Her and the Basketball Champion

chapter 24

Jonas

I have no words. I can't think of words. I can't think of anything except her.

I look longingly ahead at the person sitting in front of me. Her face is distressed, probably a mirror image of my own, and her hands a furiously moving in her lap, twisting, cracking and fiddling. I wish I could reach forward and grasp them in my own, stopping her movements and comforting her. I wish so badly.

But I know I can't. I understand, and I would never do anything to make her go against her religion and her beliefs. It's clear that they are so important to her, and that just makes me admire her even more.

I saw Lily in the sixth form centre and asked her where Eliza was and she told me she was in the music room. I wanted to find out why she had been avoiding me, so I went to the music room, looking for answers.

I heard the piano playing and looked inside the glass window of the door, surprised when I saw her. She was the one playing such a beautiful melody. I must have stood outside that door for a good five minutes, just listening to her play, because I didn't want to disturb her.

I thought she had stopped, so I decided to enter after contemplating knocking, but I guess she hadn't finished because I saw her annoyed expression as soon as I walked in.

My mind was still comprehending her talent in awe as I walked over to lean against the wall next to the piano, ignoring her question, which I honestly don't even remember. My mind was buzzing, and it wouldn't stop.

And now I'm sitting here, a tightness in my chest after hearing Lizzie speak, taking in all the information she's told me slowly. I'm shocked at myself, not recognising this feeling. It's all new to me.

Yes, I'v had girlfriends in the past, but they have never made me feel the way Lizzie does. It's a whole new experience for me, and I have no idea how to move forward.

I can feel myself longing for her as she tells me all of the reasons why I can't be with her. I'v never felt a pull to someone this strong, ever.

I feel so hopeless as I sit here, wishing that things could have turned out another way.

I look into Lizzie's eyes and I can feel the sadness radiating from her as her shoulders sit slumped, her head slightly looking down as she continues to mess around with her fingers.

"Don't do that. You're going to hurt yourself." I say, trying to get her to stop cracking her knuckles.

She look at me with confusion lingering in her eyes, finally realising what I mean when she stops moving her fingers, and places them on top of one another.

I watch her movements, taking in her hands as she taps her finger on her leg, clearly still restless.

"Sorry." She replies. Her voice has lost all of it's sarcasm and cockiness, and I miss it. I hate that she's sad. I wish I could do something.

"I really want to hug you." She says, looking at me nervously, with hope in her eyes. That vanishes as soon as it comes. She knows she can't and I now know too. If I didn't, I would have jumped at the chance straight away, and I physically have to stop myself from moving towards her.

This is the worst feeling in the world.

I smile at her. I need to lift the mood. I don't want it to stay like this.

"Well princess, maybe one day." I reply with a smirk on my face. I honestly don't think before I say that, only realising what it means when I see her eyes widen a bit and her face go red.

My smirk falls, and I scratch the back of my neck that has somehow gotten itchy, clearing my throat and breaking eye contact.

Things have suddenly gotten awkward.

"Why do you call me princess?" She asks, and I sigh in relief at the change in subject.

Because you are one.

"Like I said before, it just suits you. I don't know, I like it." I honestly have no reasonable explanation, and the only explanation I do have, I don't want to share with her. Yet.

"Mhm, okay. Whatever you say, princess." She says, her sarcasm back.

I laugh at the use of my nickname for her, and see her lips curve up into a smile.

What I would do to see that every morning.

"Got me. How'd you know I was royalty? Is it because of my looks? I know I'm handsome, but no need to flatter me." I reply.

"You are so full of yourself." She replies, rolling her eyes with that smile still on her face.

I don't care, but one day she will be with me.

Even if that means marrying her.

quite a short chapter today, but I just wanted ya'll to see how Jonas is feeling. intense, am i right?