Crush - Paige Bueckers

14 - Summer Nights

Violet

*Flashback* (Summer before senior year of high school)

It's August 13th, 2019. My family is hosting a small get-together at our house. I'm dreading it, but the fact that Paige is coming makes me feel better.

I help my mom chop up watermelon and other fruit, watching as my dad mans the grill, flipping burgers and hot dogs. The aroma of grilled meat wafts through the air, mixing with the sweet scent of fresh fruit.

Guests start arriving slowly, each time getting my hopes up that it might be Paige and her family. The doorbell rings again, and this time, when I open it, I'm met with the sight of a tall blonde, her parents, and her siblings.

"Hey, P!" I exclaim, my heart lifting.

"Hey, Vi!" she replies, her eyes lighting up.

I let them in, and Paige and I hug for what seems like an eternity, neither of us wanting to let go. Her warmth seeps into me, and I feel a sense of calm I haven't felt all day.

When we finally pull away, I give her a big smile. "I'm so glad you could come. It would've sucked without you."

She smiles back and nudges my shoulder. "Oh, stop. I'm just here for the food."

I roll my eyes playfully. "Yeah, right."

She laughs, and we head into my backyard. The sun is setting, casting a golden glow over everything. The yard is lit solely by the fire pit and fairy lights strung over the patio, creating a cozy, magical atmosphere. We take a seat on the couch in front of the fire pit, waiting for the food to be ready.

"So, how's your summer been?" I ask, trying to keep the conversation light.

"It's been good," Paige replies, looking at the fire. "Busy with basketball, as usual. But it's nice to have a break."

I nod, understanding the demands of her training. "I'm glad you're here. We don't get to hang out as much anymore."

"Yeah, I've missed this," she says, turning to look at me. There's a softness in her eyes that makes my heart skip a beat.

We update each other on our lives, the conversation flowing easily between us as if no time has passed since we last hung out. Paige tells me about all her D1 offers, the excitement in her voice palpable. She talks about the different schools, the coaches she's met, and the teams she could potentially join. I feel super happy for her, knowing how much she's worked for this, how many hours she's put into perfecting her game. But deep down, there's a sinking feeling in my stomach. I know it means she'll have to leave me, that she'll be moving away to chase her dreams. I'm not ready for that yet.

"I can't believe it's all happening," Paige says, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's like a dream come true."

"You deserve it, Paige," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "You've worked so hard for this."

She smiles, a bit shyly. "Thanks, Vi. I just hope I make the right choice."

"You will," I say with confidence, even though the thought of her leaving fills me with dread. "Whatever you choose, you'll be amazing."

We sit close together, our shoulders brushing. I cherish these moments, where it feels like we're the only two people in the world. The sky darkens, stars beginning to peek through the twilight. The fire pit crackles, filling the silence with its comforting warmth. The glow of the flames dances in Paige's eyes, and I find myself getting lost in them.