45. I Miss You, Im Sorry

Nothin' happened in the way I wanted

Every corner of this house is haunted

And I know you said that we're not talkin'

But I miss you, I'm sorry

Jenna

Today was the day.

Today was my first official game back.

Nauseous, was one of many words I was feeling as I walk onto the court at Gamble. One hour early before our call time.

*Flashback November 12, 2023*

Iowa Vs. Uconn

Location: Iowa City

3rd person

"Listen Jake i don't know — these are two highly competitive teams we are looking at never yet to have a mash up like this... But the real question is, can Uconn beat Iowa with Paige Bueckers, these two teams haven't seen eachother since 2020."

"I don't Marty— Iowas got all the aspects here despite being down by 10 here in the half, Jenna Midow and Caitlin Clark leading one behind the other with 15 points each with Kate Martin leading not far behind with 12. These three are unstoppable,"

——

Jenna

I fix my jersey as i let out a shaky breath before walking back towards the middle of the court.

10 points.

i kept repeating to myself before my eyes caught the blue eyes of Paige Bueckers who sat on the Uconn bench...

Those eyes.

I haven't seen them in a while..

I shake my head breaking my thoughts as I jog back onto the court bumping my shoulder softly with Caits.

"Hey number 10. Quick and aggressive" Caitlin mouths nodding towards the focused opposing guard who i would be guarding,

Nika Muhl.

The whistle blows as jump ball begins, Caitlin catches the ball and quickly hustle down the court, I sprit to the outside corner in front of the Uconn bench before Caitlin swiftly passes the ball, with Nika hot on my tail I goes for a 3 quickly, the swish of the net causes the area breaks out in cheers.

"Nice shot." I could hear Paige mutter as I run towards the opposite end of the court.

—

3rd Person

20 Seconds. Iowas last possession.

"CLARK!" Jenna shouts from half court as she dribbles the ball, looking towards Caitlin and Kate they are both being guarded heavy.

She felt her heart beat slow as the only thing in focus was the net. Driving forward she drives past the opposing guards and as she gets as close as she gets she pivots quickly on her leg.

POP.

A scream erupts the court as the only thing you could hear was the basketball bouncing away from the girl that laid in tears clutching her leg.

"That's something you do not want to see Jake if you're an Iowa fan as Jenna Midow has collapsed clutching her knee infront of the Uconn bench."

"Right infront of former USA teammate Paige Bueckers too— what a heartbreaking sight— you wouldn't wish this on your worst enemy Marty..."

"What a shame— to think of a a great talent like Jenna Midow missing from this Iowa starting line up as Iowa calls for a time out while medical carries Midow off the court..."

Jenna

Present

"I knew i'd find you here.." a voice breaks me from my thoughts before I turn around. I knew exactly who it was.

"Blake... Hey.." I mumble looking up at the boy, ever since Blake came to Europe, he left the day after, we haven't talked, nor even spoke word to each other.

" I'm here to say I'm sorry—"

" you don't need to apologize for anything"

" I'm here to apologize for getting in your way, I knew you were into paige at the moment I saw you to interact, I let my ego get the best of me. I things kinda went on from there. I will admit I was the one who made the bet not paige."

"I know..." I nod, " you're a really good guy do not get me wrong.." I chuckle, " but you came at the wrong time.."

" another loss for me another win for paige some thing I'm very used to" he smiles softly no anger behind his voice just regret, " I will say I really did start to like you a lot, in a friend way..."

" damn St. James Friend zoning me?"

" I don't even get me started you're the queen of friend zoning.."

" there's no hard feelings. I hope you know that."

" I know.. and I meant every word I said before you better make your remark on this school I'll make you retake your four years.."

" oh, I'm sure NCAA would love that" I smile before looking down and picking at my nails.

" I heard you and paige aren't really talking terms lately.."

" that is probably one of my top worries right now before one of my first games back, I don't really know what's going on one day things were fine and then the next they're not."

" you gotta give her time, trust me when I tell you this that that girl loves you, I knew it a minute she started telling me about things that I barely knew about you, that anyone barely knew about you. I will say even if you and paige just stayed friends she would be one friend of crack, especially when she knows you in and out.."

" it's a blessing and a curse" I smile laughing slightly as i turn around to look at the gym, " I'm really nervous..."

" Being nervous means you care.. even the best players are nervous you just might not believe it or see it.."

" what if I'm not expected I'm worse than they thought."

" you literally crossed up three of the best men's basketball players here I don't think you have to worry much.." He smiles putting a soft hand on my shoulder, " you just play your game connect, breathe, don't rush your feet... you're gonna be fine. I bet you anybody would be terrified to guard you, and all the fans that are here tonight they're gonna be here to see you.."

I smile looking around the gym, knowing that just in a few hours it will be crowded with fans ready for basketball , ready to see me and paige what me and paige do... it's a bittersweet feeling.

" you are a good friend blake.."

" you're the one friend zoning.." He gives me a softly smile before pulling me into a hug, " listen she may have got the girl, but I will always be your number one fan..."

I checked my Watch, realizing it's getting dangerously close to the time I need to be in the locker room I look up at the boy, giving him a soft smile before pointing towards the door, " I really should—"

" go to your thing, I'll be in the crowd tonight.."

I smile him one last night before running towards the door, only to turn back on , " Blake.."

"what?"

" thank you for everything you've done for me.." I gave him a soft smile before running into the locker room.

Here goes nothing.