Daylight - Paige Bueckers

you're sweet

October 20th, 2023

Alex's POV:

Paige's 22nd birthday had been circled on my calendar for weeks. Every time I thought about it, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. She means so much to me, more than I've ever let on, and today, I wanted to show her just how special she is—even if I wasn't ready to say everything I was feeling out loud.

The day started with a flurry of activity. The girls were buzzing with excitement, planning every detail of Paige's birthday celebration. I could hear their laughter echoing through the house as they put up decorations, each of them trying to outdo the other in making the day perfect for her. As for me, I had something else on my mind—a gift I'd spent days thinking about, something that might convey what words couldn't.

"Alex, are you coming down or what?" Naomi called from downstairs. I could hear the clinking of glasses and the upbeat music they'd started playing in the living room.

"Yeah, I'm coming!" I called back, taking one last look at the small, wrapped box on my bed. It wasn't anything extravagant, but it was meaningful. I took a deep breath, slipped the box into my bag, and headed downstairs.

The living room was a sight to behold. Balloons in shades of purple—Paige's favorite color—were scattered everywhere. A banner that read "Happy 22nd, Paige!" hung above the fireplace, and the coffee table was covered in snacks, drinks, and a birthday cake adorned with 22 lit candles.

"There's the birthday girl!" Cassie shouted as Paige, Aubrey, Nika, Azzi, Ice, and KK walked into the house, her face lighting up as she took it all in.

"Oh my God, you guys!" Paige exclaimed, her smile so wide it made my heart do a little flip. She looked around at everyone, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "This is amazing. Thank you."

Naomi handed Paige a mimosa, grinning from ear to ear. "Only the best for our girl."

Paige laughed and took a sip, looking so genuinely happy that it made my chest ache. I couldn't help but smile at her, feeling that familiar warmth spreading through me. Being around her was like basking in sunlight; it was impossible not to feel good.

"So, what's the plan for today?" Paige asked, her eyes darting around the room as if trying to take it all in at once.

"Well," Nika started, "we've got a full day planned, but first, you need to open your gifts."

"Gifts?" Paige looked surprised, but delighted.

"Of course," Maggie said, motioning towards the pile of presents on the coffee table. "You didn't think we'd forget, did you?"

As Paige sat down and started opening her gifts, I couldn't help but feel a little nervous. I was holding onto my gift for later, not sure if it was the right moment to give it to her. Watching her unwrap each present, her reactions were full of gratitude and joy, and it made me even more anxious about whether she'd like mine.

"Oh, I love this!" Paige said, holding up a sweatshirt from Ice and KK. "Thank you!"

"Anything for you, P," Ice replied with a grin.

I watched as Paige made her way through the gifts, each one bringing a smile to her face. But when she got to the last one—a bracelet from Azzi that matched the one Paige had gotten her for her birthday—my nerves kicked in. I slipped away quietly, heading to the kitchen to collect my thoughts.