Once Upon A Bet

/27/ Foolish claims

Dedicated to toxicbritish, thanks for the lovely support so far <33

I felt so weird sitting here on the heating cement of the basketball court that vibrated slightly every time they bounced the ball. I watched mesmerized as they stole it from each other and aim for the basket. Never would I'd guessed my day would lead me here if you asked me a few hours before.

Avery had come to pick me up after we were done with the Well House for the day and went out. Shawn joined us after some hours and we somehow ended in this public court in the park right by the beach. I could smell the salt in the air this close to the sea and heard the soothing waves and laughing of the children not that far from where we were joined the light environment.

The place wasn't the neatest, we were on the West Side after all. The basket net was almost torn and ripped from the ring. Multiple random writings decorated the board and floor. Things like 'Steve was here', 'JJ+M 4EVER' or 'pot legalisation'.

Apparently, this was a usual hanging spot for them, since they brought a ball on their own and were proceeding with the talking and playing as if it was only natural. Shawn and Avery had tried to convince me to join them, but this draining in my chest wouldn't let me. I didn't know how to play, what if I embarrassed myself? What if I was a burden intruding in their dynamic? So I sat by the court, fiddling with the grass around as they played doubles.

I was still unsure why they wanted me to tag along, it made no sense, but their laughing and joking chirped my mood a bit and make it easier to push aside the pressure numbing my chest. I feel a bit more normal around them and that must be good, right?

It must be.

I was verging mental collapse. I was so damn tired I felt like a walking zombie... I was so fucked up that last night I even decided and tried the sleeping pills. I haven't had more than a couple hours of sleeping non-stop in weeks. But I didn't know how to feel about it.

It succeeded in relieving part of the crushing exhaustion and horrible thoughts that haunted at night, but that was like accepting it, right? I was indeed deranged and needed medical help to deal with my own shit. Because I was sick. How pitiful was that?

"There they are." Shawn's voice brought me back from my fleeting trance just as a known car pulled in the parking by the court. The brunette guy sent me a careful look. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"

My heart picked up at the sight of the blond hopping off the car in the distance, but outside I nodded, getting up myself and brushing my slightly crumple shorts, using my hand as an eyeshield against the dropping red sun to see the lot.

Jake and I were... in a weird situation. I wasn't that comfortable with him knowing my darkest secret, but at the same time he provided support, and seemed genuine. I wouldn't let myself be fooled that easily, but so far... he was slowly sliding through my defences... At least enough to tolerate his presence. Something I wouldn't have been able to do a month ago.

They advised me he would be joining us once he ended his shift on his second job I was yet to know. But he wasn't coming alone. Out that car also stepped a dark-skinned guy I didn't recognize and a little retreated a golden chestnut haired girl, talking over the phone and holding a binder. Her sight made my stomach crumbled.

"Is that Fawn?" I whispered to Avery once she reached my side, brushing her hair off her face and perked her brows, curious.

"You know her?"