Grow As We Go

Flash Forward

(Flash Forward 7 months)

-Los Angeles-

Enjoying the west coast vibes, Azzi was once again reminded why she heavily considered UCLA as a possible landing spot for college. Loving the food to the constant sunshine, Azzi was beginning to realize that she may have been a Cali girl at heart in another life. Coming out to Los Angeles to work along with Steph Curry's design team to give input on her own design for one of his shoes, Azzi and her family were beyond ecstatic to take part in such an experience. From the moment they arrived in Los Angeles, Steph and his team had rolled out the red carpet for them. There was no opinion that they didn't want to hear from her. Everything she had to say, his team listened and took note of what she wanted her design for the shoe to be.

It had been a disappointing end to such a great freshmen year of college basketball by losing in the Championship game, but Azzi's performance had garnered her more national attention than she ever dreamed she could have. Her summer free time was becoming non existent, as with NIL deals becoming such a big thing in college sports, Azzi found the only time she could sit in on her meetings and give input was during her summer breaks. While her parents mostly handled all her NIL dealings, Azzi still kept basketball at the forefront and didn't want anything to stop her from her regular training schedule, which prompted the week long trip to Los Angeles.

Getting a break, Azzi and Colleen quickly put in Door Dash order to get Chipotle. With the way that Azzi loved Chipotle, she was afraid they'd end their partnership with how often she was eating Chipotle. Listening on as Collee read off the group order for everyone else, Azzi pulled her phone out to see that Paige had not yet responded to her earlier message. It had been some time since they had talked during the week, which she assumed that Paige thought she'd be too busy for her, but Azzi had sent off a message last night in hopes of talking to her friend. Things had been weird, but she had hoped that they were still able to keep in touch since the summer was there season to really hang out.

Azzi: LA has been fun. Been dying to get to the beach, hopefully if I get a chance today. You never answered about what you wanted me to bring you back. You better hurry before its too late.

[Flashback]

Making her way out of her apartment building, Azzi nestled up in her oversized sweater as she made her way down to their spot. It had been a week or so since she had talked to Paige, since learning about her Freshmen year escapades and her relationship with Alyssa/Michelle; while Azzi could understand that she had no real say so over Paige's love life during her first year in college, it did still hurt to know that she never even thought to tell her about it. A late night text from Paige to meet up, Azzi felt it was finally time to address the elephant between them, and try to work past this since not talking to her teammate let alone her best friend was not feasible. Seeing that she was already down at their bench, waiting for her, Azzi would be lying if she didn't say that seeing Paige didn't make her heart skip a beat. Paige had an effect on her, whether she wanted to admit or not. Giving a weak smile as she approached, Paige moved over so that Azzi could join her on the bench.

"How've you been?" Paige asked as they sat in silence for a moment or two.

"Been better" Azzi quickly replied as Paige just laughed to herself.

"I'm assuming I'm to blame for you not being so great?" Paige questioned.

"No, not everything is about you and...I'm not even sure what to call her. History has been kicking my ass a bit, I have a borderline B- in that class. Then your ex was the only one that could take good notes in my English class, because my notes are shit and it's hard to even understand what he wants from us on the tests. So no, it's not just a you thing that is making my life difficult this week" Azzi replied.