Following You

You look so good like this.

Jenna's POV:

It's been a couple of weeks since our disastrous away game against Indiana. Since then, Alexis and I have been making an effort to be friendlier to each other.

I'm sitting cross-legged on the couch in Alexis and Carly's apartment, my textbooks spread out in front of me. Alexis is on the opposite end of the couch, her laptop balanced on her knees. Since we share our Biomechanics class, we agreed to work on homework together today.

Right now we are each doing our mock stress analysis write up.

"So, what do you think about this statement?" I ask, glancing up at Alexis.

She looks over her laptop, her brows furrowed in concentration. "Hmm, I think it could be stronger. Maybe add a bit more about the significance of your evidence."

I nod, scribbling down her suggestion. "Thanks."

"No problem," she says with a smile.

Just as I'm about to dive back into my essay, the front door swings open, and Carly and Jade walk in, their voices carrying into the living room.

"Hey, Alexis, do you—" Carly's sentence cuts off abruptly when she sees me. Her eyes widen in surprise, and she shares a look with Jade.

"Jenna?" Jade says, her tone laced with curiosity. "Was not expecting to see you here?"

I offer a small smile, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Hey, guys. Alexis and I are just doing some homework for our Bio class."

Carly raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Homework, huh?"

Alexis clears her throat, shifting slightly on the couch. "Yeah, it's easier to work on together."

Jade nods slowly, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "Right. Got it."

I can feel my cheeks heating up under their scrutiny. "We really are just doing homework."

Carly laughs, shaking her head. "Sure, sure. We're just surprised to see you here, that's all."

"We are friends, and friends study together." Alexis says, her tone light.

The look Carly gives Alexis is filled with unspoken questions, but she doesn't push it. Instead, she drops her bag by the door and heads to the kitchen. "Do you guys want anything to drink?"

"I'm good, thanks," I say.

"Same here," Alexis adds.

Jade plops down on the armchair, watching us with a curious glint in her eye. "So, what are doing in practice tomorrow, Lex?"

Alexis look up at Jade. "Conditioning." He says smirking.

"Oh, awesome," Jade says wincing.

As the conversation shifts to lighter topics, I feel a sense of relief. Carly and Jade's initial surprise has given way to acceptance, and the atmosphere in the room is more relaxed. Alexis and I share a few more glances, silent acknowledgments of the progress we've made.

After a while, Carly heads to her room and Jade goes back to our apartment, leaving Alexis and me alone again. The quiet is comfortable, a contrast to the tension that once defined our interactions.

As the afternoon turns into evening, we finish our assignments and start packing up our things. I glance at the clock, realizing how much time has passed. "Wow, it's getting late. I should probably head back upstairs."

Alexis stands, stretching her arms over her head. "Yeah, we got a lot done, though. Thanks for coming over."

"Thanks for having me," I say, slinging my bag over my shoulder, trying to keep my eyes off of her exposed stomach as she's stretching.