TRANSFER. | PAIGE BUECKERS.

02.

there's nothing more anxiety provoking than knowing you have so much to lose. georgia and i snuck into the werth basketball center for that exact reason.

"keep your arms up!" she yells at me, watching me turn.

yesterday was our first semester practice as a team, where our coach places us for basketball season. i was the only freshman to be placed in the front row. although i'm honored, i now have eyes on me. georgia offered to help.

"fix that posture!" she says, clapping along to the beat of the song she chose for me to turn to. i hit the front on every even count, my body becoming tired after every second of this song. i feel sweat trickle from down my forehead. georgia has been the hardest coach for me, and i've been the hardest coach for her. that's what makes us so good as friends, we're constantly pushing each other. the song ends and i stop turning, panting as i slowly walk to my waterbottle. i need to get this routine perfect.

"that was great" georgia reassures me, her blonde hair sitting in a bun. she flashes her smile at me, her teeth a perfect white color. "let's rep it one more time". i nod reluctantly. i know i need the extra rep. i have to keep up with these girls. i can never be too prepared.

"alright. get back out there" she pats my back. i sigh dramatically, my voice echoing in the court. such a pretty facility. such a shame it's hell for me as of right now. i take a deep breath as the generic, upbeat rap song plays from the small speaker georgia brought. she counts me off.

i count along in my head, thinking about the counts before i execute them. i try not to pay attention the the aching my leg is starting to develop, forcing my weight onto the leg for my prep on a switch leap. i groan quietly as i land.

georgia doesn't seem to notice, yelling at me to keep going and how i look great. i surely don't feel great. i start to turn, and my leg gives out. i hit the hard court, body plopping on the ground.

"fuck" i mumble. my eyes closing as i grit my teeth.

"shit shit shit!" georgia yells, rushing over to me. "are you okay?"

"i'll be good" i say unsurely, resting my head down on the court.

"do you think you can walk on it?"

"no" i answer honestly.

"well fuck" she responds, trying her best to keep her composure. "i'll have to find someone to help you, i'll be right back"

i whine, more embarrassed that i have to stay here than the fact i might've taken myself out of a season that hasn't even started. i stare at the ceiling, mustering the strength to lift up upper half of my body. my hands shake, holding myself up. i hear the doors open. that was quick.

"bro, i told you i'm gonna beat your ass in this game. i don't know what makes you think differently." a deep voice speaks.

"what the fuck ever. you're getting humbled this time watch" another person responds. definitely not georgia. they see me before i can react.

a curly haired girl in a women's basketball jersey stares down at me, the girl by her looking at me as well. she's taller than the curly headed girl, with long braids. i think they can tell i'm in pain, coming over to me with a concerned look on their faces.

"what happened to you?" the curly headed one speaks.

"nah, who are you?" the other one adds one.