Twenty Two | silly silly girl.

791 37 14
                                    

2009 - December 10th
(9 months before Gracie)




The rhythmic thwack of tennis balls echoed across the Stanford practice court, a familiar symphony that brought a sense of calm to Sabrina, even though she no longer held a racket

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The rhythmic thwack of tennis balls echoed across the Stanford practice court, a familiar symphony that brought a sense of calm to Sabrina, even though she no longer held a racket. She had been studying for her business assignment, a far cry from the days she spent practicing her serve on this very court.

Patrick, her lunch date, had cancelled, leaving her alone with her textbooks and mounting stress. Just as she was about to unleash a frustrated sigh, a figure materialized beside her.

"You stressed," Art observed, his voice a low rumble.

Sabrina's eyes narrowed, a familiar defensive reflex. "Go away," she muttered, shoving her books further down the bench.

"You do this thing with your nose when you're stressed," Art pointed out, a playful glint in his eyes. "Totally adorable, by the way."

He reached for her nose, teasingly, but Sabrina swatted his hand away. "I'm studying, Art."

Art chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the court. "And you chose here to study?"

Sabrina sighed. "It brings me a sense of ease."

Art's smile softened, acknowledging the unspoken yearning in her words. He knew how much she missed playing tennis.

Sabrina caught his smile and shook her head. No, no, no. She couldn't allow herself to be drawn into this moment, into his warmth.

"Yeah, I should go," she said, abruptly rising. She grabbed her bag and books, a sense of urgency taking hold. "Don't you have to go back to Tashi?" she asked, starting to walk away.

Art followed, his footsteps keeping pace with hers. "No," he said. "I think you should, go see her."

"Why?" he asked, the question laced with a hint of confusion.

Sabrina shrugged, her voice tight. "Because if you go see her, you'll leave me alone."

"Is that what you want, Sabrina? For me to leave you alone?" Art asked, his voice soft, almost pleading.

"Yes," Sabrina said, pulling her bag higher on her shoulder. He stepped back, giving her a little space.

"Are you ever going to forgive me?" he asked, the question hanging in the air.

"Why should I forgive you?" Sabrina countered, her tone sharp.

"Why shouldn't you?" he pressed, his voice unwavering.

"Because you told me you loved me and then went and chose Tashi," she said, the words a painful reminder.

"I'm pretty sure that was Patrick," Art corrected gently. "Yes, but it's you I'm talking about, Art."

"What's the difference?" he asked, drawing a blank.

"There's a huge difference."

"How's it so different from when Patrick chose, to me?" Art persisted 'Sabrina?' he asked, his voice a whisper.

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