one more chance - p. bueckers

07

Disclaimer: This chapter contains someone having a panic attack, if you aren't comfortable reading that, skip this chapter and there will be a brief summary at the beginning of the next chapter!!

real life

August 1st

Charlie

It's 3:45 and I arrive at the gym, I walked in and expect to see it empty, since practice doesn't start until four. But to my surprise, I see her, shooting from the free-throw line. Of course it's her.

Why does God hate me?

I look around to see if anyone else is here, but there is quite literally no one else in the gym. Not even coach. I contemplate going back outside and waiting until four. But I don't want to seem unprepared when coach Geno gets here.

God, I hate my life.

"Hey, do you know where coaches, I need to find out where I'm supposed to set up."
As I walk up to her, but still keeping a good, safe, distance between the two of us.

She just stares at me for a couple seconds like I just spoke another language. God could this be more awkward.

" I'm not sure where he is but you're welcome to just sit and wait, he'll be here soon. We have practice."

"Yes I know that, I just wanted to be ready before he got here." I say under my breath.

I can tell she heard me from the way her face forms of confusion, but she doesn't say anything else.

Eventually, Geno gets here and just gives me a rundown of what's expected of me for practices while the girls warm-up.

I don't really need to do much during practices, I only have to go to one a week during preseason. I'll have more responsibilities and expectations once regular season starts. I also learned I'm in charge of the team Instagram page, yay!

Practice goes slow, but I got a lot of good action shots. I managed to avoid speaking to any of the girls for the whole practice

Of course I spoke too soon.

I'm almost done packing up my equipment when Nika and KK come up to me.

"Hey Charlie!" KK's cheerful voice fills my ears. That girl always has so much energy.

"We're having like a team get together at the senior storm tonight, you should definitely come!"

My face speaks before my voice can. " you really should come, we'd love to get to know you better." Nika adds

"Think about it and I'll text you guys" I say putting my backpack on.

I can see Paige staring at us, if she starts to walk over.

"I'll talk to you guys later!" I say basically running out of the gym.

I couldn't get back to my dorm quick enough. To say practice was dreadful would be an understatement. it's not until I make it to the elevator in my building, that I finally let out a breath that I've been holding since 4pm.

"Hold the elevator!" my body reacts before my brain even registers the voice belongs to.

This has to be a sick joke or something. Why does God hate me.

"Thank you, seriously, I swear I would've been waiting for 10 minutes if it-"

As she finally turns around and sees me. She just stares for a few seconds. I can see her mind racing a mile a minute.

"Hi Charlotte."

Paige says to me, I can feel her eyes burning into my head. I don't say anything back, I just reach forward to press my floor number.