Crush - Paige Bueckers

16 - Three Words

Violet

2 days later

The argument with Leo replays in my mind, a brutal reminder of how quickly everything can unravel. We haven't officially broken up, but it feels like we're teetering on the edge of a cliff, one misstep away from plummeting into the unknown. The sting of our harsh words lingers, making each breath feel heavy and labored.

It's been two days since the fight, and my thoughts are still tangled in the mess of what was said. Before I can fully dive back into my head, Ellie walks into our room.

I'm lying on my bed, just as I have been for the past two days. The weight of it all has left me without motivation. I haven't even had the energy to get up.

"Ugh, Vi, I hate seeing you like this. You need some fun in your life!" Ellie says, tugging at my arm, but her attempts to drag me off the bed are futile.

I don't respond, not trusting my voice to stay steady. The fear that my emotions will spill out is too strong.

"I know there's a basketball game tonight. And I think it's against UConn... we should go!" she exclaims, her tone shifting to something more upbeat.

"UConn?" I murmur, finally looking up, her words sparking a flicker of interest.

"Yes! Paige will be there. Maybe this would be good for you," she replies, her eyes hopeful.

After the brutal encounter with Leo, seeing Paige feels like it might be what I need. Paige always has a way of making things feel a little lighter.

"Okay," I say hesitantly.

"Better get up, it starts in an hour!" Ellie yells from the closet, her excitement palpable.

I push myself off the bed, my movements sluggish. As much as I usually couldn't care less about what I wear, knowing Paige will see me makes me want to put some effort in. I rummage through my closet, finally settling on a small blue tank top and low-rise light wash jeans. It's simple, but it feels right.

I do my makeup, light but noticeable, and finally we leave.

The atmosphere in the gym is electric. The stands are packed, and the noise is a mix of cheers, clapping, and the occasional whistle. The court is bright under the lights, the players moving with a grace and intensity that makes my heart race. Paige is easy to spot, her presence commanding the court with every dribble and shot. She's a whirlwind of energy, her focus unwavering. Watching her play is mesmerizing.

As the game progresses, the tension in my chest eases, replaced by the thrill of the game. Paige's team is dominating, and her performance is nothing short of spectacular. Every time she scores, I can't help but cheer, the sound of her name mingling with the crowd's roar. It feels good to be here, to lose myself in the game and the rhythm of the court.

I can't take my eyes off Paige. Every move she makes is precise and powerful. She's a force of nature on the court, and it's impossible not to be mesmerized by her. Her teammates feed off her energy, and UConn pulls ahead early, leaving Yale scrambling to keep up.

During a timeout, Paige catches my eye and smiles. It's a small gesture, but it feels like a lifeline. I smile back, my heart fluttering in my chest. For a moment, everything else fades away, and it's just the two of us, connected across the distance of the court.

The final buzzer sounds, and UConn wins by a comfortable margin. The stands erupt in applause, and I join in, cheering louder than I have in days. Paige looks up into the crowd, and when our eyes meet, she gives me a thumbs-up, her grin wide and infectious. My heart swells with pride and affection.