You drafted my heart - Nika Mühl (Eng. version)

Chapter 21 - Summer practices in Storrs

Oh, I missed you guys so much... My goodness! Are you all anxious to know if Olivia will choose Iowa or UConn?

XOXO

The morning after Geno's call, I found myself at Des Moines airport, waiting to board the flight that would take me to Storrs, Connecticut. The terminal was bustling with a mix of business travelers and families with noisy children. The air conditioning was on full blast, countering the oppressive August heat of Iowa, where daytime temperatures easily reached 95 degrees.

My thoughts were in disarray as I observed the bustling activity around me. Leaving Iowa wasn't an easy decision. I loved the team and had already formed a strong bond with the girls. I felt like I could fit in perfectly there, like I could be part of something bigger. The choice to move to UConn was practical yet emotionally complicated. I had Nika, Lou, Paige, Dorka, Lily, and the proximity to home, but uncertainties loomed large. Would I find space on the team when Paige returned from recovery? Would I adjust to Geno's pace? Was UConn truly where I belonged?

The announcement of my flight snapped me back to the present, so I grabbed my carry-on luggage and headed to the boarding gate. The journey was smooth, the airplane cutting through the blue sky as I alternated between dozing off and gazing out the window, trying to calm my restless heart.

Upon landing at Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, a mix of anxiety and excitement washed over me. I retrieved my luggage from the carousel and made my way towards the exit, where Lou and Kayla, one of the team managers, awaited me. Lou greeted me with a big smile, approaching to hug me.

"Hey, Livie," she said, giving me a gentle kiss on the cheek. "How was the flight?"

"It was smooth," I replied, trying to smile back, though knowing my eyes probably betrayed the unease I felt.

Kayla, standing beside us, also smiled. "Welcome, Olivia! We're all so excited to have you here."

"Thank you, Kayla. It's good to be back... This time not as an opponent!" I partially lied. It was comforting to be in a familiar environment, but doubts about the team still lingered in my mind.

The car ride to Storrs was relatively quick. UConn's campus looked even more beautiful in the summer, with its lush trees and well-kept lawns. We unloaded my things at the apartment that Nika, Paige, and Lou would share in the new school year. The cozy space was a blend of personalities. Photos of us adorned Nika's room walls, and small decorative touches made it feel like home.

That night, after a light dinner, we sat on the couch, and Lou looked me in the eyes, sensing something was bothering me.

"What's wrong, Bennett? I know something's on your mind."

I sighed deeply before responding. "It's about the team, Lou. I love Nika and I'm happy to be here, but I can't help thinking about Iowa's team. I felt so good there, so integrated. And here, once Paige returns, I'm not sure if I'll have a place on the team anymore."

Lou held my hands firmly. "I understand. I know it's tough, but you're amazing, Olivia. Everyone here knows that. Geno and the rest of our coaches know how lucky we are to have a player of your caliber here. They believe in your potential, and so does the team."

Her words were comforting, but the uncertainties persisted. The dilemma between following my passion and the emotional security of being with those I loved was overwhelming. The next few days would be decisive, and I needed to find a way to balance my feelings and ambitions.

"You're right... Geno wouldn't have called me if he didn't want me here, right?"

"Absolutely not. And another thing, this is my last year here, and Dorka's too, so don't worry about not having space when P comes back. I'm sure everyone's dying to see you, Nika, and Paige on the court together."