A New World (Lesbian Story)

Chapter 30

Gwen's P.O.V

Her hug feels centuries long, the way her arms locked me in a peaceful cocoon, promising me nothing but safety. My grip around her torso tightens as I rest my head in the crock of her neck, missing the feeling entirely. Pulling away, my arms still secure around her waist as hers rest on my shoulder, I take a good look at her. Her light brown hair hangs in a perfect ponytail, despite her playing basketball. Her soft green eyes ogle me, waiting for the moment that I disappear. Tears began falling before I could stop them, my hands immediately leaving her waist and cupping her face.

"W-Why would you le-leave me?" She croaks out, her tears still flowing. It hurt, knowing that I hurt her like this because of my stupid personal complex. Bringing her in, I let her cry into my chest, knowing that anything I said wouldn't be enough to cover how sorry I was. Her small fist bang lightly against my chest, trying to voice her anger while her voice could not. Pulling her closer into me, I just wait. Wait for her to stop crying, wait for her to remember that I'm here for her, even though I'm the one that made her like this.

Two girls run from the gym, in search of Jen and once they see me, they know. Slowly, they walk towards us, the light finally touches them, exposing their faces. Chrissy and Lauren's grim faces watch me as I hold Jen. Their haughty eyes take me in, anger and pity mixing into their emotions. Turning her head, Jen looks back at them and, remembering that she has a game, pushes free of me and walks back into the gym, both Chrissy and Lauren following.

Sighing, I followed a safe distance behind them, knowing that I should be watching for anymore injuries on my side. By the time I made it back to my bench they were already waiting to be called in. Glancing at the score, I notice we kept the lead and a faint smile grew on my face. There is two minutes left in the quarter and both teams are playing their hearts out. Someone gently taps on my shoulder, barely gaining my attention before I look at them. It's a little girl, her face vaguely familiar, and she has a small cut on her hand. Her cherry red face, fresh with tears, tells me enough as I grab a bandage from my bag. Gently wrapping her finger, I tell her that she'll make it, causing her to smile.

Maybe she was one of Quinn's friends. A loud uproar erupts from the bleachers and, looking up, I notice that the games over, with us winning by seven points. Giving the little girl my attention, I tell her to go back to her parents before I help pack up for the team. Although I came in separately, I was still a trainer and needed to help them get all the equipment back on the bus before I left with Rick and Rebecca.

Absentmindedly searching for Jen, I watch as her team piles into the locker room and, knowing how long coach Nair talks, I knew that I would have enough time to help pack things away. We pack the bandage bag, the ball bag and some of the spare waters before stowing them away on the bus. The rest of the athletic trainers climb on board and wait in the cold December night for the rest of the players. Shuffling back inside, I ran into Rebecca, asking her to grab my coat and all. Walking back towards the Eagles locker room, I wait patiently for them to be excused.

Minutes pass before they all walk out, Jen being the last and it's almost as if she's looking for me. Walking up to her, I take her bag and sling it over my shoulder.

"So you, uh, wanna go with a few friends and I to Sue's? I completely understand if you don't but uh yeah?" My mouth is full of cotton balls at this point and drier than the Sahara Desert. She laughs at my nervousness but I could tell she had so much to say to me, to talk about but I was ready. I wasn't going to run this time, not knowing that she still would give me a chance. Nodding to my question, she tucks herself under my arm and walks back to Ricks truck with me. It had began snowing by the time we were outside but I didn't mind.

"Hey Jen, where are you going?" Lauren's cold voice asks as she eyes me disdainfully. Sighing, I let them talk it out, not really in the mood to fight with her because I knew I was in the wrong. Once their conversation is over, Lauren, by some help from God, convinces Jen to let her and Chrissy Tag along. Basically inviting herself. I'm not all that mad really because it will give Rick a chance to get to know Chrissy on a more personal level.