'𝐓𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 ( League Series #1 ) [ Paige Bueckers ]

018.

"Paige, Coach wants to talk to you!" My focus was interrupted by Kk's voice. I let go of the ball, and it bounced away from me. I walked over to the bench and grabbed my towel.

"For what?" I asked while wiping the sweat from my face. It was rare for Coach to talk to us privately unless it was important. The last time he called me for a talk was when he told me there was a low chance I'd get drafted.

Kk shrugged. "I don't know, but I think it's serious."

I nodded, feeling a bit nervous. I walked toward Coach Geno's office. As I made my way there, I couldn't help but flash back to what happened last night. I couldn't believe I had witnessed the first snowfall with Whimsy. Watching her enjoy the snow, seeing her eyes sparkle with happiness, and witnessing sparks fly whenever she smiles—those were moments I wouldn't forget.

I arrived in front of the office and took a deep breath before knocking. "Come in," I heard Coach Geno's voice say. I opened the door and stepped in.

"You called for me?" I asked.

Geno nodded. "Take a seat, Paige," he said, pointing at the chair in front of his desk. I sat down, feeling a bit nervous. Was it my performance? Was it bad news? Good news? An opportunity? So many questions were running through my mind.

"Is everything okay, Coach?" I asked, trying to gauge the situation.

He leaned forward, folding his hands on the desk. "I wanted to talk to you about your progress. You've been doing great since your recovery. Especially in the last game before the season ended, you did very well and secured the victory. Remember the last time we talked about your chances of getting drafted?"

I nodded, my heart racing.

"Well, there's been a change," Coach Geno said, his voice steady. "I got an email from them, and you are projected to get the number 1 pick in this upcoming WNBA Draft, alongside Nika and Aaliyah. Your last performance had a great impact and caught the attention of a lot of WNBA teams. This is a big opportunity for your career, Paige. I want you to consider it."

I sat there, too stunned to speak. After all the sacrifices, hardships, tears, and obstacles I'd gone through this year, it had finally paid off. This was everything I had prayed for, wished for, and dreamed of. But my thoughts drifted back to Whimsy. She was also part of my prayers, wishes, and dreams. If I accepted this opportunity, I might lose my chance with her. What will happen if I leave and choose my dream over her?

Geno's voice pulled me back to reality. "Paige, I know this is a lot to take in. I want you to think about it since this is a great opportunity for your career, and I know this is one of your biggest dreams. I'll wait for your decision before senior night, alright?"

I slowly nodded. "Yes, Coach, I'll definitely think about it. Thank you."

Coach smiled. "You may go now."