ITILH (gxg) Book 1 COMPLETE

Chapter 8

Valeria's POV

I needed time to think.

My head was spinning with emotions and I didn't know how to handle them. Seeing Olivia first thing in the morning made my heart skip a beat, but it was all too soon. I don't know why I said that to Olivia, it's not like I actually meant it, but I couldn't talk about it yet. My only focus right now was my preseason game opener tonight.

I spent lunchtime on my own, drowning out the noise with music. Olivia was also in my 5th period class, and I was feeling nervous about seeing her. When she walked into the classroom, all eyes fell on her. She grabbed everyone's attention whenever she walked into a room, her looks could easily captivate you. She didn't bother looking at me, and unlike 1st period, we actually sat right next to each other this class.

I felt like I was royally screwing everything up. Once the bell dismissed us, she grabbed her things and left the class quickly. I hated being on bad terms with Olivia, I packed my things and instinctively went after her.

"Olivia" I called out, "Liv" she turned around. Her blue eyes looked sad, the blue that usually was glistening wasn't there. She didn't say anything. I realized I didn't exactly think this through. "Uh are you coming to my game tonight?" was all I could think of. She looked at me a bit confused.

"Do you want me to?" I was taken aback by her question.

"Of course I do" I responded.

"I've got to go, don't want to be late for class" she went on her way. Yep, I screwed up with my comment this morning.

...

My teammates and I were getting ready in the locker room and I was doing my best to mask my emotions. I needed to forget about everything so I could focus on our game.

My friends would be coming to the game even though I told them it wasn't necessary that they show up to every game, but their support was unmatched. I came to the conclusion that Liv wasn't going to show up, and I don't blame her. I only made things worse this morning and what I said wasn't fair.

First quarter of the game, and my shots weren't going in. By the fourth or fifth shot I took, I was extremely frustrated. Coach took me out to give me some time to relax, I needed to focus. First quarter ended and we were down by 8 points. Not too bad, but I definitely didn't want to be losing. I looked in the stands and saw my family, Nessa and Nicole, and still no sign of Liv.

You knew she wasn't going to come I thought.

I started the 2nd quarter and it felt like I had found my flow again. Shots were going in, our defense was stopping baskets allowing us to catch up. We were inbounding the ball, when I glanced at someone making their way towards the stands, it was Olivia. She was looking down watching her step and she took a seat on the third row of the bleachers. The play continued and my teammate was able to score. I ran back and waited for the other team to bring down the ball.

I looked in Liv's direction again and this time, we made eye contact. She gave me a reassuring smile which caused me to grin like an idiot. I couldn't believe that she was here regardless of everything that happened at school today.

The game ended, we won by 5 points. While we were in the locker room and coach was giving us a mini speech, all I wanted was to make my way out to the gym and find Olivia. I grabbed my things and made my way outside. I immediately saw my parents and friends, but no sign of Liv. I scanned the room, she wasn't here, she left.