Complicated Things

Fourteen| Kisses And Secrets.

Our opposing team was from Lincoln High and Aiden is one of the players.

My mind is a jumbled mess of thoughts at once, several questions running through.

If Aiden is here, it means I never imagined my life. That meant...

I am really Allison.

The realization feels me whole with hope, that maybe I could finally return back to my life. I just needed to get close to Aiden and I would get my answers.

"Are you okay?"

"Is everything alright, Taylor." Collette and Derek say at the same time, their faces etched with concern. Even, Gianna and Zahid turns back to look at me.

"Why?" I ask, hoping I didn't blurt anything out of mistake.

"You're standing." Derek states, his eyes never leaving mine.

Oh crap.

I didn't even realize when I did, mumbling a quick response, I sit back down my face turning red.

"Yeah, sorry. I just wanted...wanted a drink." I blurt sheepishly, returning my gaze to the game which they had already begun.

"I'll get you one. Do you want one as well?" He asks Collette, who nods in affirmation "I'll be back."

I smile back in appreciation.

***************************
The game is almost over, my heartbeat increasing at every second that passes. The sneakers skidding on the court and the occasional thud of the basketball against the court. I didn't even need to look to know Ethan was doing incredible on the court, the hollers and shouts around me are more than enough.

I return my gaze to the picture Derek is showing me, a beautiful picture of his Puerto American family. His sister is really beautiful, despite her missing two front teeth. I try to channel my attention to him despite my attention being fully on the court.

On a certain someone.

The crowd erupts into cheers, signaling the end of the game. As if that isn't enough indication, Collette grabs my arm squealing delightfully.

"Let's go congratulate them."

Derek smiles at it, shoving his phone back into his back pocket.
" Well, that's my cue to leave. I've got to babysit Liana." He flashes me a an apologetic smile, giving me a small side hug.

" See you around, Taylor."

Collette pulls me away before I can reply to his words, trying to keep up with Gianna and Zahid. Once we are almost over the bleachers, Collette runs into Ethan, almost sending him down.

" Easy there, Cole." He rubs his nose, his jersey and hair damp with sweat.

" You were amazing. It felt like an actual NBA game." We all chuckle at Collette's words.

Zahid joins Collette in hugging Ethan, getting her stuck between the two of them.

" Ew! Get off me. You're sweaty, Ethan" She tries to turn, getting only further stuck.

My eyes flit from them to across the court where I see Aiden talking with another player on Ethan's team. My hands gets sweaty, my pulse quickening. Wiping my hands against my jeans, I walk towards him wondering what words I should spew out first.

Hey Aiden, it's me Allison just that I look different well kinda.

I rid myself of all thoughts, disliking how crazy and silly it sounds. I take a step towards him, with each step feeling dangerous.