field of love || cc walker

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As the days turned into one week, CC found herself constantly checking her phone, her fingers hovering over the keys as she debated whether to send yet another message to Izzy. She had reached out through every social media platform she could think of – except for instagram as her follow request was still pending – hoping to initiate some sort of conversation, but each attempt was met with silence.

Outside of CC's unanswered texts, the determined girl made a conscious effort to approach Izzy whenever they crossed paths, whether it was in the park or out in the store. Each time, Izzy's reaction was the same – avoidance. She would quickly find an excuse to leave – not before saying a snarky comment – her eyes avoiding CC's gaze as if she feared what they might reveal.

For the first time, Izzy felt vulnerable. She had always prided herself on her strength and independence, but now, faced with the possibility of someone seeing past her tough exterior, she couldn't help but feel exposed. The thought of letting someone in unintentionally, filled her with a sense of unease she couldn't quite shake.

And so, she continued to keep her distance, burying herself in her studies and soccer practice in an attempt to distract herself from the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. But no matter how hard she tried to ignore it, the nagging feeling of vulnerability lingered, a constant reminder of the walls she had built around herself.

It was starting to wear on Izzy, so much so that Maya had something to say. It was a Tuesday, the last day before their break. Because for some reason, the school didn't want to give them the full week off.

"You okay?" Maya nudged her friend who was clearly trying to take notes as a distraction to something else.

Izzy sighed, not taking her eyes off the board. "I'm fine."

Maya studied Izzy for a moment, sensing that something was off despite her friend's attempt to brush off her concern. "You've been acting strange since the game last week." She pointed out gently, her tone laced with worry. "Is everything okay?"

Izzy's grip on her pen tightened slightly, a flicker of frustration crossing her features before she forced herself to relax. "I'm just stressed about the test I took yesterday. Wondering if I passed." She lied, hoping Maya would drop the subject.

But Maya wasn't convinced, her intuition telling her that there was more to Izzy's behavior than she was letting on. "Oh come one. You're a smart girl. Knowing you, you passed it with an A."

After a beat of silence, Maya continued. "You know you can talk to me, right?" She pressed, her gaze searching Izzy's face for any sign of the truth.

Izzy sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "Just something that happened with Walker." She muttered.

"Was it after the game?" Maya asked, listening intently.

Izzy nodded, grateful for Maya's persistence despite her reluctance to open up. "Yeah, sort of." She admitted, her tone tinged with frustration. "I confronted her about the game. How she was going easy on me. After I told her to explain, she started to ramble."

Izzy turned to face her friend. "Remember when she took me to her place when I was drunk?"

Maya nodded, her expression attentive, prompting Izzy to continue.

"Walker said I opened up. Telling her about my family situation and such, and how I feel." Izzy explained, her gaze dropping slightly as she spoke. She didn't want to add more, not needing her friend to know all the details. "Anyway... it was something I've never opened up about to anyone. And knowing that Walker knows now." Izzy shook her head, her voice tailing off. "It makes me feel vulnerable. Exposed."

"And the day after the game, we kind of had a small argument. Which ended in Walker apologizing." Izzy shrugged, not sure how else to put it. "Now she won't stop texting me, telling me that she wants to make it up to me. But..."

"But?" Maya nudged.

"I feel like if I accept, I won't be able to put those walls back up."

Maya nodded, her expression sympathetic as she processed Izzy's words. "You know it's not so bad to let your walls down once in a while." She offered gently, her tone encouraging.

Izzy sighed, torn between the comfort of familiarity and the fear of vulnerability. Deep down, she knew Maya was right, but the prospect of letting someone in was daunting. "I just..." Izzy began, her voice shaky as she struggled to articulate her conflicting emotions. "I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of vulnerability. Especially with someone like her." She scoffed, but her voice lacked malice.

Maya hummed in understanding, her gaze gentle as she listened to Izzy's wavering voice.

"I get it." Maya replied softly, offering Izzy a reassuring smile. "It's scary to let someone see those parts of you, especially someone who's been on the opposite side for so long."

Izzy nodded.

"I'll be here for you, no matter what you decide," Maya added, her tone firm yet comforting. "But, it seems CC has good intentions... and with the break coming up, it wouldn't hurt to try. If it doesn't end well, you can go back to ignoring her." She chuckled, trying to lighten her friend's mood. "Who knows, maybe you'll make a new friendship."

Izzy couldn't help but crack a small smile at Maya's attempt to lighten the mood. "Yeah, maybe." She conceded, her tone still tinged with uncertainty. Despite her reservations, the idea of potentially finding common ground with CC intrigued her. Something deep within her urging her on.

"Thanks, Maya." Izzy said sincerely, her gaze meeting her friend's. "I'll think about it."

Maya returned the smile, squeezing Izzy's shoulder gently. "Anytime, Iz. Just remember, whatever you decide, I've got your back."

With a sense of warmth and gratitude, Izzy turned her attention back to the lecture, her mind swirling with thoughts about the possibility of taking a chance with CC, and what that might mean for both of them.

-

Izzy's thumb lingered over her keyboard as she read over CC's multiple messages. Pleading Izzy to let her make it up to her.

Izzy was almost close to blocking her on all accounts at one point, but something churned in her stomach at the thought of doing it. So she never did.

'how many messages until you give up, stalker. couldn't leave me alone for the whole week?' Izzy finally texted back. Not wanting to show much vulnerability in her messages. 'i guess I'll take you up on that offer.'

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