birds of a feather

the return

I picked up Paige, Azzi, and Nika this morning. They managed to align their arrival with Nika's which made it easier for me because I could pick them up in one trip. They had a week here and then they'd go back to UCONN for practices and Summer trainings. Now, at the house, they've got their things settled in the guest room.

I hold Paige's hand and tell her, "You can totally stay in my room."

She drops my hand hesitantly, "Yeah you know what I think I'm going to stay with Azzi and Nika." She nods, "Thanks though."

I don't say anything. I just go along with it, "Yeah okay sure."

Mom and Jill come beaming into the kitchen, "Bella honey! This charity event is gonna be great! I think half the cheer team from your class is coming!"

"Oh yay! I won't be cheering with a bunch of strangers then!" I chuckle. This charity event was one that my mom had always participated in. Her sister had passed from leukemia when she was 10. Ever since, she's been an advocate from campaigns, charity events, to visiting St. Jude's.

"Do you girls wanna play? It's basketball like tournament style. Bella's playing." My mom negotiated.

"I'm playing in one game." I chuckled.

Nika smiled, "B I didn't know you played!"

"Eh I played a bit in middle school. Wasn't really my thing." I shrugged.

Ashton came in chuckling, "She was pretty good. Her disadvantage was that she was 4'11 and the girls crushed her. I still remember Kate getting all up in that 5'7 girl. I don't know how you're gonna play. You're still tiny."

"Don't underestimate me." I shook my head

"Count me in." Nika chimed, "Any reason to play ball and it's for a good cause. I'm in."

Jill clapped her hands, "Great!" She wrote down something on her clipboard.

"Do we get to know who's on what team?" Paige was curious.

"We just put you in randomly. You'll find out your teams tomorrow. Bella you have your cheer uniform right?" Mom asked.

"I do." I nodded, "I also have the bow and poms."

"Perfect! We are going to make mini golden ribbons so you can pin it to your uniform and everyone else's." My mom went on.

Azzi hasn't spoken a word since she got in. There's an off feeling in my gut. I ignore it.

We spend the rest of the day at the beach. Paige spending more time with Azzi than me. I need to stop doing this.

Nika is on a towel next to me. We're cracking jokes and laughing. I pause for a moment and Nika notices, "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Not a ghost, just my ex boyfriend." I let out a snicker.

Nika raised a brow, "That dude?? With the chiseled chest and abs? woah."

"Oh my god why's he coming over here?!" I frantically hit Nika.

"To see you! Dork! Stop hitting me!" She scolds me.

"Do my eyes deceive me or is that bumblebee Bella?" Nate and his familiar green eyes and grin look at me on my towel.

I got up and Nika made sure all of me was kept in my baby pink bikini, "In the flesh! You're home for the Summer, it's great to see you!"

"Yeah,you too. You look great" He eyes me up and down.

"Thank you Nate as do you." I laugh.