G O O D L U C K - kate martin

CHAPTER 12: TWELVE

||| KATE MARTIN |||

          Passing the ball back and forth with Caitlin past dawn was just what I needed. So much shit has been going on inside and outside of my control, I've been getting out of the game. Out of the swing of things. Macey has been taking over my mind, more than any girl has. As Caitlin started to wear out, I was moving what felt like faster than usual. Having complete control over the ball, making plays that I typically struggle with, etc. "Wearin' you out?" I ask as I pick up the Gatorade bottle. "Never." She mocks as she shakes her head, resting her hands on her knees, leaning over. I sit on the fold out chair next to her, leaning backwards. "Anything new since the other day?" Caitlin asked. I shrug, trying to play off the fact I haven't heard from Macey since the day she left me apartment in my clothes. "No, I'm just gonna give her space. I mean, she just went through something traumatic. You know?" She nods before going to pick up the left over basketballs and setting them on the rack. "Look, I say you just go for it." I motion my hand in a way, swatting her words away. "I can't. What if she says no?"

Caitlin death stairs me. "What if she says no? She chose to kiss you, Kate!" I stand up, grabbing my back pack and my extra shoes. "She literally said it herself," Caitlin begins to follow me out of the practice gym and out to the dark clear sky just above the four cars in the parking lot. "I get that, but that was weeks ago. What if she forgave Adam?" I say, stressing. "Who would? Definitely not Macey." I shake my head, unable to comprehend it all. "You know she wouldn't, your just stalling." Caitlin nags at me, shoving me nearly 5 feet away from her. "No I'm not!" I laugh as we near our cars. "Okay look. She wants it, you want it. Just, just do it before the season really starts." I nod in determination. "Mkay, byeeee." Caitlin says, throwing her bag into her passenger seat as I walk around my car to the drivers side.

Sitting into the leather seat, and slamming the door. Finally taking in the peace and quiet, an echo of basketballs dribbling on the court replay in the back of my head. A mix of scoreboard buzzers, Maceys crying, and Gabbie's laugh, all running through my mind at the same time. For a moment I feel as though it's too much, but a smile creeps across my face as I rush of gratefulness flows through my body. All I've ever wanted, has come to this. I'm playing basketball for one of the best schools, with my best friends. I'm in love with a gorgeous girl, and basketball is starting soon. Life is so good.

||| MACEY STARK |||

          As I woke up, I was more than excited. I was anxiously waiting for the perfect time to start getting ready for media day, my favorite. Having cameras on me, hype music playing all around the speakers and I'm just messing around with my best friends with soccer balls. Getting dressed in some biker shorts and an oversized vintage Iowa Hawkeyes tee, I begin curling my hair. Looking in the mirror, I begin to reminisce on the other night. Adam's hand hitting my face, Kate holding me in her arms as I cry, walking out in her clothes, feeling so loved by the best people. I notice my bruise has gone down and so has the swelling. As of right now, there's just a subtle green tint to the area impacted. I think of all the things Kate did for me that night, how much she made me laugh and almost forget about the douchebag I was with not long before I called her. A wave of guilt hits me as I haven't really contacted her since the night. I left her house the next afternoon, leaving her with a big hug and kiss on the cheek. Leaving it there. I pick up my phone and go to my recent call list, press her name and let it ring. Within a few seconds, the voice I admire so much welcomes me. "Yes, Macey?" I giggle, "Oh you don't want to hear from me?" I smile in the mirror, resectioning my hair for the next chunk to curl. "No, don't say that. You know I love when you talk my ear off." I begin blushing at her words, lucky I have someone like her in my life. "So, what's Macey up to today?"
"Oh nothing really, just getting ready for media day." I say as I spray heat protection on the last section of my long, brunette hair. "Oh, I forgot that was today. You need a ride?"
"Yeah, that would be perfect. Thanks, Kate." Smiling through my words. Anything this girl says, brings a butterfly swarm. She says the right things at the right time. "Anything, anytime. Y'know that."