𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 • Paige Bueckers

𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝

TWO WEEKS HAD passed since our first practice and the moment between Paige and I in the courtyard, a moment suspended in time that lingered in the corners of my mind like a ghost. I guess we both swiftly brushed it aside, pretending it never happened, but the memory of that fleeting intimacy still haunted me.

I couldn't afford to get distracted, not now. My focus was on my craft, on perfecting my skills and proving myself on the court.I had gotten super close with all the girls, especially kk, Nika and Caroline. Slowly but surely, I was starting to find my place here, to feel at home amidst the swirling chaos of college life.

The weight of the medias words still hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of the doubts and insecurities that plagued me. And as if that weren't enough, my parents had told me that they were finalising their divorce. The thought of my little sister Maddy would be caught in the crossfire bugged my mind constantly. I know I should be there to look after her but I wouldn't be able to do anything but keep her for a few days and have to take her home. I can't think of that now.

Today was game day, a chance to escape the stress of my personal life and lose myself in the rhythm of the court. Geno's words rang in my ears as he announced that I would be starting in the game, a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins at the prospect of proving myself under the bright lights.

"You ready?" Nika asked as she sat on the bench beside me.

"Um yeah" i mumbled. I couldn't help but look into the stands hoping my parents had come to watch

My face fell as I scanned the crowd and I realised they weren't there. Although they didn't have to be. I just thought they'd show up because it was my first game

I guess not

Nerves were kicking in big time, making my stomach turn. What if all that stuff the media said was right? What if I wasn't cut out for this, for the pressure, for the expectations hovering over me like a dark cloud?

Anxiety crept in, planting seeds of doubt and fear in my mind. What if I let everyone down - my team, my coaches, myself? What if I couldn't live up to the hype, to the potential everyone kept talking about?

I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing heart and block out the negative voices in my head. It felt like the weight of the world pressing down on me, my nerves frayed and my mind a whirlwind of doubts and fears. The upcoming game had my heart racing and my thoughts running in circles, threatening to overwhelm me. I tried to steady my breathing, but the anxiety seemed to have a grip on me that I couldn't shake.

Just as I was about to spiral further into my own worries, I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder. I turned to see Paige standing beside me, her expression soft and understanding. I could feel myself calm at her touch.

"Hey, you okay?" Paige's voice was gentle, her eyes filled with warmth and reassurance. I tried to muster a smile, but it felt shaky on my lips.

"I don't know, everyone expects one of Iowa's top players to be great but what if I mess up" I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. The vulnerability of my confession hung in the air between us

Paige reached out and took my hand in hers. "Being nervous isn't a bad thing it just means you care"

I took a deep breath, letting her words sink in, and met her gaze. "Thank you, Paige,really" I said, gratitude lacing my voice.

Paige squeezed my hand gently, a smile playing on her lips.

"It's fine. Plus you can't mess up my family have been waiting to see you play, drew missed you a lot " she said chuckling