. I looked over at her, a look of question on my face.
"It was a good shot," She mumbles.
"Sure," I smile to myself.
The quarter ends, halftime starts, huskies down by five. I was hoping they'd get warmed up, make their shots, and win. This game wasn't looking to good, hopefully something changes after halftime.
I was wrong, the game ends, huskies lost by 11 points. I could tell they all were upset; no one likes to lose. So, I waited for Nika to come out of the locker room. Abby decided to wait with me.
"We should all go out to dinner, I mean, if you're up to it," She nods, "Oh, and if Paige's is up to it. I don't wanna just throw her into it."
"Oh, yeah. I get that," She looks down, fiddling with her rings.
"But I'm sure it won't be a problem," The door to the locker room flew open, huskies leaving left and right. I just wanted to see Nika.
As soon as I saw her, I ran up to her, pulling her into a hug. She nuzzled her head into the crook of my neck, placing a few soft kisses.
"Hey, baby. You alright?" I rub her back a little, she nods.
"Now that I'm with you, yeah," She raised her head up, a weak smile crossed her lips.
"Oh, my, God. You actually came?" Paige almost whispered, dropping her things down.
I turned to look, oh yeah, Abby.
"Oh, Paige, yeah. So, she came to the game. Nika this is Abby," Nika sent a small wave, guiding her other hand to the small of my back.
"What's up," Nika says, Abby shrugs.
"Nothing much," She looks over at Paige, "Long time, no see?"
Paige's face contorted with too many emotions to pinpoint one, "Is it okay if I hug you?"
Abby nodded, moving towards Paige. They pulled each other into a hug, tension releasing from both of them. Almost as if the hug was the most comfort they've felt in years. I look over at Nika, her already looking at me.
"You did good, pretty girl," I blushed, turning away from her.
"Yeah, yeah."
"I mean it," She points to the two just embracing each other, "I've never seen Paige like this."
"So, it's a good thing?"
"Of course," She leans into my ear, "Also, I just wanna say how good you look in my jersey."
"Oh yeah?"
"Maybe I could see how good you look without it," The comment made my face turn 5 shades of red, I lightly smacked her arm.
"Is that a no?"
"Now I didn't say that," I whispered, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Hey, guys?" Paige asked, turning my attention away from Nika.
"Yes?" Both Nika and I said, gaining a laugh from Paige.
"Abby asked if I wanna go to dinner, would you guys like to come?" We both nod.
"Alright, dinner it is," Paige yells, causing all of us to laugh.
"Maybe we should do what we did on our first date," Nika whispers in my ear.
"And what's that?"
"I tease you, and you stay a blushing mess," I whip my head towards her, she shrugs.
"All up to you, lijepa," She winks, I sigh. This is gonna be a fun night.
A/N: I've been working more on this book than I have my schoolwork. Like, actually. I sit in Forensic Science typing away, listening to Brent Faiyaz (Because her reminds me of Nika now). Also, tell me why I have to help film my schools pep rally tomorrow? Imma die in front of all those people.
We liking these chapters? I kinda like them, like, i might love them. Also, if anybody knows how to get me a Nika, please tell me. Thank you.
Anyways....
Peace y'all, 'til the next chapter