𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬

25

The basketball teams come out of the locker room as someone hands me a bag of ice. Lena stands off to the side, a smug smile plastered on her face. I'm still on the floor, turned around, when I feel a swift hand on my back.

"God, Alina, what happened?" Teddy's voice is filled with worry as he kneels beside me.

I look up into his eyes, tears streaming down my face. "Lena purposely tripped me, and my ankle hurts so bad," I say, my voice trembling with pain and frustration. The throbbing in my ankle intensifies, and I clutch the ice pack tighter, hoping it will numb the agony.

"Oh no, she fucking didn't," Teddy exclaims, his hazel eyes blazing with anger. He gets up on his feet, stomping his way toward Lena, who now looks like a lost puppy.

I can't make out their words, but I can hear Teddy yelling at her. Lena's eyes fill with tears before she scurries away, giving me a disgusted look.

Teddy's protective nature shines through as he stands up for me, making sure Lena knows she can't get away with her actions.

I can't help but feel a bit turned on as the dirty blonde beast makes his way back to me. His face softens, and his eyes are filled with concern as he bends down to my level. The intensity in his hazel eyes shifts to a tender gaze, making my heart race even faster.

"I'm so sorry, baby. That'll never happen again, and I'll make sure of it," he assures me, his voice firm yet comforting. The determination in his tone sends a shiver down my spine, and I can feel the sincerity behind his words.

He pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I didn't know you were on the dance team either, or I would've watched you every chance I got." His voice is filled with regret and admiration, making me feel even more cherished.

"Did you know Lena was on the dance team?" I ask, watching his eyes as they glance at my ankle while the nurse tends to it.

"Yeah," he says, looking back at me.

I smile, feeling a sense of relief and warmth knowing he didn't watch her. The way he's been so attentive and protective makes my heart flutter. I can't help but feel a strong urge to kiss him, to show him just how much his support means to me.

I grab his large hand in my small one. "Thank you, Teddy," I say, looking at him with gratitude. "You have no idea how much that meant to me. She's horrible and took my friends and—" I pause, my voice trembling. "She hurt Dixi really bad." As a sharp pain shoots through my ankle, I flinch, but Teddy's hand engulfs mine, providing a comforting warmth.

"Just squeeze the pain into my hand, give it to me," he says softly, rubbing my hand gently. His touch is soothing, and the way he's so willing to take on my pain makes my heart swell with emotion.

"I can guarantee it's broken," the nurse says, looking at us with a serious expression.

Teddy sighs heavily as I sit there in shock. It can't be broken; I still have dance. This can't be happening. I look at Teddy, who is gazing at my face, his features a mix of concern and agitation.

"Teddy, get over here!" someone on his team shouts, breaking the moment.

He looks at me, then at his teammate, torn between staying and going. "I'll check up on you," he says softly, his voice filled with promise, before getting up reluctantly.

The nurse helps me limp off the court, her grip firm and supportive, as the game resumes in the background. Dixi is nowhere in sight, and neither is my team anymore.

᯾

I'm sitting on the nurse's treatment table, icing my foot, when suddenly someone slings open the door with a loud bang.

Dixi walks in, her face bruised and looking a bit worse for wear.

"Oh my god, Dixi, what happened!" I exclaim, my voice full of concern.

She looks at me with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Lena happened," she says, smirking. "You should see her."

I can't help but roll my eyes jokingly. Despite everything, I feel so grateful to have Dixi by my side. She's always got my back.

"Thank you, Dixi," I say, smiling warmly as we chat about everything and nothing. Eventually, she leaves, and I'm left alone in the room, but somehow, I don't feel quite as alone anymore.

I almost fall asleep until the door creaks open quietly. I don't open my eyes because I already know who it is.

I feel large, calloused hands caressing my face softly, and I open my eyes. Teddy's hazel eyes glint back at me.

"Hey," I whisper.

"Hey, doctor," he says, as I grin. My urge to kiss him hasn't faded. I lean up, now sitting, and nudge my nose against his.

I feel his minty breath on mine, our lips brush against each other, and soon we melt together in a tender kiss.

The kiss starts off gentle, almost hesitant. Teddy's lips are soft and warm against mine, and I can taste the faint hint of mint. His hand cradles my face, thumb brushing my cheek in a tender gesture.

The kiss deepens, becoming more passionate as we both lean into the moment. I can feel the warmth radiating from his body, and my heart races in response. It's a kiss filled with emotion, a mix of longing and comfort, making me forget everything else around us.

When we finally pull away, we're both breathless, our foreheads resting against each other as we share a quiet moment of connection.

"Teddy," I say questioningly.

"Yes, baby?" he responds, his eyes full of curiosity.

I stare at him, sighing. "I don't think I hate you," I admit, feeling a weight lift off my chest.

He smiles warmly at me and kisses me again. The kiss feels like it lasts forever, filling me with a sense of comfort and security.

When we finally pull back, he chuckles. "Why don't we have each other's numbers?" he asks, still smiling.

"I don't know," I say, laughing as I pull out my phone. We exchange numbers, his fingers brushing against mine as he hands my phone back.

"I'll text you," he promises, landing a quick peck on my lips before heading out of the room.

Wow.