BBW ( Just republishing to hopefully finish it, there might be slight changes)

JAN/KELLY

Two weeks went by so fast, Kelly and I did not get to fully enjoy our honeymoon in Bali. Now I was back in the court, waiting on other players and the new coach. New season, new faces but same goal, winning. I could not help thinking about Kelly and how I had left her sleeping due to exhaustion. It was hard getting out of that bed and leaving her, especially after the night we had.

" Welcome back."

Simz screamed excitedly at me, causing the other teammates turn to us. For the first time in years, we were missing Sal, Pres and Oli. Sal was still nowhere to be found, Pres was now with a new team and I had heard that Oli was back with Noni and had started her new coaching job. The team dynamic felt different without them, and I hoped they were both doing okay.

"Thanks, guys!"

I replied, trying to match their energy.

"What did I miss?"

Simz leaned in, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret.

"Just a few scrimmages and a ton of trash talk. You know how it is. The new guys have big egos."

She smirked.

"Yeah, but they'll learn real quick that we don't take it easy on anyone, especially not in practice. Just wait 'til you're back on the court."

I added as I took a seat on the bench, my excitement bubbling at the thought of getting back into the game. Yet, a part of my mind was still lingering on my paradise escape with Kelly. As the new coach entered the gym, the atmosphere changed.

She was a tall woman with an imposing presence, but there was a kindness in her eyes that I hoped would translate into a positive coaching style. She introduced herself, laying out her vision for the season with a passionate energy that rekindled motivation not just in me, but in the entire team.

"Let's not waste any more time! I want to see you all out on the court—show me what you've got!"

She yelled, clapping her hands together, igniting a surge of enthusiasm among the players.

We hopped up, the thrill of camaraderie and competition coursing through me as I readied myself to shake off the honeymoon haze and get back to what I loved most. The basketball bounced under my palms, a familiar rhythm that centered me.

Then, just as practice got underway, the door swung open and in walked a familiar face. I turned to Simz with a huge smirk on my face, excited because I knew there was drama coming . I loved drama especially if it was not my drama. Simz, shocked, stopped what she was doing and walked up to me.

" What is your ex doing here?"

I asked Simz. This was her first and only ever girlfriend before she met Niki. The girl who told her parents that Simi forced her into a relationship and outed her to the whole school, when they found out their daughter was dating another woman.

" Honey, sorry to interrupt but you forgot your lunch."

Our eyes went wide when we realised our new coach was married to Simi's ex girlfriend. The revelation hung in the air like a heavy fog, filling the gym with a palpable tension. I glanced from Simz to the new coach, whose bright smile now felt like a strange juxtaposition to the surprise and confusion etched on Simz's face. We watched the coach take her lunch box and give her wife, Simz evil ex girlfriend a kiss as a thank you.

" Since you're here. Let me introduce you to the team."

The air in the gym thickened with tension as the new coach—Coach Lisa, I remembered her introducing herself—beamed at us, completely oblivious to the storm beneath Simz's composed exterior. My heart went out to her; this was the last thing she needed, especially with so many changes already in play.

"Uh, hey everyone! I hope you're all ready to work hard this season,"

Coach Lisa continued, seemingly unaffected by the undercurrent of awkwardness.

" and to support each other, including our partners!"

Vanessa stood beside her, looking every bit the picture of a supportive spouse. She waved at us, her smile bright but laced with a hint of uncertainty as she caught Simz's eye. I could sense Simz's internal struggle, caught between her past and her hopes for the future.