Last kiss // PAIGE BUECKERS

EIGHTEEN//FROM THE DINING TABLE

(NARRATIVE)

*a little warning that there are some offensive words that Nick said to Victoria*

A few days after the girls returned, summer sessions began. Though these sessions lacked the excitement of pre-season practices, they finally had the chance to play with the freshmen. Victoria was thrilled about her on-court chemistry with Azzi and couldn't wait to see how she'd mesh with Caroline and Amari.

One evening, after practice, Victoria decided to stay at Nick's house because the girls had plans, but Nick insisted she stay with him. Her friends had mixed feelings about Nick; while they didn't particularly like him, they tolerated him because Victoria seemed happy. The only outspoken critics were Matt and Paige.

Paige had her reasons, and Matt, who acted as an older brother to Victoria, saw how poorly Nick treated her. Paige hadn't witnessed the aftermath of Victoria's fights with Nick, where she'd run to Matt and Kenna in tears. If she had, Nick wouldn't stand a chance. Despite Matt's repeated pleas for Victoria to end things with Nick, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

"Finally, you've been avoiding me for a month," Nick growled as he opened the door. What happened to 'hi,' 'hello,' or 'how are you'?

"Nick, I've been busy. We're both student-athletes with priorities. Plus, I went to Iowa for Kate's birthday and home for a weekend," she explained, only to be cut off.

"Yes, with that fucking dyke," he said, raising his voice.

"Nick, what the hell? Why would you say that?-Actually, I wouldn't put it past you. You're a fucking dick," she retorted, matching his volume.

Screaming matches were common in their relationship, but arguments about Paige were especially intense.

"Why didn't you listen when I told you to stop talking to that bitch?" he yelled, slamming the door shut. She followed, trying to calm him down.

"Nick. I didn't know—"

"I don't care. I don't want to talk about her. She's irrelevant, and you're obsessed," he snapped. Victoria stood there, waiting for an apology that would never come.

"i'm so fucking done with you. I'm leaving," Victoria grabbed her bag and stormed out.

"No, babe, I didn't mean it. Come back," Nick said, trying to follow her, but she slammed the door in his face.

Nick lived near Matt and Kenna, so she ran to their apartment. Kenna, clearly getting ready to go out, answered the door and instantly hugged her when she saw her state. Victoria felt a bit better after the embrace.

Victoria explained everything to Kenna and Matt. Matt went on a rant about how Victoria should forget Nick and get with Paige.

"Matt, I don't feel that way about Paige," Victoria lied.

"Girl, who are you trying to fool?" Matt rolled his eyes.

After more talking, Victoria noticed Kenna was in the middle of doing her makeup. "Kenny, where are you going all dolled up?" she asked.

"Oh, the girls are going out tonight, remember?" Kenna said, getting up and walking back to the bathroom.

"I wasn't going to go because of Nick, but you know what, yolo," Victoria said, grabbing her stuff to head to her apartment. "Love yous!"

Victoria walked in and told Nika she was going, making Nika literally jump up and down. It was rare for Victoria to go out because Nick didn't like it, so Nika definitely knew something had happened with Nick. Right now, though, all she cared about was getting ready with her best friend and pregaming.