Daylight - Paige Bueckers

i just need time

November 28th, 2023

Paige's POV:

I haven't moved from my bed since last night. My phone's been silent on the nightstand, face down, and I haven't even looked at it. Every time I replay what happened, it hits me all over again. Walking into Alex's room, seeing her on the phone with Kate—it felt like a punch to the gut. I didn't even stick around to hear an explanation. I just... left. I couldn't take it. Not after everything we've been through.

Now, the weight of that decision is pressing down on me. The anger is still there, simmering beneath the surface, but the hurt is louder. It's like a dull ache in my chest that won't go away.

I hear footsteps outside my door, followed by a knock. I know it's Nika, Azzi, and Aubrey—they've been hovering all morning, worried. I haven't said much since I came back. Honestly, I don't even know what to say. I'm not ready to talk about it. Not with them. Not yet.

"Paige?" Nika's voice is soft, cautious, like she's afraid of pushing me too far. "Can we come in?"

I stare at the door, debating whether to say something or just keep quiet. But I know them—they won't leave me alone until they know what's going on. I sigh and pull the blanket tighter around me.

"Yeah," I mumble, my voice rough from not speaking much since last night.

The door creaks open, and they all shuffle in. Nika's first, followed by Azzi and Aubrey. Their faces are etched with concern, eyes darting around the room like they're trying to assess the damage. They don't sit down right away, just hover awkwardly by the foot of the bed.

Nika is the first to break the silence. "You gonna tell us what's going on, or do we have to guess?"

I don't respond right away, just pick at the edge of the blanket draped over me. I know they're worried, but I don't even know how to start explaining what happened.

Azzi moves a little closer, her voice softer. "Paige, we're here. Whatever it is, you can tell us."

I swallow hard, the lump in my throat making it difficult to speak. "It's... it's Alex," I finally say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Aubrey's brow furrows. "Did something happen? You two seemed fine yesterday."

I laugh bitterly, shaking my head. "Yeah, I thought we were fine too."

Nika crosses her arms, her gaze sharp. "Okay, spill. What happened?"

I sit up a little, hugging my knees to my chest, and take a deep breath. "I went to surprise her last night. You know, because I've been gone for a few days... I just wanted to do something nice. I brought her flowers, and I was excited to see her." My voice cracks, and I pause to steady myself.

Azzi sits on the edge of the bed, her hand gently touching my leg, offering silent support. I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes, but I blink them away.

"When I got to her house, I went upstairs to her room, and... she was on the phone with Kate," I say, the name burning as it leaves my mouth.