Level the Playing Field

The Shift.

A/n: Eh, short chapter but enjoy☺️.

Sadé loves to be dramatic so she pretends her summer in Brighton is her own version of "Eat, Pray, Love." Sure she didn't get divorced, hell, she can't even call it a break up because they were never together; but she needed time away from him and everything else that comes with him and she used the summer to do just that. It wasn't easy ignoring his numerous attempts at reaching out to her, but she did and she's really proud. Work definitely helped a lot. She spent 8 hours every day helping Dr. Maya- the veterinarian, with all sorts of tasks on the cutest little creatures. On top of that, Mikayla introduced her to some of her childhood friends in town and they'd spend the weekends by the beach or at a fair or the mall or maybe even a pub. It wasn't easy trying to pretend Jude doesn't exist at all, his name is everywhere, especially since he actually got to play some minutes and he either scored or assisted in those games. Not only that, but she was granted two scholarships from the ones he suggested; one covering 75% of her tuition and the other 25%. She wanted so badly to share the news with him but decided against it. Although she did cave and checked his instagram once and gasped when she saw he managed to surpass a million followers. So yes, it was hard not to think about him, but when it got too much she would journal or listen to music.

"I can't believe we're already heading back to campus tomorrow." Mikayla whispers against Sadé's freshly braided hair.

"I know, we're officially seniors too." She still can't believe this is her last year of university. Time is such a strange thing. The blue of the tv light illuminates their cuddled figures on the couch. She's not sure why they're still in the living room watching the news, even Mikayla's parents have long retired to their room for the night but she doesn't question it. Mikayla has made no move to go to her room so neither has she. Besides, cuddling Mikky might be one of her favourite things in the world. Or rather, her second favourite thing.

"Speaking of, I don't care what happens after, we have to be roommates after uni!" Mikayla says urgently. There's almost an edge of panic to her voice, like the thought of them not being together after school is terrifying. Sadé's heart warms.

"Huh, I haven't even given much thought about the after. I'm here on a student's visa too so I was just expecting to go back home." She says truthfully. She stares at the screen absentmindedly while her thoughts run wild in her head. Where will she go?

"Nuh-uh! We'll figure it out. You'll apply for a job then apply for a work permit or something but you're staying with me." Mikayla says with such finality that Sadé can only laugh.

"Okay, Mikky."

Just then, the sports section of the news comes on bringing highlights of the football game Jude played in earlier. The announcer goes on about how his team dominated the game and the bullet header he scored to seal the win. On the screen, Jude stands with his arms open and his stance wide, doing his trademark celebration. The camera pans into the audience to people who clearly look like his family- mother, father and brother as well as a beaming Annita wearing a shirt with his number and name.

"Oh." Mikayla says softly. Oh, indeed.

"How's Ryan? I know you mentioned he has gotten some time on the pitch." Sadé mutters instead, trying not to throw up on their comfortable couch.

"Um, yea he has played but significantly less than... anyway he did get an assist in his last game." She finishes with a soft smile that Sadé can't help but return.

Mikayla and Ryan still talk daily and Sadé couldn't be happier for her friend. Ryan seems to really like her and she knows her friend is absolutely smitten.

"Making it known now that I will be the godmother of your kids." Sadé shields her body from the playful slaps her friend rains down on her as they both giggle quietly.