𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑶𝑵𝑺 & 𝑳𝑨𝒀𝑼𝑷𝑺

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From her small neighborhood where the sky seemed to stretch endlessly and the streets echoed with the laughter of children playing, originated Sloane Oceni. Throughout her whole life Sloane stood out not just for her radiant beauty and infectious spirit, but for her brilliant mind. From a young age Sloane was always in advanced classes even being in the gifted program most of her life.

Being the oldest to her two siblings Nieko Oceni and Windslow Oceni, Sloane took on the role of both protector and mentor to her younger brother and sister, dominating the older sister role.

Yet, amidst being the stereotypical cheerleader with a brain like Einstein, Sloane always felt out of place in her early years. At first, she thought maybe it was because she was black, or because she was too smart. She soon found out that wasn't the cause and that the real cause was her sexuality.

From a young age whenever Sloane saw certain people, more specifically women, even more specifically her best friend Paige Beuckers, there was a certain fluttering, unexplainable feeling Sloane felt. As time went by, the fluttering sensation grew stronger, causing Sloane to pause and reflect. She found herself drawn to the laughter of her best friend with twinkling eyes and a beautiful smile, and the gentle touch of her hand as they walked side by side made the fluttering feeling she felt even stronger.

Confused and uncertain, Sloane confided in her mother, who listened with a compassionate ear and a reassuring smile. "It's okay to feel this way, Sweetie," she said softly. "Love is love, and it comes in many beautiful forms." Unfortunately, in the 4th grade, Paige Beuckers moved and Sloane was initially devastated as the girls were very close, but eventually she moved to Virginia too and got on with her life and never really thought of her again unless she was being asked about how or when she knew she liked girls.

With her mother's support and encouragement, Sloane embraced her feelings towards women as time went on and embraced the truth that had been stirring within her all along. She found peace in the pages of books that spoke of love without boundaries, and in the comforting embrace of her family who loved her unconditionally.

Sloane's journey of self-discovery led her to embrace her sexuality with courage and get through the conflicts of identity with grace. As she continued to excel academically and athletically, Sloane's realization about her sexuality was a core Despite the initial feelings of being out of place, she found her family's support helpful, and always felt she could be her true self without fear or judgment. This newfound confidence radiated in her interactions with others, inspiring empathy, understanding, and acceptance in her personality.

Sloane was more confident in her own skin, embracing her identity with courage and pride. She knew that the path ahead might be filled with challenges and uncertainties, but she also knew that she was not alone. For Sloane had found the courage to embrace her true self, and in doing so, she had discovered a love that was as boundless as the sky above, her family's.

She was always thankful for Paige Beuckers for being her 'Queer Awakening' even though she never got to properly thank her the thought was still in the back of her mind. Sloane hoped maybe one day they would cross paths and maybe they could laugh about the whole thing but she doubted that would ever happen.

Until one day

Sloane scrolled through her Instagram feed one lazy afternoon. Among the endless stream of dances and challenges, one video caught her eye – a familiar face smiling brightly, radiating with joy.

It was Paige, her childhood best friend and secret crush, sharing exciting news of her getting a scholarship to a college, more specifically the same exact college Sloane had gotten a cheerleading scholarship to and the same exact college she would also be transferring to in the fall. Her heart skipped a beat as she watched Paige excitedly announce that she will be attending the University of Connecticut for her senior year. When Sloane initially accepted the opportunity to transfer to UConn, it had completely slipped her mind the fact that Paige Beuckers goes there as well.

Memories flooded her mind as she reminisced about their childhood adventures – the endless summers spent exploring the woods behind their houses, the late-night conversations whispered under the covers, and the countless dreams they had shared about their futures. Sloane instantly had a warm smile on her face as she was happy for her ex-best friend.

But amidst those memories was the bittersweet realization that their paths would soon cross and they hadn't in years. While Sloane had been focused on her studies and cheerleading, Paige had pursued her passion for basketball, pouring her heart and soul into every game.

As the video ended, Sloane felt a surge of conflicting emotions – joy for Paige's success, and a pang of regret for the missed opportunities to reconnect. But beneath it all was a glimmer of hope – maybe a chance to rekindle their relationship or maybe even the chance to start a new one.

A/N; AHHH do you guys like it??  pls lmkkkk!! and if you have any questions or concerns lmk too🥰.

-lea

done- may 13th 2024