Daylight - Paige Bueckers

by the way, i'm a raging fruit cake

January 11, 2023

Alex's POV:

I'm sitting at my desk, applying our signature red lipstick in preparation for our nationals send-off. I finish up my makeup, tie a small white ribbon into my hair, and get dressed into our blue warm-up outfit. 

"Ready?" Naomi asks, peaking her head into my room. 

"Yes," I reply, grabbing my bag and my suitcase, following her down the stairs. 

Maggie, Cassie, and Sarah are already downstairs, waiting by the front door. 

"This doesn't feel real," Maggie says, touching up her lipstick in her phone camera. 

"Ahhh, I can't believe today's the day!" Cassie exclaims, jumping up and down. 

We say goodbye to our house, locking the front door, and pile our suitcases into Sarah's car to start the drive over to Gampel. 

"Are the girls gonna be there?" Naomi asks me, referring to Paige, Nika, Azzi, and Aubrey. 

"I'm not sure," I start. "Paige didn't say."

"They probably have to be," Maggie says. 

"Maybe you'll get a good luck kiss, Alex," Cassie teases. 

"Oh, please," I say, rolling my eyes. 

We park Sarah's car in the arena parking lot and make our way over to the bus that's waiting to take us to the airport. We hand our bags to the driver, thanking him, and walk inside to the arena to meet the rest of the team. 

"Okay ladies, this is it," Coach starts once everyone had arrived. "There's tons of people waiting outside to send you guys off, remember to smile and take pictures with everyone who asks."

We all nod our heads in agreement and I'm feeling the excitement kick in. "Most of the other sports teams are here to support you guys, as well. Be sure to thank them." she adds. 

We walk outside of the arena to be greeted by the cold, January air and tons of cheering UConn fans. Music is blasting as I take in the environment around me, slightly surprised that all of these people came to wish us good luck. 

I notice the men's basketball team, including Ryan, and send a quick wave and a smile. I hear him shout "Good luck girls!" as we pass by. 

Stood next to them is the women's team, dressed in matching Nike sweatsuits. I smile, seeing Nika holding a picture of my face on a stick. 

"Good luck baby!" she says, pulling me into a hug. 

"Thanks, Niks," I say, watching as she hugs the rest of my roommates. 

"Make us proud, cheerleader," Aubrey says, smiling. 

I look at Paige, a huge smile spread across her face. "Good luck," she says, wrapping me into a hug. 

"Let's take a picture!" Azzi suggests. 

The nine of us pose for a picture and all I can think about is how Paige put her arm around me.